The Rise of Truck Accidents in Texas

Legally Reviewed by Dale R. Rose on August 13, 2026

Why Truck Accidents Are a Serious Concern in Texas

Large trucks and 18-wheelers play an essential role in the Texas economy, moving freight across the state and along the last mile of the supply chain. Because of their size and weight, however, a collision involving a large truck is far more likely to cause serious injury than a crash between two passenger vehicles. Texas consistently reports one of the highest numbers of large-truck crashes in the country each year.

If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident, understanding how these crashes happen and what legal options may be available can help you make informed decisions during recovery. Dale R. Rose, PLLC, represents injured Texans in personal injury claims involving commercial trucks throughout North Texas.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Large truck crashes typically result from negligence on the part of either the truck driver or the drivers of nearby vehicles. Common contributing factors include:

• Improper passing or unsafe lane changes
• Distracted or fatigued driving
• Reckless driving or aggressive maneuvers
• Speeding, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failure to obey traffic signals or notice other vehicles’ signals
• Inadequate training on how to operate an 18-wheeler safely
• Scheduling pressure from trucking companies that encourages drivers to rush

Because commercial trucks are so much heavier than passenger vehicles, even a relatively low-speed impact can cause significant injury.

Types of Truck Accident Crashes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies crashes by severity, which can help explain how investigators and insurers may categorize a truck accident:

• Fatal crashes: A person involved in the crash dies within 30 days of the collision. This category includes non-motorists such as pedestrians and cyclists.
• Injury crashes: No one dies in the crash, but at least one person suffers an injury ranging from a visible but non-incapacitating injury to a severe, incapacitating injury.
• Property-damage-only crashes: Vehicles are damaged in the collision, but no one is injured.

For more information on how crash severity is classified, refer to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis data resources.

How to Drive Safely Around Large Trucks

Truck drivers are not always to blame when a large truck is involved in a crash. Other drivers share responsibility for following the rules of the road around commercial vehicles. Some general safety practices include:

• Avoid driving between two large trucks whenever possible.
• Do not attempt to overtake a truck without adequate visibility and space.
• Avoid merging into traffic suddenly in front of a truck, which can force it to brake hard or swerve.
• Stay out of a truck’s “No-Zone,” the blind spot where the driver cannot see smaller vehicles in their mirrors.
• Do not use a handheld device or engage in other distractions while driving near heavy traffic.
• Always signal early when turning or changing lanes near a truck.

For more resources on driver safety around commercial vehicles, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Documenting a truck accident thoroughly can make a significant difference in a later injury claim. If you are involved in or witness a truck accident:

• Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, and remain at the scene rather than leaving, since leaving the scene of a crash can carry serious legal consequences.
• Note the time, date, weather conditions, and the number of people involved.
• Collect the license plate and insurance information for every vehicle involved, including the truck’s company markings if visible.
• Get names and contact information for any witnesses.
• Take photos or video of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible injuries or property damage.
• Move your vehicle out of oncoming traffic if it is safe to do so.

Because commercial trucking companies often have their own investigators reviewing a crash quickly, preserving your own evidence early is important.

Who May Be Responsible for a Truck Accident

Truck accident claims are often more complex than a typical two-vehicle crash because more than one party may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties can include the truck driver, the trucking company that employs the driver, a cargo loading company, or a vehicle maintenance provider. Understanding whether you can pursue a trucking company directly after a commercial vehicle wreck often requires a detailed review of the driver’s employment status and the company’s safety practices.

Recovering Compensation After a Truck Accident

Most truck accident victims may be eligible for compensation if the crash resulted from another party’s negligence. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to support a personal injury claim and can help you understand how medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, and lost wages during recovery may factor into your damages.

Dale R. Rose, PLLC, has represented injured Texans in truck accident claims throughout McKinney, Collin County, and North Texas. To discuss your accident and learn about your legal options, contact us for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Truck Accidents