Dallas Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Dallas?

Determining the exact number of commercial vehicle crashes in the US annually is challenging, if not impossible. While there are nearly half a million large truck and bus crashes alone, this doesn’t account for all types of commercial vehicles. Taxis, rideshares, delivery vehicles, and other business-operated vehicles also contribute to accidents but aren’t included in comprehensive figures.

In Dallas, commercial vehicle accident fatalities have been increasing year after year. Thompson Law specializes in assisting victims of these accidents. Our commercial vehicle crash attorneys are dedicated to helping clients recover from crash injuries, navigate insurance claims for maximum compensation, and hold negligent parties accountable.

If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, our Dallas-based team is here to help. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS to discuss your case and explore your options for legal recourse. Don’t hesitate to contact our experienced lawyers for your assistance in these complex situations.

 

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What is a Commercial Vehicle?

A commercial vehicle in Dallas is any motor vehicle used primarily for business purposes. These include:

  • Large trucks and 18-wheelers are frequently seen on Dallas highways
  • Buses, including DART buses and school buses operating in Dallas
  • Delivery vans and trucks servicing Dallas businesses
  • Taxis and rideshare vehicles (like Uber and Lyft) operating in the DFW area
  • Construction vehicles used on Dallas job sites
  • Company cars used by Dallas-based businesses
  • Any vehicle used to transport goods or passengers for profit in Dallas

Key characteristics of commercial vehicles in Dallas:

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Dallas, it’s important to understand the unique legal and insurance implications. Consider consulting a Dallas-based commercial vehicle accident attorney for guidance on navigating these complex cases in the DFW metroplex.

Steps to Take and What to Expect Following a Dallas Commercial Vehicle Crash

If you’re involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Dallas, here’s what you should do and expect:

1. Immediate Actions:

  • Ensure safety first – move to a safe area if possible
  • Call 911 to report the accident to Dallas Police and request medical assistance
  • Don’t leave the scene until authorities arrive

2. Document the Accident:

  • Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene
  • Gather contact information from witnesses and other involved parties
  • Note the commercial vehicle’s company name and any identifying numbers

3. Seek Medical Attention:

  • Allow Dallas paramedics to examine you at the scene
  • Visit a Dallas hospital or clinic for a thorough check-up, even if injuries seem minor
  • Follow all treatment recommendations from Dallas healthcare providers

4. Report the Accident:

  • File a police report with the responding Dallas officers
  • Notify your insurance company about the accident
  • Expect contact from the commercial vehicle’s insurance company

5. Preserve Evidence:

  • Keep all medical records and bills from Dallas healthcare facilities
  • Save any receipts for expenses related to the accident
  • Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been properly documented and inspected

6. Legal Considerations:

  • Consider consulting a Dallas commercial vehicle accident attorney
  • Be cautious about giving statements or signing documents without legal advice
  • Understand that Dallas commercial vehicle cases often involve complex liability issues

7. Ongoing Processes:

  • Expect an investigation by both insurance companies and possibly law enforcement
  • You may need to attend follow-up medical appointments
  • Be prepared for negotiations with insurance adjusters familiar with Dallas regulations

8. Potential Outcomes:

  • You might receive a settlement offer from the insurance company
  • If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your case could go to court in Dallas County
  • Recovery time and financial impact can vary based on the severity of the accident

Remember, each accident in Dallas is unique. For personalized guidance through this complex process, consider contacting an experienced Dallas commercial vehicle accident lawyer who understands local laws and can protect your rights in the DFW area.

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Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Dallas, TX

Accidents typically fall into three categories: driver error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors. A Dallas commercial vehicle accident lawyer’s key role is to determine liability.

Driver Causes for Collisions: Driver errors are the  most common causes. While many factors are similar to personal vehicle accidents, commercial drivers face unique risks:

  1. Distracted driving Includes device use for routes, deliveries, and payments. Examples: truckers checking GPS, rideshare drivers messaging customers.
  2. Fatigue:  Despite state regulations, drivers may exceed safe working hours. Truckers can drive up to 15 hours before a break, and logbook falsification is common.
  3. Speeding Tight schedules and traffic often pressure drivers to speed.
  4. Lane Merge Errors:  Large blind spots in specialized vehicles can lead to dangerous merging.
  5. Cargo Load Issues:  Improper loading can obstruct driver vision, cause items to come loose, or affect vehicle handling.

These factors can significantly impact road safety in Dallas. If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, consult a Dallas-based attorney to understand your rights and options.

Trucks have blind spots

Mechanical Causes of Collisions

Besides the driver, other parties can be deemed liable in full or in part for an accident. Vehicle manufacturers have an obligation to produce and sell quality vehicles and equipment. Owners and other parties responsible for the vehicle’s commercial use have an obligation to keep the car or truck in good working order.

  • Mechanical: Brake failure, tire failure, airbag malfunction, or seat belt malfunction
  • Manufacturer: Failure to recall or failure to conduct adequate safety testing
  • Owner / Operator: Failure to conduct routine maintenance or failure to pass inspections

It is important to tell your personal injury attorney the details of your accident so that they can help determine whether any of the above might have been contributing factors in your wreck.

Dallas Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Environmental Causes for Collisions

These factors can be natural or man-made, but what they have in common is that they impacted the surroundings in which the accident occurred.

  • Construction: We expect our tax dollars to go toward maintenance of our infrastructure. Cities and states can be considered liable if dangerous road conditions due to lack of maintenance or faulty construction contributed to an accident.
  • Weather: While a thunderstorm cannot be held liable for an accident, drivers can be held responsible for their reactions to dangerous conditions.

At Thompson Law

We provide commercial vehicle accident victims with resolute and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our Dallas commercial vehicle accident lawyers will build a persuasive case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics in Dallas, TX

Our accident lawyers analyzed crash report data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to extract accidents with commercial designations on the report.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics in Dallas, TX

In Dallas in 2023, TxDOT recorded 2,426 commercial vehicle crashes, with 682 (28.1%) of those resulting in injuries or death. Broken down in terms of severity, these accidents consisted of:

  • Fatal crashes:  22 fatal crashes leading to 23 deaths, commonly caused by drinking and driving (21.2%) and speeding (15.2%).
  • Serious injury crashes: 52 crashes leading to 104 seriously injured people, commonly caused by speeding (25.8%) and unsafe speed (18.2%).
  • Minor injury crashes:  247 crashes leading to 397 minorly injured people, commonly caused by speeding (21.8%) and changing lanes when unsafe (18.9%).
  • Possible injury crashes:  361 crashes leading to 527 possibly injured people, commonly caused by changing lanes when unsafe (27.2%) and speeding (19.5%).

Source: Crash Records Information Systems (CRIS) database.

We offer victims of commercial vehicle accidents FREE CONSULTATIONS and charge NO FEE unless we win. Call our Dallas commercial vehicle accident lawyers today.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents are Different Than a Typical Car Accident

Both professional drivers and commercial businesses are held to a higher standard when it comes to their presence on the road than an ordinary driver. First, the laws that govern their operation, and the insurance companies that cover their liability are more strenuous. Second, the types of collisions and the resulting injuries can be different from a standard car wreck.

  • Regulations: Owners and operators of commercial vehicles face more regulation on how they operate and stricter consequences for errors. In Texas, nearly all professional drivers are required to obtain a specialized drivers’ license called a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which includes Class A, Class B, or Class C designations, and which can include about half a dozen other special endorsements. In Texas only certain cities and districts have additional requirements for taxi, Uber and Lyft driver licenses. In addition, consequences are higher for professional drivers who violate traffic law. For example, errors like speeding are designated as more severe, and points may be taken on a license at a rate 1.5x that of a personal vehicle operator.
  • Insurance: Companies that own vehicles for commerce purposes are required to carry higher insurance coverage. For example, a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance must be maintained, and this amount is frequently increased if the carrier transports dangerous or valuable cargo.
  • Collision Types: Collisions may be more severe or unique. For example, the size, weight, and handling of large trucks lead to more severe impact crashes. Trailer configurations are also able to jackknife, where the trailer forms an acute angle with the towing vehicle. Rollovers of high, top-heavy vehicles are also more common. In taxis and rideshare vehicles, where passengers more frequently ride without a seat belt, and without properly stowing objects they are traveling with, the objects and even the passengers may become dangerous projectiles in the event of a crash.
  • Injuries: Injuries resulting from commercial vehicle accidents can be particularly severe considering the collision circumstances outlined above.

If you have questions after being hit by a commercial vehicle, you are certainly not alone. There are complex factors involved in filing claims against commercial insurance policies, and it is a great benefit to have an expert Dallas commercial vehicle accident lawyer managing your claim process.

Your Thompson Law attorney and their team can ensure your accident is thoroughly investigated and that liability is accurately assigned. They will also bring tenacious negotiators to the table on your behalf, to win your maximum compensation. To ask questions, learn more about your options, and get started with your case, call us for a FREE CONSULTATION anytime.

Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Charge No Upfront Costs

Call Our Dallas Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys

The good news is that you do not need to face these hardships alone. Clearly, commercial vehicle accidents come with unique challenges, and can result in uniquely devastating impacts. People who survive these events often are left with serious injuries and in great need of assistance.

While some injuries may heal with time, others may be lasting. And beyond the physical damages caused by a commercial vehicle collision, there are also significant financial, mental, and emotional impacts.

Our Dallas commercial vehicle accident lawyers’ results speak for themselves when it comes to success fighting the insurance companies for our clients. We take our work serving our clients very seriously, and it is our desire that all our clients experience the best possible recovery and win their maximum rightful compensation. After your commercial vehicle accident, call Thompson Law‘s accident lawyers!

What Our Clients Say About Us

Excellent
4.9
Based on 1982 reviews
Celia was very respectful and provided one of the best customer services I've seen!
Response from the owner:Tony, Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that Celia provided you with such exceptional service. We’re incredibly proud to have her on our team, and your kind words are a testament to her dedication to our clients. Providing respectful and outstanding service is something we strive for every day, and it’s so rewarding to know we made a positive impression. I’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to Celia — it will mean the world to her! Please let us know if we can ever be of service to you or a loved one again in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Lion Law was extremely helpful and efficient! 100 % satisfied with how they handled my case.
Response from the owner:Alana, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We are thrilled to know you were 100% satisfied and that we could help make the process smooth and efficient. If you ever need assistance again, please reach out anytime. We are always happy to help. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Muy buen servicio al 100 siempre están al pendiente de tu caso y en las oficinas también son muy atentos y serviciales 10 de 10 😊
Response from the owner:Sonia, Gracias por compartir tu experiencia! Nos alegra muchísimo saber que recibiste un servicio de calidad y atención constante durante tu caso. En Thompson Law nos esforzamos por estar siempre disponibles y brindar un trato atento y servicial. Nos llena de orgullo saber que lo logramos contigo. Gracias por tu calificación de 10/10! Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO
I got rear ended by a big water truck and didn’t know what to do so I did a google search on the best lawyers I could find and Thompson law was the one with the best reviews so I called and the handled everything from doctors to physical therapy it was a very good experience
Response from the owner:Luis, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you found us and that our team could guide you through the process from start to finish. It means a lot to know we were able to help with your care and recovery after such a difficult accident. We truly appreciate your trust in Thompson Law and are always here if you ever need us again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
I had an excellent experience working with Kyle and his team on my case. They were professional, knowledgeable, and kept me updated every step of the way. Their communication was clear and timely, which made the process much less stressful. Kyle and his team worked hard to ensure I received the best possible outcome, and I truly appreciate their dedication. A special shout-out to the two Genesis—Avalos and Gonzalez— and Barbara for their support. This team went above and beyond, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance.
Response from the owner:Femi, Thank you so much for your kind words and review regarding how our team took care of you. We understand what a stressful situation it is when you’re in an accident and our goal is to take as much of that stress off you that we can. I’m happy to hear we accomplished that goal! If we can do anything else for you or a loved one in the future, we’ll be here for you. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Very happy with attorney Brittany Lightfoot and team. They helped me out so much through this process. Celia Gonzalez helped out me out until the end I’m happy for all the information and guidance I received from this team. I highly recommend them. They have a team that reaches out and keeps you updated. Thank you all again!!
Response from the owner:Jesus, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Attorney Brittany Lightfoot, Celia Gonzalez, and the entire team were able to support you throughout your case. Keeping our clients informed and cared for is always a top priority, and we’re so glad you felt that every step of the way. We truly appreciate your recommendation—thank you again for trusting Thompson Law! Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Estoy muy agradecida por la atención que tuve en las oficinas de Thompson law ,tomaron mi caso cuándo yo pensaba que todo estaba perdido fueron muy amables y me ayudaron exitosamente en mi caso ,muchas gracias a todo el equipo de Thompson law y muy en especial a la paralegal que trabajo en mi caso Génesis Ávalos , bendiciones para todos
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review! We're thrilled to hear that our team at Thompson Law was able to assist you when you needed it most. It's wonderful to know that Genesis and the rest of our team made a positive impact on your case. We truly appreciate your trust in us ad if we can do anything you or a loved one in the future please let us know. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Excelente servicio. Fueron muy atentos en todo momento y resolvieron todo como se esperaba. Génesis fue muy atenta y amable! Gracias
Response from the owner:Antonio, Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para dejarnos una reseña tan positiva y por sus comentarios. Me alegra saber que Genesis lo atendió bien y que quedó satisfecho con nuestro nivel de servicio. Si podemos hacer algo más por usted o un ser querido en el futuro, llámenos. Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO
I was very impressed in the service that Becky Villarreal and Bryan Felix provided to me and the dedication to the case at hand thank you all !
Response from the owner:Russell, I appreciate you taking the time to rate your experience regarding our handling of your Farmers Branch car accident case and for your compliments to both Becky and Brian for their dedication to your case. Thank you for putting your trust in our team and allowing us to represent you. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
I was rear-ended while pregnant so the last thing I needed was to deal with insurance companies regarding my claims, Dina, Jeff and Genesis were great. They always returned my calls and answered all my questions. I really recommend Thompson Law if you find yourself in a car accident.
Response from the owner:Daniela, I’m sure you went through a very frightening experience and I am pleased to hear we made that situation for you a bit easier regarding your car accident case. Thank you for taking the time to rate your experience with our team and your comments about Dina, Jeff and Genesis. We appreciate the recommendation and if we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, we will be here for you. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Response from the owner:Merlin, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our team; we are grateful. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
I want to thank Thompson Law but especially Erica Mendoza who has helped my father with his case. She provided him with updates and has always been very professional in her approach with him. I’ve heard some of their conversations & she’s such a pleasure for him to speak too. He has felt that she actually cares about him and his injuries. Although his case isn’t finalized yet he feels he is in good hands and will count on a successful result. We appreciate her service & all that Thompson Law has done. Thank you.
Response from the owner:Veronica, We appreciate you taking the time to leave us this review and for your kind words. I am happy to hear your father is having a positive experience with our team. If we can ever help you or a loved one in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Best personal injury attorneys!
Response from the owner:Emilio, Thank you for your review and kind words. We try everyday to be the best to all our clients and appreciate you putting your trust in us. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
This firm has excellent customer service, highly professional and the people who work there genuinely want to help you. With this said, I totally recommend this firm!
Response from the owner:Gonzalo, We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and for speaking so highly of our customer service. If we can ever help you, a friend or loved one out in the future, please give us a call. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Bethany was amazing she went up and beyond to assist me. Great costumer service. Keep up the good job!
Response from the owner:Cynthia, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Bethany's handling of your Dallas auto accident case. I am incredibly happy to hear you thought Bethany was amazing and went up and beyond to assist you. If we can ever be of help to you or a loved one in the future, please let us know and we would be honored to serve you again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
I just wanna leave a five star rating for Veronica. I’ve been working with her the last couple of months she’s been working on my case and I really appreciate her help It seems that she’s been going out of your way to make sure I get the most out of my settlement, and I really appreciate Ive gotten the best service from as well . she sounds like a great employee, and I want to give her some great kudos to her, y’all should give her a bonus, and give her a raise.
Response from the owner:Meilough, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Veronica and comment on the service you have received from her. She truly is a great employee and really tries to go above and beyond to help. We did just give her a year end bonus and a raise, so we definitely agree with your assessment. Please let us know if we can be of service to you or a loved one again in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Muy feliz por el trabajo en equipo de tompson law, todos fueron amables y estuvieron muy atentos a mi caso. Recomendados
Response from the owner:Franyelis, Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para calificar su experiencia con el manejo de su caso de accidente de carro en Frisco, TX. Me alegra saber que sintió que todos fueron amables y atentos. Háganos saber si alguna vez podemos servirle a usted o a un amigo en el futuro. Atentamente, Zack Thompson, CEO
Had a great experience, everyone was nice when I called and went in person. Very nice office
Response from the owner:Jenny, Thank you for taking time to rate your experience with Thompson Law’s handling of your accident injury case. If we can ever be of help to you or a loved one in the future, please let us know and we would be honored to serve. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Patricia Gonzales and Mimi are very help full through out the case got completed. Very dedicated and easy to follow their guidence in providing all the necessary information to move forward with the case. Once again very happy that I worked with Patricia and Mimi.
Response from the owner:Vin, thank you so much for your 5-star rating of Thompson Law! Our driving goals are delivering exceptional case results and providing the best client experience possible. We are so glad that you had an excellent experience with our firm. Please know we are here for you anytime 24/7 should you need our help in the future. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Very professional, Adam Lippman, Patricia Gonzalez, and Mimi were all very helpful through out the process.
Response from the owner:Zachary, Thank you so much for your kind words about our team! We were so pleased to have the opportunity to handle your rear end wreck in Arlington for you. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent service and outcomes for our clients and we are glad that Adam, Patricia and Mimi were able to provide both for you! Sincerely, Jenny Fogel, Attorney
Patrica Gonzales took on my case as if I were family. She really explained everything to me and took care of everything. She got me a settlement that was more than fair. God forbid that I get into another accident, but if I do, I know who to call!!!
Response from the owner:W, Thank you for your kind words! Family is very important to us here at Thomson Law. In fact, we have several sets of siblings that work here together. We strive to always treat our clients like family as well. We are so glad to hear that Patricia was able to deliver excellent service, communication, and an excellent outcome for you. While we hope that you never need our services again, Patricia and the rest of our team would be honored to serve you or your friends or family again in the future should they need arise. Sincerely, Jenny Fogel, Attorney
Best injury firm in Dallas/Fort Worth area! Excellent service
Response from the owner:Albert, Thanks for the 5-star rating & your comments! We strive to answer any & all questions a potential client may have...even if we can't take their case, we'll do our best to get them help. We also work to be responsive to all clients via calls, texts & emails. We all thank you very much for your feedback, and are always here 24/7/365 to answer any questions you have should you ever need our help again. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Patricia was my case manager. I had my car accident in Ponder Tx. I hurt my lower back and shoulder and they took care of me by providing me medical attention. I really am happy with the services i received. Hopefully i don't need them again but if i do i know who to call. Mrs. Gonzales is the best!!!
Response from the owner:Don Thanks for taking the time to rate & review Thompson Law, and for recommending Patricia. She has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, and I’m pleased to hear that was evident in her answers to your questions. I hope you never need us again, but should you ever, feel free to request Patricia for your case. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
By far the best experiences with Thompson law. The staff and especially Patricia Gonzales. was amazing she was always keeping in contact and letting me know exactly what was happening the entire time. She was simply amazing. I’m grateful for her help in everything and always keeping in contact with me. Even when I got a new phone number she still reached out to me. I got an amazing settlement check. Thank you Patricia Gonzales.
Response from the owner:John, Thanks for taking the time to rate & review Thompson Law, as well as recognizing Patricia's work on your case as a passenger involved in a car accident when exiting a parking lot in Dallas, TX. We work hard to keep our clients regularly updated on the status of their case, and I'm glad to hear you felt we achieved that goal. Hopefully you'll never need our services again, but if you or someone you know does, we'd be happy to do so. Best, Zack Thompson, CEO
Always keeping you up to date with how your case is going. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Valeria, Thanks for taking the time to rate Thompson Law and comment on the service we provided. We strive to be responsive to all clients via calls, texts & emails. Customer service and the customer experience are very important in our industry, and we're pleased to hear yours was good with us.

FAQs About Dallas Commercial Vehicle Accidents

What should I do if the commercial driver’s insurance company contacts me?

If the insurance company of the commercial driver or their business reaches out to you, it’s crucial to refrain from providing detailed statements or signing any documents until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Insurance companies typically aim to reduce their payouts, so having legal representation can safeguard your rights.

Can I file a claim if the commercial vehicle was owned by a government agency?

You can indeed file a claim for vehicles owned by government entities, such as city buses or county trucks. However, claims against government agencies in Dallas have to follow certain rules and shorter deadlines as specified in the Dallas Tort Claims Act. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

What happens if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Dallas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still pursue damages, but your compensation will be decreased by your share of the fault. An attorney can assist in explaining how this rule pertains to your case.

How is compensation calculated for injuries in commercial vehicle accidents?

Compensation is influenced by several factors, such as medical costs, lost income, damage to property, pain and suffering, and the lasting effects of the injuries. Cases with serious injuries often result in higher settlements. A lawyer can assess your situation and give you an estimate of possible compensation.

Can I pursue a claim if the commercial vehicle was transporting hazardous materials?

Accidents involving vehicles that carry hazardous materials typically result in greater damages, and liability can rest with the driver, the company, or even the manufacturer of those materials. These situations can be complex, making it crucial to obtain expert legal guidance to determine all responsible parties and seek the highest possible compensation.

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Thompson Law charges NO FEES unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We have put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements into our clients’ pockets.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.