Texas Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers 

Truck Accident Lawyers Helping Victims Recover Nationwide 

At Hilliard Law, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to victims of commercial truck accidents in Texas and across the nation. With our in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to these accidents, we have successfully guided numerous clients to fair and just settlements.

These accidents can result in devastating injuries, significant property damage, and even loss of life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them a formidable force on the road, and when negligence or recklessness comes into play, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Our Experienced Texas Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

Our team of experienced Texas commercial truck accident attorneys understands the complexities involved in these cases. We know that determining liability and pursuing compensation requires a thorough investigation, professional analysis, and strong legal advocacy. That’s why we leave no stone unturned when it comes to building a solid case for our clients.

When you choose Hilliard Law to represent you, you can expect personalized attention and compassionate support throughout the legal process. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a commercial truck accident can take on you and your family, and we are committed to helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our law firm also has a proven track record of success in handling commercial truck accident cases. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, allowing them to move forward with their lives and recover from their injuries. We are not afraid to take on large trucking companies and their insurance providers, and fight to ensure laws and trucking practices are safe for other drivers on the road.

At Hilliard Law, we believe that everyone deserves access to top-notch legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Time is of the essence in these cases, as evidence can be lost or destroyed, and statutes of limitations may apply. Contact Hilliard Law today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is a Commercial Truck Accident?

A commercial truck accident refers to a collision involving a large truck and another vehicle or object. These large truck accidents can occur on highways, city streets, or even in parking lots. The impact of a commercial truck accident can be devastating, as the force generated by these vehicles can cause significant damage and injuries.

Commercial truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Driver fatigue, for example, is a common cause of these accidents. Truck drivers often work long hours and may push themselves to meet tight deadlines, leading to exhaustion and impaired driving. Other factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can also contribute to commercial truck accidents.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident involves a collision or incident where a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or delivery truck, is involved. These accidents can occur due to various factors including driver error, vehicle malfunction, or external conditions. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, truck accidents often result in severe damage and injuries.

Common Types of Truck Accidents:

• Jackknife Accidents: Occur when the trailer of the truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery conditions.
• Rear-End Collisions: These happen when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Given the weight and momentum of trucks, these collisions can be particularly destructive.
• Underride Accidents: Occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the impact zone being the windshield and upper body of the smaller vehicle.
• Head-On Collisions: Involve a truck and another vehicle colliding front-to-front. These accidents are often catastrophic due to the combined speeds and mass of the vehicles involved.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions: Occur when the front of a truck hits the side of another vehicle. These accidents frequently happen at intersections and can cause significant injuries to the occupants of the side-impacted vehicle.
• Rollover Accidents: Can occur when a truck flips onto its side or roof, often due to sharp turns taken at high speeds, uneven loads, or hitting an obstacle.
• Wide Turn Accidents: These happen when a truck makes a wide turn, typically a right turn, and collides with a vehicle on its side. This can happen if the truck driver misjudges the space needed or if other vehicles are in the truck's blind spot.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides, and accidents can occur when a truck changes lanes or merges without seeing a vehicle in its blind spot.
• Lost Load Accidents: These occur when cargo falls off a truck, potentially causing accidents with vehicles behind or beside the truck. Improperly secured loads are a common cause.
• Brake Failure Accidents: These can happen when a truck’s braking system fails, often due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects, leading to uncontrollable collisions.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can result from a variety of factors, many of which involve human error, mechanical failures, environmental conditions, and regulatory non-compliance. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue and decreased alertness. Sleep disorders and inadequate rest can further impair their ability to drive safely.
• Distracted Driving: Using mobile devices, eating, or adjusting in-cab controls can divert a truck driver's attention from the road. Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Drivers may speed to meet tight delivery schedules or make up for lost time. Speeding in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions heightens the likelihood of collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol, drugs, and severe fatigue can impair a driver's judgment and reaction times. Substance use and exhaustion are major contributors to truck accidents.
• Inadequate Training: Inexperienced drivers may lack the skills to handle large trucks, especially in challenging conditions. Proper maneuvering techniques are essential to prevent accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure truck safety.
• Improper Loading: Overloading and unevenly distributed loads can cause instability and braking issues. Proper loading practices are essential to maintain the truck's balance and control.
• Environmental Factors: Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, fog, and ice create hazardous driving conditions. Poorly maintained roads and construction zones can also contribute to accidents.
• Violation of Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals, making unsafe lane changes, and failing to yield can lead to collisions. Adherence to traffic laws is vital for preventing accidents.
• Other Vehicles: Actions by other drivers, such as sudden lane changes or braking, can create difficult situations for truck drivers. Smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles are especially vulnerable.
• Poor Maintenance Practices: Neglecting regular maintenance checks can lead to undetected issues. Delaying necessary repairs can exacerbate mechanical problems, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Violations of hours-of-service regulations can lead to driver fatigue. Ignoring safety standards and regulations can create dangerous driving conditions.

How Do These Accidents Differ from Regular Car Accidents?

Commercial trucks, commercial vehicles, and truck operations are subject to harsher regulations than the typical passenger car. From operator training and certifications to vehicle maintenance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes federal regulations for trucks and trucking companies. These regulations set the bar for professional truck drivers and trucking corporations to meet.

The operation of a commercial vehicle requires extensive preparation, training, maintenance, and skill. Drivers, trucking companies, maintenance crews, and other parties are negligent when they fall short of the requirements set forth by governing bodies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Since their negligence could seriously endanger others, they should be held accountable to prevent similar accidents.

Violations of these regulations can have severe consequences. Not only do they increase the risk of fatal truck accidents themselves, but they also impact accident cases by establishing a clear disregard for safety standards on the part of the trucking company or driver. When pursuing a commercial truck accident lawsuit, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate whether any violations of these regulations occurred and how they contributed to the accident.

Interstate Trucking Regulations

Interstate trucking involves the transportation of goods across state lines. Due to the nature of these operations, the interstate commercial trucking industry is regulated by both federal and state laws. Understanding the nuances of interstate trucking regulations is essential when dealing with commercial truck accident cases that cross state borders.

When a commercial truck accident occurs in an interstate context, it can complicate the legal process. Different states may have varying regulations and requirements, making it necessary to navigate multiple jurisdictions. By working with our team at Hilliard Law, we are well-versed in interstate trucking regulations and can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Violations of These Regulations & the Impact On Accident Cases

When a trucking company or driver fails to comply with the regulations governing the industry, it can significantly impact accident cases. Our semi-truck accident lawyers will carefully review the details of the accident to identify any violations and demonstrate how they contributed to the occurrence of the accident and the resulting damages.

For example, if a truck driver exceeded the maximum allowable hours of service without taking the required rest breaks, it could be a violation of federal regulations. This violation may have contributed to driver fatigue, impairing their ability to safely operate the vehicle and increasing the likelihood of an accident. By establishing these violations, we can strengthen your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Cross-Border Accidents

Cross-border accidents can pose unique challenges since they involve multiple jurisdictions and different sets of regulations. In such cases, working with our attorneys who have experience navigating the complexities of cross-border accidents and can effectively advocate for your rights is crucial.

When a commercial truck accident occurs near a state border, determining which set of regulations applies can be complex. The laws of the state where the accident occurred may differ from the laws of the state where the trucking company is based. We are experienced in handling cross-border trucking accidents and can help ensure that all relevant regulations are considered and that your case is pursued in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Federal vs. State Claims

When pursuing compensation for a commercial truck accident, it is important to understand the difference between federal and state claims. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may have the option to file a truck accident claim under federal regulations or pursue a state-level claim. At Hilliard Law, we can advise you on the right course of action based on the specific details of your case.

Federal claims typically involve violations of federal regulations, such as those set forth by the FMCSA. These claims may be appropriate if a violation of federal trucking regulations caused the accident. State claims, on the other hand, are based on state laws and may be pursued if the accident was caused by a violation of state regulations or common law negligence. We can help you determine which type of claim is most appropriate for your situation.

Class Actions & Mass Torts in Commercial Truck Accidents

In some cases, commercial truck accidents may involve multiple victims. A class action or mass tort lawsuit may be appropriate in such situations. These legal avenues allow multiple victims to bring their claims together, strengthening their position and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Class actions and mass torts can be complex, requiring extensive coordination among the victims and their legal representation. Victims can pool their resources and evidence by joining forces, making a stronger case against the responsible parties. Our team has experience handling class actions and mass torts and can help explore your legal options.

Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Victim

As a victim of a commercial truck accident, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. You can take the necessary steps to protect your interests and build a solid case by being aware of your legal standing and obligations.

Determining Liability & Building a Strong Case

Determining liability is critical to building a strong case after a commercial truck accident. By identifying who can be held responsible for the accident, you can seek appropriate compensation for your damages.

Seeking Compensation for Your Damages

After a commercial truck accident, seeking compensation for your damages is essential to cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses you may have suffered as a result of the accident.

What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue After a Commercial Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, you may incur numerous losses from your injuries or from any property damage. If you can successfully establish that someone else’s negligence led to your accident, you may pursue compensation for all your accident-related losses.

Truck accident victims often recover damages for the following expenses and damages:

• Repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle
• Using alternate transportation
• Surgeries, prescriptions, and rehabilitation
• Income lost from missing work while recovering from accident injuries
• Reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries

Your personal injury claim should seek compensation equal to all losses you have incurred due to the accident. Without the assistance of our personal injury attorneys, you may miscalculate the impact of a crash and the incoming future costs they will need to cover. We can assess your claim and establish how much compensation would reasonably account for your losses.

The Importance of Professional Witnesses & Investigations