Until you’ve been involved in an accident with a large truck, it can be hard to imagine how much a truck crash impacts your life. As Texas truck accident lawyers with decades of experience, we know the physical, emotional, and
financial strain you’re experiencing now.
Truck accidents are not just larger versions of car accidents—they involve unique legal challenges and require specialized knowledge to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Munley Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to holding trucking companies accountable and securing maximum client compensation. We are ready to help you get back on your feet.
About Our Truck Accident Law Firm
Munley Law was founded in 1959. Since then, our family-run firm has earned a nationwide reputation as one of the leaders in personal injury and truck accident law. Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys are among a few lawyers who have earned board certification in truck accident law. We hold leadership positions with the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group, the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, and the American Interstate Trucking Lawyers Association. Simply put, truck accident cases are what we do best.
We have a deep network of law firms and experts nationwide, so we can help you get the justice you deserve, no matter where your accident happened. We offer free consultations and do not get paid unless we win your case.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
After a serious truck accident in Texas, many aspects of your life suddenly appear uncertain: your health, your livelihood, your family’s future. The trucking company is a formidable adversary; you need someone on your side to make sure your rights are protected. An experienced truck accident attorney understands the full extent of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. We fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled, and we have experience with the unique challenges presented in truck crash cases.
Truck Accidents are Different
It’s important to understand that truck accidents are not the same as other types of personal injury cases. Most personal injury lawyers handle car accidents, but very few have the experience and knowledge necessary to be successful in a truck accident lawsuit. Truck accident cases present a unique set of challenges. First, semi-truck accidents often involve catastrophic injuries. They also tend to involve multiple defendants and multiple commercial insurance policies.
Truck accidents also involve numerous state and federal regulations that do not apply to regular car accidents. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of these regulations and can identify any violations that may have contributed to your accident.
We Hold Trucking Companies Accountable
It is important to have a personal injury attorney with extensive experience winning cases against large corporate entities and heavily defended transportation companies. The right lawyer will determine the truck driver’s liability and investigate the trucking company and any third-party brokers to hold all responsible parties accountable. Proving liability in a big rig accident requires a thorough investigation and collection of evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data. Our legal team has the resources and experience to conduct a comprehensive investigation to build a strong case.
You Deserve Maximum Compensation
An experienced truck accident attorney understands the full extent of the damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our board-certified trial attorneys will take your case to court.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
At Munley Law, our experienced attorneys are equipped to handle a diverse range of truck accident cases, ensuring you receive the best possible representation for your situation.
Tractor Trailer and 18-Wheelers
Due to their size and weight, accidents involving tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers are often catastrophic. These vehicles can cause severe damage and injuries, and the complexity of these cases requires specialized knowledge of trucking regulations and standards.
Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks carry water, gas, and hazardous materials, so crashes involving these vehicles can result in dangerous spills, fires, and explosions, leading to significant injuries and environmental damage.
Delivery Trucks
With the rise of e-commerce, delivery trucks have become a common sight on our roads. Delivering truck accidents can occur due to tight delivery schedules, driver fatigue, and inexperience.
Other Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles come in many forms, including construction vehicles, garbage trucks, and buses. Each type of vehicle presents its own set of challenges and regulatory requirements. Our legal team is well-versed in handling a variety of commercial vehicle accidents, providing comprehensive representation to victims of these incidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas
Tens of thousands of crashes involving commercial vehicles occur in Texas each year. Texas reports the highest number of fatal truck accidents out of any state in the U.S. Your truck accident lawyer will start by investigating the crash that caused your injuries to identify the cause and prove liability. Common causes of Texas truck accidents include:
Truck Driver Fatigue
Long hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to driver fatigue, significantly impairing a trucker’s reaction time, judgment, and overall driving ability. Despite regulations limiting hours of service, some drivers and companies push the limits to meet tight deadlines, increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distractions such as using a mobile phone, eating, adjusting controls, or other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road are major contributors to truck accidents. Trucks’ large size and slower maneuverability mean that even a momentary distraction can lead to devastating consequences.
Speeding
Due to tight schedules and delivery deadlines, truck drivers may exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of accidents. Speed is even more dangerous for large trucks that already take longer to slow down or come to a stop.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can severely impair a driver’s ability to drive safely.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for the safe operation of commercial trucks. Failure to properly maintain brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in safe operating condition.
Improper Loading
Overloading or improperly securing cargo can affect a truck’s stability and handling. Shifting loads can cause rollovers or make it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
Serious Injuries in Truck Accidents
Injuries sustained in a truck accident can be life-altering.
Here are some of the most common serious injuries sustained in truck accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBIs are among the most serious injuries in truck wrecks, often resulting from a violent blow to the head. Symptoms
can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and other long-term effects. Traumatic brain injuries can require long-term therapy and expensive treatment for the patient to make a full recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting the victim’s mobility and independence. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation and can drastically alter a person’s quality of life.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures and broken bones. Recovery from these injuries can be lengthy and painful, often requiring surgery, and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Burns
Fires and explosions are common in truck accidents, especially when hazardous materials are involved. Burn injuries can range from minor to severe and may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and skin grafts.
Amputations
The severity of a truck accident can lead to the loss of limbs, either at the scene of the accident or as a necessary medical procedure later. Amputations have a profound impact on a victim’s life, requiring prosthetics, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Sudden jolts during a collision can cause whiplash and other neck injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term health issues.
Lacerations and Contusions
Deep cuts, bruises, and contusions are common in truck accidents. While some may heal relatively quickly, others can cause significant scarring and require plastic surgery or other treatments.
Truck Accident Fatalities
The loss of a loved one in a truck accident has profound emotional and financial repercussions. Families may face medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain of losing a family member. Families of victims have the right to seek justice and compensation through wrongful death claims. These claims can help cover the financial burdens and provide some measure of accountability for the negligent parties responsible for the accident.
Compensation in a Texas Truck Accident Lawsuit
Victims of negligent drivers and trucking companies deserve to be properly compensated for their losses and suffering. Understanding the types of compensation available can help you and your family make informed decisions and pursue the justice you deserve. Here are the primary forms of compensation that may be awarded in a Texas truck accident lawsuit:
Economic Damages
Economic damages include concrete financial losses you have accumulated due to your injuries sustained in the truck accident. One of the biggest financial costs of a truck accident is medical bills. Victims can recover the cost of all medical treatment related to the accident. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, prescription medications, and any future medical care that may be required due to the injuries sustained.
You are also entitled to seek compensation for the income you’ve lost if your injuries prevented you from working. This includes wages lost during recovery and any reduction in future earning capacity if the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify but comprise a significant portion of a personal injury settlement. The primary source of non-economic damages is for pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries. This non-economic damage considers factors such as the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s quality of life, and any ongoing pain or emotional trauma.
Punitive Damages
In rare instances, your truck accident case may be eligible for punitive damages. This type of award is meant to punish the behavior of those responsible for the accident.
Who Are the Liable Parties in a Trucking Accident Case?
One of the things that makes truck accident cases so complex is that there can be multiple defendants, each with their insurance coverage. Your attorney will be tasked with identifying all possible defendants in your case and proving liability for each. Liable parties may include:
Truck Driver: The truck driver is often the primary liable party, especially if the accident was caused by driver error, such as distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles and complying with traffic laws and regulations.
Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver can also be liable for the accident. This can occur if the company fails to properly train the driver, does not enforce regulations, neglects vehicle maintenance, or encourages unsafe driving practices to meet delivery deadlines.
Vehicle Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck or one of its parts, the truck manufacturer or the specific defective component may be liable. Common defects include brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues.
Cargo Loaders: The individuals or companies responsible for loading the truck can be liable if improper loading or securing of the cargo contributed to the accident. Overloaded trucks or improperly secured loads can affect the vehicle’s stability and handling, leading to accidents.
Maintenance Providers: Companies or individuals responsible for maintaining and repairing the truck can be held liable if poor maintenance or faulty repairs contributed to the accident. This includes negligence in regular inspections, failure to replace worn-out parts, or improper repairs.
Truck Owners: In some cases, the truck owner (if different from the trucking company) can be held liable, especially if they failed to ensure the vehicle was properly maintained or allowed an unqualified driver to operate the truck.
Other Drivers: Other motorists on the road may sometimes share liability if their negligent actions contributed to the accident. This can include reckless driving, sudden lane changes, or failing to yield the right of way.
Texas Truck Accident FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a Truck Claim in TX?
Getting the representation you need for a serious truck accident shouldn’t involve more financial sacrifice. At Munley Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we win your case. Rather than charging an hourly rate or retainer, we deduct our costs from the final settlement amount. The contingent fee agreement allows anyone in any financial situation to afford the best legal representation. It also protects the client from financial risk in pursuing your case; we assume all risks, and you pay nothing if your case is unsuccessful.
What is the Black Box and How Will it Affect My Case?
The black box is also known as an event data recorder (EDR) or electronic control module (ECM) installed in commercial trucks. This device collects and stores critical data about the truck’s operation, which can be invaluable in investigating and determining the causes of an accident. The black box in a truck records various types of information, including:
- Speed: The speed of the truck at the time of the accident and leading up to it.
- Brake Usage: Whether and when the brakes were applied.
- Engine Performance: Data on engine RPMs, throttle position, and other performance metrics.
- Driver Inputs: Information on steering, acceleration, and other driver actions.
- Hours of Service: Data on the driver’s hours of operation can indicate compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations regarding rest periods and fatigue.
Accident reconstruction experts can use the data from the black box to piece together the events leading up to the crash. This can help establish a timeline and identify key factors contributing to the accident, such as speeding, harsh braking, or driver fatigue. The information from the black box can provide objective evidence that supports your claims or refutes claims made by the trucking company.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?
Generally speaking, a truck accident case can take several months to a few years to resolve. However, the duration of a truck accident lawsuit can vary significantly based on several factors, including the case’s complexity, the extent of injuries, and the parties’ willingness to negotiate.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?
Most states, including Texas, limit how long individuals can file a lawsuit after an injury. In Texas, this statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. If more than two years have elapsed, the court will almost always refuse to hear your case.
There are some rare exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, if the truck accident victim is a minor (under 18 years old), the statute of limitations does not begin until the minor turns 18. This means the individual has until their 20th birthday to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Many steps must be taken before a lawsuit can be filed, so it is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your case has the best chance of success.
What should you do immediately after being involved in a commercial truck accident?
Being involved in a commercial truck accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. However, taking certain steps immediately after the accident can help protect your health, legal rights, and ability to seek compensation. Here’s what you should do:
Move to Safety: If possible and safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Call Emergency Services and Report the Accident: Contact the police to report the accident. Provide them with accurate information about the location and details of the crash.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to get checked by medical professionals. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These can be valuable evidence later.
Witness Information: Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements may be crucial in establishing what happened.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Provide factual information to the police and other parties.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident immediately. Provide them with the information you have gathered, but avoid making detailed statements until you consult an attorney.
Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced truck accident attorney to discuss your case. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and deal with insurance companies and trucking companies.
Preserve Evidence and Keep Records: Maintain copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Follow Legal Advice: Follow your attorney’s advice regarding communication with insurance adjusters, settlement 
offers, and any further steps you need to take.
Free Consultations
The road to recovery starts with a first step. At Munley Law, we make it easy to get started by offering free, no-obligation consultations. If you have been injured in a truck accident, we will answer your questions and advise you about what to do next.
Contact an Award-Winning Texas Truck Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Our award-winning attorneys are ready to help you navigate this difficult time. The consultation is free, and we don’t charge for our services unless we win your case.
