If you’ve been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, the consequences can be catastrophic. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when it crashes into a passenger vehicle, the results are often life-altering or fatal. Whether the cause was driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or a reckless trucking company pushing for faster deliveries, victims deserve justice. This is where experienced truck wreck attorneys come in—providing the legal muscle to take on powerful trucking corporations and insurance carriers.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we understand the unique legal, medical, and financial challenges that truck crash victims face. Our aggressive litigators investigate complex truck accident cases, identify every liable party, and fight to secure the full compensation our clients deserve.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Legally Complex
Truck wreck cases are vastly different from standard car accident claims. Several key factors add complexity:
- Multiple liable parties: The driver, the trucking company, the freight shipper, maintenance contractors, and even vehicle manufacturers may all share liability.
- Federal regulations: Trucking companies are governed by strict federal safety laws under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Severe damages: Injuries tend to be more serious, requiring higher compensation, expert testimony, and detailed damage modeling.
- Rapid response teams: Trucking companies often dispatch their legal teams to crash scenes within hours, collecting and controlling key evidence.
Without an experienced truck wreck attorney, victims are at a major disadvantage.
Top Causes of Truck Wrecks
Understanding the root cause of a trucking accident is essential to building a strong legal claim. Common causes include:
Driver Fatigue
Despite hours-of-service rules, truck drivers often push past safe limits due to pressure from employers or unrealistic delivery schedules. Fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making, increasing the risk of deadly accidents.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers may use phones, GPS, or other devices while driving. Just a few seconds of inattention can lead to disaster on the highway.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Commercial trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles. Excessive speed can lead to rear-end collisions or jackknife accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and steering failures are common contributors to truck crashes. Maintenance logs and inspection records are critical evidence in these cases.
Improper Loading
Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or loss of control. The freight company may be held accountable for poor loading practices.
Driving Under the Influence
Some crashes involve truck drivers who are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications that affect alertness and coordination.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Wreck Case?
Truck accident liability is often shared across several parties, making it more complicated than a typical vehicle collision claim.
| Potential Liable Party | Role in the Crash |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | Negligent operation, fatigue, distracted or impaired driving |
| Trucking Company | Inadequate training, poor hiring practices, logbook violations |
| Maintenance Contractor | Failure to inspect or repair equipment |
| Freight/Cargo Shipper | Unsafe loading, unbalanced freight, unsecured cargo |
| Truck Manufacturer | Design or mechanical defects |
| Government Entity | Poorly maintained roads, missing signage |
An experienced attorney will conduct a full investigation to identify all contributing factors and responsible parties.
Types of Compensation Available in a Truck Accident Case
Victims of truck accidents often face staggering financial and emotional losses. A skilled truck wreck attorney will pursue compensation that covers:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Assistive devices and home modifications
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence, such as falsified driving logs or deliberate safety violations, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.
What to Do After a Truck Wreck
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can strengthen your claim and protect your legal rights.
- Call 911: Make sure emergency services and police arrive to document the scene.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or internal damage can surface later.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of your vehicle, the truck, license plates, debris, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Do Not Speak to Insurance Reps: Trucking company insurers may call you quickly, trying to secure a statement or offer a quick settlement.
- Contact a Truck Wreck Attorney: An attorney can launch an immediate investigation and preserve critical evidence.
How a Truck Wreck Attorney Builds a Winning Case
Your attorney’s first move will be to launch a thorough investigation and secure all available evidence. This includes:
- Driver qualification files
- Hours-of-service logs
- Black box (EDR) data
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Cargo manifests and inspection reports
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Witness statements
- Crash reconstruction expert analysis
From there, your attorney will build a comprehensive case file that details the cause of the crash, the extent of your injuries, and the impact on your financial and emotional well-being.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Wreck Lawsuit?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the crash. However, early action is critical because:
- Trucking companies only retain black box data and driving logs for a limited time
- Witness memories fade
- Surveillance footage may be deleted within days
If you wait too long, vital evidence may be lost, weakening your case.
Truck Accident Trends and Settlement Data
Truck crashes are rising across the country, particularly in Texas. The following statistics illustrate just how high the stakes are.
| Year | Texas Truck Crash Injuries | Texas Truck Crash Fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 11,394 | 579 |
| 2021 | 12,974 | 621 |
| 2022 | 14,678 | 685 |
| Injury Severity | Average Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Minor Injuries | $25,000 to $75,000 |
| Moderate Injuries | $75,000 to $200,000 |
| Severe Injuries | $250,000 to $1,000,000+ |
| Fatal Accidents | $500,000 to several million dollars |
Settlements can vary widely depending on liability, available insurance coverage, and long-term impact on the victim’s life. Crash data from Txdot.gov. Settlement data reported by NOLO Legal Encyclopedia.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Wreck Attorney?
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we operate on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We cover all legal costs until the case is resolved
- You only pay legal fees if we win your case
This structure allows anyone to access top-tier legal representation without financial strain.
Why Choose Loncar Lyon Jenkins?
With decades of experience and a proven track record across Texas, Loncar Lyon Jenkins stands out as a leader in truck wreck litigation. We take on powerful insurance companies, national trucking carriers, and negligent drivers with tenacity and precision.
Our Advantage Includes:
- Deep understanding of FMCSA regulations
- Relationships with accident reconstruction experts
- Skilled negotiation and trial-tested strategies
- Offices across Texas with local support in your region
- Aggressive, client-focused representation
When you hire us, you don’t just get a lawyer, you get an entire legal team dedicated to maximizing your recovery.
Speak With a Truck Wreck Attorney Today
The trucking industry has lawyers and insurers protecting their bottom line. You deserve someone protecting yours. Hire us, and you gain an entire legal team committed to maximizing your recovery, not just a lawyer. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward justice.
Let us fight while you focus on healing. Your case deserves attention, expertise, and action.
