Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Grand Prairie, TX

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Grand Prairie Police Department is 972-237-8700.

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

  You may obtain a copy of your crash report by completing the request form on the official website of the Grand Prairie Police Department: https://www.grandprairiepolice.org/Services/Records/Request-Police-Records. Alternatively, you may visit or mail in your request to the Records Division at 1525 Arkansas Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, 2nd Floor.

• How can a lawyer help you if you get hurt in a truck accident in Grand Prairie?

  Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you in a Grand Prairie truck accident claim can benefit you in many ways. Your lawyer will navigate the truck accident laws of Texas and negotiate for full compensation for your losses. You can also depend on your lawyer to gather evidence, accurately calculate your losses, take charge of paperwork, contact and maintain communication with the other party, and build a strong claim for you, while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

• How much will hiring a Grand Prairie truck accident lawyer cost you?

  There is no fixed rate or upfront cost when getting a truck accident lawyer in Grand Prairie. Most lawyers and law firms provide legal representation on a contingency basis, meaning their fees will depend on the financial recovery of your case. Under this system, if there is no compensation secured for your claim, you wouldn’t have to pay your lawyer, as legal representation fees are only calculated if or when your lawyer secures compensation for you.

• What will you get compensated for after getting hurt in a Grand Prairie truck accident?

  If you get injured in a truck accident in Grand Prairie, your legal team will fight for you to obtain the amount of compensation you deserve to cover both economic and non-economic losses. These may include your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, physical impairment, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.

• Can you sue on behalf of a loved one who died in a Grand Prairie truck accident?

  Yes, it is possible to pursue a lawsuit if your loved one passed away in a truck accident in Grand Prairie. Under Texas law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of a person who died in a truck accident are all eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in the state’s civil courts to compensate for various losses, including lost earning capacity, mental pain and anguish experienced by the surviving family, and lost love, companionship, and comfort.

• How much time do you have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Grand Prairie?

  You generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Grand Prairie. This rule also applies to families filing a wrongful death suit after losing a loved one in a truck accident. If you are looking to sue a government entity for contributing to the accident, you might have as little as 30 days to six months to bring your claim. Failure to take legal action within these time windows may forfeit your right to recover compensation for your losses.

• 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.