Truck Accident Lawyer Greenville, TX
Greenville, TX sees more than its share of heavy truck traffic. As a hub in Hunt County with access to major transportation routes like I-30 and US 69, the roads here are frequently shared by passenger vehicles and massive commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and big rigs that can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. When these trucks collide with cars, the injuries are often devastating, and the legal process that follows can be overwhelming.
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident in or near Hunt County, the experienced attorneys at Smith & Lee are here to help. With more than 55 years of combined experience, our truck accident lawyers near Greenville, TX understand the complexities of these cases and fight to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable. We’ll pursue the full compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovery, not red tape.
Why Truck Crashes Are a Serious Threat in Greenville, TX
Greenville’s location along I-30 and other critical freight routes makes it a common thoroughfare for commercial trucks hauling goods across Texas and beyond. This constant flow of traffic includes semi-trucks and tractor-trailers headed to and from distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and rail terminals.
While trucks serve a vital economic role, they also pose unique safety risks. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regularly reports serious and fatal truck crashes in Hunt County, many occurring on highways surrounding Greenville. These accidents often involve high speeds, significant weight disparities between vehicles, and complex crash dynamics that result in catastrophic outcomes.
The city’s mix of rural roads and highway intersections creates a dangerous environment where big rigs and smaller cars must share tight spaces. Drivers on SH 34, FM 1570, and congested stretches of I-30 are especially vulnerable. Our truck accident lawyers understand these local factors and use that insight to build stronger cases for our clients.
Common Truck Accident Scenarios We Handle
Truck accidents don’t just happen; they’re often the result of poor decisions, regulatory violations, or preventable mechanical failures. Our legal team regularly investigates and litigates a wide range of local crash types.
One of the most frequent is the rear-end collision on I-30, often caused when a fatigued or distracted truck driver fails to slow down in time for traffic backups. We also handle jackknife accidents, where the trailer folds across lanes, causing multiple vehicle pileups. These can be especially dangerous on curves or during poor weather.
In rural areas and on county roads, our truck accident attorneys see T-bone accidents at intersections with limited visibility, often due to a truck driver failing to yield or running a stop sign. Rollover accidents are also common when cargo shifts unexpectedly or when a truck takes a turn too fast.
Finally, we represent victims in underride collisions, where a car slides beneath the trailer of a stopped or slow-moving truck. These crashes are often fatal or result in lifelong injuries.
Why You Need Our Truck Accident Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident claims are not like ordinary fender-benders. They involve multiple layers of liability, higher financial stakes, and powerful insurance companies trained to deny, delay, or diminish your claim. Without our skilled truck accident attorneys on your side, it’s easy to be overwhelmed or underpaid.
Trucking companies and their insurers move fast after a crash. They often deploy investigators to the scene, collect critical data like black box recordings and driver logs, and begin crafting a defense within hours. If you don’t have a lawyer doing the same for you, vital evidence can be lost.
These companies may also attempt to confuse the chain of responsibility, claiming that the driver was an independent contractor or that the fault lies with a different party altogether. It’s not uncommon for multiple entities to be involved in a single commercial truck crash, including third-party maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or leasing companies.
At Smith & Lee, we step in immediately to protect your interests. Our truck accident attorneys will send preservation letters, conduct thorough investigations, and handle all communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to. Our goal is to level the playing field and put you in the strongest possible position for recovery.
What Sets Smith & Lee Apart
Choosing a truck accident lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after a crash. At Smith & Lee, we bring not just legal knowledge but also deep community ties and a fierce commitment to our clients.
David Smith and Ryan Lee are trusted legal professionals in Northeast Texas. David is a former president of the Rockwall Bar Association and serves on the board of the Rockwall Grace Clinic, which provides healthcare access to the uninsured. Ryan serves as an Associate Municipal Court Judge in Rockwall and is President of the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Texas.
Together, they’ve built a law firm that values accountability, personal connection, and excellence in trial preparation. We return your calls. We get to know you and your family. We ensure that every case is presented not just as a legal claim but as a real story with real consequences.
We’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation, and we do it with compassion, skill, and a belief that our work makes the community safer for everyone.
Understanding the Full Impact of a Truck Accident Injury
Truck accident injuries are rarely minor. When a passenger vehicle collides with an 18-wheeler or a fully loaded tractor-trailer, the outcome is often catastrophic. The sheer force of the impact can crush metal, shatter bones, and change lives in an instant. Victims are frequently hospitalized for extended periods, require multiple surgeries, and often endure a long and painful rehabilitation process. In many cases, they are left with lasting disabilities that affect every aspect of their daily lives.
Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most devastating consequences of a truck crash is a spinal cord injury, which can lead to partial or total paralysis. Whether it’s paraplegia or quadriplegia, these injuries require ongoing medical care, assistive devices, and changes to the victim’s home and lifestyle.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also common, especially in high-speed or rollover crashes. TBIs can impair a person’s memory, decision-making, coordination, and ability to speak or understand language. For some, these effects are permanent and severely limit their independence.
Other Catastrophic Injuries
Many victims also suffer from crush injuries, amputations, and severe bone fractures that require orthopedic surgeries and long-term physical therapy. In collisions involving flammable materials or high-impact fuel leaks, burns and disfigurement are tragically common.
Effects on Mental Health
These injuries can be not only physically painful but also emotionally traumatic, especially when scarring leads to long-term psychological distress.
The emotional toll of a truck accident is often just as profound as the physical harm. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or fear of driving. These psychological injuries can interfere with sleep, work, and relationships, making it difficult to return to a normal life.
Long-Term Effects on Life
Even after the initial physical wounds begin to heal, many victims find that they can no longer perform the same job or enjoy the same activities as before. Their lives are forever altered by the crash, financially, emotionally, and physically. At Smith & Lee, we understand these long-term consequences. That’s why we work closely with your treating physicians, rehabilitation experts, and vocational specialists to ensure that every part of your injury, seen and unseen, is documented and included in your claim. Our goal is to secure the resources you need to move forward with dignity and security.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Semi-Truck Crash?
Truck accident claims often involve multiple defendants. While the driver may have made the final error, others may have contributed to the incident through negligence or regulatory violations.
At Smith & Lee, we examine every possible source of liability, including:
- The truck driver, for speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued
- The trucking company, for negligent hiring, supervision, or scheduling practices
- Maintenance contractors, who failed to inspect or repair equipment properly
- Cargo companies, whose improper loading caused balance or shifting issues
- Vehicle manufacturers, in cases involving brake failure or tire defects
- Government agencies, if poor road design or signage played a role
We gather maintenance records, dispatch logs, training files, and inspection reports. We work with accident reconstructionists and safety experts to build a case that holds each negligent party accountable because, in trucking litigation, responsibility is often shared.
Compensation Available After a Semi-Truck Accident
Truck accidents lead to significant damages, both economic and non-economic. As your legal team, we work to ensure that every loss is fully documented and pursued. Compensation may include:
- Medical costs, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your previous job
- Pain and suffering, for physical and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injuries affect your hobbies, relationships, or daily routine
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement
- Punitive damages, in cases involving reckless conduct or repeat safety violations
Because commercial truck crashes are so severe, settlements and verdicts can be substantial. Our truck accident lawyers near Greenville will fight to ensure no category of your loss is left unaccounted for.
Truck Accident Lawsuit Deadlines in Texas
In Texas, you have two years from the date of your truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003.
However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as a city truck or county-maintained road, you may have to file formal notice within six months or less. These cases have even stricter procedural requirements.
Delaying action puts your case at risk. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies may use time against you. At Smith & Lee, we act quickly to preserve your rights and keep your case on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a truck accident attorney if the truck driver admits fault?
Yes. Even when liability is clear, trucking insurers are skilled at reducing payouts. They may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover long-term needs. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that the value of your claim reflects your total losses, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
What if I was partially responsible for the truck accident?
Under Texas law, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your percentage of fault will reduce your award. Insurance companies often exaggerate your role in the crash to minimize payouts. We push back with facts and expert evidence.
Will my semi-truck accident case go to trial?
Most truck accident cases settle out of court. However, our truck accident attorneys prepare every case for trial from day one to give you the strongest leverage during negotiations. If a trial becomes necessary, we’ll be ready to present your story powerfully and persuasively.
Can I still sue if the trucking company is from another state?
Yes. If the crash occurred in Texas, you can pursue your claim here, even if the truck or driver was based elsewhere. We routinely handle claims involving out-of-state defendants.
How long does a Greenville truck accident case usually take?
It depends on the complexity of the case and whether litigation is required. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take over a year. We’ll keep you informed and fight for a fair resolution, not rushed.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Greenville, TX Today
If you were injured in a crash involving a semi-truck, big rig, or 18-wheeler, don’t try to go up against the trucking company alone. You need a legal team that knows how to uncover the truth, hold all parties accountable, and fight for everything you’re owed.
At Smith & Lee, we’ve built our reputation on preparation, persistence, and personalized service. We’re proud to serve Hunt County and the greater Northeast Texas region. We’re ready to do right by you.
Call us or contact us online for a free consultation with our truck accident lawyers. You don’t pay unless we win.