Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer
Get compensated for wrecks with big rigs, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers and semis
Truck accidents wreak havoc in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With so many major tollways and highways such as Interstate 20, I-30, I-35, I-45, I-67, I-75, 287, and Loop 820 running through the Fort Worth-Dallas area, it's not uncommon to see big rigs on roadways around the Lone Star State's busiest metropolitan area. It's not uncommon to see truck accidents or bus accidents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, either. The injuries sustained in many different types of truck crashes can be serious or even fatal. To make matters worse, you might have done nothing wrong and be falsely accused of causing a serious crash.
A run in with a semi in Dallas County, Tarrant County, or anywhere in Texas could be caused by a number of different factors. A fatigued trucker who falls asleep at the wheel or was on the phone or otherwise distracted, could jackknife into oncoming traffic. An intoxicated trucker could swerve across traffic lanes and cause a head-on collision. No matter the cause, make sure you take strong legal action to protect your rights. Otherwise, you could miss out on valuable compensation you're entitled to.
Every second counts after a serious tractor-trailer wreck. Don't delay. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., today. Experienced truck accident attorney Coby Wooten can meet with you and help you get your life back on track.
Attorney Wooten has a demonstrated track record of success in winning compensation for his clients for their injuries.
Experience matters. Get a Fort Worth truck accident attorney who gets results
Attorney Wooten has a demonstrated track record of success in winning compensation for his clients for their injuries. Truck accident settlements vary widely depending on the specifics of the case and can range anywhere from $20,000 to $5,000,000 – even more in cases involving severe or catastrophic injury. Some of our recent notable truck accident settlements and verdicts include:
- $2,522,458.07 – commercial truck accident
- $1,500,000 – commercial vehicle accident
- $1,250,000 – commercial truck wreck
These figures highlight the significant compensation that our firm has achieved, but it's important to remember that each case is different. With offices in Fort Worth and Dallas, we're strategically positioned to respond rapidly to semi and 18-wheeler accidents throughout the DFW area. As an experienced truck accident lawyer, attorney Wooten knows how to determine what caused a wreck, what evidence to look for and what steps to take when investigating trucking companies to determine if they engaged in negligent behavior. We leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice.
“Mr. Wooten represented my grandmother a few years ago after she was rear ended by a semi-truck driver and he did an excellent job! It was clear that he worked very hard on her case and that he cared about her personally and professionally. He was attentive and always available when questions needed answered. He made sure to keep us well informed every step of the way. I also feel that he did everything in his power to obtain a fair settlement for her and did just that. I would highly recommend Mr. Wooten as an attorney!” – DP, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Average Rating: 4.9/5 stars, 131 reviews
Frequently asked questions about Fort Worth truck accidents
- What makes truck accidents in Dallas and Fort Worth very serious?
- What are the most common truck accident injuries?
- What causes truck accidents in Texas?
- Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
- How do trucking companies cover up wrongdoing?
- How does Coby Wooten investigate trucking companies?
- What should I do after a truck accident?
- What compensation can I receive for a truck accident?
What makes truck accidents in Dallas and Fort Worth very serious?
Semis, tanker trucks, delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles are often much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. As a result, catastrophic injuries can occur when one of these vehicles hits a smaller car, pickup truck or SUV. In addition to pain and suffering and lost wages, there may be significant rehabilitation or other ongoing treatment resulting in skyrocketing medical bills.
What are the most common truck accident injuries?
Whether it was a T-bone, rollover, jackknife, head-on, underride, or sideswipe, a semi-truck accident might cause whiplash, internal injuries, burn injuries, lacerations, bruises, psychological trauma, or any of the following severe injuries:
What causes truck accidents in Texas?
Truck accidents in Texas happen for many reasons, often involving driver error, mechanical failures, or hazardous road conditions. Because commercial trucks are large and heavy, even a minor mistake can lead to devastating crashes. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas include:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers work long hours and often drive while exhausted, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Some truckers exceed speed limits or drive aggressively to meet delivery deadlines, increasing the risk of losing control.
- Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting GPS, or eating while driving takes a trucker’s focus off the road, making accidents more likely.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or even prescription medication can impair judgment and reaction time.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Unbalanced or overweight cargo can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or lost loads on highways.
- Poor truck maintenance: Worn-out brakes, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures due to neglected maintenance can lead to deadly crashes.
Determining the cause of a Texas truck accident can be extremely complicated. It's not just the driver that you need to worry about afterwards. It's the company that owns the truck, trailer, and contents themselves. It's also not uncommon for trucking companies to send someone to investigate the crash site within 24 hours of a collision. They immediately begin building their case and look for ways to minimize your case or claim and its value.
That's a major reason why you need an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer on your side. Our trusted DFW injury law firm knows how to investigate complicated commercial vehicle accidents in Texas. We know what questions to ask and what evidence to look for to build a strong legal case. Level the playing field. Contact big rig wreck lawyer Coby L. Wooten, P.C. right now.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
Truck accident liability is more complex than a typical car crash because multiple parties may be responsible. Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, where fault usually falls on one or both drivers, truck crashes often involve trucking companies, manufacturers, and other entities, each with separate insurance policies and legal obligations. Identifying all at-fault parties is key to maximizing compensation.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver: Responsible if fatigue, distraction, speeding, or impairment contributed to the crash. Violating Hours of Service regulations can also indicate negligence.
- The trucking company: Liable if they failed to train drivers, enforced unsafe schedules, or neglected truck maintenance. They must also ensure compliance with state and federal safety laws.
- The cargo loading company: At fault if improperly loaded or unsecured cargo caused a rollover, jackknife, or lost load, making the truck unstable.
- The truck manufacturer or parts supplier: Responsible for crashes caused by defective brakes, tires, or other faulty components under product liability laws.
- Third-party maintenance providers: Liable if improper repairs or a failure to inspect the truck led to mechanical failure and an accident.
How do trucking companies cover up wrongdoing?
Tractor-trailer collisions often raise question after question about trucking companies. Was the vehicle poorly maintained? Was the trailer overloaded? Was the driver inexperienced? Did the trucker have a history of bad driving? And do the trucking company's records contain all that information? Or do the records look falsified? Some common ways trucking companies attempt to hide the truth include:
- Altering or destroying electronic logs, GPS data, or dashcam footage.
- Falsifying driving hours to exceed legal limits.
- Delaying investigation and repairs.
- Putting pressure on drivers to take the blame or remain silent.
- Blaming other drivers instead of accepting responsibility.
- Failing to preserve black box data.
- Using high-powered legal teams and insurance tactics.
Attorney Coby L. Wooten knows how to find the answers to your questions. He knows where to look for evidence of trucking company negligence. He understands that trucking companies in the state of Texas and throughout the United States are required to keep many different types of records. If you've been injured in a wreck with a semi or other large commercial motor vehicle (CMV), a qualified DFW attorney can examine those records and investigate to determine if the company followed the proper procedures or contributed to the crash.
How does Coby Wooten investigate trucking companies?
Commercial trucking companies are responsible for hiring trustworthy drivers, regulating their hours spent on the road, and to keep well-maintained trucks in their fleet. When a trucking company fails to do so and a serious accident occurs, they need to be held accountable for their actions. An experienced Dallas-Fort Worth area truck accident lawyer can:
- Examine safety records of both the driver and tractor-trailer he or she was driving
- Look for evidence of a driver's past alcohol or substance abuse problems
- Assess driver fatigue through examining driving log
- Examine all phone records – Some truck drivers have more than one phone
- Collect crash evidence such as breathalyzer results, truck-stop security camera footage, or items in a driver's cab
- Analyze all vehicle maintenance records available
- Examine the vehicle's "black box" and GPS-locator, which may reveal speed and how long the driver had been on the road at the time of the accident
What should I do after a truck accident?
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can protect your health, strengthen your legal claim, and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. Trucking companies and their insurers often work quickly to limit their liability, so it's important to act fast and gather evidence while it’s still available.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the truck accident and request medical assistance. A police report will document key details, which can be important for your claim.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
- Document the truck accident scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Video footage can also help preserve details.
- Exchange information: Get the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance details, license plate number, and DOT number (usually displayed on the truck). Also, collect contact information from witnesses.
- Do not admit fault: Even a simple apology can be twisted and used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police or others at the scene.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters: The trucking company’s insurance provider may contact you quickly, trying to minimize their payout. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without legal advice.
- Preserve evidence: If possible, keep any damaged personal belongings, medical records, and receipts related to crash-related expenses. These can help prove your losses.
- Contact an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer: Attorney Coby L. Wooten can handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
What compensation can I receive for a truck accident?
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries, leading to extensive medical bills and long-term financial hardship. The amount you can recover depends on factors such as injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Types of compensation you may be entitled to include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages for income lost due to your injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or working in the same capacity.
- Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage to repair or replacement your vehicle and any personal items.
- Long-term care and disability costs if you suffer a permanent injury.
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one died in a truck accident.
Commercial Texas truck accidents can be complicated. Contact us.
Whether you were injured in an accident involving a delivery truck or a tractor-trailer, you need to take aggressive action. Your case is about more than just money. It's about justice. It's about holding negligent parties responsible for their actions. Take a stand. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., today to speak with an attorney you can trust. Call (866) 408-0940 to schedule a free appointment at our Fort Worth office. We can also meet with you in your home, your hospital room or anywhere that's convenient for you. We proudly serve injured victims and their families in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, and throughout Texas.