Being struck by a commercial vehicle—whether a big rig, delivery truck, or bus—can change your life in an instant. The aftermath often brings serious injuries, financial strain, and legal questions. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, many victims wonder, “Can I sue?” Who is responsible? This article walks you through how claims work, what evidence you’ll need, and how an experienced attorney can help you navigate the process in DFW and across Texas.
What Types of Commercial Vehicles Cause Accidents in DFW?
In the Dallas–Fort Worth region, accidents involving commercial vehicles frequently include:
- Long-haul tractor-trailers passing through on I-35, I-20, or I-30
- Local delivery trucks (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, local freight)
- Construction vehicles operating near expanding neighborhoods
- Buses or vans used for public transit or private shuttles
Because these vehicles are larger, carry heavier loads, and are regulated differently from private cars, the consequences of collisions are often more severe, and liability is more complex.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Commercial Vehicle Crash?
When you sue after a commercial vehicle accident, it’s rarely just the driver. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, responsible parties may include:
- The driver for acting carelessly or recklessly
- The trucking or transportation company for negligent hiring, training, dispatching, or policies that encourage overtime
- The vehicle owner/lessor for failing to maintain safe equipment
- Maintenance contractors for providing defective parts or failing to make repairs
- Manufacturers for providing defective brakes, tires, or other components
Proving liability often means investigating not only the collision itself but also the broader corporate practices that led to it.
How Do I Prove Fault in a DFW Commercial Vehicle Case?
To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must build a strong case showing negligence. That generally means proving:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed you a legal obligation to act safely
- Breach: That duty was violated (e.g., speeding, fatigue, improper maintenance)
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
- Damages: You have verifiable losses (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
In Dallas–Fort Worth, evidence often includes: accident reports (e.g., from Dallas PD, Fort Worth PD, or Texas DPS), black box / ELD data, maintenance records, dispatch logs, witness statements, videos, and expert testimony.
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Commercial Vehicle Crash in Texas?
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to:
- Medical and hospital bills, including future care
- Lost income and reduced future earning potential
- Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage (vehicle and personal items)
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one did not survive
Because commercial vehicles often carry higher insurance liabilities, more types of compensation may be available—but insurers also fiercely defend against large payouts.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (including those from commercial vehicle accidents) is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within that timeframe, the court may refuse to hear your case.
This makes it critical to act quickly. Evidence, like black box data or surveillance footage, may degrade or be overwritten, and witnesses’ memories may fade.
Why Local Experience Matters in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle litigation in DFW often involves dealing with:
- Large insurers operating in the North Texas market
- Local courts with precedent on trucking cases
- Regional traffic patterns, highways, and routes (e.g., I-35W, I-20, Loop 12)
- Coordination with Texas DPS, Dallas County Sheriff, or Fort Worth police investigations
A Dallas–Fort Worth injury attorney understands those dynamics, can move quickly, and has relationships with local experts and investigators.
Legal Help for DFW Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims
At Rochelle McCullough LLP, we assist clients in Dallas, Fort Worth, and throughout North Texas in pursuing justice after commercial vehicle accidents. Our process includes:
- Conducting a thorough investigation – driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies
- Consulting accident reconstruction and trucking safety experts
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers to avoid lowball settlements
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit when needed and pursuing trial-level results
If you or a loved one was injured by a commercial vehicle in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll stand by you and work to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
FAQs About Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Texas
Can I sue the trucking company after a commercial vehicle accident in Dallas?
Yes. If the company’s policies, training, or failure to maintain vehicles contributed to the crash, they can be held liable in addition to the driver.
What types of evidence are important in a commercial vehicle case?
Key evidence includes accident reports, driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a commercial vehicle accident in Texas?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the crash. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your claim.