Commercial Trucking & 18 Wheeler Accidents
Van Wey, Metzler & Williams understands the complex nature of commercial vehicle and 18 wheeler accident cases and believes that every injured victim deserves for their voice to be heard. Our firm is well versed in the government regulations and private insurance factors that affect the odds of success of such a claim. We have experience handling complex cases and we strive to provide you with the individual attention, care, and compassion you need during such a difficult time.
The size of these trucks alone means these accidents can cause catastrophic damage. Injuries from an 18 wheeler accident can include broken bones, brain injuries, paralysis, or even death. Because of this, federal laws regulate trucking differently and apply stricter rules than they do for regular drivers. This makes 18 wheeler accident cases especially complex.
Additionally, because of the serious injuries involved with 18 wheeler accidents, the defendant trucking companies and their insurance companies have a lot of money at stake and will not settle these cases easily.
Determining Fault in a Texas Truck Accident is Complicated
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the regulation of large commercial vehicles and 18 wheelers. A violation of FMCSA regulations can lead to serious or fatal accidents on the state’s highways.
We have an in-depth understanding of FMCSA regulations and how they interact with Texas state laws in truck accident injury claims.
One of the most important aspects of trying a commercial trucking accident case is determining all liable parties in the crash. Determining this liability hinges on recognizing who violated FMCSA regulations or otherwise acted negligently by violating traffic laws or other regulations.
Those Responsible for a Truck Accident May Include:
Things to Consider When Filing a Trucking or 18 Wheeler Accident Claim in Texas
The injuries involved in a truck/passenger vehicle collision may be much more severe than in a passenger vehicle accident. It isn’t hard to see why, given the difference in size and weight between a large commercial truck and a typical car. Van Wey, Metzler & Williams can help victims who have suffered serious injuries such as:
- back and neck injuries
- traumatic brain injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- multiple fractures.
Furthermore, if the victim dies due to a truck accident, our attorneys will represent the family pursuing a wrongful death case. A lawsuit may help victims secure financial compensation for the damages they’ve incurred – this can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even emotional damages stemming from the accident.
Because of the great risk involved in operating large, heavy, commercial vehicles, trucking companies, and drivers are required to carry substantial insurance policies in the event of an accident. Even so, it is common practice for a trucking company—and other involved parties—to deny accident liability in order to avoid paying out large financial settlements.
This is why working with an experienced lawyer is beneficial to accident victims who might otherwise be unequipped to fight for fair compensation. When representing accident victims, our attorneys work to establish several important factors.
- Plaintiffs must demonstrate that they have suffered serious injury or a loved one has suffered a fatal injury as the direct result of the accident.
- It is also important to establish the damages the victim has suffered. This might include medical bills, loss of wages, and certain emotional damages.
- Finally, it’s our job to demonstrate that the trucking company’s negligence is what caused the victim’s accident and thus led to the serious injuries for which the victim is seeking compensation.
Evidence to demonstrate negligence and liability may include records of truck driver hours of service, a driver’s personnel file, a police report, accident scene investigation, and other key pieces of documentation or information. We can assist you in the process of gathering of your evidence. Kay Van Wey brings more than 30 years of legal experience to her team and has devoted her professional career to tackling weighty legal challenges.
What to Do if You’re Involved in an 18 Wheeler Accident
If you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, the first thing you should always do is make sure to seek medical attention. Continuing to follow up with medical treatment is crucial both for your own health, as well as for your legal case.
It is also important to gather information and preserve evidence following the accident. For example:
- Collecting information on the trucker, trucking company, and insurance
- Filing a police report to make sure there is a record of the accident
- Taking pictures of the scene of the accident, including any skid marks or damage
Finding the Best Dallas 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Since 18 wheeler truck cases are so challenging, it is crucial that you have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side fighting for your case from the start.
One of the most important things you can do to help yourself or a loved one after a trucking accident is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The trucking company is immediately working on their defense, so it is important to make sure you have a qualified 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer involved from the start too, looking out for your best interest just like the trucker’s lawyers do.
Contacting a lawyer early makes sure you have someone collecting and preserving evidence for you, making sure the accident is investigated fairly, and fighting to help you recover for your damages.
Contacting a lawyer early makes sure you have someone collecting and preserving evidence for you, making sure the accident is investigated fairly, and fighting to help you recover for your damages.
Attorneys at Van Wey, Metzler & Williams are ready to help. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, contact our team for a free consultation with an experienced Dallas 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer.
We are here for you. Call us today!