Dallas is a national distribution hub. I-35E, I-20, I-30, I-45 and I-635 carry freight in every direction, and the inland port logistics district in southern Dallas County adds warehouse and distribution traffic.
Dallas County commercial vehicle crashes in 2024
Statewide, Texas recorded 39,393 crashes involving a commercial motor vehicle in 2024, with 608 people killed. Dallas County accounted for 9.8% of them.
Source: TxDOT, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Involved Crashes and Injuries by County, 2024. "Commercial motor vehicle" includes large trucks, truck-tractors and buses.
High-risk freight corridors in Dallas
| Road | Why it matters for truck traffic |
|---|---|
| I-35E (Stemmons Freeway and R.L. Thornton Freeway) | The main north–south freight corridor through Dallas, linking Denton and Waxahachie. |
| I-635 (LBJ Freeway) | A northern loop with managed toll lanes, connecting I-35E, US-75 and I-30. |
| I-20 | The east–west route across southern Dallas County, close to the inland port distribution centers. |
| I-30 | Connects Dallas with Fort Worth to the west and Mesquite and Garland to the east. |
| I-45 (Julius Schepps Freeway) | Begins downtown and runs southeast towards Houston. |
| US-75 (North Central Expressway) | Heavy commercial traffic from downtown north through Richardson, Plano and McKinney. |
Who writes the crash report
The agency that responded to the crash writes the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). In and around Dallas, that is usually one of:
- Dallas Police Department
- Dallas County Sheriff's Office
- Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol)
Whichever agency wrote it, CR-3 reports are sold through TxDOT's online system for $6, or $8 for a certified copy. Use the crash report finder for step-by-step instructions.
Courts that hear truck accident cases from Dallas
- Dallas County civil district courts (George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building)
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division
Most injury lawsuits against trucking companies are filed in state district court in the county where the crash happened, or where a defendant is based. Some are moved to federal court when the parties are from different states. Texas has special trial rules for commercial vehicle cases. See CPRC Chapter 72.
Things to know about Dallas truck crashes
- Crashes near distribution centers often involve several companies (carrier, broker, shipper and loader). See who can be liable.
- Many trucks on DFW freeways are interstate carriers, so federal hours-of-service and inspection rules apply. Check any carrier in the safety lookup.
How a Dallas truck crash lawsuit works
Most truck accident claims settle without a trial, but when a lawsuit is filed in Dallas County it usually follows these stages:
- Investigation and preservation. Evidence such as ELD logs, engine (black box) data, dashcam video and maintenance records is identified, and a preservation letter is sent so the trucking company keeps it.
- Claim and demand. Medical treatment is documented, and a demand is made to the trucking company's insurer. Many cases settle here. See the truck accident claim process.
- Filing the petition. If the case doesn't settle, a petition is filed in district court, within the two-year deadline.
- Discovery. Both sides exchange documents and take depositions of drivers, safety managers and experts.
- Mediation. Texas courts commonly order mediation before trial, and many cases settle there.
- Trial. Commercial vehicle cases can be split into two phases under CPRC Chapter 72, with fault decided first.
After a truck crash in Dallas
- Get medical care and keep every record. What to do after a truck accident.
- Note the trucking company's name and USDOT number from the cab door, then check its safety record.
- Order the CR-3 crash report once it's available.
- Work out your filing deadline, especially if a city or county vehicle was involved.
- If you're considering a lawyer, read how to choose a truck accident lawyer.
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