Garland, TX Truck Accident Lawyer

Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Preserving Critical Crash Evidence in Garland, Texas

Truck accident claims are complicated because they can involve multiple points of failure—not just with the driver, but with the trucking company and other third parties as well. Oftentimes, identifying all of the liable parties is an important part of securing compensation from an accident. For legal help with these claims, reach out to a Garland, Texas truck accident attorney.

At the Law Office of J. Gregory Marks, we have attained many verdicts and settlements in various injury claims over the years, which we attribute to our confident advocacy and knowledgeable counsel. We can walk you through each step of filing a claim while gathering evidence to support your case.

When Can You Hold a Truck Driver Liable for a Wreck?

A truck driver can be held liable for a wreck when their conduct behind the wheel fell below the standard of care required of a professional commercial driver. That standard is higher than what applies to ordinary motorists. Commercial drivers are subject to federal regulations governing hours of service, vehicle inspections, load securement, and driving conduct, and a violation of those regulations can be powerful evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.

Common examples of truck driver negligence include fatigued driving in violation of hours-of-service limits, distracted driving, speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions, failure to check blind spots, and unsafe braking.

Establishing the driver's liability requires gathering evidence. This can include black box data, driver logs, electronic logging device records, and any available camera footage from the truck or surrounding area. Our attorney can conduct a detailed investigation to preserve proof of the truck driver's fault for the wreck.

What Is a Truck Accident Claim Worth in Garland?

The value of a truck accident claim depends on the severity of the injuries and the full scope of losses the injured person has suffered. Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future treatment, are typically the largest component of the claim. Truck accidents carry a greater risk of catastrophic injury such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, so making sure that your claim accounts for future losses is important.

Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are recoverable when the injury affects a person's ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. Property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle, can also be included. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life are also part of the calculation and can represent a substantial portion of the total claim.

In cases involving gross negligence, such as a driver who was significantly over their hours of service limit or a company that knowingly ignored safety violations, punitive damages may be available as well.

Is a Truck Driver's Employer Responsible for Damages in a Wreck?

In many truck accident cases, the driver's employer can be held liable alongside the driver. Under the legal principle of respondeat superior, an employer is responsible for the negligent acts of an employee committed within the scope of their employment. When a truck driver causes a wreck while performing their job duties, the trucking company that employed them may share in the liability for the resulting harm.

Beyond that, a trucking company can face direct liability for its own conduct. Negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, failure to enforce federal safety regulations, and improper vehicle maintenance can all support a direct negligence claim against the company.

Trucking companies that contract with independent owner-operators can also face liability in certain circumstances depending on how much control they exercised over the driver's work. Identifying every responsible party and pursuing every available source of compensation is essential in a truck accident case.

Contact a Garland, TX Truck Accident Attorney

Trucking companies and their insurers have experience handling these claims in ways that protect their interests. Injured people deserve that same level of preparation on their side. Call 214-427-4417 or contact our Garland, Texas truck accident lawyer to set up a free consultation with the Law Office of J. Gregory Marks today.