While accidents with cars and other smaller vehicles can be frightening, truck accidents can have severe consequences due to their size and shape. Many people take caution when passing or driving near a truck, but even when you are aware of the danger, someone else’s negligence can cause you to suffer dangerous losses.
After an accident with a truck in McKinney, Texas, contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer at Rose Knows Law is crucial. From hospital bills to treatment costs, the physical and financial burdens you can face after a serious accident may hinder your ability to recover and get back to your everyday life. Having dependable legal representation that you can trust is essential if you find yourself in a similar situation. We specializes in multiple practice areas to provide comprehensive legal representation for clients facing various personal injury and legal challenges throughout McKinney.
Most Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries Sustained in McKinney, Texas
The severity of the accident and injuries you sustain can depend on the type of crash you encounter. When the accident is closer to the driver’s side, the injuries the driver faces can be more serious than if the truck collided with you from the rear passenger side. Some of the most common types of injuries you can suffer during a truck accident include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Injuries to the head and brain can cause life-changing injuries. From concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), the effects of a forceful blow to the head during a truck accident may hinder your ability to return to the daily activities you once enjoyed. The common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can include vomiting, headaches, nausea, fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty speaking, fatigue, dizziness, loss of coordination, and many other severe issues.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue injuries are strains, sprains, dislocations, tears, lacerations, and contusions. While a soft tissue injury may seem less serious than a traumatic brain injury, it can still cause scars, severe pain, and sometimes long-term problems. Hospitalization and physical therapy are often necessary for those afflicted with soft tissue injuries.
Broken and Fractured Bones
A hard impact with a truck and easily break or fracture a bone. Those injured by truck accidents often see broken or fractured bones within their hands, wrists, shoulders, arms, and legs. When a serious bone breaks, there are many severe consequences, and immediate medical assistance is necessary. These injuries are often excruciating and can sometimes cause amputation if necessary.
Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord allows us to stand, move freely, and bend in all different directions. When the spinal cord is damaged, the injuries can drastically alter the life of the person injured. Each section of the spine controls a specific motor function, so that function can be endangered and uncontrollable when a person suffers an injury on a specific part of the spine. Often, the person can become paralyzed anywhere below the injury on the spine.
Due to the size and shape of a truck, accidents involving one can be hazardous. The injuries you face come with medical fees, lost income, and many other financial burdens. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s recklessness, contact an experienced truck attorney.
Common Causes of McKinney Truck Accidents
Understanding why truck accidents happen can help you protect yourself and strengthen your claim if you’re injured. Texas truck accidents occur for various reasons, ranging from driver negligence to mechanical failures.
Driver fatigue represents one of the most dangerous causes of truck crashes. Federal regulations limit how many hours truckers can drive, but some drivers or companies ignore these rules to meet tight deadlines. When a trucker falls asleep at the wheel or struggles to stay alert, their massive vehicle becomes a deadly weapon on the highway.
Improper loading also leads to devastating accidents. Trucks carrying unbalanced or unsecured cargo can roll over, jackknife, or lose their loads on busy McKinney roads. Companies rushing to load trailers may skip safety protocols, putting everyone at risk.
Poor vehicle maintenance creates another significant hazard. Worn brakes, bald tires, and faulty steering systems can cause trucks to lose control. Many trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, but these decisions often result in catastrophic crashes.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Cases
Truck accident claims involve unique complexities you won’t encounter in typical car accident 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 layers of legal requirements. These rules cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Violations of these regulations can strengthen your case significantly.
Insurance coverage differs dramatically between personal vehicles and commercial trucks. Trucking companies typically carry much higher insurance limits, sometimes exceeding $1 million. However, these large insurance companies also employ teams of attorneys and investigators to minimize payouts.
Evidence preservation becomes more critical in truck accident cases. Electronic logging devices, maintenance records, driver qualification files, and cargo manifests must be secured quickly before companies destroy or alter them. Acting fast to preserve this evidence can make or break your claim.
Steps to Take Immediately After a McKinney Truck Accident
Your actions immediately following a truck accident can significantly impact your health and legal claim. First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine. The adrenaline from a crash can mask serious injuries, and some symptoms may not appear for hours or days.
Call 911 to report the accident and request police response. The responding officer will create an accident report documenting the scene and initial findings. This report becomes valuable evidence in your claim.
Document everything you can safely observe. Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident 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 who saw the crash occur.
Avoid discussing fault or admitting responsibility to anyone at the scene. Insurance adjusters, trucking company representatives, and others may try to get statements from you immediately. Politely decline to give recorded statements and refer them to your attorney.
Understanding McKinney Truck Accident Statute of Limitations
Texas law gives you a limited time to file a truck accident lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file your claim in court. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation forever.
Some exceptions may extend or shorten this timeframe. If the accident 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 aren’t immediately apparent. This rule can extend the filing deadline to two years from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury. However, relying on this exception can be risky without legal guidance.
Property damage claims have different deadlines than personal injury claims. While you typically have two years for injury claims, property damage must be addressed more quickly. Starting the legal process early ensures you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
How We Handle McKinney Truck Accident Cases
Our approach to truck accident cases begins with immediate action to preserve crucial evidence. We work quickly to send preservation letters to trucking companies, ensuring they don’t destroy electronic logging devices, maintenance records, and other vital documentation.
We conduct thorough investigations involving accident reconstruction professionals, medical professionals, and industry professionals who understand federal trucking regulations. This comprehensive approach helps us identify all liable parties and build the strongest possible case for you.
Our team handles all communication with insurance companies and trucking company representatives. We protect you from tactics designed to minimize your claim value or trick you into accepting inadequate settlements. You can focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to access quality legal representation without upfront costs. We advance all case expenses, from investigation costs to professional fees, removing financial barriers to justice.
Am I Eligible to Recover Compensation after a Truck Accident?
While you may take every step to stay safe on the road, others may disregard your safety and cause you to suffer severe injuries. The many financial burdens you may face due to the injuries you incur can be frustrating. If another person caused your accident because of negligence, you can seek the following compensation:
- 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 alone and without someone who understands the law is frightening and disorienting. When you have someone on your side ready to protect your rights, you’ll feel confident in your claim. Contacting a personal injury attorney is vital to recovering the compensation you need.
Contact a Reliable McKinney Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Accidents happen all the time, but when the other person is driving a large truck, the severity of the crash may become more dangerous than others. Not only can the physical damages increase, but emotional harm too. An accident with a truck can be extremely frightening, and the emotional stress that you suffer can also be included in your recoverable compensation.
Rose Knows Law understands how challenging this time can be for you and your family. We have over 25 years of experience representing clients across Texas who need dependable legal representation. With countless testimonials and positive past results, we are proud to offer clients legal services that they can rely on and trust.
Call (972) 833-0917 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
