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After a Dallas truck accident, you need experienced legal representation to handle complex liability and regulatory issues. Trucking cases differ from standard auto accidents due to federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and severe injuries. With Dallas positioned as a major freight hub in the “Texas Triangle” connecting Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, the high volume of commercial traffic increases accident risks on I-35E, I-635, and I-20. A truck accident attorney investigates critical elements including driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, company safety practices, black box data, and regulatory compliance. They identify all potential liable parties – from drivers and trucking companies to vehicle manufacturers and maintenance providers. These cases often involve multiple insurance policies and complex coverage layers.
Truck accidents typically cause catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Insurance companies quickly work to minimize liability, often contacting victims shortly after accidents. An experienced truck accident attorney in Dallas protects your rights, documenting damages and pursuing maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we understand trucking industry regulations and insurance practices. Our team conducts thorough investigations, consults industry experts, and builds strong cases for full compensation. We pursue damages covering medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs, while managing complex negotiations with trucking companies and their insurers.
A truck accident attorney specializes in handling collisions involving commercial vehicles, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks. These lawyers understand federal trucking regulations, industry standards, and complex liability issues unique to commercial vehicle accidents.
They investigate key factors including driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and company safety practices. These attorneys identify multiple liable parties – from drivers and trucking companies to manufacturers and maintenance providers – and navigate overlapping insurance policies.
Truck accident lawyers manage complex evidence gathering, often working with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and industry specialists. They understand how to prove violations of federal hours-of-service regulations, maintenance requirements, and loading standards.
These attorneys handle severe injury cases involving extensive medical costs and long-term care needs. They negotiate with powerful trucking companies and their insurers while protecting victims’ rights. Most work on contingency fees and offer free initial consultations to evaluate claims.
Yes, you should hire a truck accident attorney in Dallas after a collision with a commercial vehicle. These cases involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and severe injuries requiring extensive documentation.
An experienced attorney investigates critical evidence including driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data before it’s lost or destroyed. They identify violations of federal safety regulations and industry standards while building your case.
Insurance companies and trucking firms quickly deploy legal teams to minimize liability. Your attorney protects your rights, handles communications, and ensures proper valuation of damages. They understand overlapping insurance policies and pursue all available compensation sources.
Truck accident lawyers work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and industry specialists to prove liability and document damages. They calculate long-term costs of severe injuries while managing negotiations with powerful trucking companies.
Most truck accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency fees. Given the complexity of these cases and severity of injuries, professional legal representation significantly impacts claim outcomes.
Each year, Loncar Lyon Jenkins represents over 7,000 clients all over Texas and will travel to any city or town within the Lone Star state.
The common causes of truck accidents in Dallas include driver fatigue, equipment failure, improper loading, and driver error.
Other common causes of truck accidents in Dallas are listed below:
Leads to many Dallas truck accidents, particularly on major routes like I-35E and I-635. Federal hours-of-service violations, tight delivery schedules, and nighttime driving contribute to fatigue-related crashes.
Causes accidents through poor maintenance, defective parts, or improper repairs. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can lead to catastrophic crashes. Companies must follow strict maintenance schedules and safety inspections.
Creates rollover risks and handling problems. Overloaded trailers, unbalanced cargo, and unsecured loads affect vehicle stability. Weight distribution and proper securing procedures are critical for safe operation.
Includes speeding, following too closely, and unsafe lane changes. Large trucks require longer stopping distances and have significant blind spots. Poor weather conditions and road construction increase these risks.
Remains a serious issue. Cell phone use, eating, adjusting controls, and other distractions compromise safety. Federal regulations restrict electronic device use by commercial drivers.
Though strictly regulated, still causes accidents. Companies must conduct regular testing and maintain compliance records. Prescription medications can also impair driving ability.
Leads to accidents when drivers lack experience with equipment or conditions. Companies must provide proper training on vehicle operation, safety procedures, and emergency responses.
Recognizing these common causes helps attorneys establish liability and pursue compensation from responsible parties. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, understanding these factors can strengthen your legal claim.
The common causes of truck accidents in Dallas include driver fatigue, equipment failure, improper loading, and driver error.
Other common causes of truck accidents in Dallas are listed below:
Leads to many Dallas truck accidents, particularly on major routes like I-35E and I-635. Federal hours-of-service violations, tight delivery schedules, and nighttime driving contribute to fatigue-related crashes.
Causes accidents through poor maintenance, defective parts, or improper repairs. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can lead to catastrophic crashes. Companies must follow strict maintenance schedules and safety inspections.
Creates rollover risks and handling problems. Overloaded trailers, unbalanced cargo, and unsecured loads affect vehicle stability. Weight distribution and proper securing procedures are critical for safe operation.
Includes speeding, following too closely, and unsafe lane changes. Large trucks require longer stopping distances and have significant blind spots. Poor weather conditions and road construction increase these risks.
Remains a serious issue. Cell phone use, eating, adjusting controls, and other distractions compromise safety. Federal regulations restrict electronic device use by commercial drivers.
Though strictly regulated, still causes accidents. Companies must conduct regular testing and maintain compliance records. Prescription medications can also impair driving ability.
Leads to accidents when drivers lack experience with equipment or conditions. Companies must provide proper training on vehicle operation, safety procedures, and emergency responses.
Recognizing these common causes helps attorneys establish liability and pursue compensation from responsible parties. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, understanding these factors can strengthen your legal claim.
The types of injuries most commonly sustained in truck accidents in Dallas range from minor to life-threatening. Understanding these common injuries helps victims recognize symptoms and seek appropriate medical care.
Common truck accident injuries include:
Occurs when the head jerks violently forward and backward, straining neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion. Most common in rear-end collisions, symptoms can appear hours or days after the accident.
Range from herniated discs to complete paralysis. High-impact collisions often cause vertebrae damage, potentially leading to permanent disability. The thoracic and lumbar regions are particularly vulnerable during side-impact and rollover crashes.
Result from violent head movement or direct impact. Symptoms include confusion, memory loss, headaches, and consciousness changes. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause concussions, with symptoms potentially developing over time.
Commonly involve muscle strains, disc damage, and vertebrae fractures. Impact forces can cause immediate or delayed pain, mobility issues, and chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment.
Frequently occur in high-impact collisions. Common areas include ribs, arms, legs, and facial bones. Multiple fractures often result from side-impact crashes or vehicle rollovers.
Affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These include sprains, strains, and tears, particularly in shoulders, knees, and ankles. Recovery times vary significantly based on injury severity.
May not show immediate symptoms. Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, or damage to vital systems. These injuries require immediate medical attention.
Result from broken glass, metal, or impact with vehicle interiors. While some are superficial, deeper wounds may require stitches and can leave permanent scarring.
Occur in accidents involving fire or chemical exposure. Severity ranges from first to third degree, potentially requiring skin grafts and specialized treatment.
Often accompanies physical injuries. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and fear of driving. Mental health support is crucial for complete recovery.
Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is essential, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Documentation of injuries also supports insurance claims and legal proceedings.
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There are many key steps you must follow to avoid a truck accident in Dallas, including:
Especially I-35E, I-635, and I-20 where truck traffic is heaviest. Maintain safe distances – trucks need longer stopping distances and have large blind spots on all sides. A good rule is if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
Signal early for lane changes, avoid sudden braking, and never cut off a truck. Pass quickly but safely, and only on the left side. Be extra cautious during rain or construction when trucks have reduced maneuverability.
If you notice unsafe driving, maintain distance and report it to authorities. Be especially careful during early morning and late night hours when driver fatigue is common.
Check tires, brakes, and lights regularly. Have an emergency kit and know how to handle roadside situations safely. If you must stop, pull completely off the highway and use hazard lights.
Typically early morning and late afternoon. Use traffic apps to check for accidents or construction that might create dangerous truck congestion. Consider alternate routes during hazardous weather conditions.
Following key steps after a truck accident in Dallas ensures proper documentation and strengthens potential claims.
The steps you must follow after a truck accident are listed below:
Move to a safe location if possible and call 911. Set up warning signals if you have them. Stay in your vehicle if exiting seems dangerous due to traffic.
Take photos of vehicle damage, accident scene, road conditions, and visible injuries. Get witness contact information and truck identification numbers including DOT and license plates.
Some injuries become apparent days later. Follow treatment plans and keep all medical records. Document new symptoms as they develop.
Wait for the police and get a copy of the accident report. Note responding officers’ names and badge numbers. Report the incident to your insurance company but don’t give recorded statements.
Commercial trucks have electronic logging devices and other data that can be lost. Take photos of driver credentials, company information, and insurance details.
They’ll help preserve critical evidence, handle insurance communications, and protect your rights. Most offer free consultations and can explain your legal options.
Keep medical bills, repair estimates, and records of lost work time. Note how injuries affect daily activities and work capacity.
Taking these steps helps build a strong case for compensation. Remember that evidence can disappear quickly in truck accidents, so documenting everything thoroughly is crucial for protecting your interests.
A truck accident lawyer in Dallas can help with your claim in a number of ways, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence, to negotiating with the insurance company to representing you in court.
Other ways a truck accident lawyer can help with your claim is listed below:
The attorney investigates all potential liable parties including the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and manufacturers. They work with accident reconstructionists and industry experts to analyze evidence and build strong cases.
A truck accident lawyer manages critical evidence collection and preservation. They secure black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and other documentation before it’s lost or destroyed. This evidence helps establish liability and prove safety violations.
Your attorney calculates comprehensive damages including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Lawyers handle all communications with insurance companies and their legal teams. They understand commercial insurance policies and pursue compensation from multiple coverage sources. This protects you from accepting inadequate settlements while ensuring proper damage valuation.
If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting your case before a judge and jury.
Having skilled legal representation ensures protection of your rights and interests throughout the claims process. While you focus on recovery, your attorney works to secure the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
In Texas, you have two years from the accident date to file a truck accident lawsuit (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003). This statute of limitations applies to personal injury and property damage claims.
Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering compensation. Exceptions that may extend the deadline include:
For accidents involving government vehicles, you must file notice within six months. Claims against trucking companies engaged in interstate commerce may involve federal regulations with different deadlines.
Selecting the right truck accident lawyer significantly impacts your case outcome. Here’s what to evaluate when choosing representation:
Look for truck accident lawyers with extensive experience handling commercial vehicle cases in Dallas. They should understand federal trucking regulations, industry standards, and local court procedures.
Evaluate their track record with similar cases and settlements. Ask about their experience dealing with major trucking companies and insurers. Check credentials through the State Bar of Texas and verify any claimed certifications.
Truck accident cases require significant investment in investigation, expert witnesses, and potentially lengthy litigation. Ensure they have financial strength to properly handle your case.
Assess their communication style during initial consultation. They should clearly explain legal strategies and answer questions thoroughly. Most reputable firms offer free consultations and work on contingency fees.
Choosing the right attorney impacts both your case outcome and stress level during the process. Take time to research and meet with several lawyers before making this important decision.
Yes, most truck accident lawyers in Dallas offer free initial consultations. These consultations typically allow you to:
Many firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. You can verify the consultation policy by calling the law firm directly before scheduling.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our truck accident attorneys in Dallas handle a wide range of truck accident cases that occur on roadways throughout Texas.
The types of truck accident cases our attorneys handle in and around Dallas include:
Happen when smaller vehicles slide beneath a large truck’s trailer, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. These accidents frequently occur due to poor lighting, inadequate reflective strips, or missing underride guards.
Occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab, resembling a folding knife. These accidents typically happen during sudden braking or on slippery roads, potentially affecting multiple lanes of traffic and vehicles.
Are another common type, where trucks tip onto their side or roof due to high speeds, improper loading, or sharp turns.
Happen when trucks swing wide to make right turns, potentially trapping vehicles between the truck and curb.
Can occur when truck tires fail due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects, causing the driver to lose control. Blind spot accidents result from trucks’ significant blind zones, particularly on the right side and directly behind the trailer.
Involving trucks are especially dangerous due to the vehicle weight difference, while head-on collisions typically result in catastrophic outcomes.
Occur when cargo isn’t properly secured, creating hazards for other motorists. The firm also handles cases involving brake failures, mechanical defects, and driver fatigue-related accidents.
Having experience with this diverse range of truck accidents allows the attorneys at Loncar Lyon Jenkins to effectively investigate circumstances, determine liability, and pursue appropriate compensation for victims. Each accident type requires specific expertise in relevant regulations and industry standards.
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When working with the truck accident attorneys at Loncar Lyon Jenkins, you can expect a thorough and professional legal process focused on securing fair compensation for your truck accident case.
The initial consultation begins with a comprehensive review of your accident details, where attorneys gather essential information about the crash, injuries, and circumstances while explaining potential paths forward.
The investigation phase involves collecting evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident scene documentation. Your legal team works with accident reconstruction experts, obtains truck maintenance records, and analyzes driver logs to build a strong case.
They also coordinate with medical professionals to document your injuries and establish their connection to the accident.
Insurance negotiations follow evidence gathering.
Your attorney handles all communication with insurance companies, protecting your interests while pursuing fair compensation. They use their experience to counter lowball offers and navigate complex negotiations involving multiple insurance providers.
If settlement negotiations don’t yield satisfactory results, your attorney prepares for litigation. This includes filing court documents, developing legal strategy, and representing you in court proceedings. They manage all aspects of the trial process, from jury selection to presenting evidence and examining witnesses.
Throughout your case, you can expect regular updates about progress and developments. Your legal team remains accessible to answer questions and address concerns, ensuring you understand each step of the process. They handle deadlines, paperwork, and legal requirements while you focus on recovery.
Determining fault in Texas semi-truck collisions requires a comprehensive investigation process that the attorneys at Loncar Lyon Jenkins handle with attention to detail.
The investigation begins with collecting and analyzing physical evidence from the accident scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and debris placement, which help reconstruct the sequence of events.
Plays a crucial role in modern truck accident investigations. Attorneys obtain data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), GPS tracking systems, and engine control modules to verify driver hours, speed, braking patterns, and other critical operational details. They also secure dashcam footage when available and surveillance video from nearby businesses that may have captured the collision.
Forms another vital component of fault determination. The legal team examines police reports, driver logbooks, maintenance records, and company safety policies. They investigate whether federal and state trucking regulations were followed, including hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspection requirements, and cargo loading guidelines.
Provides essential perspective in establishing fault. Attorneys interview eyewitnesses, first responders, and accident reconstruction experts who can provide professional analysis of the collision factors. In cases involving mechanical failures, they consult with automotive engineers to determine if proper maintenance procedures were followed.
Through this thorough investigation process, our attorneys build a clear picture of liability, often identifying multiple responsible parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or vehicle manufacturers. This ensures all liable parties are held accountable and maximizes potential compensation for their clients.
Hiring a Loncar Lyon Jenkins lawyer for your Dallas truck accident claim provides you with experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of commercial vehicle accidents. Our attorneys understand federal and state trucking regulations, including hours-of-service requirements, maintenance standards, and driver qualification rules that can impact your case.
Our firm’s resources allow for thorough accident investigations, including securing electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and company safety policies. Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists to build strong evidence of liability and damages. This comprehensive approach is particularly important in truck accident cases, which often involve multiple responsible parties and complex insurance coverage issues.
Their attorneys handle all aspects of your claim, from initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial.
Our Dallas truck accident attorneys manage communication with insurance companies, file necessary legal documents, and ensure compliance with Texas legal deadlines. This allows you to focus on recovery while they pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Our firm’s track record in handling truck accident cases demonstrates our ability to secure favorable outcomes for our clients. Our experience with similar cases provides insight into case valuation, negotiation strategies, and effective trial presentation. Our truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
How much compensation you can expect to recover from a truck accident claim in Dallas will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, how much time you missed at work, the extent of vehicle damage, and other variables.
You can pursue economic damages (special damages) and non-economic damages (general damages.)
Are easily quantifiable because there is documentation to back up your claim. Documentation can include bills and receipts for medical treatment and vehicle repairs and statements from your employer regarding time missed at work.
Economic damages you may be entitled to include:
If you incurred medical expenses as a result of the accident, you can claim these damages. Medical expenses can include ambulance transportation, hospitalization, doctor visits, tests, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medications,in-home services. If your doctor believes you will need medical treatment in the future, you can claim compensation for future medical costs.
If your injuries forced you to miss work you may be entitled to compensation to cover the hours you lost. If your injuries prevent you from ever returning to work you may be able to collect compensation for loss of earning capacity or loss of future earnings.
If the accident resulted in damage to your vehicle, requiring repairs or replacement, you can pursue compensation for property damage.
Are more subjective and it can be challenging to determine the value of these damages. These damages are meant to compensate the accident victim for the physical pain and emotional distress they have suffered due to the accident and their physical pain and emotional injuries.
Non-economic damages you may be entitled to:
Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain and emotional distress an accident victim experiences due to the injuries they sustained. Damages can include the pain the accident victim experiences at the time of the accident and throughout the recovery process.
A truck accident can be a traumatic event that affects the accident victim’s mental well-being. If you experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or another psychological issue, you can pursue compensation for emotional distress.
If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you enjoy, such as attending social gatherings, sports, or hobbies, you can pursue compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
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At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our truck accident attorneys in Dallas determine the value of damages by using bills, pays stubs, repair estimates, statements from friends and family regarding how your injuries affect your life, documentation from your physicians and employer, and other types of evidence.
The value of your damages can depend on the following factors:
When calculating economic damages, your attorney will use documentation, such as medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, and paystubs.
Non-economic damages are more subjective, making it difficult for an attorney to accurately assess damages and come up with a sum.
Factors that can influence the value of general damages include:
Your attorney will use the per diem or multiplier method to determine the value of non-economic damages.
The multiplier method calculates non-economic damages by applying a factor (typically 1.5 to 5) to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. The multiplier increases based on injury severity, recovery time, impact on quality of life, permanent disabilities, and psychological trauma. For example, if medical bills total $50,000, using a multiplier of 3 would value non-economic damages at $150,000. Factors like clear liability, serious injuries, and strong evidence support higher multipliers, while pre-existing conditions may lower them.
The per diem method assigns a daily rate to pain and suffering, often using the victim’s daily earnings as a baseline. This rate is multiplied by the number of days the victim experienced pain and suffering. For instance, if assigned a $200 daily rate for 100 days of recovery, non-economic damages would total $20,000. This method requires detailed documentation justifying both the daily rate and duration of suffering.
To come to a settlement amount that accurately reflects past, current, and future damages, your attorney may also consult with experts. This is especially important if you suffered injuries that will require future medical care, your injuries prevent you from ever returning to work, you experience chronic pain, or the injuries have impacted your quality of life.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our attorneys serve the following areas in Dallas:
Taking specific steps after a truck accident can significantly strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
By taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. If possible, obtain contact information from witnesses and responding police officers.
Even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical documentation creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Follow all treatment plans and keep detailed records of medical appointments, expenses, and how injuries impact your daily life.
But avoid giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers without legal counsel. Keep copies of all accident-related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. Document lost wages and track any accident-related expenses.
Documenting your recovery process, pain levels, and limitations caused by injuries. This contemporaneous record can provide valuable evidence of how the accident affects your life. Save any photos or videos showing your recovery progress and physical limitations.
This helps protect your rights and ensures proper handling of evidence. Your attorney can secure important evidence like electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and company safety policies before they disappear. Working with skilled legal representation gives you the best chance at maximizing your compensation while you focus on recovery.
Yes, you need legal advice after a truck accident in Dallas. These cases involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and significant damages requiring experienced legal representation. Truck accident attorneys help preserve critical evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data before it’s lost. They identify violations of federal safety regulations and document all damages while you focus on recovery. Insurance companies and trucking firms quickly deploy legal teams to minimize liability. Your attorney protects your rights, handles communications, and ensures proper valuation of damages. They understand overlapping insurance policies and pursue compensation from all liable parties. Given the severity of injuries and complexity of liability issues, professional legal representation significantly impacts claim outcomes. Contact an attorney promptly – evidence disappears quickly in truck accidents.
A truck accident attorney in Dallas manages the complex legal and regulatory aspects of commercial vehicle crashes. They understand federal trucking laws, industry standards, and how to identify multiple liable parties – from drivers and companies to manufacturers and maintenance providers.
These attorneys quickly preserve critical evidence like driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records before it disappears. They work with accident reconstructionists and industry experts to prove violations of safety regulations and establish liability.
Insurance companies and trucking firms deploy legal teams immediately after accidents. Your attorney protects your interests, handles communications, and ensures proper documentation of damages. They understand commercial insurance policies and pursue maximum compensation from all available sources.
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical care. An experienced attorney calculates long-term costs and future care needs while managing negotiations with powerful trucking companies. They handle legal complexities while you focus on recovery.
Most Dallas truck accident attorneys, including those at Loncar Lyon Jenkins, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only collect payment if they successfully recover compensation for your case. The typical contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40% of the settlement or court award, though exact percentages can vary based on case complexity and whether the case goes to trial.
Yes, you can still pursue compensation after a truck accident in Texas even if you were partially at fault, thanks to the state’s modified comparative negligence law. Under this system, you can recover damages as long as you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Clay Jenkins started his personal injury practice in 1989 after clerking for the Texas Supreme Court. He co-counseled some of Brian Loncar’s biggest cases for 25 years before purchasing an interest in the firm. He is the former Chairman of the Board of Advocates for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and previously served as President of the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association. Learn More
Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation.
You deserve responsive legal representation after suffering injuries or losing a loved one in a truck accident. Contact a truck accident lawyer at Loncar Lyon Jenkins today.We can provide a free consultation to discuss your legal options and explain how our Dallas truck accident lawyers can help. As noted, specific deadlines may apply to your case, so contact us as soon as possible.
