Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs: Answers to Your Most Pressing Legal Questions

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs under 5,000. That difference makes truck crashes more destructive, often resulting in catastrophic injuries such as brain damage, spinal cord trauma, amputations, and fatalities.
Truck crashes also involve many potentially liable parties: the driver, the trucking company, cargo contractors, parts manufacturers, and even maintenance crews. These cases are also subject to strict FMCSA federal regulations that, when violated, may serve as proof of negligence.

A catastrophic injury is a severe, long-term medical condition that significantly impacts a person's life, ability to work, and daily independence. These injuries require specialized medical care, extensive rehabilitation, and often long-term assistance.

Common examples include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Blows to the head can cause memory loss, confusion, depression, and personality changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: May cause partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and bodily function.
• Third-Degree Burns: Result in disfigurement, multiple surgeries, and deep psychological trauma.
• Amputations: Severely affect independence, even with advanced prosthetics.
• Multiple Fractures and Crush Injuries: Often require long hospital stays and reconstructive surgery.
• Permanent Loss of Vision or Hearing: Impacts communication, social life, and emotional well-being.

Why these injuries matter in legal claims:

Catastrophic injury lawsuits seek compensation for:

• Current and future medical costs
• Lost income and future earning capacity
• Physical pain and emotional trauma
• Caregiving, therapy, and medical equipment
• Home and vehicle modifications

An experienced attorney will work with medical specialists, life-care planners, and economists to calculate damages and build a full compensation claim.

Liability in a truck accident may extend to several parties:

• Truck Driver, if distracted, intoxicated, or fatigued
• Trucking Company, for pressure, poor maintenance, or negligent hiring
• Cargo Company, for improper loading or overloading
• Parts Manufacturer, if a mechanical failure contributed
• Third Parties, such as reckless drivers or dangerous road conditions

A skilled attorney can investigate thoroughly and identify all responsible parties.

A strong case depends on detailed evidence. Key elements include:

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Speed, braking, service hours
• Photos and Videos: Damage, road conditions, signage
• Medical Records: Proof of injuries
• Police Reports: Official observations and findings
• Maintenance History: Prior issues with the truck
• Witness Statements: Details on the crash or driver behavior

The sooner you act, the better the chance of preserving this evidence before it is altered or lost.

The deadline to file varies by state and case type. In Texas, you typically have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved, the deadline could be as short as 30–90 days for filing a formal notice.

Other states vary: New York allows 3 years, while Louisiana and Tennessee only allow 1 year. Don’t wait—speak with a lawyer quickly to review your deadlines and case options.

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We only collect if we win your case
• We cover all case expenses, including investigations, expert witnesses, court filings, and trial preparation

This eliminates financial risk and ensures we are aligned with your goal: to win the maximum compensation possible.

Speed can mean the difference between a strong or weak case. Why?

• Evidence disappears: Truck data may be deleted or overwritten
• Witnesses forget: Key details fade over time
• Crash scenes change: Making it harder to reconstruct events

A lawyer can issue preservation letters, hire crash reconstruction experts, and secure critical records before they vanish.

• Over 40 years of legal experience in catastrophic cases
• Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law in Texas since 1988
• Former attorney for the Texas Supreme Court, offering deep strategic knowledge
• Has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for victims of truck crashes, refinery explosions, truck rollovers, and defective products
• Licensed in Texas and New York, and works with attorneys nationwide
• No fees or costs unless you win
• Free consultation 24/7, with confidential, personalized service

Call 1-888-LAW-2040 for a free, confidential case review. We're available 24/7 to help you in English or Spanish.