Trucking Accident Lawyer in Rockwall, TX

Large commercial trucks are a daily presence on the highways and roads in and around Rockwall County. While essential for our economy, 18-wheelers, big rigs, and tractor-trailers also pose serious risks when drivers or trucking companies fail to prioritize safety. When a semi-truck crashes into a smaller vehicle, the results can be catastrophic, including life-changing injuries, mounting medical bills, and families left struggling in the aftermath.

At Smith & Lee, we understand the gravity of truck accident cases. With over 55 years of combined legal experience, our team fights for victims and families across Northeast Texas. Our truck accident lawyers here in Rockwall, TX have the local insight, courtroom experience, and resources to hold negligent trucking companies accountable and secure the full compensation you deserve.

Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

Truck accident claims are not just bigger, they’re far more complicated. Unlike standard car collisions, crashes involving semi-trucks often include multiple defendants, from drivers to logistics companies to maintenance contractors. Commercial trucks are also governed by extensive federal and state safety regulations, including those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

These cases often involve a deeper investigation, a broader scope of evidence (like logbooks, GPS data, and “black box” electronic logging devices), and powerful legal teams hired by the trucking company’s insurer. Without experienced legal representation, accident victims can be overwhelmed by this process and left with far less than they’re owed.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Rockwall, TX

Truck crashes can happen for various reasons, many of which involve negligence or violations of safety protocols. In Rockwall, some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents include:

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often exceed their federally mandated driving hours, leading to dangerous levels of fatigue. Despite FMCSA rules requiring rest periods and maximum daily driving times, some companies push their drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines.

Speeding

Speeding is another factor, especially on I-30 through Rockwall, where traffic congestion and construction zones make high speeds particularly risky. Distracted driving is also a growing concern, with truck drivers using GPS devices, dispatch communications, or smartphones behind the wheel.

Lack of Proper Truck Maintenance

Poor maintenance contributes to many crashes. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues are often traced back to skipped inspections or rushed repairs. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing trucks to jackknife, roll over, or lose control.

Whether it’s a driver error, equipment failure, or negligent business practice, our Rockwall, TX, truck accident attorneys are ready to investigate and identify the root cause of your crash.

Accidents Our Truck Accident Attorneys Handle

At Smith & Lee, our truck accident attorneys handle all types of truck-related crashes, including:

Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out and blocks multiple lanes.
Rollover crashes, often caused by sharp turns or shifting cargo.
Underride collisions, where a passenger car slides under the trailer, often with deadly results.
Override collisions, where a truck drives over a smaller vehicle, typically in a rear-end crash.
Multi-vehicle pileups, common on highways like I-30.
Side-impact and rear-end collisions can cause devastating injuries.
Wrongful death cases, when a loved one is lost due to a fatal truck accident.

Each of these cases requires a tailored approach, and our attorneys know how to handle the hurdles that come with truck litigation.

Injuries Common in Tractor-Trailer Collisions

Due to their size and weight, trucks cause disproportionately severe injuries. Victims may suffer:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
Amputations or crush injuries
Burns and permanent disfigurement
Emotional trauma, including PTSD

Our Rockwall, TX truck accident attorneys work closely with medical experts and care providers to understand the full impact of your injuries and ensure you’re compensated not just for today’s bills but for the care and difficulties you’ll face in the future.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are rarely as simple as pointing a finger at the driver behind the wheel. These cases often involve an intricate web of corporate entities, third-party contractors, and manufacturers, all of whom may have contributed to the crash. Determining who is legally responsible requires a thorough investigation and a deep understanding of both Texas personal injury law and federal trucking regulations.

Here are the most common parties that may be held liable in a commercial truck accident:

The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, fatigued, impaired, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they can be held personally accountable. Violations of FMCSA regulations, such as exceeding hours-of-service limits or falsifying logbooks, often point to driver liability.
The Trucking Company: Employers are responsible for the actions of their drivers under the legal principle of vicarious liability. In many cases, trucking companies also contribute to crashes by failing to train drivers properly, pressuring them to meet unreasonable delivery schedules, or neglecting vehicle safety inspections.
The Vehicle Owner or Leasing Entity: In cases where the truck is owned by a different company than the one operating it, both entities may share liability. Leasing companies that fail to ensure safe equipment or proper licensing can be brought into the claim.
Maintenance and Repair Contractors: If a third-party maintenance company failed to inspect, repair, or service the truck properly, and that failure contributed to the accident, such as a brake failure or tire blowout, they may be held financially responsible.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents. When a separate logistics firm handles the cargo, we investigate their procedures to see if negligence occurred.
Manufacturers of Defective Truck Parts: Defective brakes, tires, steering components, or lighting systems can all lead to a crash. In such cases, the parts manufacturer or distributor may be held liable under product liability law.

Truck accident litigation often involves overlapping insurance policies, finger-pointing between parties, and legal road blocks that most victims are not prepared to handle on their own. Trucking companies and insurers frequently try to shift blame or obscure records to avoid liability.

That’s why acting quickly matters. At Smith & Lee, our Rockwall truck accident attorneys move fast to preserve black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and GPS tracking reports. We send a legal notice to prevent the destruction of evidence and, if necessary, bring in forensic experts to reconstruct the accident. The sooner you reach out to us, the more evidence we can secure, and the stronger your case will be.

What Compensation Is Available for Truck Accident Victims?

Truck accident victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Emergency room care, surgery, rehab, and ongoing medical treatment
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and trauma
Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship (in wrongful death cases)
Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior

At Smith & Lee, our Rockwall truck accident lawyers don’t let insurers dictate the value of your injuries. We build every claim using hard evidence, expert opinions, and real-world documentation to ensure no part of your loss is overlooked.

Truck Accident Claims vs. Car Accident Claims: What’s Different?

Truck crash claims involve layers of legal challenges. First, commercial vehicles are subject to federal regulations, including hours-of-service limits, inspection logs, and drug testing protocols. Failing to follow these rules can be clear evidence of negligence.

Second, trucking companies carry large insurance policies, often worth millions. This means the stakes are high, and insurance companies will use aggressive tactics to defend their interests. Expect delay, deflection, and lowball offers.

Third, these cases require specialized evidence, from ELD records and maintenance logs to black box data and accident reconstruction. You need a law firm with the experience and resources to handle every detail.

The Smith & Lee Difference in Rockwall County

At Smith & Lee, we are not just personal injury lawyers; we are part of the Rockwall County community. Founding attorney G. David Smith is a former president of the Rockwall Bar Association and serves on the board of the Rockwall Grace Clinic. Ryan K. Lee is a municipal judge and president of the Boys & Girls Club Board of Northeast Texas.

We take a client-first approach to every case, focusing on communication, responsiveness, and personal attention. When you hire us, you’ll work directly with your attorney, not be handed off to an assistant.

And because we believe in holding wrongdoers accountable, we approach every case with a sense of urgency and purpose. We prepare every claim as though it’s going to trial, and that preparation often leads to more substantial settlements.

How Trucking Companies Try to Minimize Liability

After a truck accident, the trucking company’s priority is often protecting its bottom line, not ensuring you receive fair compensation. These companies are backed by powerful insurance carriers, risk management teams, and attorneys trained to limit or deny injury claims from the moment a crash occurs.

One of the first tactics they use is dispatching a rapid response team to the crash site. These teams often arrive before law enforcement reports are even filed. Their job? To start building the company’s defense while you’re still recovering in the hospital.

Trucking companies also delay releasing critical evidence, such as logbooks, black box data, and maintenance records, hoping to weaken your case or push you toward a low settlement.

They may also try to shift blame onto the victim, even when their driver was clearly at fault, or claim the driver was an independent contractor to avoid liability.

At Smith & Lee, we know these strategies, and we’re prepared to fight back. Our seasoned truck accident lawyers here in Rockwall will act quickly to preserve evidence and hold every liable party accountable for the harm you’ve suffered.

Understanding the Texas Statute of Limitations

In most truck accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This is governed by the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003.

However, if your case involves a government entity, such as a city-owned truck or poorly maintained public roadway, you may have to file a notice of claim in as little as six months.

Missing a legal deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Smith & Lee tracks every deadline and moves quickly to protect your claim.

What to Expect When You Work With Smith & Lee

From your first call, we prioritize your peace of mind. We start with a free consultation, listening carefully to your experience and providing straightforward advice.

If we move forward, we will begin our investigation immediately, securing accident reports, gathering medical records, contacting witnesses, and reviewing black box data. We handle all contact with insurers so you can focus on recovery.

We prepare every case for trial from the start, which gives us stronger leverage in settlement negotiations. And you won’t pay anything unless we win; our services are offered on a contingency fee basis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Truck Wrecks

What should I do after a truck accident?

Get medical attention immediately. Then, contact a lawyer before speaking to any insurance company. Preserve evidence, photos, names of witnesses, and crash reports.

Do I need a lawyer if the trucking company admits fault?

Yes. Even when fault is clear, insurers may still undervalue your damages or rush to settle before you understand the full impact of your injuries.

Can I still file a claim if the truck was from out of state?

Yes. If the crash happened in Texas, you can file your claim here, even if the truck or company was based elsewhere.

How long do truck accident cases take?

It depends. Some settle within a few months, while others go to trial and may take a year or more. We’ll keep you informed throughout.

Will I have to testify in court for my truck accident case?

Most cases settle, but if yours does go to trial, we’ll thoroughly prepare you. Our attorneys handle everything and stand by your side every step of the way.

Talk to a Rockwall Truck Accident Attorney from Our Firm Today

You don’t have to fight a trucking company on your own. At Smith & Lee, our truck accident lawyers bring decades of trial experience, deep roots in the Rockwall County community, and a fierce dedication to accountability and justice.

Call our firm or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. We’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.