Collisions involving large commercial trucks may cause catastrophic injuries that alter the course of your life. While many drivers take caution when sharing the road with trucks, another person’s negligence may still put you in serious danger. The size and weight of a commercial truck mean that even a moderate impact may result in severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and months of recovery.
After a truck wreck in McKinney, Texas, contacting a truck accident attorney at Rose Knows Law, P.L.L.C. is an important first step. From hospital bills to ongoing treatment costs, the physical and financial burdens following a serious collision may make it difficult to recover and return to everyday life. Our McKinney personal injury attorneys have nearly 33 years of legal experience and work with every client directly to pursue the compensation they deserve.
Common Injuries Sustained in McKinney Truck Wrecks
The severity of the injuries you sustain may depend on the type of collision and the point of impact. Some of the most common injuries in truck wrecks include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Injuries to the head and brain may cause life-changing consequences. From concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, a forceful blow to the head during a truck wreck may affect your ability to return to daily activities. Common symptoms may include vomiting, headaches, nausea, fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty speaking, dizziness, and loss of coordination. Our McKinney brain injury attorneys may help you pursue compensation for the full scope of these losses.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue injuries include strains, sprains, dislocations, tears, lacerations, and contusions. While they may appear less severe than other injuries, soft tissue damage may still cause significant pain, scarring, and long-term complications. Hospitalization and physical therapy are often necessary for those dealing with soft tissue injuries following a truck wreck.
Broken and Fractured Bones
A hard impact with a truck may easily break or fracture a bone. Those injured in truck wrecks often sustain broken or fractured bones in the hands, wrists, shoulders, arms, and legs. Severe bone fractures may require immediate medical attention and, in some cases, may lead to amputation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord allows us to stand, move freely, and bend in different directions. When damaged, spinal injuries may drastically alter a person’s life. Each section of the spine controls specific motor functions, and an injury to any part of the spine may impair or eliminate that function. In many cases, a person may become paralyzed at or below the injury site.
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, wrecks involving one may be especially hazardous. The injuries you face come with medical fees, lost income, and other significant financial burdens. If you are injured in a collision due to another party’s negligence, contact a McKinney truck wreck attorney at Rose Knows Law, P.L.L.C.
Common Causes of Truck Wrecks in McKinney
Understanding why truck wrecks happen may help you protect yourself and strengthen your claim if you are injured. Texas truck wrecks occur for many reasons, ranging from driver negligence to mechanical failures.
Driver fatigue is one of the most dangerous causes of truck crashes. Federal regulations limit how many hours truckers may drive, but some drivers or companies disregard these rules to meet tight deadlines. When a trucker falls asleep at the wheel or struggles to stay alert, their massive vehicle may become a serious hazard on the highway.
Improper loading also leads to devastating wrecks. Trucks carrying unbalanced or unsecured cargo may roll over, jackknife, or lose their loads on busy McKinney roads. Companies that rush to load trailers and skip safety protocols put everyone at risk. Our McKinney serious injury attorneys understand how these failures translate into real harm for victims.
Poor vehicle maintenance creates another significant hazard. Worn brakes, bald tires, and faulty steering systems may cause trucks to lose control. Trucking companies that cut corners on maintenance to save money often create the conditions for catastrophic crashes.
How Truck Wreck Claims Differ from Car Wreck Cases
Truck wreck claims involve unique complexities that are not present in typical car wreck cases. Multiple parties may share responsibility for your crash, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. Personal injury claims involving commercial trucks require a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties.
Federal regulations govern the trucking industry, creating additional legal requirements. These rules cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Violations of these regulations may significantly strengthen your case.
Insurance coverage also differs between personal vehicles and commercial trucks. Trucking companies typically carry much higher insurance limits, sometimes exceeding $1 million. However, these insurers employ teams of attorneys and investigators focused on minimizing payouts.
Evidence preservation becomes more critical in truck wreck cases. Electronic logging devices, maintenance records, driver qualification files, and cargo manifests must be secured quickly before companies have the opportunity to destroy or alter them. Acting promptly to preserve this evidence may make a significant difference in your claim.
Steps to Take After a McKinney Truck Wreck
Your actions immediately following a truck wreck may significantly impact your health and your legal claim. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline from a crash may mask serious injuries, and some symptoms may not appear for hours or days.
Call 911 to report the wreck and request police response. The responding officer will create a crash report documenting the scene and initial findings, which may serve as valuable evidence in your claim.
Document everything you may safely observe. Take photos of vehicle damage, the wreck scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If possible, photograph the truck’s license plate, DOT number, and any company markings. Collect contact information from witnesses.
Avoid discussing fault or admitting responsibility to anyone at the scene. Insurance adjusters and trucking company representatives may attempt to get statements from you immediately after the wreck. Politely decline to give recorded statements and refer them to your attorney.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Truck Wrecks in Texas
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the wreck to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline may mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
Some exceptions may extend or shorten this timeframe. If the wreck involved a government vehicle or employee, you may have as little as six months to provide notice of your claim. Claims against certain government entities require following specific procedures within strict deadlines.
The discovery rule may apply in cases where injuries are not immediately apparent. This rule may extend the filing deadline to two years from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury. However, relying on this exception without legal guidance may be risky.
Property damage claims may have different deadlines than personal injury claims. Starting the legal process early ensures you do not miss any critical deadlines.
How We Handle Truck Wreck Cases in McKinney
Our approach to truck wreck cases begins with immediate action to preserve crucial evidence. We work quickly to send preservation letters to trucking companies, ensuring they do not destroy electronic logging devices, maintenance records, and other vital documentation.
We conduct thorough investigations with reconstruction professionals and industry professionals who understand federal trucking regulations. This approach helps us identify all liable parties and build a strong case on your behalf.
Our team handles all communication with insurance companies and trucking company representatives. We protect you from tactics designed to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting an inadequate settlement. You may focus on recovery while we manage the legal complexities.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all case expenses, from investigation costs to professional fees, removing financial barriers to pursuing your claim.
What Compensation May I Recover After a Truck Wreck?
If another person’s negligence caused your truck wreck, you may seek compensation for the following:
- Treatment and hospital bills
- Cost of prescription medication
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
Facing legal proceedings without someone who understands the law may feel overwhelming. When you have an attorney on your side ready to protect your rights, you may feel more confident pursuing your claim. Contacting a McKinney personal injury attorney is an important step toward recovering the compensation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Wrecks in McKinney
How long do I have to file a truck wreck claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the wreck to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle or employee was involved, notice requirements may be shorter. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible helps ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines.
What makes truck wreck cases different from car wreck cases?
Truck wreck cases typically involve multiple potentially liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. They are also governed by federal trucking regulations, and the evidence involved, such as electronic logging devices and maintenance records, must be preserved quickly before it is altered or destroyed.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the wreck?
Under Texas law, you may still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not found to be more than 50% responsible. Your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your level of fault.
What is a truck’s electronic logging device, and why does it matter?
An electronic logging device records a truck driver’s hours of service and driving data. This information may help establish whether a driver violated federal hours-of-service regulations at the time of the wreck, making it critical evidence in many truck accident cases.
What happens if the trucking company destroys evidence?
If a trucking company destroys evidence like logs or maintenance records after receiving notice of a potential claim, this may constitute spoliation of evidence. An attorney may ask the court to draw an adverse inference against the company, which may significantly strengthen your case.
Will my attorney handle communication with the insurance company?
Yes. At Rose Knows Law, P.L.L.C., we handle all communication with insurance companies and trucking company representatives on your behalf. This helps protect you from tactics designed to minimize your claim or obtain statements that could be used against you.
What does it cost to hire a McKinney truck wreck attorney?
Rose Knows Law, P.L.L.C. handles truck wreck cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is also free.
When you need legal help following a truck wreck in Collin County, Rose Knows Law, P.L.L.C. is ready to go to work for you. Attorney Dale R. Rose has nearly 33 years of legal experience, has tried over 165 first-chair jury trials across more than 54 Texas counties, and has recovered over $18 million for clients since 2010. You work directly with Dale on all aspects of your case to stay informed and involved throughout the process. Call (972) 634-ROSE (7673) or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.