Truck Accident Lawyer DeSoto | 18-Wheeler Attorney | TALDT
Quick answer. Truck Accident Lawyers Dallas Texas (TALDT) represents people hurt in 18-wheeler, semi and commercial truck crashes in DeSoto, Texas. At TALDT, a truck accident lawyer DeSoto families can call investigates the crash, preserves trucking evidence and pursues compensation from the trucking company and its insurer. Case reviews are free. You pay no fee unless we recover money for you. Texas law generally allows two years to file a lawsuit.
DeSoto sits where I-35E meets I-20 in southern Dallas County. US-67 runs along the west side through Cedar Hill and I-45 lies a few miles east. Distribution centers on Polk Street, Wintergreen Road and in the Eagle Park 20/35 business park put tractor-trailers on local streets every day.
When a loaded semi jackknifes near the interchange or a box truck hits a car on Belt Line Road, the injuries are often severe. The insurer for the carrier usually starts building its defense within hours. TALDT serves Dallas, Fort Worth and the surrounding counties, and we work with injured DeSoto drivers, passengers and families across North Texas.
If you're involved in a truck accident on I-35E or a neighborhood street, the first days matter because trucking data can be overwritten. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto residents bring in early has more evidence to work with. You can also read how our Dallas truck accident lawyers handle cases across the metro.
Talk to TALDT today. Get your free case review or contact us to talk through what happened. The review costs nothing, and you are under no obligation to hire us.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on DeSoto Freight Corridors
The common causes of truck accidents around DeSoto trace back to heavy freight volume and to choices made by drivers and motor carriers. The DeSoto Economic Development Corporation describes the city as a logistics location at the I-35E and I-20 junction. The Union Pacific Dallas Intermodal Terminal and the International Inland Port of Dallas are less than 20 minutes away. That freight moves by truck, and much of it moves past DeSoto homes and schools. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto residents hire should start by placing the crash on one of these routes.
I-35E and the I-20 Interchange
The interchange forces trucks and passenger vehicles to merge and change lanes in a short distance. A tractor-trailer has large blind spots on both sides and directly behind the trailer. Crashes here often involve a truck moving into an occupied lane or rear-ending slowed traffic. An 18 wheeler accident attorney DeSoto drivers hire for an interchange crash will look at lane position, speed and mirror visibility. Every truck accident lawyer DeSoto commuters consult should also ask whether the driver was close to an hours-of-service limit.
I-20 East Toward the Inland Port
I-20 carries container and chassis trucks between DeSoto, Lancaster, Wilmer and Hutchins. Heavy loads need far more distance to stop than a passenger car. When traffic backs up near an exit, a truck following too closely may not stop in time. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto workers rely on after a highway crash will request the event data stored in the truck engine module.
Local Warehouse Roads
Polk Street, Wintergreen Road, Hampton Road and Belt Line Road all carry trucks entering and leaving loading docks. Wide right turns, trucks backing across lanes and trailers parked on shoulders create risk for drivers and pedestrians. A pedestrian accident near a warehouse entrance can involve the property owner as well as the trucking company. Most of these accidents occur where trucks and passenger vehicles share tight space at low speed.
The causes we see most often include:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR Part 395
- Speeding for conditions and following too closely
- Phone use and other distraction behind the wheel
- Overloaded or unsecured cargo that shifts in a turn
- Brake, tire and lighting failures from skipped maintenance
- Carriers that hire or keep unqualified truck drivers
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Several of these major contributing causes of DeSoto truck crashes point back to the motor carrier and not only the driver. That matters because the carrier usually holds the larger insurance policy.
Truck Crash Numbers for DeSoto and Dallas County
Truck crashes are frequent in Dallas County. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Dallas County recorded 3,857 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in 2024. Those crashes included 27 fatal crashes that killed 29 people.
| Measure (2024) | Dallas County | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial motor vehicle crashes | 3,857 | 39,393 |
| Fatal crashes | 27 | 546 |
| Deaths | 29 | 608 |
| Suspected serious injuries | 124 | 1,601 |
Source: TxDOT, Commercial Motor Vehicle Involved Crashes and Injuries by County, 2024 (data processed as of April 9, 2025). TxDOT also reports that 4,150 people died in all Texas traffic crashes in 2024 (Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts, Calendar Year 2024).
The county tables do not list a separate DeSoto trucking figure. City-level crash records are available through the TxDOT Crash Records Information System. We use those records to check how many accidents every year in DeSoto involve commercial vehicles near a crash site. Victims in DeSoto are part of these county totals, and the numbers show how often truck crashes end in serious injuries and fatalities. Behind these accidents and injuries every year are families facing surgery, lost income and long recoveries. Crash history near a site can help a truck accident lawyer DeSoto families hire show that a hazard was known.
DeSoto Truck Crash Data: Dallas County and Texas Statistics, 2024 and 2025
Every number below says where it came from. The figures come from the official crash records of the Texas Department of Transportation, compiled from Texas Peace Officer's Crash Reports (CR-3), and from federal crash data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
They describe commercial motor vehicle crashes county wide and statewide. TxDOT does not publish a separate commercial vehicle table for the City of DeSoto, which lies in Dallas County, so Dallas County is shown as the closest official measure.
| Commercial motor vehicle crashes | 2024 | 2025 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas County CMV involved crashes | 3,857 | 3,778 | TxDOT Crash Records |
| Dallas County fatal CMV crashes | 27 | 33 | TxDOT 2024 |
| Dallas County deaths in CMV crashes | 29 | 37 | TxDOT 2025 |
| Dallas County suspected serious injuries in CMV crashes | 124 | 130 | TxDOT 2025 |
| Dallas County suspected minor injuries in CMV crashes | 575 | 602 | TxDOT 2024 |
| Texas statewide CMV involved crashes | 39,393 | 38,533 | TxDOT Crash Records |
| Texas statewide fatal CMV crashes | 546 | 469 | TxDOT 2024 |
| Texas statewide deaths in CMV crashes | 608 | 528 | TxDOT 2025 |
| Texas statewide suspected serious injuries in CMV crashes | 1,601 | 1,611 | TxDOT 2025 |
| Texas statewide suspected minor injuries in CMV crashes | 6,148 | 6,576 | TxDOT 2025 |
| People killed nationally in crashes involving large trucks | 5,340 | Not yet published | NHTSA Large Trucks 2024 |
| People injured nationally in crashes involving large trucks | 161,201 | Not yet published | NHTSA Large Trucks 2024 |
| Texas deaths in large truck crashes, federal count | 720 | Not yet published | NHTSA Large Trucks 2024 |
Two figures in that table matter to anyone hurt in DeSoto. Fatal commercial vehicle crashes in Dallas County rose from 27 in 2024 to 33 in 2025, and deaths in those crashes rose from 29 to 37, even though the total number of crashes fell slightly. Suspected serious injuries rose from 124 to 130 over the same period. Texas also recorded 720 deaths in large truck crashes in the federal 2024 count, the highest of any state.
Figures are taken from published TxDOT and NHTSA data for the calendar years shown. TxDOT 2024 counts reflect CR-3 reports processed as of 9 April 2025, and 2025 counts reflect reports processed as of 7 April 2026. Crash record totals are revised by the agencies over time, and no statistic describes the facts of any individual case or predicts the outcome of any claim.
Want the crash history for your road? Street-level counts can be pulled from the TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS) for the exact segment of I-35E, I-20, Polk Street or Wintergreen Road where your crash happened. Ask us to pull it through a free case review, or contact us.
Types of Truck Collisions We Handle in DeSoto
TALDT handles claims from the truck collision types that happen most on DeSoto roads, from highway rollovers to low-speed crashes at loading docks. As a commercial vehicle accident lawyer DeSoto residents can reach, we also take cases involving box trucks, delivery vans, dump trucks, tankers, garbage trucks and company pickups pulling trailers.
Rollover Accident
A rollover accident often starts on a curved ramp or during a sharp lane change. Trucks have a high center of gravity, and liquid cargo can surge and tip a tanker. Speed on the I-35E and I-20 ramps plays a large part. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto residents hire after a rollover will look at load records, ramp speed and how the cargo was secured.
Rear-End and Underride Truck Collision
A loaded truck that rear-ends a car can push it into other vehicles and cause a chain crash. In an underride truck collision, a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer. Federal rules in 49 CFR 393.86 require rear impact guards on most trailers, and a missing or damaged guard can become part of the claim. Any truck accident lawyer DeSoto victims call about an underride crash should inspect the trailer before it is repaired or sold.
Jackknife, Wide-Turn and Blind-Spot Crashes
A jackknife happens when the trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, often after hard braking. Wide-turn crashes happen when a truck swings left before turning right and a car moves into the gap. Blind-spot crashes happen when a driver changes lanes without seeing a vehicle beside the trailer. For each type, a truck accident lawyer DeSoto drivers work with will compare the crash scene to the turn path and mirror setup of the truck.
Who Is Liable for a Semi Truck Crash in DeSoto?
More than one company may be liable for a semi truck crash in DeSoto. The driver, the motor carrier, the cargo loader, a freight broker, a maintenance shop or a parts manufacturer could each be responsible for your accident. Sorting out who shares fault is where a truck accident lawyer DeSoto families hire spends much of the early work.
Our truck accident team explains that trucking companies must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399. Those rules cover driver qualifications, hours of service, inspections and maintenance. A violation of those rules can help show negligence.
| Party | Why it may be liable | Evidence we request |
|---|---|---|
| Truck driver | Speeding, fatigue, distraction or impairment | Electronic logging device data, phone records, drug and alcohol tests |
| Motor carrier | Responsibility for its driver, negligent hiring or training, unrealistic schedules | Driver qualification file, dispatch records, safety policies |
| Shipper or loader | Overloaded or poorly secured cargo | Bills of lading, load plans, scale tickets |
| Freight broker | Choosing a carrier with a poor safety record (depends on the facts) | Broker agreement, carrier safety scores |
| Maintenance company | Faulty brake, tire or lighting work | Inspection and repair records |
| Parts manufacturer | Defective brakes, tires or guards | Failure analysis, recall notices |
A semi truck accident lawyer DeSoto TX residents hire will request all of these records. Finding every liable party is one of the first jobs we take on, because each company may carry its own insurance.
Not sure who caused your crash? Send the details through our free case review or contact us. We will tell you which records to look for first.
What Texas Law Says About Fault and Filing Deadlines
Texas law generally gives you two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. A wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Texas uses proportionate responsibility under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. You can recover damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault, and your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you recover nothing.
Example: A jury finds your total damages are $100,000 and assigns you 20 percent of the fault. Your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Claims involving a city or county vehicle fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act, which generally requires written notice within six months. Some city charters set a shorter notice period. An accident attorney can tell you which deadline applies to your crash, and acting early helps protect your rights. Talk to a truck accident lawyer DeSoto residents trust well before any deadline gets close.
Find out which deadlines, companies and policies apply to your crash. Start a free case review, or send the details through the contact page.
Statutes and federal regulations cited here were current at the time of writing, and application depends on the facts of each matter.
After a Truck Accident in DeSoto: Your First 72 Hours
After a truck accident in DeSoto, what you do in the first 72 hours protects your health and your claim. A DeSoto truck crash attorney can step in quickly, but some of these steps only you can take.
- Immediately call 911. Report injuries and ask for police. Inside city limits, DeSoto Police usually respond. On highway stretches, a Dallas County Sheriff deputy or a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper may write the report.
- Get medical care the same day. Adrenaline can hide back, neck and head injuries for hours. We want you to receive access to the best medical care your injuries call for, and early records connect each injury to the crash.
- Record the truck details. Photograph the USDOT number on the cab door, the company name, the trailer number and the license plate. Get names and phone numbers from witnesses.
- Request the crash report. The Texas Peace Officer Crash Report (form CR-3) can be purchased online from TxDOT through the TxDOT Crash Records Information System, usually several days after the crash.
- Do not give a recorded statement. Insurance companies for trucking carriers often call within a day or two. Decline politely and refer the adjuster to your lawyer.
- Talk to a lawyer before evidence disappears. Electronic logging device data, engine data and dashcam video can be overwritten. A preservation letter puts the carrier on notice to keep it. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto clients hire at this stage sends that letter right away.
The sooner we review your case, the more evidence we can protect. Our team is standing by to help you start your case as soon as possible.
Why DeSoto Families Choose Our Truck Accident Law Firm
People in DeSoto choose TALDT because a truck crash claim is a different kind of case from car accidents. Federal safety rules, multiple liable companies and larger insurance policies change how the claim is built. Our legal team organizes each claim around those three things from the first day.
A truck accident lawyer DeSoto clients meet with at TALDT starts by listening. We ask how the crash happened, who was in the truck and what your doctors have told you. Then we explain in plain terms what the claim may involve and what we would do next.
- Free case review with no obligation. Many firms call it a free consultation. We call it a free case review, and it costs nothing. We tell you honestly whether we can take on your case.
- No fee unless we recover. You pay no attorney fee unless we win your case through a settlement or verdict. We explain how court costs and litigation expenses are handled before you sign anything. Ask about fees at your free case review.
- Fast evidence work. We move quickly to preserve truck data, driver logs and dashcam footage before a carrier can lose or overwrite them.
- Local road knowledge. We know the I-35E and I-20 corridor and the warehouse traffic along Polk Street and Wintergreen Road. We also know which agency usually writes the crash report at each location.
Want to know who would handle your file? At your free case review, ask for the name of the attorney who will work on your claim, and check any Texas lawyer's license through the State Bar of Texas. Request a free case review or contact us and a member of the legal team will come back to you.
Our entire team understands how traumatic a truck crash is for a family. An experienced attorney reviews every file, and you can count on us to return calls and explain each decision. We want to fight for the legal rights of DeSoto residents with the same care we would want for our own families. Before you talk to any insurer, a short call with a truck accident lawyer DeSoto drivers trust can keep you from signing away part of your claim.
Compensation in a DeSoto Truck Accident Claim
Depending on the facts, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses from every party that caused the crash. Truck crashes often cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, fractures and burns, so these claims tend to involve larger losses than a typical car crash. The amount a truck accident lawyer DeSoto clients work with can pursue depends on medical records, income records and the insurance available.
Damages in a Texas truck accident claim may include:
- Medical bills for emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn in the future
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Damages for spouses, children and parents under the Texas Wrongful Death Act in Chapter 71 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code
Families who lost someone in a crash can read more about truck accident wrongful death claims. We work with medical experts to estimate future care costs, because a settlement has to cover care you will need years from now. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto patients hire should document those future costs before any offer is accepted.
Get the full loss valued before any offer. Start a free case review and we will tell you what a full demand on your facts would have to cover, or reach the team through the contact page.
How a Truck Claim Differs From a Car Claim
| Factor | Typical car crash claim | Truck crash claim |
|---|---|---|
| Liable parties | Usually one driver | Driver, motor carrier, loader, broker, maintenance shop or manufacturer |
| Insurance | Texas minimum liability of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per crash | Federal minimum of $750,000 for most interstate general freight carriers under 49 CFR 387.9, higher for hazardous materials |
| Safety rules | Texas traffic laws | Texas traffic laws plus Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations |
| Key evidence | Photos, police report, witnesses | Engine data, electronic logs, driver qualification file, inspection and dispatch records |
We study trucking injury law and fight insurer arguments with records rather than opinions. We vigorously pursue your legal right to be paid for every documented loss, and our goal is fair compensation that reflects the full harm. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto families meet with at TALDT will explain which of these damages may apply to you.
How a Truck Accident Case Works With Our Attorneys
A truck accident case is a type of personal injury case, but it involves federal rules and corporate defendants that a typical car claim does not. Whether you are searching for a personal injury lawyer, an injury lawyer or an injury attorney, the truck side of the claim is where our work is focused. You can meet our truck accident attorneys before you decide anything.
Most claims handled by a truck accident lawyer DeSoto clients hire move through six stages:
- Free case evaluation. We review the crash, your injuries and the insurance involved at no cost.
- Investigation. We send preservation letters, collect the crash report and request truck data and company records.
- Medical treatment. You focus on recovery while we track your bills and records.
- Demand. Once your doctors can estimate your long-term needs, we send a written demand to each insurer.
- Negotiation or lawsuit. If the insurers will not pay a fair amount, we can file suit, usually in a Dallas County district court.
- Settlement or trial. Most claims resolve through settlement. Some go to trial when the defense refuses to pay what the evidence supports.
While you're dealing with treatment, we handle the calls, forms and deadlines. Insurers sometimes push for a quick settlement before your injuries are fully known. We aim to close your case as soon as the full picture of your injuries is clear and not before. For more on how these claims are built, see our page on 18-wheeler accident claims. Ask any truck accident lawyer DeSoto residents consider how they would handle each of these six stages.
Our Law Office Serving DeSoto and Southern Dallas County
TALDT serves DeSoto as part of its Dallas service area. We meet clients by phone, by video or in person. Contact us to set up a time that works for you. You do not need to find an attorney in DeSoto city limits to get help from a team that knows these roads. The map below shows our DeSoto service area, not an office location.
Truck Accident Lawyers Dallas Texas (TALDT) Service area: DeSoto, Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding counties.
As a big rig accident attorney near DeSoto, we also take cases from nearby cities along the same freight routes. If you searched for a truck lawyer near DeSoto because the crash happened just outside town, we can still help. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto neighbors recommend should know the full southern Dallas County area, including:
- Cedar Hill truck accident lawyer
- Duncanville truck accident lawyer
- Lancaster truck accident lawyer: request a free case review for a crash in Lancaster
- Glenn Heights truck accident lawyer: request a free case review for a crash in Glenn Heights
Clients who want a DeSoto accident attorney for a crash with a delivery van or work truck can read about our commercial vehicle accident claims. Wherever the crash happened, a truck accident lawyer DeSoto drivers call at TALDT will start with the same free review.
What DeSoto-Area Clients Say
Reviews of Truck Accident Lawyers Dallas Texas (TALDT) from DeSoto-area truck accident clients will appear here once they are verified. This page publishes only real reviews shared with client permission. What matters to you is what can be done on your own file, and the fastest way to find that out is to have your crash reviewed while the evidence still exists.
Talk to a lawyer today through the free case review form, or contact us and a member of the legal team will come back to you.
DeSoto Truck Accident FAQs
Who handles 18-wheeler accidents in DeSoto, Texas?
Truck Accident Lawyers Dallas Texas (TALDT) handles 18-wheeler accident claims for people hurt in DeSoto, Texas. As a truck accident lawyer DeSoto residents can call, TALDT investigates crashes on I-35E, I-20 and local warehouse roads and pursues claims against drivers, motor carriers and their insurers. Case reviews are free.
Where can I find a truck accident lawyer near DeSoto and Dallas?
TALDT serves DeSoto as part of its Dallas service area and takes truck crash cases across Dallas, Fort Worth and the surrounding counties. You can start with a free case review by phone or online, and we can meet by video or in person. You do not need to live in Dallas to work with us.
Do I need an accident lawyer in DeSoto if the trucking insurer already called me?
Yes, it is wise to speak with a lawyer before you give the trucking insurer a recorded statement. Adjusters work for the carrier, and early statements are often used to dispute fault or injuries. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto families hire can handle those calls for you.
How much does a truck accident attorney in DeSoto cost?
A truck accident attorney in DeSoto at TALDT costs nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. The fee percentage and how case costs are handled are explained in writing before you sign. Ask about both at the free case review or through the contact page.
Which agency writes the crash report for a truck wreck on I-35E or I-20 near DeSoto?
It depends on exactly where the crash happened. DeSoto Police usually handle crashes inside city limits, while a Dallas County Sheriff deputy or a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper may respond on some highway stretches. The officer completes a Texas Peace Officer Crash Report (CR-3), which you can buy online from TxDOT. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto drivers hire can request the report for you.
Why are there so many 18-wheelers around DeSoto?
DeSoto sits at the junction of I-35E and I-20, and the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation markets the city as a logistics hub. The Union Pacific Dallas Intermodal Terminal and the International Inland Port of Dallas are less than 20 minutes away, so distribution centers in and around DeSoto generate steady truck traffic.
Can I recover if a truck turning into a warehouse on Polk Street or Wintergreen Road hit me?
You may be able to recover if the truck driver made an unsafe turn, blocked lanes or failed to yield. Liability can extend to the motor carrier and the property owner if the entrance design or traffic control was unsafe. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto residents hire will review the scene, video and dock records.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, in Texas you can still recover if you are 50 percent or less at fault for the crash. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages.
What evidence disappears first after a truck crash?
Electronic data disappears first. Engine control module data and dashcam video can be overwritten within days or weeks, and carriers only have to keep hours-of-service records for six months under 49 CFR 395.8. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto clients hire early can send a preservation letter that puts the carrier on notice to keep this evidence.
Will my DeSoto truck accident case go to trial?
Most truck accident cases settle without a trial, but some do go to court when an insurer refuses a fair offer. If a lawsuit is needed, your case would usually be filed in a Dallas County district court. We prepare each claim as if it may be tried, which gives you more options in negotiations.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer DeSoto Residents Trust Today
Need a DeSoto attorney who knows trucking? Truck crashes cause serious injuries and deaths in Dallas County every year, and the evidence that proves fault starts fading the day of the crash. You can speak with an accident lawyer in DeSoto today about what happened and what your claim may be worth to pursue.
Online: Fill out our secure online case review form for a free case review with no obligation.
Other options: Contact us through the contact page today.
You pay no fee unless we recover money for you. A truck accident lawyer DeSoto families trust at TALDT will review your crash and explain your options.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Texas truck accident law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its own facts, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact us for a free case review about your situation.