Killeen Truck Accident Lawyers

Were you or a loved one injured in a devastating truck crash?

No Win No Fee Unless We Win For You!

Texas has one of the highest rates of fatal truck accidents in the United States. In 2019 alone, there were over 17,000 truck accidents across the state, resulting in 632 deaths and over 2,000 serious injuries. With its vast network of interstates and highways, Texas often sees high volumes of large commercial trucks transporting goods across the country. While these trucks provide an essential service, they also pose a significant danger when driven negligently.

Truck accidents tend to be much more devastating than regular car crashes due to the massive size and weight of large trucks. When a loaded tractor-trailer weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are catastrophic. Drivers and passengers in cars often suffer severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, or even death.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Texas, you need an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. The skilled Texas truck accident lawyers at Thompson Law have helped numerous victims recover compensation after being hurt by the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies. We will aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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Truck Accident Statistics in Killeen Texas

Some key truck accident statistics for Killeen and the surrounding cities:

In 2019, there were over 4,000 truck accidents in the Killeen-Temple metro area.

  • 33 truck accident fatalities occurred in the Killeen metro area in 2019.
  • Common factors in Texas truck crashes include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, improper loading, and fatigued truckers.
  • Up to 20% of truck drivers across the country could have obstructive sleep apnea, which significantly increases crash risk.
  • The average fatality rate for large truck crashes in Texas from 2013-2017 was 14% higher than the national average.

These alarming statistics demonstrate the need for safe driving practices among trucking companies and truck drivers traveling through the Killeen area. An experienced Killeen truck accident attorney can determine if a truck driver violation contributed to your crash and help you recover damages.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Killeen

While every truck crash is unique, most are caused by the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies not following safety regulations. Common causes include:

  • Speeding – Truckers driving over the speed limit dramatically reduces their ability to stop safely.
  • Distracted Driving – Actions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio divert the trucker’s attention.
  • Fatigued Driving – Drowsy truckers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
  • Drunk Driving – Intoxicated driving is always dangerous, more so in a massive truck.
  • Improper Loading – Improperly loaded, secured, or overweight trucks can lead to loss of control.
  • Poor Maintenance – Brake failure, bald tires, and other maintenance issues raise crash risks.
  • Aggressive Driving – Unsafe maneuvers like tailgating or improper lane changes endanger others.

A skilled truck accident lawyer can identify the cause of your crash and the party responsible through a thorough investigation. This provides the evidence necessary to build a strong injury claim.

What Are Hours-of-Service Regulations?

To prevent fatigued truck driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates how many hours truckers can drive and work per day and week. Known as Hours of Service rules, key regulations include:

  • Property-carrying drivers can drive no more than 11 hours per day.
  • Drivers can work no more than 14 hours per day, including breaks.
  • After driving the daily max of 11 hours, drivers must rest for 10 consecutive hours before driving again.
  • Drivers can’t exceed 60 hours of driving over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 days.
  • Rest breaks of at least 30 minutes are required every 8 hours.

Violating these regulations often results in fatigued driving that places others at risk. An attentive truck accident attorney can determine if hours of service violations contributed to your crash.

Killeen Truck Accident Lawyers

Who Can File a Truck Accident Claim?

Anyone injured or harmed by a negligent truck driver can pursue a claim for damages, including:

  • Drivers and passengers of passenger vehicles hit by a truck.
  • Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians struck by a truck.
  • Passengers riding in the truck who are injured if the truck crashes.
  • The family of someone killed in a truck collision can file a wrongful death claim.

Consulting an accomplished truck accident lawyer is highly recommended, as these cases can be complex legally and when negotiating fair compensation. Don’t wait – strict statutes of limitations apply to truck accident claims in Texas.

What Evidence Is Important to Truck Accident Claims?

To prove negligence and liability in a truck crash, collecting certain evidence is key. An experienced Texas trucking accident attorney will gather all relevant evidence, which may include:

  • Accident report conducted by police at the scene.
  • Statements from eyewitnesses to the collision.
  • Photographs and video of the crash aftermath and scene.
  • The truck’s black box recorder that shows speed, braking, and more.
  • Maintenance records and inspection reports for the truck.
  • The trucking company’s records, including driver schedules, logbooks, personnel files, and more.
  • Medical reports detailing the plaintiff’s injuries and treatments.
  • Lost income information such as pay stubs and tax returns.
  • Expert opinions regarding accident reconstruction, truck safety standards, and causation.

A qualified truck accident lawyer knows what evidence to obtain and how to utilize it to prove who is at fault for the crash and resulting harms.

Liability in Truck Accident Cases in Killeen

Truck accident liability often falls into one or more of these categories:

  • Driver Negligence – The trucker’s dangerous driving or traffic violations directly caused the crash. Truckers must operate rigs safely and defensively.
  • Trucking Company Negligence – The trucking company failed to properly train, supervise, or screen the driver, or inadequately inspected/maintained the truck.
  • Negligent Third Parties – Another driver, construction company, or involved party contributed to the accident through negligence.
  • Defective Parts or Equipment – Faulty truck parts like defective brakes or tires resulted in a loss of control.
  • Cargo Loading Negligence – Improperly loaded, secured, or overweight cargo can cause rollovers or jackknifing.

A skilled truck accident lawyer can navigate the complex legal and insurance issues to identify all liable parties. Those responsible for your injuries should be held fully accountable.

What Damages Can a Killeen Truck Accident Lawyer Obtain?

If negligence caused your accident injuries, you may be entitled to several types of compensatory damages, including:

  • Past and future medical bills, including rehabilitation.
  • Lost income from missed work time.
  • Loss of future earning capacity if disabled.
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement.
  • Property damage, if your vehicle or belongings were damaged.
  • Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed.

Maximizing compensation requires an assertive lawyer knowledgeable in proving all applicable damages. The trucking company insurer won’t pay fairly unless pressured through aggressive legal advocacy.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help With My Claim

Retaining an accomplished Texas truck accident attorney provides you with benefits such as:

  • Conducting a detailed investigation into how and why the collision occurred.
  • Communicating with insurance companies and negotiating fair and full compensation.
  • Valuing all aspects of your legal claim and determining what a jury might award.
  • Handling the litigation process effectively if a lawsuit is necessary.
  • Dealing with liens from health insurers and workers’ compensation.
  • Letting you focus on healing while we fight to recover maximum damages.

Don’t leave money on the table – an experienced lawyer has the skillset to pursue your maximum claim value.

Finding the Best Lawyer for My Truck Accident in Killeen

If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent truck driver in the Killeen area, finding the right accident lawyer is crucial. The award-winning attorneys at Thompson Law have the expertise, resources, and track record to help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. We are Texas natives with decades of experience representing truck accident injury victims statewide. Our credentials include:

  • Millions recovered for past truck accident clients.
  • Superb 5-star client review ratings on Google.
  • Specialization in complex truck litigation and insurance negotiations.
  • No fee unless we win money damages for you.
  • Home and hospital visits available for injured clients.
  • Bilingual attorneys and staff.

For dedicated, high-caliber legal representation, contact our Killeen trucking accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

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(844) 308-8180

No Upfront Fees With Our Killeen Truck Accident Lawyers

Call Our Killeen Truck Accident Lawyers Today!

At Thompson Law, we’re committed to protecting the rights of truck accident victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Our team of experienced Killeen truck accident lawyers will fight aggressively on your behalf and won’t rest until we get you the best possible outcome for your case.

Our truck wreck lawyers offer FREE CASE REVIEWS, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Further, we charge NO FEE unless we win. You will not incur any fees, costs, or expenses unless we recover money on your behalf. If our Killeen truck accident lawyers don’t obtain a settlement for you, you won’t owe us a penny. If we do obtain a settlement, our fee will only come out of a portion of the settlement.

No Win No Fee sign for Personal Injury Case - Killeen truck accident law firm

If you are looking for an accident lawyer for a truck crash in Killeen, give us a call today. If you do not need a truck wreck lawyer today, save our contact card in your phone instead of searching “truck accident lawyer killen tx” after you are in a collision, so we will be there for you when you do need us.

It does not matter whether you live in Killeen, were visiting Killeen, or were just passing through when your truck crash occurred – the Killeen truck accident lawyers at Thompson Law can help. Our attorneys can help with everything from getting a Texas car accident police report, to understanding your rights, to explaining the personal injury claims process.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is 2 years in most injury accidents. If you have been injured in a truck accident, call us today or submit a form for a NO COST, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION with a Killeen truck accident lawyer at Thompson Law.

Contact Thompson Law Today

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a trucking collision in the Killeen/Temple/Belton area, the accomplished Texas truck accident lawyers at Thompson Law can help you fight for justice and full compensation. Speak to a lawyer today by calling (844) 308-8180 for your FREE CASE REVIEW, or contact us online for a fast response. There are no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a truck accident should I hire a lawyer?

You should consult a qualified truck accident attorney right away after seeking medical treatment. Early representation allows comprehensive evidence gathering and establishing liability.

Should I give a recorded statement to the trucking insurance company?

No. The insurer will try using your words against you. Politely refer them to your attorney, who will handle communications.

How much is my truck accident claim worth?

Many factors affect truck crash claim values, including crash severity, injuries, lost wages, and insurance coverage. An experienced attorney can best evaluate your potential case value.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?

Texas Statutes of Limitations give you two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim. Evidence can fade over time, so don’t delay.

Will filing a claim increase my insurance rates?

No. Your rates cannot legally increase for filing an insurance claim after getting hit by a commercial truck. The trucker and their insurance bear responsibility.

Let Thompson Law fight for the maximum compensation you deserve after a trucking collision in the Killeen area. We get results. Call (844) 308-8180 or contact us online for your FREE CASE REVIEW!

Truck Accident FAQs

Truck/18 Wheeler Accident

If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident.

Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.

If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.

A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck. 

A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.

The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win. 

Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different. Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim.  

In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.

The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney. This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period. Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim. 

If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck.  

Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or cannot be located. You can contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes UM. If you do not have this coverage, the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law recommend that you consider adding UM to your auto insurance policy today. 

Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.

A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.

Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.  

Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.

Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.

Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party.  These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing a legal claim on behalf of your loved one. 

Even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault. For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system – so reach out online or call anytime for a free consultation.     

If the other vehicle involved in your crash was an 18 wheeler or another commercial vehicle, call an attorney immediately. Companies who own commercial vehicles and 18 wheelers often have their own team of investigators who will arrive on the scene immediately working on the driver’s defense case. The sooner you involve an attorney of your own, the better your chances are of receiving compensation for your injuries and damages.

Drivers of 18 wheelers and other commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard of driving. If they neglect to turn on their flashing lights when they’re on the side of the road, don’t move over far enough onto the shoulder, don’t properly secure their cargo, or don’t leave enough clearance when making a left turn, and in many other cases, the driver could be considered negligent. If you want to know if the driver of the 18 wheeler involved in your case was negligent, contact a personal injury attorney.

No. They aren’t trying to help you. They’re trying to protect their drivers and reduce their costs. That’s why they have a team of lawyers ready to flock to the scene of any accident. Don’t accept any form of compensation until you talk to your attorney. Most victims of 18 wheeler crashes sustain more injuries than victims of normal crashes, and can receive higher compensation as a result. Don’t let them fool you into accepting a smaller payout for your injuries and damages. Your injuries could require years of medications and surgeries, and the company will try everything to avoid making huge payouts. Call your attorney and let them do the negotiating on your behalf.

Many times it can be the fault of both the driver and the 18 wheeler company. Truck drivers can be at fault just like any other motorist for failing to follow the rules of the road. However, 18 wheeler companies and their employees have federal laws they are required to follow that govern things like how many consecutive hours of driving are allowable, minimum numbers of resting hours between jobs, when and how to do inspections, and so on. Also, the 18 wheeler companies have specific duties and responsibilities regarding training their drivers and supervising their work. When trucking companies refuse to follow standard rules, regulations, and practices regarding the commercial and transportation industry, people can get hurt and companies can be found at fault for contributing to or causing the collision through their irresponsible decisions. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer will know what violations to look for and how to hold both the driver and the company responsible for endangering the motoring public on the roads we all share.  

If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled. We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.  

If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know. Give us a call or reach out online anytime! 

The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.

Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you.  

Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help! 

Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Ft. Worth, El Paso, McAllen, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.  

Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow.  The true answer is: it depends.  We find that most cases settle within 7-10 months from date of incident; but the timeframe in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case.  In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial.  But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.