Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Mesquite, TX

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Mesquite Police Department is 972-285-6336.

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

  Citizens throughout Mesquite can file requests for accident reports either in person or by mail at the local police department's records section. Those sending requests by mail must provide a self-addressed envelope and a check or money order for the report copy. The Mesquite Police Department is located at 777 North Galloway Avenue and is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.

• Which roadways within Mesquite are prone to truck accidents?

  Based on records of tallied accidents in 2021, the IH-635 highway was found to be the most common site for truck accidents in Mesquite. The IH-635 saw 41 crashes in total, while the IH-30 came in second with 35 recorded accidents. This is often due to drivers merging on and off both highways. The US Highway 80 ranked third in the same year with 10 total accidents.

• Can the local government be held liable in a truck accident case in Mesquite?

  Yes, the local government in Mesquite can be deemed liable in a truck accident if hazardously constructed roads or bridges might have caused the crash or collision. This falls within the Texas Tort Claims Act, which allows state citizens to hold government agencies accountable for negligence that results in personal injury. In Mesquite, the city can be liable for a maximum of $250,000 per person, $500,000 per single bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage.

• What counts as negligence on the part of a trucking company in a truck accident case within Mesquite?

  In truck accident cases, a trucking company in Mesquite can be liable for negligence if it fails to regularly maintain its vehicles, monitor its employees, conduct pre-trip inspections, or adhere to service hour limitations. All trucking companies must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations guidelines. As such, any company that violates these regulations can be deemed partially at fault in a resulting truck crash or collision.

• How is negligence determined in a truck accident caused by cargo in Mesquite?

  A shipping company in Mesquite that fails to properly secure and distribute cargo on a truck can be deemed negligent and thus partially at fault in a resulting accident. This also applies if the company fails to adhere to state and federal mandates on cargo weight limits or if they did not properly fill a truck's tanker to prevent its contents from shifting and spilling on the road during its trip.

• How long do truck accident victims have to file their claims in Mesquite?

  The statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Mesquite and the rest of Texas is two years. This applies to both injury and wrongful death claims, with the statute beginning from the date of the accident or the date of a victim's passing, respectively. For claims made against the local government, however, plaintiffs have only six months to take legal action.

• 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.