Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Denton

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Denton, Texas?

  The Denton Police Department's non-emergency phone number is 940-349-8181.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Denton, Texas?

  A copy of your accident report can be obtained in person at the Denton Police Department on Hickory Street. Another option is to send a letter to the City Secretary's Office.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Denton for truck drivers?

  Interstates 35 and 35E are two of Denton's most dangerous highways for truck drivers. In February 2022, Interstate 35E between Dallas Drive and Teasley Lane was closed due to separate accidents involving 18-wheelers. Meanwhile, according to a MoneyGeek report, Interstate 35 was the deadliest highway in previous years, with more than 10 fatal crashes in the area.

• What are the leading causes of trucking accidents in Denton?

  Figures from the Texas Department of Transportation show that 26.2% of all truck wrecks in Denton in 2021 were caused by changing lanes when unsafe. It was followed by speeding, failing to drive in a single lane, ignoring turn marks, being inattentive while driving, and making a faulty evasive action. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also noted that most truck accidents involve driver errors.

• Do icy road conditions play a role in Denton truck accidents?

  Yes, truck accidents in Denton can occur due to icy road conditions. Winter weather had an impact on roads, highways, bridges, and overpasses in North Texas, including Denton, in January 2023. The freezing rain turned to sleet, causing havoc on Interstate 35, where several 18-wheelers became stuck on a bridge near the Denton Buc-ee's.

• Can a trucking company be held liable for a Denton truck accident?

  If a trucking company breaches its safety obligation and causes a preventable mishap, it may be liable for damages in a Denton truck crash. Many accidents are caused by company negligence, including failing to follow federal trucking safety standards, not conducting vehicle inspections, and failing to adhere to proper hiring and training processes. Employers are liable for their employee's negligent acts under the state's liability law as long as the employee acted within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident.

• What factors contribute to Amazon delivery truck accidents in Denton?

  Amazon truck accidents are common in Denton County and across Texas. Because drivers work long hours, fatigued driving is among the leading causes of accidents. They are also under pressure to deliver goods on time and meet deadlines, which make them drive faster. In addition, truck accidents are caused by poorly maintained vehicles. While Amazon takes precautions when it comes to training their drivers, there is still room for human error, which could result in serious or even fatal mishaps.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.