Truck Accident Lawyer Hendrix, TX
When an 18-wheeler crashes into a car on a quiet two-lane road outside Hendrix, TX, the consequences can be devastating. Tractor-trailers, big rigs, and other commercial trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a standard passenger vehicle, and when safety rules are ignored, ordinary families pay the price.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash in Hunt County, the road to justice starts with a call to Smith & Lee. With over 55 years of combined experience, our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims recover full and fair compensation after serious commercial vehicle accidents. We’ve built our practice around accountability, community, and client care, and our Hendrix, TX truck accident attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
Why Truck Accidents Are Particularly Dangerous in Rural Areas Like Hendrix
Rural truck crashes often lead to more severe injuries and higher fatality rates than those in urban areas. Roads outside Hendrix, TX are frequently narrow, with little shoulder room, limited lighting, and fewer traffic control devices. These conditions increase the risk of a serious crash, particularly when large commercial vehicles are involved.
Many 18-wheelers travel through Hunt County en route to nearby distribution centers or agricultural sites. Long-haul drivers often take backroads to avoid congested highways or save time on delivery schedules. But those rural routes aren’t designed for heavy trucks, making rollovers, wide-turn accidents, and head-on collisions far more likely.
In addition to the above hazards, emergency response times in rural areas of Northeast Texas can take much longer than more populated areas. That delay in care can worsen injuries and contribute to worse outcomes for crash victims. At Smith & Lee, our truck accident attorneys understand the unique dangers of truck crashes in and around Hunt County and nearby communities. Our attorneys know how to build a case that takes those factors into account.
Common Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
At Smith & Lee, our truck accident lawyers have represented victims and families in a wide range of truck accident cases in and around Hendrix. Each case is different, but some types of crashes are prevalent in our area.
One frequent scenario is a jackknife accident, where the trailer swings out at an angle, blocking both lanes of a rural road. This can result in multi-vehicle wrecks involving catastrophic injuries. Another is a rollover crash, often caused by shifting cargo or a sudden maneuver on an uneven shoulder. We’ve also seen underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle ends up partially lodged beneath the trailer, a type of crash that often results in fatal injuries.
Other common incidents include wide-turn collisions, especially when trucks swing left to turn right, catching nearby cars in the process. T-bone crashes at unmarked intersections and rear-end impacts due to distracted or fatigued truck drivers are also common.
No matter what type of crash you were involved in, our Hendrix, TX, truck accident attorneys are prepared to investigate and build your case from every angle.
What Makes Truck Accident Cases So Complex?
Truck accident cases are rarely simple. Unlike a typical car accident, these claims involve multiple parties, layers of regulation, and a significant amount of specialized evidence. That’s why you need a lawyer with specific experience handling commercial vehicle litigation.
Hours of Service Regulations
One complication is that trucking companies are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must follow strict rules about hours-of-service, maintenance, load limits, and driver qualifications. When they violate those rules and a crash results, they can be held liable, but proving it takes detailed legal work.
Dealing with Corporate Interests
You also have to deal with corporate insurance policies that are often worth millions. These companies employ aggressive adjusters and legal teams to protect their bottom line. They’ll often send investigators to the crash scene before the dust settles, working to gather evidence that helps them, not you.
Availability of Crash Evidence
Evidence can include electronic logging devices (ELDs), dashcam footage, driver training records, dispatch communications, and black box data. If that evidence isn’t preserved early, it can be lost or destroyed.
At Smith & Lee, our truck accident lawyers act fast to send legal notices, preserve documents, and conduct a thorough independent investigation. Our proactive approach gives your case the best possible foundation.
The Role of Smith & Lee in Hendrix, TX Truck Accident Claims
Smith & Lee isn’t a faceless law firm out of Dallas. We’re proud members of the Northeast Texas legal community with deep ties to Rockwall County and a long history of representing injured Texans.
Attorney G. David Smith is a former president of the Rockwall Bar Association and currently serves on the board of the Rockwall Grace Clinic, which helps uninsured people get access to care. Attorney Ryan K. Lee is a municipal court judge in Rockwall and leads the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Texas.
We take a client-centered approach to every case. That means we get to know you, return your calls, and explain your options at every step. We focus on more than just the injury; we want to know how the crash has affected your job, your family, and your future. Then, we build a case that helps a jury understand your story.
Our firm believes in accountability. We don’t just look at what happened to you; we help juries see how a negligent truck driver or company can hurt someone else in the community if they’re not held responsible. That approach has helped us recover meaningful compensation for countless clients across Texas.
Injuries Common in Truck Crashes
Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers can cause catastrophic injuries even at relatively low speeds. In rural areas, where speed limits are higher, and collisions often occur head-on or at intersections, the injuries are usually severe and sometimes fatal.
We frequently represent clients who suffer from these severe and catastrophic injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), from concussions to long-term cognitive impairments
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI), including partial or total paralysis
- Severe orthopedic injuries, such as shattered bones or amputations
- Burns and disfigurement, often from post-crash fires or chemical spills
- Emotional trauma, such as PTSD or chronic anxiety, after a violent crash
Some clients are never able to return to work. Others face months or years of rehabilitation. The lasting impact a semi-truck wreck can have on your mobility, quality of life, and future earning potential cannot be understated.
In these cases, our truck accident lawyers work with medical experts, life care planners, and financial analysts to understand the full extent of your losses, not just today’s costs but your future challenges as well.
Proving Liability in a Semi-Truck Accident Claim
To hold someone accountable for a truck crash, we must prove they acted negligently or failed to act when safety demanded it. That might mean showing that the truck driver was speeding, texting, or driving while drowsy. It can mean demonstrating that the company failed to inspect the brakes or hired an unqualified driver.
In some cases, we uncover evidence of logbook violations, tampered black boxes, or falsified inspection reports. We may discover that cargo loaders failed to balance the load or that a third-party mechanic missed a dangerous defect.
Because these cases often involve multiple responsible parties, it’s imperative to have an experienced Hendrix, TX truck accident attorney who can sort through the layers of liability. Our team investigates all angles, so you’re not just left suing one party when multiple businesses may be at fault.
How Much Is Your Semi-Truck Case Worth?
Every truck accident case is unique, but most victims are entitled to compensation in two broad categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include all your tangible, financial losses, like medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. This also covers property damage and costs for rehabilitation, assistive devices, or in-home care.
Non-economic damages reflect how your life has been altered. That includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and, in wrongful death cases, loss of companionship or parental guidance.
In especially egregious cases, such as when a trucking company ignored repeated safety violations, punitive damages may also be available. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar conduct in the future.
We calculate the value of your claim with help from medical providers, vocational experts, and life care planners. Our goal is simple: make sure no part of your story goes unheard or uncompensated.
The Texas Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
In most Texas truck accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit as established by the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. If you wait too long, you can lose your right to recover any compensation at all.
The timeline is even shorter if a government vehicle or publicly maintained road contributed to your accident. In those cases, you may have to file a formal notice within six months or less, depending on the agency involved.
As such, it’s in your best interest to contact a truck accident lawyer early. At Smith & Lee, we make sure every deadline is tracked and met. You focus on healing, and we handle the legal strategy.
FAQs About Truck Accident Lawsuits in Hendrix, TX
Do I need a truck accident lawyer even if the trucking company accepts responsibility?
Yes, absolutely. Even when a trucking company admits its driver caused the crash, their insurance provider will still do everything possible to limit how much they have to pay. These companies are not on your side; they are protecting their own financial interests. They may offer a quick settlement that sounds reasonable but fails to account for your long-term medical needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, or future care expenses. Without legal counsel, you may sign away your rights without realizing it.
At Smith & Lee, we ensure any settlement offer reflects the full scope of your damages. Our team knows how to calculate future losses and negotiate from a position of strength, something insurance companies take seriously when a truck accident lawyer is involved.
How long does a truck accident case take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some truck accident cases resolve in as little as six months, especially when liability is clear and injuries are fully documented. However, in many cases, particularly those involving serious injuries or disputed damages, resolution can take a year or longer. If litigation becomes necessary, court scheduling and discovery can further extend the process. That said, we never rush a settlement just to close a file.
At Smith & Lee, we prepare every case from day one as if it’s going to trial, which puts us in the strongest position to negotiate. Throughout the process, we’ll keep you updated on all developments, answer your questions, and move your case forward as efficiently as possible.
Will I have to go to court for my truck accident case?
In most cases, no. The majority of truck accident claims settle out of court, especially when the evidence is strong, and liability is clear. However, there are situations where a trial becomes necessary, such as when the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies know which lawyers are ready to fight in court and which ones aren’t.
At Smith & Lee, we’re prepared for both outcomes, so you’ll never feel pressured to accept less than your case is worth.
Speak With Our Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Hendrix, TX
A semi-truck crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. But you don’t have to go through the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Smith & Lee are here to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
We’ve built our reputation on integrity, preparation, and compassion, and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do not wait to contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation on your behalf.