Grapevine Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be a frightening experience. Not only do you have to figure out how to handle the damage done to your vehicle, but your injuries could be catastrophic.

At The Texas Law Dog, a Grapevine semi-truck accident lawyer on our team takes pride in providing top-notch legal representation to those in need, especially in complex commercial vehicle cases.

Unique challenges often arise when dealing with trucking companies and their insurers. A Grapevine truck accident lawyer is dedicated to fighting for your rights to make sure you get a fair chance of potential compensation.

We combine our deep knowledge of Texas trucking laws with a compassionate approach to guide our clients through every stage of the legal process.

Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are so Dangerous

Semi-truck accidents pose unique dangers that set them apart from typical passenger vehicle collisions. The size and weight of these commercial vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, create devastating force upon impact. Depending on the type of load, accidents may result in:

Hazardous material spills
Combustible cargo fires
Shifting or falling loads causing secondary collisions
Debris-strewn roadways increase danger for other motorists

These factors combine to make semi-truck accidents more likely to occur and more likely to result in severe consequences when they do happen. Understanding these unique dangers is crucial when a Grapevine personal injury lawyer is pursuing legal action.

This can help you and your semi–truck accident attorney in Grapevine create the strategy for building a strong case and understand what you should do after a truck accident.

Texas Leads the Nation in Fatal Truck Crashes

The prevalence of large truck accidents in Texas presents a significant challenge to road safety in the state. In the 2021 data on large trucks, Texas recorded 806 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks, a figure that shows the urgency of addressing this issue.

This substantial figure represents a profound loss of life and highlights Texas’s pivotal role in addressing the pressing national issue of commercial vehicle safety.

A closer examination of these statistics reveals the widespread impact of these incidents. Of the 806 fatalities, 170 were truck occupants, highlighting that this issue affects both commercial drivers and other road users.

The toll on other vehicle occupants was particularly severe, with 549 lives lost, while 87 nonoccupants, including pedestrians and cyclists, also fell victim to these crashes. These figures illustrate the far-reaching consequences of large truck accidents on our communities.

Several factors contribute to Texas’s high incidence of truck-related fatalities. The state’s extensive highway network, combined with its pivotal role in interstate commerce, results in a high volume of truck traffic.

Texas’s diverse geography, encompassing both urban centers and vast rural areas, presents unique challenges for commercial vehicle operations. The solid growth in industries such as oil and gas has led to increased truck traffic on roads not always designed for such heavy use.

Possible Forms of Compensation

Semi-truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of their case. One of the primary categories of compensation is economic damages, which cover tangible financial losses resulting from the accident. These may include:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Property damage
Rehabilitation costs
In-home care expenses

Non-economic damages, while less tangible, are equally important in semi-truck accident cases. These damages are meant to compensate victims for the pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident. In some cases, punitive damages may also be pursued if the truck driver or company’s actions were particularly egregious or negligent.

New Law Makes It Harder to Sue for Texas Truck Accidents

Recent legislative changes in Texas have introduced new challenges for victims seeking compensation in truck accident cases. House Bill 19, signed into law in 2021, has significantly altered the state’s aspects of truck accident litigation.

This new Texas House bill could shield companies from liability, making it more difficult to hold trucking companies accountable for accidents caused by their drivers.

One of the major provisions of HB 19 is introducing a two-phase trial process for cases involving commercial vehicles. In the first phase, plaintiffs must prove the truck driver’s liability before proceeding to the second phase, where the trucking company’s negligence can be addressed.

This change can limit the evidence plaintiffs can present early in the trial, making it more challenging to establish a comprehensive case against the trucking company.

The law also provides additional protections for trucking companies by limiting their liability in certain circumstances. For example, if a company can demonstrate that it complied with applicable regulations and industry standards, it may be shielded from exemplary damages.

These changes make working with a semi–truck accident lawyer in Grapevine who understands the new law and can develop effective strategies more beneficial, so when you are wondering when to consult a lawyer for a truck accident, it should be right away.

What You Need to Strengthen Your Case

Building a strong case after a semi-truck accident requires a comprehensive approach and attention to detail. The first crucial step is to gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene.

This includes photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries and contact information for witnesses and responding law enforcement officers.

Medical documentation plays a vital role in strengthening your case. Seek immediate medical attention following the accident, even if injuries initially seem minor. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments related to your injuries. This documentation ensures proper treatment and establishes a clear link between the accident and your injuries.

Preserving evidence specific to the trucking company and driver is equally important. This may include the truck’s black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and the company’s safety policies.

Our team at The Texas Law Dog has experience in quickly securing this crucial evidence before it can be altered or destroyed, ensuring we have all the necessary information to build a compelling case on your behalf.

Contact a Grapevine Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today

Legal representation can help you handle the complexity of semi-truck accident cases. At The Texas Law Dog, our Grapevine attorneys are well-versed in handling these claims, including recent legislative changes that impact your rights.