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Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic, life-changing experience. Most of these crashes lead to severe injuries and deaths. Fortunately, there are ways you can hold the liable parties accountable for your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our Grapevine, TX truck accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve and need for your losses. At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., we have worked extensively with personal injury law and have handled countless truck accident cases. We know the physical, mental, and psychological toll a truck accident can impose on your life. That is why we will dedicate all of our efforts and resources to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about our legal services, call our law offices and schedule your free, confidential case review. Our phone number is (817) 476-1797.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Grapevine, TX?
Like other vehicular accidents, truck accidents in Grapevine, TX, can happen for many different reasons. It is difficult to determine one single cause of every truck crash. In our experience, these accidents commonly occur as a result of one or more different elements. Typically, several causes commonly lead to truck accidents.
One of the most common causes of truck crashes in Grapevine, TX, is speeding. Speeding in the trucking industry has increased dramatically over the last few years. The introduction of services like “next day delivery” and “two-day delivery” has forced truckers to make speedy deliveries and meet their quota. This type of behavior often leads to otherwise preventable accidents.
Another common cause of many truck crashes is distracted driving. Truck drivers have to travel thousands of miles to make their deliveries. It is not uncommon to see truckers using their phones, tablets, and other electronic devices while operating their vehicles. Distractions on the road can be lethal, especially when it involves a large commercial vehicle and other road drivers. Over the years, distractions have led to thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths. However, if you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you can fight for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Like speeding and distracted driving, drowsy driving has also played a significant role in hundreds of truck accidents across Grapevine, TX. Drowsy driving happens as a result of fatigue, which is typical for truck drivers who have to drive for long hours without rest. Despite federal regulation determining how much driving hours a truck driver should work, truckers, usually instigated by their employer, push through long hours, causing fatigue and a potential accident.
Who is Responsible for a Truck Accident in Grapevine, TX?
To determine who is liable for your truck accident in Grapevine, TX, you need to consider all of your crash circumstances carefully. There may be more than one liable party in a truck, bus, or commercial truck accident. Many people assume the truck driver is the one solely responsible for your crash. However, this is not always the case. Common parties that may be liable for your truck accident, injuries and losses in Grapevine, TX include:
The Truck Driver
A truck driver can be liable for your accident for apparent reasons. The trucker has an obligation to operate their vehicle safely, especially because of their truck’s size and weight. Most of the time, negligence plays a significant role in truck accidents. If the truck driver engaged in negligent conduct, they may be liable for your losses. This means you can file a lawsuit directly against the driver who caused your crash. Our Grapevine, TX truck accident lawyers can help you file your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company can also be held liable after a truck accident. All trucking companies have an obligation to ensure all of their trucks are safe to operate on the road. If they fail to provide adequate maintenance to their truck fleet, and their trucks cause an accident, they can be held liable. Moreover, the trucking company is also responsible for hiring their drivers. If they fail to perform background checks and test their drivers for alcohol and drug abuse, they may be held liable for their employees’ actions.
Additionally, the trucking company must comply with federal rules to allow their employees to take breaks while delivering their goods. If they push their drivers to drive past the established limits, they may also be liable if their truck driver caused a crash.
The Truck Manufacturer
While it may seem unlikely, truck manufacturers – and truck part manufacturers – can also play a significant role in a crash. Trucks’ mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems are complex. These systems require careful design and manufacturing. A defectively-manufactured part can compromise the truck’s functions. A mechanical malfunction can increase the likelihood of an accident dramatically. If you or a loved one got injured in a truck accident caused by a defective truck part, you can hold the manufacturer liable.
Our Grapevine, TX Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You File Your Claim
If you are considering filing a claim against the liable parties in a truck accident in Grapevine, TX, you need to hire an experienced truck accident attorney. Texas’ personal injury law is complex, which can be challenging to understand if you have never been part of a personal injury claim. Having competent, skilled, and experienced legal representation by your side can help you ensure you meet all requirements to get the compensation you deserve.
First and foremost, our truck accident lawyers can help ensure that you file your case on time. Time limits to file specific types of cases are set forth by statutes of limitations. In Texas, the deadline to file your truck accident lawsuit is governed by Tex. Civ. Prac & Rem. Code § 16.003. Accordingly, you will usually have two years from the date of your crash to bring your claim to court. If you do not file in accordance with this deadline, then you may miss your opportunity to recover monetary damages from another party.
Furthermore, in addition to filing your case on time, there are several additional requirements that should be satisfied when bringing your truck accident lawsuit to court. For instance, you have to file in right jurisdiction, attach necessary supporting documents, pay any required filing fees, serve named defendants, and ensure that you are not filing a frivolous or incomplete claim. The team at our firm will make sure that you comply with the many requirements for filing your truck accident lawsuit in Texas.
Considering Settlement Offers in Grapevine Truck Accident Lawsuits
If you file a truck accident lawsuit in Grapevine, then the defendant will likely present you with a settlement offer before going to trial. If you enter into a settlement agreement, then the defendant will pay you a specific sum of damages in exchange for the voluntary dismissal of your claim. There are certain advantages to settling before trial. As an example, settling early may allow you to save on the many costs that you may incur at trial such as witness fees and administrative expenses. Also, by settling before trial, you may receive financial compensation sooner.
Still, many defendants in truck accident lawsuits attempt to settle their claims for less than they are worth. If you are not presented with an appropriate settlement offer, the you will have to go to trial to recover the additional payment you deserve. However, if your case is not successful at trial, then you may receive no payment whatsoever.
Guidance and support from our legal team can be very helpful when considering settlement offers in your case. We can help determine if settling early or going to trial is the right choice for you.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents in Grapevine, TX
The injuries that result from truck accidents can be very serious. The following are all examples of common injuries caused by truck accidents in Grapevine:
Whiplash
This is a neck injury that occurs when the head is jerked forward and then backward suddenly, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions involving trucks.
Fractured and Broken Bones
The impact of a truck accident can cause fractures and breaks in different parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can range from minor fractures to more severe breaks that require surgery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A truck accident can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can have long-term implications and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can occur when the head strikes a hard surface during a truck accident or experiences a severe jolt. These injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe brain damage, affecting cognitive function, memory, and motor skills.
Internal Injuries
The forceful impact of a truck accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or damage to blood vessels. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and require medical attention to diagnose and treat.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Damage to soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, is common in truck accidents. Sprains, strains, and deep tissue bruising can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Burns
Truck accidents involving fuel tankers or hazardous materials can lead to fires and explosions, causing severe burns. Burn injuries often require specialized medical care and may result in disfigurement and long-term physical and emotional trauma.
Psychological Distress
Truck accidents can have a significant psychological impact on individuals involved, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These psychological injuries may require counseling or therapy for recovery.
Common Locations Where Truck Accidents Happen in Grapevine, TX
Truck accidents can happen on nearly any road. Still, there are certain places where they occur more frequently than others. The following are common locations where truck accidents happen in Grapevine, TX:
Highways and Interstates
Grapevine is intersected by major highways and interstates, including State Highway 114, State Highway 121, and Interstate 635. Many truck accidents happen on these high-speed roadways as the result of heavy traffic, merging vehicles, and complicated interchanges.
Industrial and Commercial Areas
Grapevine has various industrial and commercial zones, such as the Grapevine Industrial Park and the DFW Airport area. Trucks are often present in these areas while transporting goods to and from businesses and their warehouses. Accordingly, this is another common location for truck accidents.
Construction Zones
Construction zones are another common location where truck accidents can happen. These zones can increase the risk of truck accidents because of altered traffic patterns, narrow lanes, and the presence of construction vehicles.
Loading Docks
Finally, truck accidents regularly happen at docks where trucks are being loaded or unloaded. Inadequate training, improper cargo securement, and equipment failure can all potentially cause harmful accidents during the loading and unloading process. If you suffered a truck accident at a loading dock, then you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Grapevine, TX Truck Accident Lawyers Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Grapevine, TX, we can help. Backed by decades of hands-on experience, our Texas truck accident lawyers from The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., can help. Thanks to the experience, skill, and dedication of our Arlington, TX personal injury lawyers, we can walk you through your claim process and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about all of our legal services in a free, confidential case assessment, call our law offices today at (817) 476-1797.