You never think it’ll happen to you. One moment, you’re cruising down I-35, and the next—metal crunches, tires screech, and everything spins. A truck, towering over your sedan like a skyscraper on wheels, just turned your day (or life) upside down. Now what?
Table of Contents
First, Take a Breath (Then Do These Things)
The moments after a truck accident are a blur. But here’s the playbook:
- Check yourself – Are you hurt? Adrenaline can mask injuries. If something feels off, don’t brush it off.
- Call 911 – Police reports are gold in legal claims. Plus, paramedics can assess hidden injuries.
- Snap the scene – Your phone is your best friend here. Photos of damage, road conditions, skid marks—capture it all.
- Talk, but don’t admit fault – Be factual, not apologetic. Even a casual “I didn’t see them” can come back to haunt you.
- Get a lawyer – Trucking companies have aggressive legal teams. You need one, too.
Who’s to Blame? (It’s More Complicated Than You Think)
Unlike a fender-bender, a truck accident doesn’t just involve two drivers exchanging insurance info. These cases are like a crime thriller—multiple suspects, layers of liability, and a maze of regulations.
Potential culprits:
- The truck driver – Were they speeding? Fatigued? Checking TikTok instead of traffic?
- The trucking company – Did they push for unrealistic schedules? Skip maintenance? Cut corners?
- The manufacturer – Faulty brakes? Bad tires? Some mechanical time bomb waiting to go off?
- The cargo loaders – Improperly loaded freight can turn an 18-wheeler into a deadly missile.
Texas law follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning if you’re less than 51% responsible, you can still recover damages. But any payout shrinks based on your level of fault.
The Legal Roadmap: How This All Shakes Out
If you want compensation (and you should), here’s how the process plays out:
- Insurance claim time – Trucking companies carry hefty policies, but don’t expect them to pay up without a fight.
- Investigation & evidence hoarding – Black box data, driver logs, maintenance records—all fair game.
- Negotiation games – Insurance adjusters lowball, attorneys counter, and the tug-of-war begins.
- Lawsuit (if needed) – If they won’t play fair, court it is. This could mean a settlement or a full trial.
Oh, and don’t wait too long—Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Miss that window, and your case is dead in the water.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer (Like, Yesterday)
Truck accident cases aren’t just bigger versions of car accidents. They’re legally messier, more expensive, and involve companies with deep pockets (and even deeper legal teams). Hilley & Solis handles Truck Accident law and knows exactly how to navigate this battlefield.
You need someone who:
- Knows federal & state trucking laws – because these cases are about more than just “who hit who.”
- Can go toe-to-toe with insurance sharks – because they will do everything to pay you as little as possible.
- Understands the real cost of your injuries – because medical bills don’t stop at the ER visit.
Final Thought: Don’t Go It Alone
A truck accident isn’t just a bad day—it can derail your entire life. Medical bills, lost income, long-term injuries—it all stacks up fast. The good news? You don’t have to handle it alone.
If a trucking company’s negligence put you in this position, it’s time to fight back.
