Truck Accident Lawyer Royse City, TX
Royse City may be a small town, but the dangers posed by commercial truck traffic are anything but minor. Located along the busy I-30 freight corridor, this growing Northeast Texas community sees a steady stream of 18-wheelers, big rigs, and semi-trucks hauling goods across the state. Unfortunately, when these massive vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars, the outcome is often catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and life-altering consequences for local families.
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash around Rockwall County, it’s imperative to have a legal team that understands the stakes. Smith & Lee is a trusted law firm with deep roots in Northeast Texas and over 55 years of combined experience holding negligent truck drivers and transportation companies accountable.
Our truck accident attorneys near Royse City, TX are committed to helping you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a serious accident. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.
Real Consequences: How Truck Accidents Shatter Lives
The aftermath of a truck crash is unlike any other. Victims and their families often find themselves facing not just physical pain but overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. Injuries caused by a big rig collision are typically more severe than those from standard auto accidents due to the sheer weight and momentum of the truck. Survivors may suffer broken bones, spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns.
For many, recovery involves months, if not years, of rehabilitation, medical procedures, and permanent lifestyle changes. A person who was once fully independent may now rely on others for daily care and support. Others may be unable to return to work or provide for their families. The emotional toll is also significant. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common among crash survivors and their loved ones.
Trucking companies and their insurers often act quickly to control the narrative and limit their financial exposure. That’s why it’s essential to have an advocate who understands how to protect your rights from the very beginning.
How Trucking Companies Try to Dodge Responsibility
Trucking companies and their insurers are skilled at avoiding liability. Even when a truck driver is clearly at fault for the crash, the company may deny responsibility by claiming the driver was an independent contractor. Others may argue that a third-party maintenance provider or cargo loading service was at fault. Some companies delay turning over critical evidence, like black box data, driver logs, and inspection records, or conveniently “lose” it altogether.
Trucking firms are also known to dispatch their own investigators to the scene within hours of a crash. Their goal is not to uncover the truth; it’s to shape it in their favor. Without legal representation, victims often find themselves facing a well-funded defense strategy that aims to reduce or deny compensation.
At Smith & Lee, our truck accident attorneys anticipate these tactics. As soon as we take your case, we send formal preservation notices to all involved parties to safeguard evidence. We conduct independent investigations, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and uncover patterns of negligence, such as regulatory violations or ignored safety protocols. We build your case for trial from day one because preparation is power, especially against large trucking companies.
Who We Can Hold Accountable in a Royse City Semi-Truck Crash
One of the most critical steps in a truck accident claim is identifying all liable parties. Unlike car crashes, usually involving just two drivers, commercial truck accidents can have a layered web of responsibility.
The truck driver may be directly responsible due to speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or substance use. However, the trucking company may also be liable for negligent hiring, poor training, failure to monitor hours-of-service compliance, or pushing unsafe delivery schedules. Maintenance contractors who failed to repair faulty brakes, cargo companies that improperly loaded freight, or even manufacturers of defective truck parts can also share the blame.
In some cases, government agencies may be liable if dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or improper highway maintenance contributed to the crash.
At Smith & Lee, our Royse, TX, truck accident lawyers understand the value of uncovering all potential defendants. More parties often means more insurance coverage and a greater chance of recovering full compensation. We don’t stop at the obvious. We dig deep to hold every negligent entity accountable.
How Smith & Lee Helps Truck Accident Victims Rebuild
What sets Smith & Lee apart from other law firms is not just our experience but our commitment to your story. Attorneys David Smith and Ryan Lee have over five decades of combined legal experience serving the people of Northeast Texas. David is a former president of the Rockwall Bar Association and serves on the board of the Rockwall Grace Clinic. Ryan is an Associate Municipal Court Judge and the President of the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Texas.
Our truck accident attorneys don’t treat your case like a file. We get to know you, your family, your injuries, and your goals. Our firm limits its caseload to ensure every client receives the time and attention they deserve. We return calls, keep you informed, and walk with you every step of the way.
We also collaborate with a network of trusted experts, including medical specialists, life care planners, vocational analysts, and economists, to accurately calculate the full impact of your injuries. Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, our truck accident attorneys present a clear, powerful story of what happened and why you deserve justice.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident victims are entitled to a range of damages under Texas law. The goal is to make you “whole” again, or as close as possible, by covering your financial and emotional losses.
This includes medical expenses, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, follow-up care, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to lost wages and reduced earning capacity, especially if you can’t return to your previous job or need to switch careers.
We also pursue non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the mental toll of living with chronic injuries. Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings is also included in your claim.
In cases involving gross negligence or egregious misconduct, like a trucker driving under the influence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Texas Deadlines for Filing a Truck Accident Claim
Under Texas law, truck accident victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations is strict—if you miss the deadline, the court may bar your claim entirely, no matter how strong your case or severe your injuries are.
In certain situations, such as accidents involving a government-owned truck or a crash caused by a dangerous road design or hazard, the timeline is even shorter. You may be required to file a formal notice of claim within just six months of the incident. These types of claims are governed by special rules and procedures that must be followed precisely to avoid dismissal.
At Smith & Lee, our truck accident lawyers near Royse City understand the urgency these cases demand. We move quickly to investigate your crash, file the appropriate legal documents, and preserve vital evidence. Don’t delay—every day that passes can make a difference in the strength and outcome of your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royse City Truck Accidents
What if the truck was from out of state?
It’s not uncommon for truck accidents in Royse City to involve vehicles registered in other states. National carriers or out-of-state logistics companies operate many big rigs, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers traveling through Texas. Fortunately, local law allows you to pursue legal action in Texas if the crash occurred here, regardless of where the trucking company or driver is based. Jurisdiction is tied to where the accident took place, so you do not have to travel or file your case elsewhere.
At Smith & Lee, we routinely represent clients in Northeast Texas who were injured by out-of-state trucking companies and their drivers. We’re experienced in navigating multi-jurisdictional claims and ensuring these large corporations are held accountable under Texas law.
Can I sue if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
Yes, and these types of claims often involve even greater risk and complexity. If a tractor-trailer was transporting hazardous or toxic cargo, and that cargo contributed to the severity of the crash or caused chemical burns, inhalation injuries, or environmental damage, your case may involve additional layers of liability. For example, the shipper of the cargo, the logistics broker who arranged the transport, or even government agencies responsible for regulatory oversight may share responsibility. These cases require meticulous investigation and a strong understanding of state and federal hazardous materials regulations.
At Smith & Lee, our Royse City truck accident lawyers have the resources and experience to pursue these high-stakes claims and expose the chain of negligence that led to your injuries.
Will I have to testify in court during my semi-truck case?
In many cases, no. The majority of truck accident claims settle out of court through negotiation or mediation. However, we always prepare each case as if it will go to trial. Our thorough approach strengthens our position during settlement talks and ensures we’re ready to present a compelling argument to a jury if needed.
If your case does proceed to trial, our truck accident attorneys will walk you through every step, from preparing your testimony to explaining what to expect in court. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident and supported at every stage. You won’t be alone; we’ll be by your side to protect your rights and tell your story.
What if I’m still getting medical treatment?
It’s very common for truck accident victims to be still receiving care when their claim begins. In fact, starting the legal process early allows us to gather documentation, preserve key evidence, and communicate with your healthcare providers from the outset. Our Royse City, TX, truck accident attorneys will coordinate with your doctors to understand the full scope of your injury, including your diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term prognosis.
If additional care will be needed down the line, such as future surgeries, physical therapy, or vocational retraining, we include those projected costs in your demand. This ensures your claim reflects the total impact of your injuries, not just your current medical bills. Don’t wait until treatment ends to speak with a truck accident lawyer; we can begin protecting your rights immediately.
Is there a cap on damages in Texas truck accident cases?
Generally, Texas does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury claims arising from truck accidents involving private companies. As such, you can pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as a city-owned vehicle or a poorly maintained public roadway, specific caps may apply under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
Additionally, punitive damages are capped in Texas unless specific exceptions are met. Our legal team will analyze the facts of your case and fight for the maximum compensation allowed under the law.
Talk to Our Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Royse City, TX
Truck crashes change lives. If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a semi-truck, big rig, or tractor-trailer, don’t leave your future in the hands of a trucking company’s insurance team. Get a law firm that knows the area, the law, and how to fight.
At Smith & Lee, our truck accident lawyers near Royse City represent real people, not case numbers. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and won’t stop until your story is heard and your recovery is secured.
Call our firm or contact us online today to speak with an experienced and caring semi-truck accident lawyer. The sooner you call, the stronger your case can be.