It is doubtlessly daunting to confront the aftermath of such a crash, especially if you’ve never been in an accident, but taking the right steps following a commercial accident in Texas will increase the likelihood of a fair, full financial settlement. First and foremost, speaking to a Dallas-area truck accident lawyer about your legal options is also crucial to securing the compensation you need and deserve.
In the meantime, if you’re thinking about submitting a claim after a commercial accident in Texas, you may want to educate yourself with a few state rules and guidelines, including when you should report a crash, the filing statute of limitations in the Texas civil court system (two years from the accident date), and how the fault laws of Texas may affect your personal injury claim.
During the last 27 years, the truck accident lawyers in Dallas at the Rasansky | McKenzie Law have built a phenomenal track record and pride ourselves on defending the legal rights of victims left with long-term injuries, financial hardships, and more after a crash. In other words, you owe us nothing until we win your case and you get compensation.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have questions or concerns regarding your Dallas truck accident claim.
Reporting a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Texas
If you’re involved in a commercial vehicle or semi-truck accident in Texas, reporting the crash properly is a critical first step in protecting your rights. Texas law requires that any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 be reported to law enforcement. Failing to do so can not only hurt your claim, but may also result in legal consequences.
Make sure you take the following steps after the crash:
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Call 911 immediately – Request medical assistance if needed and ask for law enforcement to come to the scene. A police report is a vital piece of evidence that documents the facts of the accident.
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Get medical attention – Even if your injuries seem minor at first, always seek medical care. Some injuries may not show symptoms until hours or days later, and medical documentation is crucial to any injury claim.
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Gather evidence—If you can, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the commercial driver.
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Exchange information—If available, obtain the truck driver’s name, contact information, company name, insurance details, and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number.
Once you have taken these steps, your next priority should be to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of commercial vehicle accident cases in Texas.
Understanding Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Determining who is legally responsible (or “liable”) for a truck accident can be more complicated than in a typical passenger vehicle crash. In many cases, multiple parties may share liability, including:
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The truck driver – for negligent driving, fatigue, distracted driving, or operating under the influence.
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The trucking company – for failing to properly train or vet drivers, encouraging unrealistic delivery schedules, or failing to maintain their fleet.
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The vehicle or parts manufacturer – if a mechanical failure or defective part contributed to the crash.
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A third-party maintenance provider – if poor maintenance or improper repairs caused the vehicle to malfunction.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault. However, as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, just at a reduced percentage. An experienced truck accident attorney will work to minimize any blame placed on you and maximize your financial recovery.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents often face overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens. A successful injury claim can help recover compensation for:
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Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
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Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Property damage
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Emotional distress
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Rehabilitation or long-term care costs
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Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was lost in the accident)
Why Choose Rasansky | McKenzie Law?
At Rasansky | McKenzie Law, we have the knowledge, resources, and experience necessary to fight trucking companies and their insurers head-on. We’ve spent nearly three decades fighting for injured Texans, and we understand how devastating these types of accidents can be.
We will:
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Investigate the crash thoroughly
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Identify all liable parties
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Handle all communications and negotiations with insurers
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Bring in experts when necessary (accident reconstruction, medical professionals, etc.)
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Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Call a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Texas, don’t try to take on the trucking company and insurance adjusters alone. Let Rasansky | McKenzie Law advocate for your rights and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you rebuild your life after a devastating truck accident.