The Significance of Being Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law in Texas

Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer - TexasWhen seeking legal representation for a serious truck accident or catastrophic injury case, experience and credentials matter. One of the most prestigious distinctions a lawyer can earn in Texas is Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). This certification is not just a title—it is a recognition of exceptional legal skill, experience, and ethical standing.

According to the State Bar of Texas, only 1% of the more than 100,000 licensed attorneys in Texas have earned this elite certification. Among this small and distinguished group is David P. Willis, who has been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law since 1988—a testament to his decades of dedication, courtroom success, and expertise in handling complex personal injury cases like industrial accidents, truck rollovers, jackknife accidents and other 18-wheeler truck accidents.

What Does It Mean to Be Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law?

Achieving Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law is not a simple one-time milestone; it requires an attorney to continuously prove their expertise. Attorneys must meet rigorous qualifications, including:

1. Extensive Experience in Personal Injury Litigation

Lawyers must demonstrate substantial trial experience, including trying personal injury cases before judges and juries.

2. Peer and Judicial Recognition

Board Certification is granted only to attorneys who receive recommendations from judges and fellow lawyers, affirming their professional skill and ethical reputation.

3. Comprehensive Legal Knowledge

Attorneys must pass a demanding written examination covering all aspects of personal injury trial law, including liability, damages, and procedural issues.

4. Ongoing Legal Education

Certified attorneys must continue to stay updated on evolving laws, regulations, and legal strategies to maintain their certification.

5. Re-certification Every Five Years

Unlike general licensure, Board Certification is not permanent—lawyers must reapply and prove their continued excellence every five years.

Why Board Certification Matters in Serious Trucking Accident Cases

In personal injury law, particularly in complex trucking accident litigation, not all attorneys are created equal. Trucking cases are not the same as car accident cases—they involve federal regulations, corporate defense teams, and high-stakes damages. A Board-Certified attorney brings several advantages:

1. Deep Understanding of Complex Trucking Laws

Trucking accidents involve Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, state-specific trucking laws, and intricate liability issues. A Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer understands how to navigate:

  • Truck driver hours-of-service violations (leading to fatigue-related crashes)
  • Negligent hiring and training practices by trucking companies
  • Defective truck parts and improper maintenance
  • Liability distribution between drivers, trucking companies, and third parties
2. Trial Experience Against Trucking Corporations and Insurance Companies

Trucking companies have powerful legal teams and insurance adjusters who aggressively defend claims. Many personal injury lawyers avoid litigation and settle for lower amounts, but a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer is prepared to go to court and fight for the maximum compensation clients deserve.

David P. Willis has spent over 40 years in courtrooms, battling trucking companies and their insurers. This experience means he knows how to:

  • Expose corporate negligence and unsafe business practices
  • Challenge insurance company tactics to minimize claims
  • Present compelling evidence before judges and juries
3. Mastery of Evidence and Accident Reconstruction

Trucking accidents often require specialized investigations involving:

  • Black box (ECM) data retrieval to prove speed, braking, and driver behavior
  • Accident reconstruction experts to determine liability
  • Expert witnesses in trucking safety and economics to quantify damages


A Board-Certified attorney knows how to interpret technical data, work with industry experts, and build a bulletproof case to maximize client compensation.

4. Higher Settlements and Jury Awards

Statistics show that attorneys who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law achieve higher settlement amounts and jury verdicts compared to non-certified lawyers. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take cases to trial—and they offer stronger settlements to avoid losing in court.

Truck accident lawyers investigating a highway rollover caused by 18-wheeler

How Board Certification Sets an Attorney Apart in High-Stakes Cases

Choosing an attorney is one of the most critical decisions an accident victim can make. Trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage, brain injuries, amputations, and even wrongful death. Victims need an attorney who:

  • Knows how to secure full compensation for long-term medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering
  • Has a track record of winning high-value truck accident cases
  • Is recognized as a legal expert by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

David P. Willis’s Board Certification since 1988 proves that he has the experience, expertise, and trial skills necessary to handle the most challenging trucking accident cases.

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Why That 1% Matters!

When searching for a truck accident lawyer in Texas, clients should look beyond flashy advertisements and promises of quick settlements. The some of the best legal representation comes from attorneys who have proven themselves in court. Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law in Texas is a mark of true excellence, and very few attorneys in Texas—only 1%—have achieved this distinction, much less have maintained this certification  since 1988.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, choose an attorney with the credentials, courtroom experience, and winning track record to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

David P. Willis has been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law in Texas since 1988 and has helped countless accident victims recover millions in verdicts and settlements. Additionally, Willis is also licensed to practice law in New York since 2005. Remember, when it comes to needing an top rated nationally known Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Texas or an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorney in New York, Willis is ready to assist.  No matter where you were injured, call and talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer Near You, as we can help you. With the assistance of associating local counsel as part of our truck injury team of lawyers we get things done. Free Case Review – All Cases Accepted on a No Fees or Expenses Ever Charged Unless You Win Basis (Contingency Fee Agreement)

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