Accidents involving large vehicles, such as 18 wheelers or other commercial vehicles, are often catastrophic due to their immense size and weight. These accidents can result in serious injuries, leaving victims with long-term physical pain and financial burdens.
In a bustling city like Dallas, where commercial trucking is a common sight on freeways such as I-45 and I-35, such accidents are unfortunately not rare. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Dallas, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
Learn more about what you should do and why it’s best to find an 18 wheeler accident lawyer Dallas residents can work with to get results.
Understanding Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Texas can be complex because you’re not just dealing with a single driver, like in a standard car accident with another vehicle.
Instead, an 18 wheeler accident often involves numerous parties, such as the truck driver, trucking companies, and insurance companies. Also, these accidents may lead to severe injuries or worse, given the size and weight of an 18 wheeler compared to a passenger vehicle.
Commercial trucking accidents not only cause physical harm but also economic damages. Victims may face hefty medical expenses, lost wages, and a significant amount of pain and suffering. Navigating the aftermath of such a crash requires expertise, which is why you need a dedicated Dallas truck accident attorney by your side.
Examples of 18 Wheeler Accidents
Not every large truck accident is the same. Each type of accident varies depending on how the incident occurred. This is why you need an attorney on your side to help you present a relevant case to the insurance company to recover full damages.
Let’s review a few different examples of accidents to see what category your incident might fall under.
1. Rear-End Collisions
Due to the massive size of 18 wheelers, they require a longer stopping distance compared to passenger cars. When trucks fail to stop in time, they may rear-end smaller vehicles, often resulting in severe injuries and significant vehicular damage.
2. Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of an 18 wheeler swings out to the side, forming an angle with the truck cab. This can lead to catastrophic multi-vehicle pile-ups, especially on busy highways in Dallas. These accidents are often caused by abrupt braking or slippery road conditions.
3. Rollover Crashes
Rollover accidents happen when a truck flips onto its side or roof. These types of accidents can be particularly devastating because of the truck’s size and the potential for hazardous cargo spills.
For example, you may experience minimal damage from the initial crash. However, you may experience more significant damages after being exposed to the contents of what the large vehicle was carrying.
4. Underride Accidents
In an underride collision, a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck. These accidents often result in fatal injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle because of the trailer’s height. Proper underride guards and reflective markings are designed to reduce these risks, but they are not fail-safe.
5. Wide Turn Accidents
18 wheelers often have to swing wide to make turns when maneuvering on busy roadways in Dallas. In doing so, they may inadvertently squeeze other vehicles in adjacent lanes, leading to sideswipe collisions. Even if you exercise caution and awareness to prevent an accident, you may still be hit.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
Filing a truck accident claim goes beyond filling out basic paperwork. You need an advocate on your side to help negotiate with insurance companies and potentially take legal action against negligent parties. Here’s why you need to hire a specialized attorney.
1. Expertise in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident lawyers have unique knowledge and experience to handle the complexities of truck accident cases. They understand the nuances of personal injury law in Texas and can effectively represent your interests, ensuring that you get the compensation you’re owed.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than providing fair compensation. A seasoned truck accident attorney knows the tactics these companies use and can negotiate on your behalf to maximize your settlement. Otherwise, you could end up with far less than what you should receive.
3. Legal Representation in Court
If your case goes to trial, having an experienced attorney from a reputable firm like Potts Law Firm is invaluable. We can effectively present your case, use evidence and expert testimony to advocate for your rights and push hard for maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can You Seek?
In a truck accident case, victims can pursue compensation for various damages. These damages typically include:
- Medical Expenses: You should receive a payout to cover hospital bills, rehabilitation, and any future medical costs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: We will fight for compensation to cover income lost because of your inability to work your regular job or find alternative work during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: The damage done often goes beyond what can be seen, which is why we pursue compensation for emotional and mental distress caused by the accident.
- Economic Damages: Every situation is different; we pursue any other financial losses you may have incurred as a result of the accident.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
After the initial shock of an 18 wheeler accident, you may have questions like, “What do I do now?” Here’s a checklist of key steps to take to protect your interests.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get medical aid immediately, even if injuries seem minor initially.
- Document Everything: Take photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and keep records of all medical treatments and expenses. Note everything: where in Dallas the event took place, the time of day, the traffic conditions, any weather involved, etc.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a Dallas truck accident attorney promptly to begin building your case. At Potts Law Firm, we can offer a free case review to discuss your situation.
- Do Not Sign Anything: Most importantly, avoid signing any documents from insurance companies before consulting with your Dallas truck accident lawyer.
An 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Dallas Residents Can Rely On
Accidents involving 18 wheelers can have devastating consequences. However, with the right legal support, victims can seek the compensation necessary to rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one has been involved in a local truck accident, you will want to reach out to an experienced lawyer who can help you get what you’re owed.
At Potts Law Firm, we have your back. We have a proven track record of handling similar cases and are known for getting results for our clients. We are dedicated to supporting accident victims and representing you against insurance companies to get the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait to start on your case. Contact us today for your free initial consultation. We are confident you will benefit from working with an 18 wheeler accident lawyer Dallas residents need on their side. Let’s get you the compensation you deserve.