Commercial trucks pose an outsized risk of injuries and fatalities on the roads in Dallas. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and the results of a collision with a smaller passenger vehicle can be catastrophic. When trucking companies cut corners or their drivers violate safety rules, they put every Dallas motorist in danger.

At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our truck wreck lawyers are committed to holding negligent trucking companies, drivers, and insurers accountable. We fight for the rights of the injured victims, building strong claims grounded in evidence, industry regulations, and aggressive legal advocacy. Schedule a free case evaluation with our Dallas personal injury lawyers today.

Types of Truck Accidents in Dallas, TX

Truck accidents can happen in many ways, each presenting different challenges when proving fault and calculating damages. Our Dallas personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle all types of commercial truck accident claims, including:

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks take longer to stop. Rear-end collisions caused by a fatigued or distracted truck driver can lead to severe injuries or fatalities in stopped traffic.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

Commercial trucks have large blind spots on all sides. If a truck driver fails to check these areas before changing lanes or turning, nearby vehicles can be sideswiped or crushed.

Wide Turn Accidents

Wide turn accidents occur when a truck swings left to make a right turn or vice versa, often trapping nearby vehicles. These crashes typically result from driver misjudgment.

Jackknife Accidents

These occur when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. Jackknifing often happens due to sudden braking, speeding, or slippery road conditions.

Underride Collisions

In these deadly accidents, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. Failure to use underride guards or reflective markings may lead to liability.

Rollover Accidents

Overloaded trailers or improper cargo securement can cause a truck to roll over on curves or during abrupt maneuvers. Rollovers often affect multiple vehicles.

Tire Blowouts

Worn or defective tires can result in blowouts that cause a truck to swerve out of control. Maintenance companies or tire manufacturers may be liable in such cases.

Lost Load Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall onto the highway, leading to crashes or causing vehicles to swerve into dangerous positions.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Due to their size and momentum, trucks may trigger chain-reaction crashes. These cases may involve several liable parties and require advanced accident reconstruction.

FMCSA Insurance Liability Minimums for Commercial Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that commercial motor carriers maintain certain minimum levels of liability insurance depending on the truck’s size, cargo, and use. These federal rules ensure that funds are available to compensate victims in the event of a serious crash.

Here are the FMCSA minimums:

• $750,000 for general freight carriers operating across state lines with vehicles weighing over 10,001 lbs
• $1 million for oil transporters
• $5 million for carriers transporting hazardous materials
• $300,000 for non-hazardous freight in vehicles under 10,001 lbs

Despite these minimums, many trucking companies maintain higher liability policies, and some may also carry excess or umbrella insurance. Our Dallas truck injury lawyers investigate all available insurance coverage and pursue every avenue to secure full compensation. This may cover your medical bills (related to immediate medical treatment and future medical expenses), lost income, and pain and suffering.

FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations in Dallas, TX

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. To address this, the FMCSA enforces Hours of Service (HOS) rules that limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest.

Current HOS regulations include:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty limit, including driving and non-driving work
• 30-minute rest break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limit, depending on whether the carrier operates six or seven days a week
• Restart provision allowing drivers to reset weekly hours after 34 consecutive hours off duty

Despite these rules, some drivers falsify logs or feel pressure from their employers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we obtain electronic logging device (ELD) records, dispatch schedules, GPS data, and fuel receipts to uncover HOS violations and prove fatigue-related negligence.

Dallas, TX Safety Regulations for Commercial Truck Operators

In addition to federal rules, the State of Texas and the City of Dallas impose additional commercial vehicle safety regulations. Trucking companies that operate within state lines (intrastate carriers) must comply with regulations enforced by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) and the Texas Transportation Code.

Key safety regulations include:

Weight and Size Restrictions

Texas limits gross vehicle weight to 80,000 pounds unless a special permit is issued. Oversized loads are subject to route restrictions and may require escort vehicles. Violations may indicate negligence in route planning or compliance.

CDL Licensing and Drug Testing

Truck drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements. Texas also mandates random drug and alcohol testing under FMCSA and TxDPS rules. Any prior violations may indicate negligent hiring or supervision.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Trucking companies must conduct regular inspections under the TxDPS Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program guidelines. We may find that brakes, lights, tires, and trailers aren’t adequately maintained, creating dangerous conditions on Dallas roads.

Operating Restrictions in Dallas

Dallas enforces restrictions on truck routes, parking, and hazardous material transportation. Failure to adhere to local ordinances may contribute to liability if an accident occurs in a prohibited zone or during restricted hours.

Common Causes of Dallas Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Dallas may sometimes occur due to a combination of driver error and the trucking company’s negligence. While the trucker is directly responsible for operating the vehicle safely, trucking companies are also accountable for hiring, training, and supervising their drivers.

Common negligent actions by truck drivers:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Driving while distracted (e.g., texting, GPS use)
• Driving while fatigued, violating Hours of Service rules
• Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications)
• Failing to check blind spots or making unsafe turns

Examples of company-level negligence include:

• Hiring drivers with poor driving histories
• Failure to conduct background checks or drug tests
• Skipping or delaying vehicle maintenance
• Forcing unrealistic delivery schedules
• Poor supervision or lack of safety training

Our Dallas truck accident lawyers examine driver behavior, company policies, and general trucking industry practices to establish liability and pursue maximum compensation.

Early Legal Representation from Our Attorneys Can Help Secure Black Box Data

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules, commonly referred to as “black boxes.” These devices record valuable data in the moments before and after a collision. However, trucking companies aren’t obligated to preserve this data indefinitely.

Key black box data includes:

• Vehicle speed and throttle position
• Sudden braking or lack thereof
• Engine RPMs and gear changes
• Seatbelt usage and airbag deployment
• Hours driven and rest breaks

Why early legal representation matters:

• Data can be overwritten within days if not preserved
• We immediately send a spoliation letter to prevent destruction
• Our team works with technical experts to download and analyze the data

With this evidence, our truck accident attorneys in Dallas can confirm violations of traffic laws or safety regulations and refute inaccurate claims by the defendants.

Role of Surveillance Camera Footage in Truck Accident Claims

Surveillance footage offers powerful, unbiased evidence in truck accident cases, particularly when there are conflicting stories. Our legal team acts swiftly to locate and preserve footage before it’s deleted.

Sources we investigate for footage:

• Traffic cameras at intersections or highway overpasses
• Surveillance systems from nearby businesses, gas stations, or loading docks
• Dashcams from your vehicle or other involved drivers
• Residential video doorbells like Ring or Nest

How we use the footage:

• To identify the truck’s lane position, speed, and traffic violations
• To validate or discredit driver statements and police reports
• To support witness accounts or accident reconstruction findings

Swift action is vital because footage can be erased after a few days. We dispatch legal notices or obtain court orders to preserve this footage and use it to strengthen the claim of truck accident victims.

Role of Accident Reconstructionists in Proving Liability in Truck Accidents in Dallas 

Unlike typical car accident cases, personal injury cases involving commercial motor vehicles may have much higher financial stakes. In these cases, expert testimony from an accident reconstructionist can be the key to proving liability. These specialists use physics, engineering, and forensic analysis to explain exactly how an accident occurred.

What accident reconstructionists analyze:

• Skid marks, debris, and final resting positions of vehicles
• Road grade, visibility, and weather conditions
• Vehicle damage patterns and deformation zones
• Black box (EDR) and dashcam data
• Witness statements and police reports

Why our attorneys may rely on their expertise to:

• Recreate the sequence of events with scientific accuracy
• Challenge the trucking company’s version of the crash
• Present compelling 3D simulations or visuals in court
• Testify as credible expert witnesses during litigation

The findings of truck accident reconstruction specialists can help us clarify fault in complex cases involving disputed liability, multiple vehicles, or catastrophic injuries (such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage). This may give our clients a stronger chance at justice and compensation.

Potential Liable Parties in Dallas Truck Accident Cases

A truck collision personal injury claim in Dallas may involve multiple parties, each of whom may bear some legal responsibility depending on the cause of the crash. Identifying every liable entity is vital to securing full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

• Truck Driver: May be held liable for negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service rules.
• Trucking Company (Carrier): Can be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
• Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier): Responsible for ensuring the vehicle is roadworthy, properly maintained, and compliant with safety regulations.
• Cargo Loading Company: May be liable for improperly loaded or unsecured cargo that contributes to rollover crashes or load spills.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure (e.g., faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
• Maintenance or Repair Contractors: Can be responsible for negligent repair work or overlooked safety hazards during inspections.
• Third-Party Motorists: In multi-vehicle collisions, another driver may have contributed to or caused the chain of events.
• Government Entities: Liable for unsafe road design, poor signage, or failure to address known road hazards under limited circumstances.

How We Prove Liability in Dallas Truck Accident Claims

A truck accident injury claim is complex and requires a detailed investigation beyond a typical car crash. As experienced Dallas truck accident lawyers, we focus on building an ironclad case using:

• Photos and videos from the accident scene, including any forensic evidence from the site
• Black box (EDR) data to reveal speed, braking, and hours of operation
• Eyewitness statements and video footage (from dash cams, traffic cameras, or businesses)
• Expert testimony, including accident reconstructionists and trucking safety experts
• Driver qualification files, including training, driving history, and certifications
• Maintenance logs and inspection records to identify mechanical failures
• Cargo records to determine if the load was properly secured

Our experienced truck accident attorney in Dallas will also send spoliation letters immediately to preserve key evidence and prevent companies from destroying or altering critical documents and electronic data.

Get Our Proven Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers on Your Side

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Dallas, you need a law firm with experience, resources, and trial readiness to stand up to powerful trucking companies and their insurers. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we don’t back down from pursuing a complex truck accident lawsuit. 

Our Dallas truck accident attorneys work relentlessly to uncover the truth, prove negligence under Texas personal injury law, and fight for the full and fair compensation you need. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.