Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas | Truck Accident Attorney Dallas

Commercial trucks are vital to Dallas’s economy, but when they’re involved in collisions, the consequences can be catastrophic. Truck accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than passenger vehicle crashes due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles.

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, a truck accident attorney in Dallas can help you understand your legal options, investigate the cause of the accident, and pursue compensation from all responsible parties. In this article, we cover the most common causes of truck accidents in Dallas and what you can do if you’ve been affected.

Trucking Traffic in Dallas: Why the Risk Is High

Dallas is home to some of Texas’s busiest freight corridors. Highways like I-35E, I-635, I-30, and the Dallas North Tollway see a constant mix of passenger traffic and large trucks. Add in frequent road construction, tight merging lanes, and sudden traffic slowdowns, and it’s easy to see why Dallas ranks high for serious trucking collisions.

Fatigued Driving

Driver fatigue is a major issue in the trucking industry. Despite federal regulations limiting drive time, some truckers work long hours without proper rest. Fatigue slows reaction time, affects judgment, and increases the likelihood of dozing off behind the wheel.

A truck accident attorney can examine driver logs, delivery schedules, and electronic logging device (ELD) data to determine if a fatigued driver caused your accident.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers often multitask on the road—managing GPS systems, communicating with dispatchers, or even texting. These distractions may seem minor, but at highway speeds, taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can result in disaster.

Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of preventable crashes in Texas, especially among commercial drivers navigating unfamiliar routes in high-traffic areas like Dallas.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Trucks are harder to maneuver and slower to stop than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers speed or drive aggressively, the results can be devastating.

This behavior is particularly dangerous in congested areas like downtown Dallas or during rush hour on I-635, where sudden braking is often required. A speeding truck can’t react in time, putting nearby drivers at risk.

Improper Lane Changes and Blind Spots

Commercial trucks have large blind spots—also known as “no-zones”—on all sides. When a truck driver changes lanes without properly checking their blind spots, it can result in sideswipes, rollovers, or multi-car pileups.

A common scenario involves trucks merging into the left lane on I-30 or I-20 without seeing smaller vehicles in their path. These collisions often require legal help to determine fault and assess the truck driver’s awareness and decision-making.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Federal and state laws require commercial trucks to undergo regular maintenance. However, some companies cut corners to save money or time—leading to dangerous mechanical failures on the road.

Common maintenance-related failures include:

• Brake failure
• Tire blowouts
• Steering malfunctions
• Broken or missing lights
• Worn suspension systems

Your Dallas truck accident attorney can obtain maintenance logs and inspection reports to determine whether a lack of upkeep contributed to your crash.

Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo

Overloaded or unevenly loaded trucks are harder to control, especially when turning or braking. Improperly secured cargo can also shift, causing rollovers or spilled loads that endanger nearby drivers.

When cargo-related issues are involved, liability may extend to a freight company or third-party loader—something your legal team will investigate carefully.

Inexperienced or Undertrained Drivers

The trucking industry is facing a national shortage of drivers. As a result, some companies hire underqualified or poorly trained drivers who may not be equipped to handle high-pressure traffic or emergency situations.

Texas law requires trucking companies to perform background checks and ensure proper training. When they fail to do so, they may be liable for resulting accidents.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is always dangerous—but even more so when it involves an 80,000-pound vehicle. While commercial drivers are subject to strict drug and alcohol testing, violations still occur.

Victims of DUI-related truck accidents may be entitled to punitive damages, especially if the trucking company failed to enforce its drug testing policies.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Truck accident claims are far more complex than standard auto crash cases. They involve:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
• Multiple potentially liable parties (driver, employer, mechanic, loader)
• Higher insurance policy limits
• Black box data and vehicle monitoring logs
• Aggressive defense teams representing trucking companies

Because of these challenges, it’s crucial to work with a firm that regularly handles trucking litigation. At Zinda Law Group, we have the knowledge and resources to take on large corporations and pursue the maximum compensation for our clients.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

If you’re involved in a truck crash in Dallas, take the following steps to protect yourself and your case:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor symptoms
3. Exchange information with the truck driver and witnesses
4. Document the scene with photos or video
5. Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurer before speaking to an attorney
6. Contact a truck accident lawyer to begin your claim

A legal team can move quickly to preserve crucial evidence, such as black box data and inspection reports, that might otherwise be lost.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Depending on the facts of your case, a truck accident claim may allow you to recover:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income or wages
• Future medical care
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (in wrongful death cases)

Punitive Damages:

These may be awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as DUI or repeated safety violations.

How Long Do You Have to File?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, time-sensitive evidence—like trucking logs and GPS data—may be lost much sooner. That’s why it’s important to act quickly.

Why Choose Zinda Law Group?

Zinda Law Group has helped thousands of truck accident victims across Texas, including many in Dallas. When you work with our team, you receive:

• Free, no-obligation case evaluations
• No fees unless we win your case
• Experienced trial attorneys who handle trucking claims daily
• A dedicated legal team with access to expert witnesses
• Responsive and compassionate support

Our lead attorney, Jack Zinda, is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a track record of winning high-stakes trucking cases.

Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney in Dallas Today

If you were hurt in a crash involving a commercial truck, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. An experienced truck accident attorney in Dallas can help you investigate your case, identify the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 800-863-5312 or visit https://www.zdfirm.com/contact-us/ to schedule your free consultation today.