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The Chevy Silverado is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the Dallas-Denton corridor, and that popularity comes with a real cost. More Silverados on roads like I-35E, US-380, and Loop 288 means more chances for serious crashes. If you or someone you love was hurt in a Silverado accident near Denton, the team at truck accident lawyer Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is ready to help you understand your rights and your options.
Table of Contents
- Why the Chevy Silverado Poses Unique Accident Risks in the Dallas-Denton Area
- Active Chevy Silverado Recalls and Defects That Increase Crash Risk
- Texas Traffic Laws That Apply to Silverado Drivers and Crash Liability
- The Most Common Causes of Chevy Silverado Crashes Near Denton and Dallas
- What to Do After a Chevy Silverado Accident in Denton or Dallas
- FAQs About Chevy Silverado Accident Risks in Dallas and Denton
Why the Chevy Silverado Poses Unique Accident Risks in the Dallas-Denton Area
The Chevy Silverado is not just a popular truck. It is a heavy, high-riding vehicle that creates specific dangers for other drivers on the road. A fully loaded Silverado 1500 can weigh more than 5,000 pounds. That mass, combined with a higher ride height, means that when a Silverado hits a smaller car, the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the force. The physics are not forgiving.
In the Dallas-Denton metro area, Silverados are everywhere. You see them hauling equipment through Denton’s construction zones near Rayzor Ranch, navigating the busy intersections around the University of North Texas campus, and merging onto I-35E heading toward Dallas. The sheer volume of these trucks on local roads raises the statistical likelihood of a crash involving one.
Pickup trucks as a vehicle category are involved in a disproportionate share of serious injury crashes in Texas. Despite some improvements in overall fatality numbers, Texas recorded 14,905 serious injury crashes in 2024, resulting in 18,218 individuals sustaining serious injuries. A significant portion of those crashes involve pickup trucks like the Silverado.
The Silverado’s size also creates visibility problems. Its tall front end creates a large hood blind spot, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, or small vehicles directly in front of them. On busy Denton streets like University Drive or near the Denton Square, that blind spot is a genuine hazard.
Understanding these risks matters because it shapes who is legally responsible when a crash happens. A driver who chooses to operate a heavy vehicle like a Silverado takes on a duty of care under Texas law. When that duty is breached and someone gets hurt, the injured person has the right to seek compensation. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys helps people in Denton and across the Dallas area pursue exactly that.
Active Chevy Silverado Recalls and Defects That Increase Crash Risk
A Silverado with a known defect is a danger to everyone on the road, and right now there are serious recalls affecting tens of thousands of these trucks. General Motors determined that a defect may exist in certain 2021 through 2024 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine, where connecting rod and crankshaft components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure, causing the vehicle to lose propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash.
There are 107,244 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles affected by this recall. That is a significant number of trucks that could stall without warning on highways like I-35E or US-377 near Denton, creating dangerous situations for other drivers.
The engine defect is not the only concern. Sierra and Silverado pickup trucks were recalled in December 2024 because their tailgates could open on their own while driving. Cargo falling out of the truck’s bed can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Imagine driving on US-380 near Denton and suddenly encountering debris from a Silverado’s unsecured tailgate. The consequences can be catastrophic.
When a crash happens because of a known defect, the injured person may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, in addition to any negligence claim against the driver. Texas law allows injured victims to pursue both theories of recovery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety standards, tracks these defects and issues recalls, but recall repairs only happen when owners take action. Many Silverado owners never complete recall repairs, leaving defective trucks on Denton roads.
If you were hit by a Silverado and believe a defect played a role, the attorneys at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys can help investigate whether a recall was open at the time of the crash and whether that defect contributed to your injuries. Call us at (940) 800-2500 to talk through what happened.
Texas Traffic Laws That Apply to Silverado Drivers and Crash Liability
Texas law sets clear standards for how drivers must operate their vehicles, and Silverado drivers are held to those same standards. When they fall short, injured victims have a legal basis to seek compensation. Several key provisions of the Texas Transportation Code are directly relevant to Silverado crash cases in the Denton and Dallas area.
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.351, the Basic Speed Rule, drivers must operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent given the conditions. A Silverado traveling at highway speed in heavy rain on I-35E near the Denton-Dallas county line is not operating at a reasonable speed, even if it is technically within the posted limit. This rule gives injury victims a tool to argue that a Silverado driver was negligent even without a speeding ticket.
Texas Transportation Code Section 545.062 governs following distance. It requires drivers to maintain an assured clear distance from the vehicle ahead. A heavy Silverado takes longer to stop than a smaller passenger car. A Silverado driver who tailgates on Loop 288 or US-377 and causes a rear-end crash has likely violated this statute.
Texas Transportation Code Section 545.401 addresses reckless driving, defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. Aggressive Silverado driving, such as cutting off other vehicles near the Golden Triangle Mall area or racing on Dallas North Tollway, can rise to the level of recklessness under this provision.
Texas also follows a modified comparative fault rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. This means an injured person can still recover damages as long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Even if an insurance adjuster tries to blame you for part of the accident, you may still have a valid claim. Crash data collected from Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3) forms the foundation of official crash records processed by TxDOT, and those reports are a critical part of proving fault in any Silverado accident case.
The Most Common Causes of Chevy Silverado Crashes Near Denton and Dallas
Silverado crashes near Denton and Dallas share a common set of causes, and identifying the right cause is the first step toward building a strong injury claim. Driver behavior accounts for the majority of these crashes, but vehicle defects and road conditions also play a role.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes. A Silverado driver scrolling through their phone while passing through the busy intersection of Loop 288 and US-380 in Denton is a serious threat. At highway speeds, looking away for even two seconds means traveling nearly 200 feet without watching the road.
Speeding is another major factor. Single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes were particularly deadly in Texas in 2024, resulting in 1,353 deaths, which was 32.60 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. Many of these crashes involve pickup trucks traveling too fast on rural roads or highways. Denton County has several stretches of road, including parts of FM 2181 and FM 1830, where speeding Silverados are a documented problem.
Impaired driving remains a consistent factor. Driving under the influence of alcohol remained a major factor in Texas traffic fatalities in 2024, with 1,053 people killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for 25.37 percent of all traffic deaths. A heavy Silverado driven by an impaired operator is especially dangerous because the truck’s size amplifies the damage it causes.
Fatigued driving, aggressive lane changes, and failure to yield at intersections are also common triggers. Near Denton’s busiest corridors, like the stretch of I-35E between Denton and Lewisville, these behaviors regularly cause serious crashes. When a Silverado driver’s negligence causes a crash, the injured person can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering under Texas personal injury law. The car accident lawyer team at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys handles these cases every day.
What to Do After a Chevy Silverado Accident in Denton or Dallas
The steps you take right after a Silverado crash directly affect your ability to recover compensation. Acting quickly and correctly protects both your health and your legal rights.
Call 911 immediately. A police report, formally called a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report or CR-3 form, is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any Texas accident case. Information collected from Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3) is received and processed by TxDOT and becomes part of the state’s official crash database. Insurance companies and courts rely on these reports when evaluating fault and damages. If the crash happens near Denton, the Denton Police Department or Denton County Sheriff’s Office will respond and file the report.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Injuries from Silverado crashes, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal bleeding, often do not show symptoms immediately. A medical record created close in time to the crash is strong evidence that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Document the scene if you are physically able. Take photos of both vehicles, the road, any skid marks, traffic signs, and your visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Surveillance cameras near Denton landmarks like the Denton County Courthouse or the Rayzor Ranch shopping area sometimes capture crash footage, and that footage can disappear quickly.
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that minimize what they pay out. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 gives most personal injury victims two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. That deadline is strict. Missing it almost always means losing your right to recover anything. Contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 as soon as possible after a crash. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Denton, Dallas, and throughout the surrounding area, and we offer free consultations so you can learn your options without any upfront cost.
Attorney responsible for this content: Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, principal office located in Denton, Texas. Past results described on this site are specific to those cases and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts and applicable law.
FAQs About Chevy Silverado Accident Risks in Dallas and Denton
Can I sue the Silverado driver and General Motors at the same time if a recall defect caused my crash?
Yes, Texas law allows you to pursue claims against multiple parties at once. If a Silverado driver was negligent and a known defect, such as an engine failure covered by an active NHTSA recall, contributed to the crash, you can file claims against both the driver and the manufacturer. These are separate legal theories: negligence against the driver and product liability against the manufacturer. An attorney can help you determine which claims apply to your situation and how to build the strongest possible case.
What is a CR-3 form and why does it matter to my Silverado accident claim?
A CR-3 is the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report. It is the official document a responding officer fills out after any reportable crash in Texas. It records details like the location, weather conditions, contributing factors, and each party’s account of what happened. TxDOT stores these reports in its Crash Records Information System (CRIS). Insurance companies and courts treat the CR-3 as an important piece of evidence when determining fault and evaluating damages. You can request a certified copy through TxDOT for use in legal proceedings, with a fee of eight dollars for a certified copy.
Does Texas law limit how much I can recover if I was partly at fault for a Silverado crash?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. If you are found to be partially at fault for the crash, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover anything. Insurance adjusters often try to inflate your share of fault to reduce what they pay, which is one reason having an attorney on your side matters.
How long do Silverado accident cases typically take to resolve in Texas?
The timeline varies depending on the facts of your case. Cases that settle before a lawsuit is filed can resolve in a few months. Cases that require a lawsuit, discovery, and trial can take one to three years or longer. Factors that affect the timeline include the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, the number of parties involved, and whether the insurance company disputes liability or damages. In any case, acting quickly is important because evidence fades, witnesses become harder to locate, and the two-year statute of limitations under Texas law is a hard deadline.
What kinds of compensation can I recover after being injured by a Chevy Silverado in Denton or Dallas?
Under Texas personal injury law, you can seek compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence, such as a drunk driver or a driver who ignored a known vehicle defect, punitive damages may also be available. The value of any claim depends on the specific facts and injuries involved, and no result in a prior case predicts what any future case will be worth.