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The commercial trucking industry is heavily regulated to protect the public. People and companies who operate large trucks are known as carriers. While many carriers engage in safe trucking practices and generally behave responsibly, sadly, there are still some carriers whose negligence causes truck accidents. These trucking accidents cause grievous injuries, many of which are fatal, and many others from which those involved in the truck wreck will never recover.
After being involved in a commercial trucking accident, your first priority should be getting to safety and receiving medical treatment as required. After that, you should immediately contact an experienced Dallas personal injury attorney to assess your case.
At Bush & Bush, our Dallas truck accident lawyers have a deep understanding of the law of trucking accidents and strive every day to put our clients first. Reach out to a Dallas truck accident lawyer today at (469) 977-7777. to schedule your free consultation.
"I am truly grateful for the exceptional legal representation provided by the team at Bush & Bush Law. Their expertise and dedication made a big difference in the outcome of my personal injury case. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking competent legal counsel. Thank you, Bush & Bush Law, for your guidance and support. "
"This law firm was truly there for me in my time of need. Feeling completely vulnerable after an accident, attorney Charles Bush and his firm made me feel taken care of and important. Working with them I always got someone on the phone went for the best medical care and collected a great settlement."
"Bush and Bush Law Group is the BEST. Once they have your case you can finally relax and know that justice is on the way and better days are to come. It is such a relief to sleep well at night knowing you’re in Bush and Bush Law group hands. They listen and put you FIRST, I am ALWAYS calling Bush & Bush Law Group to help with ANY justice or case rather small or Big, they ALWAYS win, meaning you Win also. They keep you up to date with updates on your case and more."
When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, choosing the right Dallas truck accident attorney is a critical decision. Here’s what we offer:
Our Dallas truck accident attorneys use our extensive experience to build the strongest possible case, aiming to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Our network of experts, including medical and financial professionals, is available to support your claim. We take the time to understand your story and goals, tailoring our services to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck wreck in Dallas, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal help. Truck accident cases can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team is ready to answer your questions, evaluate your case, and help you take the first steps toward recovery.
Call us today at (469) 977-7777 or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (the “FMCSA”) exists to reduce truck crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. To do that, the FMCSA issues the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (“FMCSRs”) to promote the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles by carriers. Carriers are either:
The FMCSRs protect the public from unsafe operators of large trucks by requiring carriers to (1) obtain operating authority and (2) obtain liability insurance coverage. Each requirement will be explained below.
It is illegal for a carrier to operate in the United States without a Motor Carrier Number (“MC Number”), which is also known as an operating authority. An MC Number identifies the type of trucking business and the kinds of goods hauled by that carrier.
Carriers must also obtain a U.S. DOT Number. The U.S. DOT Number is a unique identifier for collecting and monitoring the company’s safety audits, compliance with safety regulations, truck crash investigations, and inspections.
Under 49 C.F.R. § 365.105, every carrier effectively signs a contract with the public under oath when it applies for operating authority. This certification is effectively a contract with the American public in which:
When litigating these cases, our Dallas truck accident attorneys at Bush & Bush obtained a copy of the trucking company’s application through the FMCSA under 49 C.F.R. § 365.117. Remember: in signing that application, the carrier took an oath that it, its carriers, its employees, and all of its agents would know, understand, and comply with all of the FMCSRs. Our team of personal injury attorneys will also use the carrier’s U.S. DOT number to acquire the carrier’s safety audits, any reports concerning the carrier’s compliance with safety regulations, crash investigations, and equipment inspections.
After acquiring these documents, our personal injury attorneys craft their arguments by reviewing and comparing the facts of our client’s case against the requirements set out in the FMCSRs and the documents obtained using the carrier’s U.S. DOT Number. They use the application as evidence that the carrier understood and was capable of complying with all of the FMCSRs. Then our truck accident attorneys use the reports to demonstrate the carrier’s negligence by failing to comply with the FMCSRs.
Under 49 C.F.R. § 387.8(a) and 49 C.F.R. § 387.9, all truck drivers and carriers must establish financial responsibility for a minimum of $750,000 through insurance policies, bonds, or self-insurance. These regulations requiring carriers to meet minimum requirements of financial responsibility reflect a legislative public policy choice that requiring liability insurance would help protect public safety. Specifically, requiring carriers to meet minimum requirements of financial responsibility:
Industry groups such as the Trucking Alliance recognize how vital these insurance policies are to making commercial trucking enterprises safe. They have called for Congress to increase the minimum amount that motor carriers must maintain to ensure carriers can continue to operate safely and to ensure people injured in trucking accidents receive adequate compensation for their medical costs.
The current minimum of $750,000 has not been adjusted in over forty years. Despite the need for increased coverage, that minimum amount ensures people involved in trucking accidents will receive some compensation for their injuries.
The injuries in trucking accidents are brutal for those who sustain them and their families. At Bush & Bush, our Dallas truck accident attorneys understand just how important this compensation is to them in the wake of their injuries, and they know how to help them get the compensation they are owed. Likewise, if you have been involved in a car accident, one of our Dallas car accident lawyers will provide the support you need in filing a lawsuit.
After a truck accident, prioritize safety by checking for injuries and calling 911 if needed. It’s crucial to gather evidence, such as photos of the accident scene and contact details of witnesses. Always contact the police to file a report and seek medical attention. Then, consult a Dallas truck accident attorney to protect your rights.
Liability in truck accidents can extend beyond the driver. Depending on the case, the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even third-party contractors responsible for truck maintenance could be held accountable. A Dallas truck accident lawyer can help identify all liable parties.
The statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file a claim within this time, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It’s important to consult a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your case.
Truck accidents tend to be more severe due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. There are also more complex laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. These factors, along with potentially multiple liable parties, make truck accident cases more challenging than typical car accident cases.
Victims of truck accidents may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages. A Dallas truck accident lawyer can help calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you are properly compensated.
Key evidence in a truck accident case includes the police report, medical records, witness statements, and photos of the scene. Additional evidence like the truck’s black box data, truck driver logs, and truck maintenance records may also be critical. Your truck accident attorney will help gather and preserve this evidence.
The timeline for a truck accident case can vary based on the complexity of the case and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate. Some cases can settle within months, while others may take longer if they go to trial.
Congress recognized the danger posed to the public by commercial trucking accidents more than forty years ago when it created the FMCSA. The policy choices made by Congress back then reflect the beliefs of the truck attorneys at Bush & Bush Law Group today: people injured by trucking accidents deserve to have their rights upheld and their futures prioritized.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial trucking accident by a negligent truck driver, then do not wait to contact a personal injury attorney. Once you are physically able to do so, call the Dallas truck accident attorneys at Bush & Bush at (469) 977-7777 or contact us online.
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