Truck Accident FAQ — Dallas, Texas

Texas generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because truck evidence such as electronic logging device data and black box records can be overwritten within weeks, it is best to speak with a lawyer well before that deadline. (Source: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.)

Yes. Wrongful death claims in Texas generally must be filed within two years of the date of death, which is not always the same date as the crash. Certain circumstances can extend or shorten this window, so early legal advice matters.

Yes. Under Texas modified comparative fault rules, you can recover damages as long as you are not found more than 50% responsible for the crash. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. (Source: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001.)

FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the federal agency that regulates interstate trucking. It sets rules on driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and driver qualification files. A documented FMCSA violation can directly support a negligence claim against the driver or the trucking company. (Source: 49 CFR Parts 380–399.)

Texas venue rules generally place a lawsuit in the county where the crash happened or where the defendant resides or has its principal office. Most Dallas-area crashes are filed in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, or Denton County depending on the location. (Source: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 15.002.)

Liability can fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, the shipper or cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer — often more than one at the same time. Each additional responsible party can bring another insurance policy into the claim, which is a key difference from an ordinary car accident case.

Yes. A fully loaded semi truck or 18-wheeler usually involves multiple insurance policies, federal safety regulations, and several potentially responsible parties — the driver, the carrier, the trailer owner, and sometimes a separate loading or maintenance company. A car accident typically involves a single driver and a single policy.

You are not required to give a recorded statement right away. It is reasonable to let the adjuster know you will respond after speaking with legal counsel. Trucking companies often send investigators to the scene within hours, so anything you say early can be used to limit the claim later.

No. Interstate carriers operating on Texas highways can be sued in Texas courts, and federal FMCSA rules apply to them regardless of where they are headquartered. Out-of-state carriers routinely defend claims arising from Dallas-area crashes.

Often, yes. Trucking companies can face direct liability for negligent hiring, inadequate training, skipped maintenance, or delivery schedules that pressure drivers to exceed federal hours-of-service limits — separate from the driver's own negligence.

Identifying a fleeing commercial truck typically relies on nearby camera footage, DOT numbers reported by witnesses, and fleet records. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy can also become relevant if the driver is never identified.

Electronic logging device (ELD) data and event data recorder ("black box") data can be overwritten within days to weeks. Nearby business or traffic camera footage is often recycled even faster. Sending a written evidence-preservation request early is one of the first steps in most truck accident cases.

Key evidence typically includes the police crash report, driver logs and hours-of-service records, black box data, maintenance and inspection records, the driver's qualification file, cargo-loading records, and any available camera footage. Which records matter most depends on the crash mechanism — a rollover points to cargo and speed data, while a rear-end collision points more heavily to driver logs.

Get medical attention first, even if injuries feel minor. When safe, photograph the vehicles, the truck's DOT number, the scene, and any visible cargo or damage, and get contact information for witnesses. Avoid discussing fault with the driver or any insurance representative at the scene.

Yes. Medical records created close to the crash date help connect your injuries to the collision, and receipts for treatment, medication, and related expenses support the damages portion of a claim.

Because truck accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies and several potentially liable parties, a truck accident lawyer can help identify who is responsible and manage all communication with insurers on your behalf, which reduces the risk of an early lowball settlement.

Nothing. Case reviews are free. You can describe what happened and get an explanation of your options before deciding how to move forward.

TALDA handles a full range of commercial trucking claims — 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, box trucks, delivery vehicles, tankers, and other commercial vehicles — along with related claim types like rollovers, jackknife accidents, underride collisions, and wrongful death.

TALDA represents clients throughout Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, and Ellis counties, including Downtown Dallas, Oak Cliff, North Dallas, Irving, Plano, Garland, Mesquite, Arlington, and Fort Worth, among other North Texas communities.

Depending on the facts of the case, recoverable damages can include medical expenses, lost income, future medical care, pain and suffering, and property damage. In a wrongful death case, a surviving spouse, children, or parents may also be able to recover for loss of companionship and related damages.

Early settlement offers usually arrive before the full extent of your medical treatment and future costs are known. Accepting an early offer can permanently close the claim before the true value is understood, which is why demand packages are typically built after treatment has progressed.

A typical truck accident claim moves through four stages: an initial consultation to review what happened, an investigation to gather and preserve evidence, negotiation with the responsible insurers, and — if a fair resolution is not reached — litigation to pursue the claim further.

Timelines vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the number of parties and insurers involved, and whether the case settles or proceeds to litigation. Straightforward claims may resolve in months; cases that go to trial can take considerably longer.

Start with the vehicle type involved (18-wheeler, semi-truck, or other commercial truck) and the crash mechanism (rollover, jackknife, underride, multi-vehicle pileup, hit-and-run). More than one claim type often applies to the same crash, and a free case review can sort this out quickly.