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Why Should I Call Stephens Law Firm, PLLC After a Truck Accident in Fort Worth?

They don’t stop on a dime and are tough to navigate, especially in congested traffic or bad weather. Sadly, its other people on the road who tend to suffer the consequences in an accident.

The good thing is that, following a Fort Worth truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation from a truck driver, trucking company, or another negligent third party. However, none of those parties will just agree to hand you a check that covers all of your costs. You’ll have to put up a fight. That’s where an experienced Fort Worth personal injury attorney from Stephens Law Firm, PLLC can help.

With more than 60 years combined experience, Fort Worth personal injury attorney, Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, has been standing up and fighting on behalf of injury victims in and around Tarrant County. When you call him for help, you can expect him to:

Investigate Your Fort Worth Truck Accident

Jason Stephens will dig deep to uncover the underlying cause(s) of your accident with a commercial vehicle. Determining causation is critical in ensuring that you’re able to demand compensation from all liable parties. 

Determine if the truck driver violated state or federal trucking regulations

Trucks can only be operated by someone who has a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That driver is then required to adhere to strict state and federal trucking laws. Among other things, these rules limit how much time a driver can log behind the wheel at one time and require diligent record-keeping practices. If your personal injury is related to a violation of the law, attorney Jason Stephens will use that to his advantage when seeking compensation for you.

Bring in experts to analyze the evidence

Insurance companies will have experts working to disprove your allegations and minimize the amount of money they’ll have to pay out if you win your case. So, Jason Stephens will bring experts to work on your behalf, too. Accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and vocational experts can help him analyze evidence, build a strong argument for damages, and ultimately guide him as he determines what your case is likely worth.

Protect you from allegations that you’re at fault

Truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurers will likely attempt to use any tactic to get out of paying you the money you deserve. So, don’t be surprised if they try to blame you for the truck accident. If they’re successful, it could really hurt your ability to recover compensation.

In fact, it could stop you from getting any money at all. Truck accident lawyer Jason Stephens has been handling cases like yours for more than two decades. Jason knows what to expect and he knows what steps have to be taken to minimize these types of allegations. He’ll work hard to protect your financial award by gathering evidence to downplay your role in the accident.

Go to court

While he will go to great lengths to negotiate a settlement on your behalf, he’ll never take the threat of going to court off the table. Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, will make it clear that an award-winning trial lawyer won’t hesitate to bring your case to a jury if insurers don’t offer a fair settlement.

You deserve to work with an experienced lawyer that has an established track record of success handling complex personal injury cases in Texas. That’s why your first call should be to Stephens Law Firm, PLLC. Attorney Jason Stephens offers a free consultation and would be happy to discuss your case in detail. Contact him today to learn more.

What are the Causes of Truck Accidents in Fort Worth, Texas?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), leading causes of motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks include:

• Loss of control (speeding, traveling too fast for road conditions),
• Failing to maintain the lane of traffic,
• Making dangerous or improper turns at an intersection,
• Driver fatigue,
• Following too closely/tailgating, and
• Distracted driving.

The FMCSA has found that 87% of large truck accidents arise from driver errors. The top three causes; alcohol use, speeding, and driver fatigue with each constitute a violation of state or federal law. The sections below cover the most common causes in detail. 

Truck Driver Error

Truck driver error means a preventable action or decision that leads to a crash. Texas law holds commercial drivers to higher standards than other motorists because of the potential harm their vehicles can cause. Common forms of truck driver error include:

Distracted Driving

Texting, adjusting navigation, eating, or using a dispatch device while driving all take a driver’s focus off the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can cause a large truck to drift into another lane or miss stopped traffic ahead.

Fatigued Driving and Hours-of-Service Violations

Truckers often work long hours to meet delivery schedules. Federal Hours of Service rules limit how long drivers can be on duty, but some push past those limits. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment as a drowsy driver might miss a signal or fail to stop in time.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions increases stopping distances and the likelihood of losing control. On highways such as Loop 820, even slight recklessness can lead to devastating crashes.

Improper Lane Changes and Blind Spot Failures

Large trucks have wide blind spots on both sides and behind the trailer. Drivers who fail to signal or check mirrors before changing lanes often sideswipe smaller vehicles. These errors happen frequently in areas with merging traffic, such as the interchange between I-30 and I-35W.

Failure to Maintain Safe Following Distance

Commercial trucks need far more distance to stop than smaller vehicles. When a truck driver tailgates or follows too closely, a rear-end crash becomes almost certain if traffic slows unexpectedly.

Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use

Federal regulations prohibit commercial truck drivers from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher which is half the limit for non-commercial drivers in Texas. The U.S. Department of Transportation also bans specific substances for all CDL holders, including marijuana (even where legal under state law), cocaine, opioids (unless medically cleared), amphetamines, and alcohol.

The FMCSA requires trucking companies to test drivers before hiring, after accidents, at random intervals, and upon reasonable suspicion of use. Companies that fail to conduct proper testing or hire drivers with known substance abuse issues may themselves be liable. Truck accidents involving impaired drivers often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles and may support punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.

Trucking Company Negligence

Liability after a truck accident often extends well beyond the driver. Trucking companies can be held responsible when they:

• Fail to hire drivers who are competent or fail to train their drivers adequately
• Fail to inspect and maintain their trucks in compliance with federal and Texas regulations
• Fail to ensure their drivers abide by Hours of Service regulations
• Load cargo improperly, creating hazardous conditions
• Pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines at the expense of safety

Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, a trucking company generally bears liability for the acts of its employees. When a driver causes an accident while violating Texas law or federal regulations, the company will usually share responsibility for the resulting damages.

Negligent Hiring

A trucking business must take reasonable care to hire capable truck drivers. When a company fails to adequately investigate a driver’s fitness and that failure leads to an accident, the company may be liable for negligent hiring. The FMCSA has established regulations for pre-employment screening that require trucking companies to:

• Examine the driver’s driving and accident history in detail
• Conduct a criminal history investigation
• Ensure that the driver has no issues with drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications
• Confirm a full physical examination and a physician’s clearance to operate a truck
• Investigate the driver’s employment history, including any crashes or substance abuse issues, by contacting the past three employers

State and Federal Trucking Regulations

Responsibility for trucking regulations is split between the state and federal governments. The FMCSA covers aspects of trucking that affect interstate commerce; driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, load inspections, and weight limits. Texas regulates intrastate trucking that stays entirely within the state, covering weight limits for local roads and bridges, oversized load permits, CDL issuance, and traffic laws including speed limits.

Violations of these regulations happen frequently. In 2021, only 5.5% of trucking companies passed a federal audit with no violations, the remaining 94.5% averaged six violations each. The most common and dangerous violations involve drivers with suspended or revoked CDLs, the absence of a drug or alcohol testing program, and exceeding Hours of Service rules.

Truck Equipment Failure

Many truck accidents are caused by defective equipment or equipment failure resulting from a lack of maintenance, sometimes in direct violation of state or federal law. Trucking companies, drivers, and other parties are required to regularly inspect trucks, test equipment for safe operation, complete pre-trip inspections, properly maintain the fleet, and secure loads within applicable weight limits.

Common types of truck equipment failure that can lead to accidents include:

• Tires- worn or underinflated tires can cause blowouts
• Brakes- worn or defective brakes can lead to rollover accidents
• Steering equipment- failure can cause a driver to lose control
• Lights- non-functioning lights create hazards, especially during night driving
• Axles- a broken axle during transit can cause a rollover or jackknife
• Cargo restraints- failed restraints allow cargo to shift or spill onto the roadway
• Trailer coupling- a malfunctioning coupling system can cause the trailer to separate from the cab

Equipment failure may stem from design defects, manufacturing defects, inadequate inspection, poor maintenance, or overloaded cargo. Multiple parties including the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, or the vehicle manufacturer may share liability.

Tractor-Trailer Tire Blowouts

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making properly maintained tires essential. When a tire ruptures at high speed, the driver can lose control instantly. Blowouts can also lead to rollovers and jackknife accidents, and nearby vehicles often crash while swerving to avoid flying rubber and debris. Common causes of tire blowouts include improper inflation, incorrectly loaded cargo, defective or improperly sized tires, road hazards, and failure to inspect or replace tires at appropriate intervals.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form roughly a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocket knife, typically after the truck goes into a skid. When a trailer sweeps across lanes during a jackknife, it can crush vehicles caught between the cab and trailer. Jackknife accidents frequently block multiple lanes of freeway traffic and can also result in a rollover. Common causes include speeding, abrupt braking, slick road conditions, improper cargo loading, and defective truck components.

Improper Cargo Loading and Weight Distribution

Improperly loaded cargo poses several serious risks. Loose cargo can shift unexpectedly, unevenly distributed weight can cause equipment failures, and an improperly loaded trailer affects truck handling, particularly during cornering and emergency maneuvers. FMCSA research shows that shifting cargo contributes to roughly 6,000 truck crashes per year in the United States.

If the trucking company improperly loaded the trailer, it may be liable for the resulting crash. Truck drivers are also responsible for checking their loads before driving even if a separate shipper loaded the cargo. If any reasonable driver would have identified an improperly distributed load, the driver may share liability for failing to correct it before departure.

Oversized Load Trucks

Commercial trucks cannot weigh more than 80,000 gross pounds under federal law, but Texas allows companies to obtain special permits for oversized loads. The single-trip super heavy permit, for example, allows gross weights exceeding 254,300 pounds. Obtaining a permit does not ensure the truck is safe to operate, oversized loads can cause shifting weights, reduced stopping distances, tire blowouts from extra stress, difficulty navigating bridges and overpasses, and greater risk of rollover. The shipper, loader, driver, and trucking company may all share liability for an oversized load accident.

Sudden Stop Accidents

When a large truck makes a sudden stop on busy Fort Worth highways, it can trigger dangerous chain-reaction crashes including under ride collisions, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer. Factors that commonly contribute to sudden stop truck accidents include driver fatigue, impairment, distracted driving, following too closely, inexperience, and speeding. Although federal Hours of Service regulations limit daily driving time, the pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines often causes drivers to ignore these rules, significantly increasing the risk of impaired reaction times.

Flatbed Truck Accidents

Flatbed trucks are common throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and pose unique hazards due to their open cargo beds. Unsecured or improperly restrained loads can shift or fall onto the roadway, striking other vehicles directly or forcing sudden evasive maneuvers. Flatbed truck accidents can result in the full range of catastrophic injuries and are subject to the same state and federal regulations governing other commercial vehicle operations.

Logging Truck Accidents

Texas has a substantial timber and logging industry, which means logging trucks are a regular presence on state roads. These vehicles, which may be semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or flatbeds loaded with timber carry especially dangerous cargo. 

Logs are secured by straps on an open flatbed, and poorly secured or shifting loads can come loose and fall onto the roadway, crushing other vehicles. Additional causes of logging truck crashes include driver negligence, inadequate driver training, negligent hiring, poor truck maintenance, and failure to supervise drivers. Liability may extend to the trucking company, the loader, the shipper, or maintenance providers.

Accidents Involving Fire Trucks and Emergency Vehicles

Crashes involving fire trucks and other emergency vehicles can result in significant injuries and property damage. While emergency vehicles are granted certain legal exemptions including the ability to exceed speed limits and bypass red lights when responding to emergencies these privileges do not eliminate the responsibility to operate safely. Under Texas law, emergency vehicles include fire department vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, ambulances and EMS units, municipal and public service vehicles, and privately owned vehicles driven by volunteer firefighters or certified EMS personnel during an emergency response.

Liability in these accidents may be assigned to the emergency vehicle driver (if they were negligent or reckless), the government agency employing the driver (if inadequate training or supervision contributed to the crash), or other motorists who failed to yield. Claims against government entities are subject to special rules under the Texas Tort Claims Act, including a shortened notice deadline, sometimes as little as 90 days from the accident date.

Amazon and Delivery Vehicle Accidents

Amazon’s blue delivery vans are a familiar sight on Fort Worth roads, operating under strict schedules and delivery quotas that can compromise safety. Amazon operates its delivery system through Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), which run Amazon-branded vehicles while the company retains control over routes, schedules, and performance standards. This structure creates multiple layers of potential liability, including the individual driver, the DSP, and Amazon itself.

Delivery pressures produce specific dangerous behaviors: rolling through stop signs, illegal parking, reversing without spotters, texting dispatch while driving, and rushing between stops to avoid productivity penalties. 

Evidence critical to these cases, including telematics data, delivery route records, and driver communications, can disappear quickly without prompt legal action to preserve it. Larger Amazon box trucks trigger FMCSA regulations, while delivery vans and Flex driver vehicles involve different regulatory and insurance frameworks that require careful analysis.

Common Types of Truck Accident Collisions

Regardless of the underlying cause, truck accidents in Fort Worth frequently take the following forms:

• Jackknife accidents- trailer swings out and sweeps across lanes
• Underride and override collisions- a smaller vehicle slides under or is driven over by the truck
• Rollover accidents- caused by improper loading, sharp turns, or excessive speed on curves
• Rear-end collisions- resulting from tailgating or failure to brake in time
• Blind spot accidents- sideswipes when a driver changes lanes without checking mirrors
• Tire blowout accidents- loss of control following rapid decompression of a tire

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Fort Worth Truck Accident?

Since Texas is an at-fault state, you can file an injury claim or lawsuit directly against any party that caused your accident or contributed to your injuries. Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck drivers
• Trucking companies
• Employers and transit companies
• Truck and vehicle manufacturers
• Cargo loading and shipping companies
• Third-party maintenance and repair providers
• Other motorists on the road
• Government agencies (state of Texas, Tarrant County, City of Fort Worth)

Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, a trucking company generally bears financial responsibility for the acts of its employees. Under comparative negligence, you can still recover damages in Texas if you were less than 51% at fault, though your award will be reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault.

Injuries Commonly Caused by Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Even relatively minor injuries can change your life forever. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Back and neck injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Crushing injuries
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Burns and disfigurement
• Amputations and loss of limbs
• Lacerations and scarring
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

Sadly, many Fort Worth truck accidents are fatal. If you have lost a loved one in one of these crashes, you may be entitled to damages through a wrongful death claim.

How do I File a Lawsuit after a Truck Accident in Fort Worth?

Since Texas is a no-fault insurance state, you can file an injury claim or lawsuit directly against an at-fault party without going through your insurance company first. Under Texas state law, you can pursue damages from any party that caused your accident or contributed to your injuries. Potentially liable parties after a collision involving a truck might include:

• Truck drivers,
• Trucking companies,
• Transit companies,
• Employers,
• Truck and vehicle manufacturers,
• Other motorists on the road,
• Bicyclists,
• Pedestrians, and
• Government agencies, including the state of Texas, Tarrant County, and/or the city of Fort Worth.

Stephens Law Firm, PLLC will get to work right away on determining causation and liability after your truck accident. The more parties he can hold accountable, the better his chances of securing a substantial monetary award on your behalf.

What Damages Can I Recover?

Do not underestimate what your truck accident case is worth. Between medical bills, lost wages, and other present and future expenses, a severe crash can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more over the course of your lifetime. Available damages commonly include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and long-term care
• Lost income and wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses and property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement and permanent impairment
• Loss of consortium
• Diminished quality of life

Punitive Damages

When a driver or trucking company acts with extreme disregard for safety,such as operating while impaired or knowingly falsifying hours-of-service logs, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish the conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

What Evidence Is Used to Prove a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident cases rely on detailed documentation gathered as soon as possible after the crash. Key evidence types include:

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data- tracks driving hours and can reveal Hours of Service violations
• Truck maintenance records- skipped inspections or ignored repairs point to negligence
• Driver qualification files- reveals training history, license status, and prior safety violations
• Toxicology reports and drug/alcohol test results
• Black box / event data recorder data
• Dashcam and traffic camera footage
• Accident reconstruction expert analysis
• Witness statements and police reports
• Employment records and communications between drivers and dispatchers

Evidence such as ELD data, dashcam footage, and witness memories can fade or be lost quickly. Attorneys can issue legal preservation letters to require trucking companies and their partners to retain all relevant data.

What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Claim?

A clock begins running the moment you are injured in a trucking accident in Fort Worth. Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period typically starts on the date of death. Missing this deadline will almost certainly bar you from recovering any compensation.

Important exceptions apply:

• Minors: the statute of limitations may not begin until they turn eighteen
• Claims against government entities are subject to the Texas Tort Claims Act, which requires written notice of a claim within six months of the accident; some municipalities require notice within 90 days

The best course of action is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Quick action preserves critical evidence and protects your legal rights.

Stephens Law Firm, PLLC Handles All Truck Accident Injury Cases

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Even relatively minor injuries can change your life forever in ways you’d never imagine. You didn’t ask to get hurt, so you shouldn’t have to struggle with the consequences of your injuries on your own. Attorney Jason Stephens will work tirelessly to secure compensation for all of your truck accident injuries, including:

• Back injury
• Brain injury
• Burns
• Chest injury
• Crushing injury
• Cuts and lacerations
• Eye injury
• Fractures
• Head injury
• Lost limbs
• Neck injury
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord damage, and more.

Sadly, there are many fatal truck accidents in and around Fort Worth every year. If you’ve lost a loved one in one of these devastating crashes, you may be entitled to damages for your loss through a wrongful death claim. A compassionate attorney like Jason Stephens can help you consider your legal options. Just give him a call today to learn more.

Our Fort Worth Injury Attorney Will Work Hard to Recover All Available Damages

Do not underestimate what your truck accident case is worth. The cost is often related to the size and type of truck involved. Between medical bills, lost wages, and other present and future expenses, a severe crash can easily cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your life. You deserve every penny. Stephens Law Firm, PLLC will work hard to make that a reality for you. 

When you ask for Jason Stephen’s help, he’ll aggressively demand all available damages. Damages that are commonly awarded to truck wreck victims include money for:

• Medical expenses
• Chronic pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Lost income and wages
• Disability
• Reduced earning capacity
• Disfigurement, and more.

Jason understands how important financial recovery can be. That’s why he’ll bring in experts and professionals as he builds your case. They can help him fully appreciate the extent of your truck accident injuries and, ultimately, how they’ll probably impact your life, moving forward. Backed with solid evidence and strong arguments, he’ll position himself to leverage a meaningful award on your behalf.

What are the Time Limits for Pursuing Compensation After a Trucking Accident Near You?

A clock will begin to run the moment you’re injured in a trucking accident in Fort Worth. This is known as the statute of limitations, and it will expire two years from the date you get hurt. You are legally required to file a personal injury claim within this two-year period if you want to recover compensation from at-fault parties. You’ll get nothing if you wait too long.

The best thing to do is to call Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, and ask attorney Jason Stephens for help as soon as you can after your Fort Worth truck accident. He can get started on your case as soon as you call. 

Let A Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer Help You Today

Call a personal injury lawyer at Stephens Law Firm, PLLC after a truck accident in Fort Worth, Texas. Attorney Jason Stephens has successfully represented injury victims in Tarrant County for more than two decades. He has recovered substantial sums for his clients. Let his experience benefit you. Contact our Fort Worth, TX office today and schedule your free consultation.

Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer, Jason Stephens

Stephens Law | Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents Fort Worth Office

1300 S University Dr #300, Fort Worth, TX 76107

817-420-7000