Accidents Caused by Commercial Trucks
The Dallas law firm of Miller Weisbrod Olesky is a nationally-recognized leader in the practice of personal injury trial law. We offer sound legal advice and dedicated representation to commercial accident victims in Texas and nationwide.
A commercial truck accident can be much more catastrophic than an accident between two personal-use vehicles. A typical, fully loaded commercial truck (such as a big rig or dump truck) can weigh at least 25 times as much as a typical car. Due to this stark weight disparity and the basic laws of physics, most big rig truck accidents with other vehicles result in serious, even fatal, injuries.
Dangers of Commercial Truck Accidents
While statistics show that truck drivers generally are much more careful on the road than automobile drivers, large truck crashes still accounted for 4,995 fatalities and 106,000 injuries in 2006 (according to the U.S. Department of Transportation). These accidents often are not the fault of the truck driver and may be the result of unforeseen road hazards or the negligence of other drivers. From 2016 to 2019, the number of truck crashes in Texas increased by almost 30%.
In addition, truck accidents can be made worse by the freight the truck is carrying. For example, if hazardous or flammable materials (such as gasoline or industrial waste) are on board a big rig involved in an accident, secondary injuries from that dangerous cargo can result.
Help in a Full Range of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Aside from semis and big rigs, we handle accidents involving a full range of commercial vehicles, including:
- Heavy pickups like the Ford F350, often used as work vehicles at
oil rigs and commercial worksites in West Texas and around the country - Corporate commuter and passenger vans
- Commercial delivery vans, Fed Ex and UPS trucks
- Beer and soda trucks
- Panel vans
- Dump trucks and other construction vehicles
- Tow trucks
- Logging trucks
- Heating oil delivery trucks, especially in the northeastern United States
Different laws may apply in accidents involving certain government-owned and emergency-response vehicles like mail trucks, public transportation buses, fire trucks and ambulances. Our firm has the experience and detailed understanding of the law to guide you in these difficult cases.
A truck driver for the largest milk hauler in the United States fell asleep at the wheel, causing a wreck that killed my mom, Julia Jones. When the insurance company wouldn’t settle, Clay Miller took the case to trial. During cross-examination, Clay made the driver admit he faked his logs and the safety director concede the company was grossly negligent. Just before closing argument, the case settled for $5.8 million.
TINA KHWAJA
Contact Miller Weisbrod Olesky
Our experienced attorneys take on even the largest commercial transportation companies and their insurance carriers. Our proven record of success in obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for our injured clients speaks for itself.
If you were injured in an accident caused by an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, semi-truck, big rig, or any other commercial or municipal vehicle, we invite you to contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced trial lawyer.
Immediate investigation and swift legal action may be necessary to protect your rights. Miller Weisbrod Olesky represents commercial vehicle accident victims across the United States. To discuss your case in a free consultation, please call our offices toll free at 888.987.0005 or contact us by e-mail today.