DeSoto Truck Accident Lawyer
DeSoto Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck collisions often cause serious injuries because of the weight and force of commercial vehicles. Serving fellow Texans for over a decade with dedication and proven results, our team has earned a strong reputation for holding trucking companies accountable when their choices endanger others.
Your DeSoto personal injury lawyer will focus on your needs and help you understand what to expect as your claim progresses. By contacting your DeSoto truck accident lawyer from Goff Law, PLLC, you can begin taking steps that protect your health and financial stability.
Truck Accidents in DeSoto Require Special Attention
Truck accident cases often involve more than just two drivers. They can include trucking companies and insurance carriers that must follow both Texas law and federal safety rules. Known statewide for holding negligent trucking companies accountable, our firm understands how these details affect the outcome of your case and the compensation you may receive.
Federal Rules Trucking Companies Must Follow
Truck drivers and their employers must follow strict federal safety standards created to protect everyone on the road. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits how many hours a driver can spend behind the wheel before rest is required. These rules help prevent fatigue, which remains one of the top causes of serious truck crashes in Texas.
Federal law also requires companies to keep inspection and maintenance schedules for every truck they operate. A missing or incomplete report can show negligence if a company failed to repair worn brakes or replace faulty tires. When records are missing, it often means safety requirements were ignored.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Truck Crashes
Overloaded trailers and driver fatigue are among the most frequent causes of truck accidents in DeSoto. Texas Transportation Code § 545.351 requires drivers to adjust their speed based on road and weather conditions, but many push limits to meet tight delivery deadlines. These actions increase the risk of tipping or brake failure on busy highways.
Improper cargo loading and poor vehicle maintenance also contribute to preventable crashes. When companies fail to train drivers or properly inspect their vehicles, small errors can cause severe injuries to others on the road. Early identification of these mistakes can make it easier to prove why a company should be held responsible.
What Evidence Helps Prove Negligence
Truck accidents leave behind detailed evidence that can help explain what went wrong. Black box data often reveals speed and braking activity, as well as how long the driver had been on duty before the crash. Maintenance logs and inspection reports can show whether the vehicle was safe to operate, while witness statements or police reports can fill in the remaining details.
Your DeSoto truck accident attorney with Goff Law, PLLC can analyze these records to show who was responsible for the crash. A clear understanding of what proof matters most helps you see how fault is determined and what factors may affect your financial compensation.
Who May Be Responsible for a Truck Accident in DeSoto
Truck accidents rarely involve a single cause. Liability can extend beyond the driver to companies that ignored maintenance or pushed unrealistic delivery schedules. The list below shows who may be responsible for your crash:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company or employer
- Shipping or freight company
- Maintenance contractor
- Cargo loader or warehouse operator
- Parts manufacturer
- Vehicle leasing company
Trucking collisions often cause severe injuries, and several parties may share fault under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2025 report for the year 2022 found that Texas accounts for more than 13% of all fatal trucking crashes nationwide. Once you know how shared responsibility works, multiple companies could be held accountable for your losses.
The Evidence Can Dramatically Impact Your Truck Accident Claim
Strong evidence can determine the outcome of your truck accident case. When it is collected early, it can show what caused the crash and who failed to follow safety rules. Recognized for securing over $5 million in settlements and verdicts for injured Texans, your DeSoto car accident lawyer from our firm understands how trucking companies often control key records that can decide the outcome of your claim.
What Black Box and Logbook Records Reveal
Most commercial trucks have an event data recorder, or black box, that captures information before and during a crash. These records can show the truck’s speed and braking activity, as well as how long the driver had been operating the vehicle, which helps prove whether safety regulations under 49 CFR § 390.15 were followed.
Driver logbooks also provide key evidence about how long the operator was on the road. When these logs are compared with black box data, inconsistencies can reveal fatigue or falsified records. These records often serve as proof that a driver violated federal limits, which can improve your chances of a stronger outcome when we seek compensation after your crash.
Why Maintenance Logs and Inspection Reports Matter
Every trucking company must keep maintenance and inspection records to show that its vehicles are safe for the road. Texas Department of Public Safety data lists brake and tire defects as some of the most common violations found during commercial inspections, which demonstrates how skipped maintenance can lead to serious accidents.
When companies fail to repair worn brakes or replace unsafe tires, the paper trail often exposes their negligence. A detailed review of these records helps you understand what led to the crash and who is responsible for the damage caused.
DeSoto Truck Accident FAQ
Truck accidents often raise questions that go beyond a typical car crash claim. Below are short answers to common questions DeSoto residents ask after a collision with a commercial vehicle.
How long are trucking companies required to keep logbook and black box data?
Federal law requires trucking companies to keep logbook and black box data for at least six months. Some companies may destroy or overwrite these records early, which makes it important to act quickly after a crash.
Can I file a claim against both the driver and the trucking company?
Yes. You can hold the driver responsible for unsafe actions and the trucking company accountable if it failed to enforce safety standards.
What should I do if a trucking company contacts me after the crash?
Do not give a statement or sign documents without legal advice. Anything you say could be used to reduce your claim later.
Are there federal laws that limit how long drivers can stay on the road?
Yes. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, truck drivers must follow hours-of-service rules that limit how long they can drive without rest.
What if my injuries prevent me from returning to work after a truck accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for lost income. Medical records and pay statements can help show how catastrophic injuries from the crash have affected your ability to work.
Get Help From a Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer in DeSoto Today
