Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents - Dallas Personal Injury Attorneys

After a commercial vehicle accident in Dallas, consulting with an attorney is crucial because those at fault, such as the driver and his/her employer, will move quickly to protect their interests. Insurance companies will urge you to settle swiftly when you may be eligible for much more compensation than they are offering. If you’ve been seriously injured or are suffering with severe damages as the result of one of these large vehicle crashes, contact the Dallas personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw immediately.

Our law firm represents clients across the state of Texas, the southwest U.S., and beyond. Contact us today 24/7 at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free initial consultation. Our legal experts will investigate your claim, identify all liable parties, and ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.

Due to their large weight and size, accidents with commercial vehicles can be much more devastating than a standard car crash. As Dallas’ population continues to expand, more and more commercial vehicles can be seen hauling goods on the city’s highways and delivering items in urban areas. This, of course, also sadly means increased collisions with everyday travelers on their commute to school, work, the grocery store, the gym, etc.

Some commonly spotted commercial vehicles on Texas roads include:

• Delivery trucks
• 18 wheelers / semi-trucks
• Towing trucks
• Public buses
• School buses
• Construction vehicles like cement trucks, flatbeds hauling oversized or oddly shaped cargo, cranes, etc.
• Fuel trucks
• Garbage trucks
• And more

Pursuing damages after such accidents include intricate knowledge of Texas laws, codes, and regulations. For this reason, the justice system is often found to be complex and difficult to navigate without the help of a Dallas attorney. If you were injured in a collision with a vehicle such as those listed above, contact Carabin Shaw to schedule your free case review to evaluate your options moving forward.

In personal injury cases (such as those filed by individual victims of commercial vehicle accidents), fault is found when the actions or carelessness of another person or party lead to injuring or causing damage to another individual. In order to prove fault, it must be demonstrated that the defendant owed the plaintiff a “duty of care,” or an obligation to not cause them harm. Drivers, for example, have a responsibility to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and avoid endangering others.

Fault after an accident is initially determined by the police officers first on the scene and is later investigated by insurance companies. If you choose to pursue a lawsuit, your local lawyer and a judge and/or jury will then be tasked with deciding fault.

It’s also important to note that Texas is a “modified comparative fault” state, which means that in personal injury cases all parties who share fault in an accident will pay for the damages proportionate to their responsibility. For example, if $10,000 worth of damages were sustained by a plaintiff who was found 20% responsible for the accident, they will receive $8,000 in damages. If the plaintiff (or the injured party) is found more than 50% responsible for the accident, they are unable to seek damages. A commercial vehicle accident attorney in Texas can better explain how this applies to your particular case.

The following list covers those who may be sued for their participation in your accident. Any one or combination of these parties may be held accountable:

• The driver of the commercial vehicle, 18 wheeler, big truck, etc.
• The driver’s employer
• The owner of the vehicle
• Parts manufacturer
• Maintenance company
• Cargo loaders who improperly loaded or overloaded the vehicle
• A third party, which may include contractors, subcontractors, or other drivers

The specific cause of your accident will determine who can be held liable for your damages. The assistance of an experienced Texas attorney is strongly recommended to identify all liable parties and to pursue all possible damages including hospital bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

The team at Carabin Shaw includes some of the top Dallas attorneys for commercial vehicle accident lawsuits. Our legal professionals have handled a variety of personal injury cases ranging from car accidents to medical malpractice, product liability, and animal attacks. Read over our client reviews to learn more about how our lawyers are dedicated to victims just like you.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 548
• Texas Statutes 33