Trucking Accident Lawyer in Rockwall, TX

The devastation caused by truck accidents can leave you with physical, emotional, and psychological scars long after the crash has slipped into memory. However, when you are faced with the immediate aftermath, you need a truck accident lawyer in Rockwall, TX who can take the lead, preserve evidence, and handle all the logistics of your case so you can focus on medical care and recovery.

Smith & Lee is committed to you and what you need after an accident. Our Rockwall personal injury lawyers work diligently to ensure the accident does not also leave financial scars. We aggressively fight and negotiate on your behalf to ensure the correct party is held accountable for their actions.

You need an ally who provides support when you need it the most. Smith & Lee is here for you and will do right by you. For a free consultation, contact our law firm today.

Why Commercial Truck Accidents in Rockwall Require a Specialized Lawyer

Commercial truck accidents differ from car accidents on multiple levels. The team at Smith & Lee have decades of legal experience successfully handling commercial truck accident cases. Our deep knowledge and involvement in Rockwall County allow us to better hone our strategies and build stronger cases.

The Weight and Size of Semis and 18-Wheelers

First, trucks are much larger and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which means that the force behind a collision is more potent. Trucks cannot stop quickly since their weight adds to their momentum. Similarly, they cannot maneuver as quickly, so it is harder for them to avoid hazards. As such, they automatically cause much more damage due to size and weight disparities.

Multiple Parties Could Be Liable for a Big Rig Crash

Truck accident cases are also complex because there are several parties that can contribute to an accident. To discover who this might be, these cases often require extensive investigations and the quick action of a truck accident attorney who can preserve truck evidence.

Identifying All Liable Parties in a Texas Truck Accident Case

The saying “it takes a village” is an apt one when it comes to trucking operations. A truck driver may be the one out on the road, but it takes many different parties to ensure operations run smoothly. Since there are many different roles, it also means that any one of these parties can be held liable if something goes wrong and an accident occurs.

Truck drivers are a common liable party because they are responsible for adhering to the rules of the road, federal regulations, and remaining alert and cautious. Distractions, speeding, fatigue, impairment, and failing to accommodate for blind spots and environmental conditions can cause a driver to cause a semi-truck crash.
Trucking companies can also be held vicariously liable for their drivers, as well as liable for poor training or vetting, violating regulations, and more.
Large truck mechanics and technicians can be at fault if they fail to regularly inspect and maintain the company’s fleet and sufficiently fix known problems. Negligent maintenance can contribute to mechanical failure on the road.
Cargo loaders can also be liable if they fail to load, balance, and secure freight properly.
Automakers of large trucks can also be liable if these manufacturers issue defective vehicles or vehicle parts and components.

The truck accident lawyer representing you works tirelessly to investigate the accident from every angle so they can correctly identify which party is at fault. In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault, and we help you hold each one accountable and seek the maximum compensation allowed under the law.

Federal and State Trucking Regulations That Protect Injured Victims

All trucking entities and personnel are expected to follow regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as those at the state level. Violations can have serious consequences, both on the road and through penalties and fines.

Examples of violations include exceeding hours-of-service limits, manipulating logbooks, poor maintenance, and more. A truck accident attorney can use these instances as evidence of negligence or willful regulation violations.

Our seasoned attorneys are familiar with what to look for during an investigation to see if violations occurred. We can issue a spoliation letter to preserve evidence, review the truck’s black box data, navigate the complexities of litigation, and so much more to ensure accountability and justice.

Recoverable Financial Compensation After a Commercial Trucking Wreck

When you hire a truck accident lawyer near you, they focus on recovering your losses under personal injury law and optimizing your case so you can recover maximum compensation. Truck accidents often result in staggering expenses and extensive losses, and we fiercely advocate for you so you can recover all applicable losses. When you recover compensation, you can generally recover two categories of compensation:

Economic Damages: This category of compensation generally covers financial losses, such as past and future medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages or earning capacity. For fatal accidents and wrongful death, it can also cover funeral and burial arrangements.
Non-Economic Damages: This category of compensation provides for pain and suffering losses, such as diminished enjoyment and quality of life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

Punitive Damages After a Large Truck Accident

In select cases, you may also recover punitive damages, but this is generally reserved for instances of gross negligence or maliciousness. In cases where this is applicable, these damages are recovered in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

Regardless of which type of damages you are entitled to, entrust your case and negotiations to Smith & Lee.

Essential Steps to Take Following an 18-Wheeler Crash in Rockwall County

Time is of the essence after a commercial trucking accident. It is important that certain steps are taken as quickly as possible to preserve your health, evidence, and claim. Actions you should take include:

Receive prompt medical care
File a police report to document the crash
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties involved
Take photos of the scene and damage
Secure witness information
Hire a truck accident lawyer near you who can represent you and preserve evidence
Notify your insurance company and prepare your case against the at-fault party

Additionally, you should not apologize or suggest that you were at fault for the accident. You should also never speak with commercial insurance adjusters on your own because they do not have your best interests in mind. Refer them to your attorney.

How Smith & Lee Injury Lawyers Stand Up to Aggressive Corporate Defense Teams

The team at Smith & Lee handle your case personally when you have been injured by negligent parties. We prioritize your case, protect your rights, and advocate for your interests. We have been honored to be recognized by Super Lawyers for the service we provide our clients.

We provide a family-like approach and leverage our local knowledge and community relationships to personalize our approach and do right by you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents

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

For truck accidents, you have two years to file a lawsuit in Texas to recover your losses, according to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. These are often complicated cases, so it is important to avoid delays in hiring a lawyer so you are not barred from legal action and recovering your losses. We can discuss how much time you have remaining to take action when you schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer near you.

Who can be held liable in a commercial truck crash?

In a commercial truck crash, liable parties can include the truck driver, truck company, mechanics, cargo loaders, and even manufacturers. The truck accident attorney handling your case can thoroughly investigate the accident to find evidence of who was at fault so that they can build a strong case that holds them accountable. It is also possible that multiple parties may share liability for the accident.

What information or documents should I bring to my first meeting with a truck accident lawyer?

When you sit down with a truck accident lawyer from our team for an initial meeting, you should bring evidence that you’ve collected, such as a copy of the police report, your medical records, photos, witness information, and any other relevant documentation you have collected.

You should also be prepared to share the details of what happened, its effect on your life, and other relevant information that can help your lawyer understand your situation and fight for you.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney near me?

Smith & Lee works on a contingency basis, which means you pay no upfront costs to hire a lawyer. When you are dealing with truck accident injuries, the last thing you need to be worrying about is whether you can afford a truck accident lawyer near you.

We only collect attorney fees from settlements or verdicts if we win your case. Our team is committed to you and providing accessible legal representation that ensures your rights are protected and you get fair results.

Contact Our Rockwall, TX Truck Accident Attorneys Near You

Smith & Lee works diligently to help you recover your losses and connect you with medical professionals who can treat your injuries. We are familiar with the many underhanded tactics trucking companies and insurance companies may use. We are also prepared and equipped to aggressively fight back so you do not lose valuable compensation. To schedule a free consultation with a Rockwall County truck accident lawyer near you, contact our law firm online.