When you’re driving around Dallas, whether you’re on I-35, I-20, or Highway 75, you’re sharing the road with thousands of big trucks every single day. With over 66,000 trucking companies and more than 185,000 drivers on the roads in Texas, collisions are not just a possibility in Dallas; they’re a reality.
These trucks are hauling everything from livestock and grain to fertilizer and machinery. They’re massive, heavy, and can be incredibly dangerous in the wrong conditions, especially when drivers are rushed, distracted, or tired.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in Dallas, dealing with medical bills, lost income, and pain while trying to figure out who’s responsible is a heavy burden. And trucking companies? They’re already on it with lawyers and insurance reps working fast to protect themselves.
At Freese & Goss, we know how to take on big trucking companies. Our team has 77 years of combined experience helping injured people across Dallas in car wrecks, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and more, recovering over $1 billion for clients. We dig deep, act fast, and make sure no detail gets missed.
Call us today at 214-761-6623 or fill out our online form to connect with a Dallas truck accident attorney who knows our city, and knows how to fight for you.
“I am beyond happy with Freese & Goss! They have handled my case very professionally and have kept me updated on a regular basis and are always available when I call. I am so grateful and well-pleased that Freese & Goss is working for me to obtain the best outcome for my case. I highly recommend their services!!”
– Michelle N. | Client
How the Dallas Trucking Accident Lawyers at Freese & Goss Can Help You
When you call Freese & Goss, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re getting a team that knows Dallas, understands truck accident law, and takes your case seriously from day one.
Here’s what we do to help:
- Look closely at the crash scene, gather key evidence, and find out what really happened.
- Review truck driver logs, company records, and safety history.
- Work with trusted professionals to understand how the crash occurred.
- Handle all talks with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Our office is right here in Dallas, and we’ve built strong relationships and a solid reputation across Texas. We’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
How Often Do Truck Accidents Happen in Dallas?
Dallas is one of the busiest freight corridors in the country, and with that traffic comes real danger. Between I-35, I-20, I-30, I-635, and countless other local and regional routes, commercial trucks are constantly moving through Dallas County.
According to the 2024 Commercial Vehicle Crash Report from the Texas Department of Transportation, Dallas County reported a total of 3,857 commercial vehicle crashes in a single year. Here’s what that looked like:
- 27 fatal crashes
- 29 people killed
- 108 suspected serious injury crashes
- 124 people seriously injured
- 424 suspected minor injury crashes
- 575 people with minor injuries
- 580 possible injury crashes
- 884 people possibly injured
- 2,681 non-injury crashes
- 9,248 drivers/passengers involved in non-injury crashes
- 37 crashes with unknown severity
- 590 injuries reported as unknown
- Total commercial vehicle crashes: 3,857
That’s more than 10 truck-related crashes every day.
Due to the size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles, these collisions are often severe. Most of the people hurt or killed in truck crashes are not the truck drivers — they’re the people in the smaller cars.
Dallas Truck Accident Causes
Each year, about 500,000 truck accidents occur in the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation keeps records of all the traffic accidents across the country, and they report that about two-thirds of truck accidents occur in rural areas, with the weekends being the most common time for a truck accident.
Truck accidents have many of the same causes as auto accidents, including reckless driving, lane cutting, speeding, mechanical malfunctions or failure, and bad weather or roads. However, truck accidents can also involve a few causes that are unique to the trucking industry, which a Dallas truck accident lawyer is specifically trained to identify. A lawyer at Freese & Goss can help uncover these industry-specific issues and ensure proper legal action, such as:
- A driver who does not have the necessary training or qualifications for the truck he or she is operating.
- Driving over the speed limit in order to meet tight deadlines for cargo delivery.
- Driving far too many hours continuously without adequate rest.
- Driving while using stimulants or other drugs that impair the senses and judgment.
- Cargo that is not securely fastened to a truck’s bed.
- Trucks that are loaded beyond their capacity.
- Trucks carrying liquid loads that are at less than maximum capacity, causing the load to slosh around and making the truck difficult to control.
- Outdated, old, or poorly maintained trucks.
- Trucks on the road that don’t meet U.S. standards — often from Mexico.
Truck accidents aren’t always caused by simple mistakes. Often, hidden factors like driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or poorly maintained trucks play a major role. At Freese & Goss, we know what to look for and how to hold the right parties responsible.
If you’ve been injured in a Dallas truck accident, don’t leave your case to chance. Call 214-761-6623 today or fill out our online form for a free case review and let us put our experience to work for you.
What Steps Should You Take After a Truck Accident in Dallas?
Being in a truck accident is a frightening experience, but what you do in the moments and days afterward can have a big impact on your legal case. Here are the steps you should try to follow if you are physically able.
- Get to a Safe Place: If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid being hit by other traffic.
- Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident to the police and emergency medical services. A police report is a vital piece of evidence.
- Gather Information: If it is safe, take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, all vehicles involved, and the highway or intersection where it occurred. Get the truck driver’s name, license number, and the company they work for. Also, get contact information for any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Even if you think you might be to blame, do not apologize or say “I’m sorry” to anyone at the scene. This can be used against you later.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt, get checked out by a doctor. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away.
- Contact a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer: Before you speak to any insurance company representatives, call us. A Dallas semi-truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and handle all communication with the insurance adjusters. We know how to protect you from lowball settlement offers and tricky questions.
Injuries a Dallas Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Can Handle
When a car collides with a commercial truck, the outcome is rarely minor. A typical 18-wheeler can weigh up to 20 times more than a passenger vehicle. In these crashes, smaller vehicles don’t stand a chance. The result is often catastrophic, and sometimes fatal, injuries to the people in the car.
At Freese & Goss, we’ve helped truck accident victims across Dallas recover after suffering life-changing injuries like:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Complex Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
- Severe Burns from Fires or Explosions
- Limb Loss and Amputations
- Crush Injuries
- Disfiguring Lacerations and Deep Cuts
- Chronic Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Psychological Trauma, including PTSD
- Wrongful Death of a Loved One
Many victims face long hospital stays, repeated surgeries, permanent disability, and emotional trauma that lingers long after the crash.
Who Can a Dallas Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Hold Liable?
A truck accident is often more complicated than an “ordinary” vehicle accident involving cars or SUVs, because the truck is most likely owned by a corporation or a government agency, operated by an employee, and subject to federal and state trucking regulations.
Unlike a typical car crash, truck accidents often involve multiple layers of responsibility. You’re not just dealing with one driver; you could be up against a whole network of companies and contractors, all of whom may have played a role in causing the crash.
At Freese & Goss, we identify every party that may be responsible. Here’s who we often investigate:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, under the influence, or driving too many hours without rest, they may be personally responsible for the crash.
- The Trucking Company: The company that owns the truck or employs the driver can be held liable for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train them properly, skipping background checks, or pressuring them to break safety regulations just to meet delivery deadlines.
- The Manufacturer: If the crash happened because of a faulty brake system, steering failure, tire blowout, or other defective part, the company that made the truck or its components could be held accountable.
- The Maintenance Provider: Some trucking companies hire outside businesses to service their trucks. If those companies cut corners or ignored safety issues during inspections or repairs, they could share the blame.
- The Cargo Loader or Shipper: When cargo is overloaded, unevenly distributed, or unsecured, it can cause a truck to roll over or lose control. In these cases, the company responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.
In addition, the truck involved in an accident may have been carrying a dangerous load, such as flammable or hazardous materials like oil or chemicals. This type of cargo can lead to catastrophic injuries and widespread damage, far exceeding the impact of a typical car accident.
Why does this matter? Because holding every responsible party accountable opens the door to greater compensation. More at-fault parties often means more insurance coverage and more legal leverage, which can make a major difference in what you’re able to recover.
At Freese & Goss, we examine every avenue of liability because we know that every responsible hand in the chain should help cover the cost of what you’ve lost. Contact our Dallas truck crash lawyers online or by calling 214-761-6623 today.
How a Dallas Trucking Accidents Attorney Proves Fault
Proving fault after a truck accident isn’t as simple as pointing fingers. Because commercial trucking is governed by strict safety laws and often involves multiple parties, uncovering the truth takes thorough investigation and the right legal strategy.
At Freese & Goss, we know what to look for, and how to turn complex evidence into a strong case. Here’s how fault is typically proven:
- Police Reports: Provide an initial account of the crash, including observations from responding officers and statements from those involved.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Independent accounts from bystanders or other drivers can support your version of events.
- Photos and Videos: Damage to vehicles, skid marks, debris, and traffic camera footage can all help show how the crash happened.
- Black Box and ELD Data: Most commercial trucks are equipped with devices that track speed, braking, steering, and hours driven. This data can expose violations like driver fatigue or speeding.
- Maintenance and Inspection Records: Help reveal whether the truck was in safe working order, or if worn brakes or bald tires played a role.
- Driver Logs and Qualification Files: Can show if the driver was properly trained, certified, and following federal rest break rules.
- Trucking Company Records: Hiring practices, safety policies, and dispatch records can reveal if the company cut corners or pressured drivers to break rules.
- Phone Records: May confirm if the driver was texting or distracted behind the wheel.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing Results: Drivers involved in accidents are often required to undergo testing, and those results can become key evidence.
- Cargo Loading Documents: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can make a truck harder to control. If a third party loaded the truck improperly, they may share liability.
Dallas Truck Accident Laws You Should Know
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Dallas, there are several important laws that can affect your case. Here’s what you should know, and how these laws could impact your ability to recover compensation.
Statute of Limitations
- In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage.
- If someone passed away because of the crash, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. That means:
- You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
- But your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to recover anything.
Trucking companies often try to shift blame. We work hard to protect you from unfair fault claims.
CDL and Trucking Regulations
Commercial truck drivers must follow strict federal and state safety rules, including:
- Driving time limits and required rest breaks.
- Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance.
- Drug and alcohol testing.
If a driver or company violated any of these rules, it could help strengthen your case significantly.
Vicarious Liability
Trucking companies can be held legally responsible for what their drivers do on the job, especially if the driver was under their supervision, using their truck, or following their schedule.
We’ll investigate the relationship between the driver and the company to determine if both can be held accountable.
Commercial Insurance Requirements
Because of the serious damage trucks can cause, Texas requires trucking companies to carry high levels of insurance. In some cases, policies may cover up to $5 million, especially for trucks carrying hazardous materials.
That means more potential compensation may be available than in a typical car accident.
A recent study by Martindale-Nolo found that more than 90% of people who hired a personal injury lawyer received compensation, compared to just about half of those who tried to handle their claims alone.
At Freese & Goss, we know how to hold every party accountable and push for the kind of compensation that truly reflects what you’ve lost.
Why Partner With a Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer at Freese & Goss
Truck crashes are frightening incidents that can entirely upend your life. When that happens, you need a team that understands Texas, knows the trucking industry, and actually cares about getting you the justice and compensation you need to get your life back on track.
At Freese & Goss, we bring decades of experience and a history of winning over $1 billion for our clients, including:
- $1,000,000 Settlement in 18-Wheeler Collision: An 18-wheeler swerved to avoid cattle and struck the client’s vehicle. The crash caused significant injuries and resulted in a seven-figure settlement.
- $1,000,000 Settlement in Truck Accident Case: An Oncor utility truck ran a red light and crashed into our client’s vehicle.
Reach out for a free, no-pressure conversation today online or by calling 214-761-6623.
Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
How Do Trucking Regulations Affect My Accident Case?
Trucking regulations can play a major role in determining who’s at fault and how strong your case is.
Federal and state laws set strict standards for things like driver hours, rest breaks, truck maintenance, cargo loading, and even drug and alcohol testing. If a truck driver or company violated any of these rules, that violation could serve as key evidence of negligence.
At Freese & Goss, our team looks closely at driver logs, maintenance records, safety inspections, and more to find any violations that may have contributed to the crash. We use that information to hold the right parties accountable, whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, or another third party involved.
What If the Truck Driver Was From Another State?
It’s common for truck drivers to cross state lines, especially in a major hub like Dallas. If the truck driver who hit you is from another state, that doesn’t prevent you from taking legal action here in Texas. But it can make certain parts of your case more complex.
In most situations, your case can still be filed in Texas, since that’s where the accident happened. Texas law will likely apply to the crash itself, though some parts of the case may also involve federal trucking laws or the laws of the driver’s home state. These legal layers can affect how the case moves forward, especially when it comes to issues like insurance coverage, serving legal documents, or collecting out-of-state evidence.
Because this is an interstate matter, the trucking company may try to shift the case to federal court. They may also be located in a different state than the driver, which can influence strategy and timelines. Depositions or legal discovery may involve out-of-state travel or coordination, and if you win your case, you might need to enforce the judgment where the driver or company is based.
At Freese & Goss, we handle truck accident cases involving out-of-state drivers all the time. We know how to manage the extra steps, deal with cross-state legal issues, and keep the process moving forward smoothly.
How Long Does a Typical Truck Accident Case Take to Resolve?
The duration of a truck accident case can vary significantly depending on various factors. The average timeframe for simple cases might settle in 6-12 months, complex cases often take 1-3 years, and cases that go to trial can take 2-4 years or longer.
An experienced Dallas truck accident attorney can help manage expectations, streamline the process where possible, and advise on when it’s appropriate to settle or continue pursuing the case.
What Types of Compensation Can a Dallas Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Help Me Recover?
A truck accident attorney can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damage to your vehicle. In more serious cases, this may also include future medical care, loss of earning capacity, or wrongful death damages. If the trucking company acted recklessly, you may be eligible for punitive damages as well. Your attorney will work to make sure you’re fully compensated for everything you’ve lost.
