Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyers

Help for Victims of Trucking Negligence

Fort Worth is an important city in our great state, with four major interstate highways: I-20, I-30, I-35, and I-45. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to living in a thriving hub of commerce. According to a recent study, Dallas-Fort Worth has the 10th worst traffic in the country – a lot of it commercial.

Large trucks travel more than 196 million miles on U.S. highways each year, carrying more than 1 trillion tons of freight – and truck traffic is projected to grow 2.6% annually. Sadly, more than 40,000 people die as a result of highway crashes every year across our country, and one in eight of those crashes involve commercial motor vehicles.

If you or someone you love was involved in a truck collision, Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP is here to help. Call (214) 231-0555 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury attorney.

Where We See Most Truck Accidents

Some of Dallas’ most dangerous roads includes a knot of freeways through and south of downtown, known as the Mixmaster. These parts of Interstate 30 and I-35E are prone to accidents, especially in icy weather. Another dangerous road, nicknamed “The High Five,” is a 120-foot multilevel roadway that includes the LBJ Freeway and Central Expressway interchange. Finally, the infamous junction of Interstate 20 and Spur 408 has a large incline at Loop 12 that commonly causes accidents. This location was the site of a deadly crash in 2014 due to iced-over conditions on the bridge.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial trucks tend to crash when they:

• Are traveling too fast for the road conditions;
• Have a driver with prescription or over-the-counter drug use;
• Have braking problems;
• Have a driver who is unfamiliar with the roads in a particular county or town;
• Are in bad traffic flow, such as roadway congestion or other crashes;
• Have a driver who is fatigued.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) estimates that fatigue plays a role in excess of 30% of trucking accidents.

If you are involved in a collision with a truck, there are many factors to consider when deciding who to hold accountable for your damages. The driver of the truck may not be the only responsible party. The driver’s employer, the manufacturer of the truck, or even the company that owns and loaded the cargo may also be liable.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Truck Accident?

Colliding with another vehicle can be scary and overwhelming – especially if the other vehicle is a commercial truck. Here are some important things to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in this position:

• Call the police department immediately and make sure that the police write up a report;
• Call for medical attention, if necessary;
• Obtain information from the truck, including:
  • The truck driver’s name;
  • The truck driver’s contact information;
  • The truck driver’s company;
  • The name of the truck company and/or business written on the truck itself;
  • The driver’s insurance information; and
  • The truck’s license plate number.

You may be tempted to exaggerate the facts surrounding the accident to increase your chances at a settlement, but this is a bad idea. Always tell the truth to the reporting officer. The truck company’s lawyers will be combing through statements and reports to find any facts that can be used against you. If their attorneys are able to prove that you exaggerated or lied about the accident, you will lose credibility and even the case. Say less, instead of more, and contact a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer to protect you.

If I’m Hurt in a Truck Accident, What Compensation Is Available?

Truck accidents generally cause more damage than collisions between two smaller vehicles. Serious injuries sustained in a truck accident often result in expensive medical bills and longer recovery time. Some costs that you can be compensated for under the law include:

• Present medical bills;
• Future medical bills;
• Pain and suffering;
• Permanent disability or injury; and
• Lost wages.

Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

If you are in a crash with a truck, it is important to retain a lawyer who knows and understands this complex area of law. Trucking companies are big corporations with a team of insurance lawyers who work hard to find ways to pay as little money as possible. You need your own legal team to make sure you receive the respect, attention, and compensation that you deserve.

Don’t try to take on these big trucking companies on your own – you will be playing right into their hands. If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, we are here to help you get back to your life and receive the maximum compensation. Please contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP at (214) 231-0555 or toll-free (214) 231-0555 as soon as possible.