Corpus Christi Truck Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Truck Accident in Corpus Christi, TX?

Accidents involving large trucks are among the deadliest in the world. The massive size and weight of a tractor/trailer rig can cause lethal accidents and devastating injuries. But smaller company vehicles can cause injury and property damage, too. Whether your accident involved a big rig, a delivery van or a sales rep’s sedan, we can go to court to make sure their employers take responsibility for your injuries and damage.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a company truck or commercial driver neglect, our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers at Hillard Law will hold them responsible and call on the law and our experience to make them pay for the harm they’ve done.

Why So Many Truck Accidents?

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Large commercial trucks—such as 18-wheelers, big rigs, and tractor-trailers—can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. In contrast, the average passenger vehicle weighs about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This weight difference makes truck accidents far more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles. Victims often suffer life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, amputations, or wrongful death.

That’s why it’s critical to work with a skilled Corpus Christi truck accident attorney who understands the complexity of these cases, including the state and federal regulations that apply to commercial trucking.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes can happen in many different ways, depending on road conditions, driver behavior, and the vehicles involved. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: When a large truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. These accidents often occur when a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or speeding and cannot stop in time.
• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming an L or V shape with the cab. These accidents can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause multi-vehicle pileups.
• Rollover Accidents: Due to their high center of gravity, trucks are more prone to rollovers, especially when making sharp turns or traveling on uneven roadways.
• Underride Accidents: These are among the deadliest truck crashes. An underride occurs when a smaller car slides underneath the rear or side of a tractor-trailer, often crushing the vehicle’s roof and causing fatal injuries.
• Tire Blowouts: When a truck tire blows out at high speed, it can cause the driver to lose control, veer into other lanes, or scatter debris across the roadway, endangering other motorists.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Large trucks require extra space to make wide right turns. In some cases, they may trap or collide with cars in adjacent lanes, particularly in urban areas like Corpus Christi.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Understanding the cause of a truck accident is essential for determining liability and building a strong legal claim. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Despite strict federal regulations limiting driving hours, some truckers exceed their limits or falsify logs to meet deadlines. Fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of truck crashes.
• Distracted Driving: Using a cell phone, GPS, or eating behind the wheel can take a driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of a serious accident.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Trucks require more time and distance to stop. Speeding or tailgating significantly increases the likelihood of a collision.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous and negligent act that puts everyone on the road at risk.
• Poor Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies are legally required to inspect and maintain their vehicles. Faulty brakes, bald tires, or broken lights can all contribute to accidents.
• Improper Cargo Loading: An unbalanced or unsecured load can cause a truck to tip over or spill its contents onto the highway.

At Hillard Law, we work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists to thoroughly investigate truck accidents and identify all responsible parties.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death (in fatal accidents)

Who is Responsible for Your Truck Accident?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your truck accident, many individuals could be liable for your injuries and losses. Sometimes, the only way to hold the responsible parties accountable is to take legal action through the correct avenues. The following people may be responsible for your damages:

In some cases, more than one party will be responsible. Because of the complex aspects of truck accident cases, we recommend you partner with a lawyer. Your truck accident lawyer can help you narrow the list of potentially responsible parties, determine who is liable, and hold these individuals accountable for your fair compensation.

What Should You Do After a Commercial Truck Accident?

Following an accident involving a truck, you may not know what steps to take next. Being strategic with your next actions is essential to prioritize your recovery, financial stability, and overall well-being. We encourage you to follow these steps as you move forward:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and suggestions carefully
• Keep track of all documents related to your accident
• File a police report if you have not already done so
• Start a claim against the liable parties
• Submit relevant information when filing your claim
• Speak with a truck accident lawyer before accepting compensation offers from insurance companies or responsible parties
• Bring evidence and information to legal consultations with lawyers
• Partner with an attorney for assistance
• Stay off social media
• Avoid discussing your case with others
• Follow your lawyer’s recommendations for the next steps and strategies

We encourage you to partner with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, as your attorney can help you in many ways throughout the process. Your lawyer can also significantly reduce stress related to your case by leveling the playing field against other representatives, holding insurance companies accountable, completing and filing paperwork on your behalf, and speaking for you and representing you favorably during hearings.

FAQs About Truck Accidents in Corpus Christi, TX

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.

What makes truck accident claims more complex than car accidents?

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, federal and state regulations, commercial insurance policies, and extensive investigation. These factors require specialized legal knowledge.

Will my case go to trial?

Many truck accident claims are resolved through settlements. However, Hillard Law is fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Contact us today at (866) 927-3420 to schedule a free consultation with our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers.