Free Consultations, No Fees Unless We Win
Commercial truck collisions are among the most devastating accidents on Texas roads. An 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds, and when it strikes a passenger vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. Victims face severe injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting their bottom line than helping you recover.
At Zinda Law Group, our truck accident lawyers have spent years going up against trucking corporations and their legal teams. We know how these companies operate, and we know how to hold them accountable. Our firm was built on a simple belief: regular, hardworking people shouldn’t be pushed around by corporations with unlimited resources.
We’re located at 100 Highland Park Village Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75205, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims across Texas. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us now at (800) 863-5312 or reach our local office directly at (214) 390-3177 for a free case evaluation.
Our Approach to Truck Accident Cases
Trucking corporations count on victims being too overwhelmed or intimidated to fight back. They have teams of lawyers, investigators, and adjusters whose job is to pay you as little as possible. We built our practice specifically to take on opponents like this.
Jack Zinda founded this firm after growing up in a small Texas town and seeing how large corporations treated regular people. He wanted to create a law firm that could stand toe-to-toe with billion-dollar trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Today, we have the resources, experience, and determination to do exactly that.
Truck accident cases require specialized knowledge. Federal trucking regulations, black box data, hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, cargo securement rules—these aren’t things most attorneys deal with regularly. We’ve spent years mastering this area of law because we know how much is at stake for our clients.
We intentionally limit how many cases we accept. Other firms treat clients like case numbers, but we believe you deserve attorneys who actually know your name and understand what you’re dealing with. When you hire us, you get a dedicated team that includes experienced trial lawyers, accident investigators, and medical documentation specialists working together on your behalf.
Our core mission is simple: provide justice for victims who’ve been hurt by corporate negligence, and make sure trucking companies face real consequences when they put profits ahead of safety.
If an 18-wheeler or commercial truck collision changed your life, call (800) 863-5312 or submit our online form for a no-cost case review.
Recognized Leaders in Truck Accident Litigation
Our firm’s track record in complex truck accident cases has earned recognition from legal organizations nationwide. We’re members of The Trucking Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 10, a distinction reserved for attorneys with proven success against commercial trucking companies.
Jack Zinda holds lifetime membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, recognizing attorneys who have secured eight-figure and seven-figure verdicts and settlements for seriously injured clients. Our team has also been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
These honors reflect years of dedicated work holding negligent trucking companies accountable and recovering substantial compensation for accident victims.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
Hear From Accident Victims We’ve Helped
Hear From a Real Client – Jacob
“With Zinda Law Group, I was able to get my life back together.” – Jacob
Hear From a Real Client – Marlon
“Zinda was very prepared and very compassionate.” – Marlon
What Makes Our Truck Accident Lawyers Different
Trucking companies have massive insurance policies and legal teams ready to fight against your claim. You need attorneys who know how to fight back.
Federal Trucking Regulation Expertise
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern everything from driver hours to vehicle maintenance to cargo loading. Violations of these regulations often cause accidents. Our attorneys have spent years studying these rules and know exactly where to look for evidence of negligence.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
There’s no fee to get started and no payment unless your case succeeds. We handle everything on contingency, which means our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.
Fewer Cases Means Better Results for You
Unlike firms that juggle hundreds of cases at once, we intentionally limit our caseload. This means your attorney actually knows your name, returns your calls, and follows the details of what you’re going through. You’ll have a dedicated team focused on your recovery.
We Keep You Informed Every Step
We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Our clients frequently mention how well we keep them informed in their five-star reviews. You’ll always know exactly where things stand with your case.
A Complete Support Team for Your Recovery
Over 100 professionals support our injury practice. When you hire us, you get access to experienced investigators, medical records specialists, accident reconstruction experts, and trial attorneys who know how to win in court.
Proven Success Against Trucking Corporations
We’ve successfully handled thousands of injury cases, including some of the most complex truck accident claims in Texas. We know how to investigate these crashes, preserve critical evidence, and build cases that insurance companies can’t ignore.
CASE RESULTS
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Commercial vehicle accidents come in many forms, and each type requires specific knowledge to pursue successfully.
18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks, also called 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, are the most common commercial vehicles on Texas highways. These massive rigs require extensive training to operate safely, and when drivers or companies cut corners, people get hurt.
Commercial Truck and Delivery Van Accidents
Delivery companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS operate thousands of commercial vans and trucks. These vehicles may be smaller than 18-wheelers, but they still cause serious damage in collisions. Drivers often face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to dangerous decisions on the road.
Box Truck and Straight Truck Accidents
Box trucks and straight trucks are common in local deliveries and moving services. These vehicles have significant blind spots and can be difficult to maneuver in traffic. Accidents often occur during backing maneuvers or lane changes.
Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks carry liquids like fuel, chemicals, or water. The shifting weight of liquid cargo makes these trucks particularly unstable, especially during turns. Accidents involving tankers can result in fires, explosions, or hazardous material spills.
Flatbed and Cargo Truck Accidents
Improperly secured cargo on flatbed trucks can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control. Cargo can also fall off the truck, creating serious hazards for other drivers.
Garbage Truck and Dump Truck Accidents
These trucks make frequent stops and often operate in residential areas. Accidents occur when drivers fail to check blind spots before moving or when mechanical failures cause loss of control.
Note: If you were injured by an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle in the area, this page covers all truck accident claims. We’ve consolidated our truck accident resources to provide comprehensive information in one place.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen for many reasons, but most involve some form of negligence by the driver, trucking company, or another party.
Driver Fatigue
Federal regulations limit how many hours truck drivers can work, but violations are common. Exhausted drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep behind the wheel.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Trucks need much more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Drivers who speed or drive aggressively put everyone around them at risk.
Inadequate Training
Operating an 18-wheeler requires specialized skills. Companies that fail to properly train drivers create dangerous situations on the road.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems often result from inadequate maintenance.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to tip over or lose control. Loading companies and trucking companies share responsibility for ensuring cargo is properly secured.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers who text, eat, or engage in other distracting activities while driving pose serious dangers to everyone around them.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drug use by truck drivers, though illegal, still occurs. Impaired drivers are a major cause of fatal truck accidents.
Injuries Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover From
The force of a truck collision often causes severe, life-altering injuries. Our attorneys have helped victims recover compensation for:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Amputations and loss of limb
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and scarring
- Crushing injuries
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
No matter how severe your injuries are, our team will fight for the financial remedies you need to cover your current, ongoing, and future medical expenses. We work closely with medical experts to ensure we account for all the treatment and care you’ll need throughout your recovery.
Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident
Compensation in truck accident cases often exceeds what’s available in standard car accident claims because the injuries are typically more severe and the liable parties have larger insurance policies.
Medical Expenses
Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and home health care. We pursue recovery for all medical costs you’ve already incurred and expenses you’ll face in the future.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Paychecks you’ve missed while recovering, lost bonuses and benefits, and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at the same level.
Property Damage
Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal property destroyed in the crash.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and the overall impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
Permanent Disability and Disfigurement
Compensation for lasting physical impairments, scarring, and changes to your appearance that affect your daily life and self-esteem.
Loss of Consortium
In severe cases, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support caused by your injuries.
Punitive Damages
When a trucking company or driver acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for safety, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, see a doctor right away. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and delayed treatment can harm both your health and your claim. Emergency room records and early medical documentation create a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
Report the Accident
Call 911 so police can come to the scene, document what happened, and file an official accident report. This report becomes critical evidence for your claim.
Document Everything You Can
If you’re physically able, take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Write down what you remember about how the accident happened while the details are still fresh.
Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance
Insurance adjusters will often contact you quickly, hoping to get a recorded statement or convince you to accept a low settlement. They’re not on your side. Politely decline to give a statement and refer them to your attorney.
Preserve Physical Evidence
Keep damaged clothing, broken personal items, and any other physical evidence from the accident. Don’t repair your vehicle until your attorney has had a chance to inspect and photograph the damage.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner they can start protecting your rights. Trucking companies often send their own investigators to the scene within hours. You need someone working just as hard for your side.
Why You Need to Act Fast
Truck accident cases have strict deadlines, and critical evidence can disappear quickly.
Texas Two-Year Filing Deadline
Texas law (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003) gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever. Insurance companies know this and often delay negotiations, hoping you’ll run out of time.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Trucking companies are required to maintain certain records, but many of these records are only kept for months, not years. Driver logs, maintenance records, electronic data from the truck’s black box, and video footage from dash cams can all be destroyed or overwritten if you don’t act quickly. Our attorneys can send preservation letters immediately to prevent this evidence from disappearing.
Witnesses Forget Details
People’s memories fade over time. Witness testimony becomes less reliable as months and years pass. Getting statements early preserves the most accurate version of what happened.
Your Medical Treatment Creates Time-Sensitive Records
The sooner you establish medical treatment and document your injuries, the stronger your claim becomes. Gaps in treatment or delays in seeking care give insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
Insurance Companies Start Building Their Defense Immediately
The trucking company’s insurer assigns adjusters and lawyers to your case within hours of the accident. They’re gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing strategies to minimize what they owe you. Every day you wait gives them a bigger advantage.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident
Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, which is one reason they’re more complex than typical car accidents.
The Truck Driver
Drivers who violate traffic laws, drive while fatigued, or fail to operate their vehicle safely can be held personally liable for accidents they cause.
The Trucking Company
Companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing adequate training, maintaining vehicles, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. They can be held liable for their own negligence and often for their drivers’ actions under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.
The Truck Owner
Sometimes the company that owns the truck is different from the company that employs the driver. Owners are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and can be held liable for accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Cargo Loading Companies
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause accidents. The company responsible for loading the truck can be held liable if their negligence contributed to the crash.
Maintenance and Repair Companies
If a maintenance company performed faulty repairs or failed to identify serious mechanical problems, they may share liability for resulting accidents.
Parts Manufacturers
Defective truck parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can cause accidents. When this happens, the manufacturer of the defective part may be liable under product liability law.
Other Drivers
Sometimes another motorist’s negligence contributes to a truck accident. All negligent parties can be held accountable.
Our attorneys investigate every possible source of liability to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you share some fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
There’s one critical limit: if you’re found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can’t recover anything. This makes it essential to have skilled attorneys who can accurately present the facts and fight against insurance companies that try to shift blame onto you.
For example, if your total damages are $200,000 but you’re found to be 10% at fault, you can recover $180,000. If you’re found to be 51% at fault, you receive nothing.
Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce what they have to pay. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and ensure the facts are presented accurately.
Our Process for Truck Accident Claims
Our approach to truck accident cases is thorough, aggressive, and client-focused.
Step 1: Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
We sit down with you, listen to your story, review any evidence you have, and provide an honest assessment of your case. There’s no cost, no obligation, and no pressure.
Step 2: Immediate Investigation
Time is critical in truck accident cases. We send preservation letters to the trucking company, dispatch our investigators to the accident scene, interview witnesses, and begin gathering evidence immediately.
Step 3: Expert Analysis
We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, trucking industry professionals, and economists who can analyze the evidence, document your injuries, and calculate the full value of your claim.
Step 4: Dealing With Insurance Companies
We handle all communication with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys. You don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
Step 5: Aggressive Negotiation
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies know this, and it gives us leverage during settlement negotiations. We won’t accept a lowball offer just to close the case quickly.
Step 6: Trial When Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re ready to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have successfully represented truck accident victims in front of juries, and we’re not afraid to fight for what you deserve.
Helpful Articles About Truck Accidents in Dallas, Texas
Learn more about truck accident claims and your legal rights:
- Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas
- How to Hire the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Dallas
- Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle a Swift Transportation Truck Accident Case?
- Your Legal Guide to Personal Injury Claims Involving Commercial Trucks
- Dallas Personal Injury Guide: What to Know After an Accident
- Tips for Negotiating a Fair Settlement with Progressive After an 18-Wheeler Accident
- Your Legal Guide to Personal Injury Claims in Dallas
Schedule Your Free Truck Accident Consultation
Recovering from a truck accident is overwhelming. You’re dealing with serious injuries, aggressive insurance adjusters, and bills that keep piling up. The legal process shouldn’t add more stress to your life.
When you contact us, you’ll speak with someone who understands truck accident cases and genuinely cares about what you’re going through. We’ll discuss what happened, answer your questions honestly, and explain your legal options in plain language. No complicated jargon, no pressure, no cost.
Your consultation is free and confidential. If we take your case, you pay nothing out of pocket. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you, which means we don’t get paid unless you do.
Injured by an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle? Call (800) 863-5312 or reach our local office at (214) 390-3177 to schedule your free case review. You can also fill out our online form, and we’ll contact you promptly.
FAQs
How is a truck accident case different from a regular car accident case?
Truck accident cases involve more complex regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and larger insurance policies. Trucking companies are subject to federal regulations that don’t apply to regular drivers, and violations of these rules can provide strong evidence of negligence. Additionally, trucking companies often have entire legal teams dedicated to minimizing liability, which means you need attorneys with specific experience in this area. The severity of injuries in truck accidents also tends to be much greater, resulting in higher-value claims that insurance companies fight harder to reduce or deny.
What is the “black box” in a truck and how does it help my case?
Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and event data recorders, often called black boxes. These devices record crucial information including vehicle speed, braking patterns, engine performance, hours of service, and driver behavior in the moments before a crash. This data can prove that a driver was speeding, braking improperly, or violating hours-of-service regulations. However, this information may only be stored temporarily, which is why immediate legal action to preserve this evidence is so important.
Can I sue if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Even if the driver is classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee, you may still have a valid claim against the trucking company. Companies sometimes misclassify drivers as contractors to avoid liability, but courts look at the actual relationship and level of control the company had over the driver. Our attorneys investigate these relationships carefully to identify all potentially liable parties. You may have claims against the driver, the company they were hauling for, the truck owner, and other parties depending on the circumstances.
What if the trucking company says their driver wasn’t at fault?
Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame immediately after an accident, sometimes even before a full investigation has occurred. They may claim you were speeding, didn’t see the truck, or made an unsafe lane change. This is why independent investigation is so critical. Our attorneys gather police reports, witness statements, video footage, physical evidence, and expert analysis to establish what actually happened. We don’t let trucking companies control the narrative about your accident.
How long will my truck accident case take?
Every case is different. Some settle within several months, while others, particularly those involving catastrophic injuries or disputed liability, can take a year or longer. Several factors affect timing: the severity of your injuries, how long treatment takes, how much evidence needs to be gathered, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate fairly. Our priority is getting you the full compensation you deserve, not rushing to close your case. We’ll keep you informed about realistic timelines based on your specific situation.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system, which means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate your level of fault to reduce their payout, so having experienced attorneys who can present evidence accurately is essential.
Will I have to go to court?
Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but preparation for court is essential to achieving a strong settlement. Insurance companies make better offers when they know your attorneys are fully prepared to present the case to a jury. If negotiations fail and the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are ready and willing to take your case to trial. Our firm has successfully represented truck accident victims in court, and we’re not intimidated by large trucking companies or their legal teams.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value depends on many factors: the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, how much work you’ve missed, your future medical needs, the degree of pain and suffering you’ve experienced, any permanent disability or disfigurement, and who was at fault. Truck accident cases often result in higher settlements than car accident cases because commercial trucks have larger insurance policies and the injuries tend to be more severe. During your free consultation, we can review your situation and give you a realistic assessment of your case’s potential value.
What if the truck driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover my damages?
Commercial trucks are required to carry much higher insurance limits than regular passenger vehicles, typically at least $750,000 to $1 million or more depending on the type of cargo they haul. However, if your damages exceed the driver’s policy limits, we investigate other potential sources of recovery. This might include the trucking company’s umbrella policy, cargo insurance, other liable parties’ policies, or your own underinsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys are skilled at identifying every available source of compensation.
Can I still file a claim if the police report says I was at fault?
Yes. Police reports represent the investigating officer’s opinion based on the information available at the scene, but they’re not the final word on fault. Officers may not have access to all the evidence, and their conclusions can be challenged. Our attorneys conduct independent investigations that often reveal evidence the police didn’t have. We’ve successfully represented clients even when initial police reports appeared unfavorable. What matters most is what all the evidence shows, not just one officer’s preliminary assessment.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
