Waco Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Waco Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex and How We Help

Serious truck crashes in Waco involve corporate defendants, federal safety rules, and technical proof. Carriers and insurers move fast along I-35, US-84, and TX-6 to control evidence. Our truck accident attorneys counter that speed with focused investigation and trial-ready strategy.

What Makes Trucking Cases Complex

• Magnitude of Damage:  Trucks, due to their massive size and weight, cause more severe damage, injuries, and fatalities compared to other vehicles.
• Multiple Involved Parties:  A truck crash often implicates more than just the driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, and maintenance providers can all bear some responsibility.
• Laws and Regulations:  Trucks are governed by a separate set of federal and state laws, increasing the complexity of the litigation process.
• Insurance Policies:  Trucking companies generally carry larger insurance policies, which can lead to more strenuous efforts by insurance companies to minimize payouts.
• Technical evidence:  Engine control module data, electronic logging device records, telematics, dashcam video, GPS, dispatch logs, DVIRs, maintenance files, and post-crash testing.
• Records at risk:  Certain operational records are only retained for limited periods, so delay can erase key proof.
• Scene mechanics:  Skid measurements, debris fields, and vehicle inspections are needed to explain speed, braking, and line-of-sight.

How Our Waco Truck Accident Lawyers Make It Manageable

Quick action in Waco truck cases protects evidence, defines fault, and strengthens settlement leverage. Here are the core steps we take right away.

1. Send preservation letters to the carrier, broker, shipper, and all evidence custodians
2. Schedule an expert inspection of the tractor and trailer
3. Secure ECM, EDR, ELD, telematics, dashcam, and GPS data
4. Photograph and map the scene, including skid and debris measurements
5. Request traffic and business camera video, 911 audio, and officer bodycam files
6. Obtain the driver qualification file, training records, and safety policies
7. Verify hours of service using logs, trip sheets, fuel and toll receipts
8. Collect cargo documents, bills of lading, scale tickets, and securement records
9. Gather maintenance files, DVIRs, work orders, brake and tire data
10. Prepare a trial-ready demand and, if needed, file suit in McLennan County

In light of these complexities, victims of truck wrecks should not hesitate to seek the assistance of our experienced truck accident lawyers. Our legal professionals understand the intricate dynamics of truck accidents and can provide the necessary expertise for a successful claim. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Why Choose Thompson Law As Your Truck Accident Lawyer in Waco

When you choose Thompson Law, you’re choosing a team with a proven track record in handling motor vehicle accident claims and a dedication to client care. Here’s why we stand out:

Proven Results

We’ve recovered over $1.9 billion for our clients in personal injury and vehicle collision cases, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Personalized Attention

Every crash is different, and we provide individualized care tailored to the specific details of your case.

5-Star Reputation

With hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google, our team is known for excellence in representing clients injured in auto accidents and delivering top-notch client satisfaction.

No Fees Unless We Win

You won’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means our success is aligned with your success.

Fast Action and Availability

Our team is available 24/7, ready to act swiftly to gather evidence, investigate your accident, and secure your claim. In traffic accident cases, quick action is crucial to protect your rights.

What Types of Compensation Am I Eligible for in My Truck Accident Case?

The types of damages that can be pursued in personal injury cases generally fall into three primary categories: economic (or special) damages, non-economic (or general) damages, and punitive damages. Here’s a breakdown of each, with examples illustrating what they cover:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable and cover losses that have a specific monetary value associated with them. Examples include:

• Property Damage:  Covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Medical Expenses:  These costs may include expenses such as emergency room visits, hospital admissions, surgical procedures, medications, physical rehabilitation, and any ongoing healthcare requirements stemming from the accident.
• Lost Wages:  Compensation for wages lost while recovering from injuries. This also extends to future earnings lost due to long-term disability or a reduced capacity to work.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms but significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. Examples include:

• Pain and Suffering:  This encompasses the physical and emotional distress caused by the injuries, including chronic pain, emotional trauma, depression, and anxiety.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life:  Compensation for the inability to enjoy hobbies and recreational activities that were part of the victim’s life before the accident.
• Disfigurement and Scarring:  Covers the psychological and emotional suffering due to permanent physical changes after the accident.
• Loss of Consortium:  Compensation for the impact of injuries on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family members, addressing loss of companionship, affection, support, and intimacy.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not awarded as frequently and are typically granted in instances of severe negligence or intentional wrongdoing. They are intended as a punishment to the wrongdoer and to deter similar behavior in the future.

Our attorneys can accurately quantify your damages and advocate for the full range of compensation you deserve. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION today!

Proving Negligence in a Truck Wreck

Even in a clear-cut case of negligence, details can get missed and negligence can be more difficult to prove than most would think. Our Waco legal team has the experience to gather all the evidence to make sure nothing is missed to support a victim’s negligent claim.

Four Elements of Negligence in a Truck Accident Case

1. Duty of Care:  This simply means that a truck driver has a ‘duty’ or responsibility to act with attention, caution, and watchfulness when driving their vehicle to avoid causing an accident.
2. Breach of Duty:  Our legal team must determine that the defendant breached their duty of care obligation to avoid an accident, for example, by failing to follow basic traffic laws.
3. Causation:  Our attorneys must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries from the collision.
4. Damages:  Our accident lawyers must prove that you suffered serious physical and financial damages from the defendant’s breach of duty by presenting evidence such as medical bills, demonstrating how the crash negatively impacted your life, and proof of injuries documented in your medical records.

Our Waco truck accident lawyers must prove these elements to get the maximum settlement for your truck wreck injuries. Our team of legal professionals will fight hard to win your case and get you the justice you deserve. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let us help you get on the road to recovery.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Waco

The steps you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact your recovery and legal claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911: Report the accident to get police and emergency responders on the scene. A police report will be critical for your case.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, can surface later.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
4. Collect Information: Get the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance details, and license plate. Also, gather contact information from witnesses.
5. Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not admit fault or sign any documents from the trucking company or insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney.
6. Preserve Evidence: If possible, secure dashcam footage or request nearby surveillance recordings.
7. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: A local Waco attorney can guide you through the legal process and help preserve critical evidence, such as the truck’s “black box” data.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Several factors contribute to truck accidents in Waco, many of which stem from negligence or violations of safety protocols. Here are some of the leading causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can impair a truck driver’s reaction time and decision-making.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using navigation systems while driving can lead to accidents.
• Speeding: Trucks traveling at excessive speeds are harder to control and more likely to cause severe collisions.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or loss of control.
• Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained trucks with faulty brakes, tires, or engines are prone to accidents.
• Alcohol or Drug Use: Substance use among truck drivers, while less common, can be a major factor in fatal accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and high winds can make it difficult for trucks to maintain control, especially on busy Waco roadways like I-35.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, failing to yield, or improper lane changes are common violations leading to accidents.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Waco

Truck accidents can be devastating due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Here are the most common types of truck accidents seen in Waco, Texas:

• Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted or fatigued drivers, these accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the force of impact from a heavy truck.
• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s cab and trailer fold at an angle, often due to sudden braking or slippery roads, it can block multiple lanes of traffic.
• Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles can slide under the side or rear of a truck, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Rollover Crashes: Trucks are prone to tipping over, especially during sharp turns or when carrying improperly loaded cargo.
• Blind Spot Crashes: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, and vehicles in these areas are at risk of being hit during lane changes or turns.
• Tire Blowouts: A sudden tire failure can cause the truck driver to lose control, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
• T-Bone Collisions: These side-impact crashes often occur at intersections when a truck driver runs a red light or stop sign.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks require extra space to make turns, and failing to account for this can lead to collisions with nearby vehicles or pedestrians.

Hospitals to Go to After a Truck Crash in Waco

When a truck accident occurs, you need serious medical help, fast. Waco’s got a few standout facilities that are ready for just that.

• Ascension Providence:  One of Waco’s largest hospitals, Providence has a full-service emergency department and trauma care for everything from broken bones to internal injuries after a truck collision.
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest:  A Level II Trauma Center, this place is well-equipped for high-impact injuries, like the kind you’d expect from a multi-ton truck crash on I-35.
• Premier ER & Urgent Care – Waco:  Independent and open 24/7, this is a solid option for fast treatment of non-life-threatening injuries such as whiplash, lacerations, or minor head trauma.
• Baylor Scott & White – Emergency Center at Waco:  A freestanding emergency room with short wait times. Not a full hospital, but a good first stop if you’re closer here than to Hillcrest.

Federal Trucking Regulations and Industry Compliance

Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to strict federal regulations designed to ensure road safety. Key rules include:

1. Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

   • Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
   • Weekly driving hours are capped at 60-70 hours depending on the schedule.

2. Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections

   • Trucks must undergo regular inspections to ensure brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems are functioning properly.
   • Pre- and post-trip inspections are mandatory.

3. Cargo Securement Standards

   • Loads must be properly balanced, secured, and within weight limits.
   • Improper cargo can lead to rollovers or falling debris, endangering others.

4. Drug and Alcohol Testing

   • Federal law prohibits truck drivers from consuming alcohol within four hours of driving.
   • Regular drug testing is mandatory for all commercial drivers.

5. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

   • Truck drivers must undergo extensive training and testing to receive and maintain a CDL.
   • Endorsements for hazardous materials or double/triple trailers require additional certifications.

6. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

   • All commercial trucks must use ELDs to track driving hours and prevent violations of HOS regulations.

A skilled Waco truck accident lawyer can investigate whether violations of these regulations contributed to your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Truck Accident Statistics in Waco, TX

Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics in McLennan County, TX

According to the Waco Police Department, in the broader McLennan County, which is an area surrounding Waco, Crash Records Information Systems (CRIS) database, recorded 470 commercial motor vehicle collisions in 2022. These truck crashes consisted of:

• Fatal collisions:  3 fatal truck crashes which fatally injured 4 individuals.
• Serious injury collisions:  11 truck crashes inflicting serious injuries on 12 individuals.
• Minor injury collisions:  49 truck crashes resulting in minor injuries to 66 individuals.
• Possibly injury collisions:  68 truck crashes resulting in possible injuries to 100 individuals.

Talk to a Waco Truck Accident Attorney Today

After a tractor-trailer crash, quick legal help protects critical proof. Our Waco truck injury lawyers secure ECM and ELD data, inspect the rig with qualified experts, request traffic and business video, and organize your medical records so the damages picture is complete. We handle the carrier and its insurer, map every layer of coverage, and position your claim for negotiation or litigation in McLennan County.

You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Texas law imposes strict filing deadlines, and some trucking records are retained for limited periods. Taking action now helps preserve evidence, clarify liability, and support a full recovery for medical care, wage loss, and future needs.

Contact our Waco truck accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

FAQs About Truck Accident Cases in Waco

Can I sue both the truck driver and the trucking company?

Yes. In many cases, both the truck driver and their employer can be held liable. For example, if the driver was negligent and the company failed to train or supervise them properly, your attorney may file claims against both parties.

What is a truck’s “black box,” and why is it important for my case?

The “black box” is an electronic data recorder that captures crucial information like speed, brake usage, and driving hours before the crash. This data can be key in proving fault and must be preserved quickly after an accident.

How long do commercial truck accident cases usually take to settle in Waco?

It varies based on case complexity, but most cases take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Factors like the severity of injuries, number of liable parties, and cooperation from insurance companies can all affect the timeline.

Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you’re less than 51% responsible, you can still recover compensation. However, your total settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the trucking company denies responsibility for the crash?

This is common. Trucking companies often try to shift blame to avoid paying damages. An experienced attorney can collect evidence, reconstruct the accident, and work with experts to build a strong case against the company and its insurer.

How are truck accidents different from regular car accidents in terms of legal process?

Truck accidents are more complex due to federal regulations, multiple liable parties (like carriers, maintenance providers, or shippers), and the scale of damage involved. These cases often require more investigation and deeper legal expertise.