Hit by a Truck? A Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Explains Next Steps  

Chad Jones Law > Get Chad Blog > Personal Injury > Hit by a Truck? A Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Explains Next Steps  
November 13th, 2025

The crash was loud. Now everything’s quiet. 

In the United States, one person is injured or killed in a large truck crash every 15 minutes. When commercial vehicles like big rigs or semi trucks collide with passenger cars, the consequences are often catastrophic.  

These aren’t just fender-benders; they’re violent, high-impact crashes that change lives in a matter of seconds. If you were injured in a truck accident, you’re likely facing a lot right now: medical bills, insurance calls, and questions about what to do next.  

You might be missing work. The pain could be getting worse. The insurance calls won’t stop, and you just need someone to explain your rights. As a commercial truck accident lawyer, I’ll walk you through what to expect, what matters most, and how to protect your future. 

This guide explains what makes truck accident cases unique. It also outlines the steps you should take. Finally, it shows how experienced legal help can support your recovery in body, finances, and emotions. 

What Makes Commercial Truck Accidents So Different (and So Dangerous) 

Accidents involving commercial trucks are more than just bigger car crashes. A fully loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds , 20 to 30 times more than a typical car. When these vehicles collide with smaller cars, the results are often catastrophic. 

Big rigs have longer stopping distances, larger blind spots, and are more vulnerable to rollovers and jackknife accidents. On top of that, truck drivers are often under intense pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead to dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. 

In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver fatigue is a contributing factor in 13% of all large truck crashes. And when they happen, victims are often left with life-altering injuries such as: 

  • Traumatic brain injuries 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Multiple broken bones 
  • Internal bleeding 
  • Permanent disability 

Compared to a car accident, a commercial truck crash often involves more severe injuries, more complex liability, and higher stakes overall. 

Common Causes of Truck Crashes (And Who’s Usually at Fault) 

Truck crashes happen for many reasons, but most boil down to some form of negligence by the driver, the trucking company, or other parties involved in the operation of the vehicle. 

Here are some of the most common causes: 

  • Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. Despite Hours-of-Service regulations, some drivers push past legal limits or falsify logbooks. 
  • Distracted Driving: Eating, texting, checking GPS, any moment of distraction in an 80,000-pound vehicle can be deadly. 
  • Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Tight deadlines can push drivers to speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes. 
  • Poor Maintenance: Bald tires, worn-out brakes, and broken lights can all lead to crashes if companies cut corners on inspections. 
  • Overloaded or Unbalanced Cargo: Improper loading can make a truck harder to control or more likely to roll over. 
  • Dangerous Weather or Road Conditions: Trucks need more time to stop in rain, ice, or construction zones, but not all drivers adjust accordingly. 

Understanding the cause of a truck crash is key to determining who’s at fault, and that’s often more than just the driver. 

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Crash 

If you or someone you love has been hit by a commercial truck, the steps you take next can make a significant difference, not just in your health, but in your legal case. 
 
Here’s what I recommend: 

  1. Call 911: Make sure emergency services are on the way and request a police report. 
  1. Get Medical Attention: Some injuries take hours or days to show up. Go to the ER or urgent care even if you think you’re okay. 
  1. Take Photos and Videos: Document damage, skid marks, injuries, road signs, and any debris. 
  1. Collect Witness Info: If anyone saw the crash, get their name and contact info. 
  1. Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies Alone: Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but they’re trained to minimize payouts. 
  1. Save Everything: Medical records, bills, tow receipts, repair quotes, keep them all. 

You don’t have to handle everything at once. But acting quickly preserves your right to file a personal injury claim and strengthens your case. 

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Truck Accident Case? 

Responsibility for the accident is not always straightforward. In fact, most truck accident cases involve multiple liable parties, including: 

  • The Truck Driver: For speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring safety laws 
  • The Trucking Company: For improper training, unsafe schedules, or failure to inspect vehicles 
  • Cargo Loaders: For improperly secured or overloaded freight 
  • Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: For defects in brakes, tires, or steering systems 

In such instances, personal injury lawyers dig into every angle to uncover all responsible parties. More parties usually mean more insurance coverage — and a better chance of full compensation. 

What a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Really Does (That You Can’t Do Alone) 

Handling a truck accident lawsuit is nothing like a regular car wreck claim. This is a high-stakes legal fight, and you need someone in your corner who’s done it before. 

Here’s what I do for my clients: 

  • Collect Evidence: Including crash reports, black box data, logbooks, and dashcam footage 
  • Bring in Experts: Experts like crash analysts and doctors help prove fault and damages 
  • Negotiate with Insurers: To make sure you do not accept less than what you deserve 
  • File a Lawsuit: If needed, I’ll take your case to trial 
  • Calculate All Losses: Including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more 

You focus on healing. I’ll handle the rest. 

What Compensation Can You Get After a Truck Crash? 

The truth is, truck crashes cost more than most people expect. But you should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake. 

You may be eligible to recover: 

  • Medical Costs: From ER visits to long-term rehab 
  • Lost Income: If you missed work or cannot return to the same job 
  • Pain and Suffering: For trauma, stress, and disruption to daily life 
  • Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle 
  • Punitive Damages: When a company or driver acted recklessly 

Every case is different, but a law firm will make sure nothing is left on the table. 

Why Time Matters: Deadlines and Disappearing Evidence 

In Texas, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it gets to win your case. 

Here’s why: 

  • Black box data might be erased 
  • Witnesses forget or disappear 
  • Surveillance footage is overwritten 
  • Insurance companies build their defense fast 

You don’t need to be ready to sue. But you do need Texas truck accident attorneys on your side from day one. 

How Chad Jones Law Can Help You Recover and Move Forward 

At Chad Jones Law, we’ve helped hundreds of crash victims take on powerful trucking companies and win. We know the roads, the regulations, and the reality of what you’re going through. 

Here’s why clients choose us: 

  • Truck Accident Experience: This is not new to us, we’ve done it successfully for years 
  • Texas Insight: We understand local laws, judges, and the unique challenges of trucking routes in this region 
  • Aggressive Advocacy: We do not accept weak offers, we push for what’s right 
  • No Fees Unless We Win: You only pay us if we recover money for you 
  • Free Consultations: We’ll answer your questions at no cost and with no pressure 

A truck crash can turn your life upside down—pain, medical bills, lost work, and endless uncertainty. You don’t have to face this alone. At Chad Jones Law, we’re here to listen, support, and fight for the justice you deserve. 

Call today for a free consultation with a commercial truck accident lawyer who understands what you’re going through and is ready to help you move forward. 

FAQs 

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a truck crash in Texas? 
You have two years from the date of the accident, but acting sooner protects your evidence and improves your outcome. 

What does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer? 
At Chad Jones Law, we work on contingency. That means no upfront fees, we only get paid if you do. 

Can I sue both the driver and the trucking company? 
Yes. In many cases, both can be held liable, especially if safety policies were ignored or driver training was lacking. 

What if I was partially at fault? 
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. 

How long does a truck accident case take to settle? 
It depends on the complexity. Some settle in months; others may take longer if litigation is involved. 

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