Grand Prairie Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

While traffic laws and vehicle features have made traveling on Texas roads much safer in recent years, heavily populated urban areas and long stretches of rural roads still present hazards, particularly with the state’s heavy presence of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

Any accident can have serious consequences, but those involving CMVs often lead to more severe and even fatal injuries. If you have suffered injuries in a Dallas/Fort Worth area accident involving a CMV, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Grand Prairie, TX can help you hold the other driver accountable for your damages. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case with our legal team.

The Prevalence of CMV Accidents in Texas

The number of trucks may have a substantial impact on the roads in Texas, as the trucking industry plays a critical role in the Texas economy. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that 1 in 16 Texans has a job in the trucking industry, and CMVs transport more than 1.2 billion tons of freight in the state annually.

Additionally, Texas welcomes many visitors each year, and many tourism companies have buses on the road, particularly during busy tourist seasons and in urban areas. Between a booming trucking industry, heavy tourist activity, congested metropolitan areas, and dangerous oilfield roads, many factors contribute to the large number of CMVs on the road and their subsequent accidents.

According to the TxDOT, more than 37,000 CMV accidents occurred in Texas in 2018, including 3,754 in Dallas county alone. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries as the result of a CMV collision, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Grand Prairie, TX can help you seek financial recovery for your losses.

The Dangers of CMV Accidents

The size of CMVs makes them a hazard on the road, particularly to other smaller vehicles. Driving a CMV requires a special license for a reason, and operators have a responsibility to handle the functions of these vehicles in a manner that respects the safety of those on the road around them.

Accidents involving CMVs can have devastating outcomes, particularly for occupants in passenger vehicles. Buses and large trucks have specific features that make them more resistant to crushing, rolling, and ejection, which protects passengers inside them. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that children who ride school buses have a much higher chance of making it to and from school safely than those who travel in other vehicles. Lighter vehicles, on the other hand, have a greater susceptibility to more serious damage that can lead to injuries and fatalities.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes a few other elements that can contribute to CMV accidents, which include:

  • Weight of up to 30 times that of lighter vehicles
  • 20% to 40% longer braking time
  • Higher ground clearance, which can allow cars to slide under in accidents

Many CMV accidents also involve driver fatigue, as drivers often spend many consecutive hours on the road without a break.

How a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Grand Prairie, TX Can Help You

As a victim of a negligent CMV driver, you can pursue financial recovery from the liable party on your own. However, you may find it difficult to manage your case without the assistance of a lawyer who has familiarity with the Texas legal system, the claims process, and dealing with opposing legal teams. If you or a loved one suffered severe or fatal injuries in a Grand Prairie CMV accident, contact the legal team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ to learn more information about how we can help you with your case.

Types of Evidence that May Support Your Claim

In many cases, a lawyer will begin by investigating your case and gathering evidence that may support your claim. These documents, statements, and other forms of evidence may come directly from the accident scene, or your lawyer may speak with others involved in your case to collect important information, such as:

  • Police reports
  • Photos and videos from the accident
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Medical records
  • Bills and documentation of lost time at work
  • Eyewitness testimonies
  • Field sobriety tests
  • Black box information

Once your lawyer has gathered evidence, they can use this information to prove the negligence of the other driver in your case.

Proving the Negligence of the CMV Driver

Negligence consists of four criteria, which you or your lawyer must prove that the actions of the at-fault driver meet in order to establish liability. These criteria include:

  • Duty of care: The driver had a duty to keep you or your loved one safe on the road.
  • Breach of duty: By acting recklessly or failing to act, the driver breached their duty of care.
  • Causation: The driver’s breach of duty led to your injury or the loss of your loved one.
  • Damages: Your injury or loss led you to accumulate significant damages.

Proving negligence can help your lawyer pursue fair financial awards in your case.

Negotiating a Settlement on Your Behalf

Some CMV accident cases settle out of court, as a settlement typically involves less time, stress, and uncertainty than jury trials. However, if your attorney cannot negotiate an adequate settlement, they will go to court on your behalf to fight for your case.

Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Today to Get Started on Your Case

You do not deserve the injuries or losses you suffered as a result of your Grand Prairie CMV accident, and you have a right to hold the negligent driver responsible for your damages. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case evaluation with our legal team.