Commercial Vehicle Crashes: Fighting for Fairness Against Big Companies

Have you been in a commercial vehicle or semi-truck accident in Texas and are unsure how to move forward or pursue compensation for your injuries? 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. 

Dallas is the tenth most populated city in the United States. And even though it is smaller than Houston and San Antonio, Dallas currently claims one of the highest accident rates in Texas. In Dallas, at least 220 people were killed on roads last year. In addition, Dallas has the second-highest rate of fatal auto accidents. Tragically, Dallas’s traffic deaths have surged by roughly 81% during the last decade, and commercial accidents are no exception.

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 three decades, the truck accident lawyers in Dallas at the Rasansky Law Firm 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

First, if nobody is hurt, move your vehicles from the roadway. But if you or another person involved sustained injuries, call 911 right away. Officers who arrive at the scene will not only ensure you get the medical attention you need, but they will also write a police report. This will be invaluable for your insurer and an attorney should you choose to file a personal injury claim.

If you are unable to operate your vehicle, the police will contact a tow truck driver. You may instruct them to transport the vehicle to your own auto storage facility or body shop.

How to Collect Evidence After a Commercial Vehicle Wreck

Collect any and all details about the other motorist(s) involved. Photograph the individual’s insurance card and driver’s license. Request their name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number if they do not have an insurance card. Then, ensure you provide your information to the other driver.

From there, it’s essential to take photographs. Take pictures of the other vehicles involved, including license plates and any visible damage. In addition, make sure you get photographs of traffic signs and road angles. If you can, you should also talk to any witnesses and request their names, telephone numbers, and any other contact information.

Of course, while the events of the crash are still fresh in your mind, ensure you write down the circumstances surrounding the incident. Include the location, time, weather conditions, and cause of the accident.

Reporting a Commercial Crash to Insurance Companies

Whether or not you believe you had any fault in an accident, it’s important to contact your insurance carrier in Texas and file a claim. Additionally, you should obtain the name and number of the claims adjuster assigned to your claim and add it to any files you’ve kept related to your crash.

If you suffered injuries, keep your medical records and invoices to show your insurance company if you saw a doctor. Your insurance provider may also provide you with a list of body shops to repair your vehicle, but you are free to take your vehicle to any shop.

However, you could also file a claim with an at-fault driver's insurance carrier or the company the vehicle is contracted to, such as a trucking conglomerate. Their insurance should cover the cost of your auto repair, hospital expenses, and rental vehicle.

Establishing Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Crash

The investigation of a commercial vehicle or truck accident typically entails the participation of numerous individuals. A police officer or state trooper, among other members of law enforcement, will initiate their own investigation. The commercial trucking company and its insurance providers may also conduct their own investigations.

This is often when things may become more complex. Insurance companies may find means to refute the claims of accident victims while using police findings to determine who is financially liable. Therefore, it is critical to retain the services of a seasoned truck accident attorney who can assist you in presenting evidence in support of your case.

Evidence of Negligence

An important factor in determining liability in Texas for a commercial vehicle accident is negligence. On the road, negligent conduct consists of unreasonably dangerous or irresponsible actions that endanger others. The determination of negligence necessitates an independent assessment of several separate factors.

Texting while driving, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, or racing through stop signs are all examples of negligent driving practices. In addition to a vehicle driver being held liable for negligent driving, additional parties may also be held accountable.

A transportation company may incur liability if it can be proven that the vehicle was inadequately maintained. What's more, an alternative scenario would be for the vehicle manufacturer to bear financial liability in the event of a design flaw.

Call the Rasansky Law Firm's Dallas Accident Lawyers

Contact a Dallas car accident attorney if you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious commercial vehicle collision. You may find that you qualify for compensation to offset impending financial obligations.

The Rasansky Law Firm‘s Texas accident lawyers have more than three decades of seasoned experience in assisting victims of accidents caused by careless and reckless drivers of commercial vehicles. Our highly educated, well-respected lawyers serve our clients with knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel. We are ready to analyze the facts of your crash and assess your legal alternatives. Now, you can focus wholly on your recovery.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Texas and have concerns about your legal options moving forward, please call 214-617-1816 for a free initial consultation of your claim.