Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Fort Worth

FAQs

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

  To report a non-emergency, dial 817‑392‑4222 to call the Fort Worth Police Department.

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

  Public information requests, including requests for Fort Worth accident reports, can be submitted online at http://fortworthtexas.gov/records/request/. Alternatively, you may send an email to PublicInformationAdministrator@fortworthtexas.gov. You may also visit or mail your request to the Public Information Administrator’s office at 200 Texas Street, Suite 3614, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

• Who are you entitled to receive compensation from in a truck accident in Fort Worth?

  If you figure in a crash with a truck in Fort Worth, it is essential to enlist the help of a lawyer to determine who the at-fault party is because whoever is responsible for the crash owes you compensation. You may be entitled to compensation from the negligent party, which could be the truck driver, the trucking company, or another negligent third party, like the truck’s manufacturer.

• Is there a deadline for filing truck accident claims in Fort Worth?

  Yes, there is a deadline for filing a civil lawsuit against the negligent party in a truck accident that happened in Fort Worth. The statute of limitations in the state of Texas for all personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is two years from the date of the incident. To have better chances of collecting proper compensation from the responsible parties, victims must file their claims the soonest time possible.

• Can you hold a government agency liable for a truck accident in Fort Worth?

  While the Fort Worth government is generally immune from legal action, motor vehicle accidents, including those caused by trucks operated by the government, are not covered by governmental immunity. The reference to motor-driven vehicles or motor-driven equipment in the Texas Tort Claims Act makes municipalities liable for injuries or deaths in traffic accidents caused by vehicles and equipment performing governmental functions.

• What common factors that contribute to truck accidents in Fort Worth?

  There are a lot of contributing factors in truck accidents that happen in Fort Worth. Among the most frequent factors are driver fatigue, equipment failure or negligent maintenance, excessive speeding, carrying overweight loads, drug or alcohol use, and aggressive driving. In other cases, drivers are found to be distracted while driving or operators are practicing poor maintenance of trucking vehicle fleets.

• What does Fort Worth’s at-fault system mean for victims of truck accidents in the city?

  Texas is an at-fault state, which essentially means that the at-fault party in the crash is liable for covering the economic and non-economic losses of the accident victim. With a competent legal team, the victim may be able to establish that the truck driver or another party who played a critical role in the accident was at fault. The victim will then have the right to seek compensation through an injury claim or a lawsuit.

• 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.