Carrollton Truck Accident Lawyers Provide Aggressive Representation to Accident Victims
A serious truck accident in Carrollton can change your life in seconds. From life-threatening injuries to mounting medical bills and lost wages, victims are often left facing a long and uncertain road to recovery. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled Carrollton truck accident lawyer on your side from the start.
At Hartley Law, we know how complex commercial truck accident cases can be. If you’ve been injured in a Carrollton truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent truck driver and, possibly, their employer. With years of experience handling high-stakes trucking claims, we’re ready to investigate, build a strong case, and hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. We craft personalized legal strategies based on the facts of your case—not cookie-cutter solutions—and we never charge upfront fees. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Don’t Face It Alone
Truck accident cases are complex — and the trucking company’s legal team is already working against you. Get Legal Help Now from a Carrollton attorney who knows how to fight back.
- No fees unless we win
- Fast, confidential consultations
- 100% focused on your recovery
Why You Need a Carrollton Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Side
Truck accident cases are not like typical car accidents. They involve larger vehicles, more severe injuries, and multiple parties that may share legal responsibility. When you are up against commercial trucking companies and their insurers, the deck is already stacked against you. These corporations often have aggressive legal teams working to minimize your claim from day one.
An experienced Carrollton truck accident lawyer can level the playing field. At Hartley Law, we understand the unique challenges that come with commercial vehicle cases. We know how to investigate trucking companies, preserve crucial evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable.
We also understand how stressful this time can be. That is why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. With Hartley Law on your side, you get a legal team committed to protecting your rights and securing the financial support you need.
Carrollton Truck Accident Statistics
Carrollton’s location at the crossroads of Dallas, Denton, and Collin counties, combined with major freight routes like I-35E, PGBT, and I-635, puts drivers at daily risk from commercial trucks. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), crashes involving CMVs across these counties showed the scale of the threat in 2024:
- Over 5,400 truck crashes across Carrollton’s counties — averaging about 15 truck crashes every day
- CMV crashes caused nearly 50 deaths
- Almost 200 people were seriously injured in truck crashes across the region
The danger was just as real within Carrollton’s city limits. Local crash data reveals frequent and often severe accidents:
- 2,632 total crashes
- 9 fatal crashes, leading to 9 deaths
- 37 serious injury crashes, with 45 people seriously hurt
These numbers show that truck accidents are a daily and deadly reality in Carrollton — and that victims need experienced legal support to navigate complex claims against trucking companies.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Carrollton, TX
If truck drivers always paid attention to the road and followed the traffic laws, the vast majority of accidents could be avoided. However, history tells us that while most drivers take their responsibilities seriously, some do not. The following are the most common causes of truck accidents in Carrollton, Texas.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are under enormous pressure from their employers to get to their destination as quickly as possible. In fact, trucking companies pay drivers per mile to incentivize them to cover as much ground as possible per day. Thus, it is common to drive past the point of fatigue, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Distracted Driving
Anyone who has been on a long road trip knows that spending hours upon hours on the road can get boring. To combat this boredom, truck drivers may engage in certain dangerous activities, including talking or texting on the phone, watching in-cab televisions, or fiddling with their CB radio. While these may pass the time, they also remove the driver’s attention from the road.
Drunk and Drugged Driving
While driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, many truck drivers rely on a variety of substances to help keep them alert or to pass the time. However, these substances reduce a truck driver’s awareness and decrease their reaction time. Additionally, as their bodies metabolize the drugs or alcohol, it is common for truck drivers to experience extreme fatigue, further compromising their ability to safely operate a truck.
Equipment Failures
Truck drivers are responsible for checking their rigs each time they head out on the road. This includes checking the tires, brake system, lighting systems, and mirrors, as well as inspecting their load to ensure it remains secure. When this isn’t done, it increases the chances of an equipment failure, which can cause the trucker to lose control of the vehicle. To be fair, some Carrollton truck accidents are not the truck driver’s fault. In some cases, a defective part may be responsible for an accident, in which case the manufacturer may be liable.
At the Hartley Law Firm, our Carrollton, TX truck accident lawyers are skilled at investigating an accident to determine its cause. We know where to look to see if a driver was on the road too long or was using their phone in the moments before an accident. With our help, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
No two truck accidents are the same. Therefore, injuries can vary greatly. However, because semi-trucks have the capacity to cause extensive harm, resulting injuries can be quite serious. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Fractured or broken bones,
- Head and neck injuries,
- Back injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis, and
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
The more severe the truck accident injury, the more time you’ll need to recover and the higher the medical expenses. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to discuss your case with truck accident/personal injury attorneys.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Carrollton
Taking the right steps after a truck accident in Carrollton can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Follow this checklist to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Call 911 and get medical help
Always contact emergency services, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take hours or days to fully appear, and medical documentation will support your claim.
2. Document the scene
If it is safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Try to capture any identifying details on the truck, including company logos or license plate numbers.
3. Gather witness information
Ask anyone who saw the crash to provide their name and contact details. Witness statements can help prove fault later.
4. Do not admit fault
Avoid discussing the cause of the accident with other drivers or bystanders. Do not apologize or make statements that could be used against you.
5. Request a copy of the police report
Make sure law enforcement documents the crash and obtains a copy of the report as soon as it becomes available.
6. Do not speak to the insurance company alone
Trucking insurers may contact you quickly and try to settle the claim for less than it is worth. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any offers without talking to an attorney first.
7. Contact a Carrollton truck accident lawyer as soon as possible
The sooner you get legal support, the stronger your case will be. An attorney can help you preserve evidence, file a claim, and begin the process of seeking full compensation.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Here’s What to Do Next
The steps you take now can make or break your case. Let us guide you through the process. Speak to a Carrollton Truck Accident Attorney Today.
You handle recovery. We’ll handle the rest.
Types of Trucks Involved in Carrollton Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents in Carrollton involve a wide range of large vehicles, each bringing its own set of risks and liability challenges. Understanding the different types of commercial trucks involved can help determine the cause of an accident and identify who is responsible.
- 18-Wheelers / Semi-Trucks: These are the most common trucks on Texas highways and are typically used for long-haul freight. Their size and speed can make crashes especially dangerous. High-speed collisions involving 18-wheelers often cause serious injuries, and trucking companies usually carry larger insurance policies.
- Box Trucks / Delivery Trucks: Used by retailers, couriers, and moving companies, box trucks operate frequently in suburban areas like Carrollton. Their limited visibility, frequent stops, and tight navigation around parked cars and intersections make them prone to accidents.
- Dump Trucks: Common in construction zones, dump trucks carry heavy materials like gravel or debris. Their raised centers of gravity and shifting loads increase the risk of tipping or rollover accidents. Liability may extend to contractors or municipal agencies.
- Flatbed Trucks: Flatbed trucks transport oversized or irregular loads. When cargo is not properly secured, it can fall onto the roadway or shift during travel, creating multi-vehicle hazards. Regulations require specific tie-down methods, and violations can be used to support a claim.
- Tanker Trucks: These trucks haul flammable or hazardous liquids. In a crash, the risk of fire, chemical exposure, or explosion is high. Tanker accidents often result in complex claims involving environmental damage and public safety concerns.
- Garbage Trucks / Utility Vehicles: These vehicles stop often in residential neighborhoods of Carrollton. Their slow movements, blind spots, and proximity to pedestrians or cyclists make them a common danger on narrow or crowded streets. Municipalities or contractors may be held responsible depending on ownership.
- Tow Trucks: Tow trucks perform roadside assistance but can cause crashes if they are poorly lit, improperly hooked up, or parked unsafely. Legal issues may involve negligent operators or companies that fail to maintain safe equipment.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases require deeper investigation than regular vehicle crashes. These claims often involve federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple potentially liable parties. Gathering strong evidence is essential to building a winning case.
- Black Box Data / Electronic Data Recorder (EDR): Most commercial vehicles include a data recorder that tracks speed, braking, hours of operation, and more. This data can show if the trucker was speeding or failed to brake in time.
- Driver Logs: Truckers are required to follow hours-of-service rules to avoid fatigue. Logs can reveal if the driver was overworked or in violation of federal rest requirements.
- Maintenance Records: Commercial trucks must be regularly maintained. Records may show a failure to inspect brakes, tires, or other critical systems, which can help prove negligence.
- Police Reports: Official crash reports provide important details about the accident, including diagrams, witness names, and officer opinions on fault.
- Photos and Video Evidence: Images of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and traffic signs help reconstruct the crash. Traffic or dashcam footage may also support your version of events.
- Medical Records and Expert Testimony: Detailed medical documentation shows how you were injured and what treatment you need. Expert opinions can help prove the severity of injuries and their long-term impact.
- Witness Statements: Independent witnesses can confirm what happened and support your claim if the other party tries to deny responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Carrollton, Texas?
Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
There are limited exceptions. For example, if a minor is injured, the clock may not start until they turn 18. In wrongful death claims, the timeline begins on the date of death, which may differ from the accident date. In rare cases, if the injury is not discovered right away, the deadline may be extended.
Missing this deadline almost always means you lose your right to seek compensation. That is why it is important to speak with a Carrollton truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Time Is Running Out on Your Claim
Texas law gives you just two years to file a truck accident lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to compensation forever.
Don’t wait. Don’t guess. Don’t Delay – File Your Claim Before It’s Too Late.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Case Take to Settle?
There is no standard timeline for a truck accident claim in Carrollton. Some cases may resolve in a few months, while others take one to two years, especially if a trial is required.
Several factors affect how long your case may take:
- Injury Severity: More serious injuries often take longer to diagnose and treat. Your attorney may wait until your condition stabilizes to calculate full damages.
- Disputes Over Fault: If the trucking company or its insurer disputes who caused the crash, additional investigation and negotiations may be needed.
- Cooperation from Insurers: Some insurers respond quickly, while others delay the process. Your attorney may need to push back against stall tactics or lowball settlement offers.
- Whether the Case Goes to Court: Most cases settle out of court. However, if negotiations fail or the insurance company refuses to pay fair compensation, litigation may be necessary.
Although you may want to settle quickly, early offers are often lower than what your case is worth. Rushing the process can cost you in the long run, especially if future medical care or lost income is not considered.
How Insurance Works in a Carrollton Truck Accident
Truck accident insurance works differently than standard car crash coverage. Commercial trucks are required to carry much higher policy limits due to the potential for severe injuries and property damage. Federal law sets the minimum coverage for most large trucks at $750,000, though policies can be much higher depending on cargo and company type.
Many commercial trucking companies have layered insurance policies, including primary and secondary coverage. The primary policy usually pays first, but once that limit is reached, additional policies may come into play. These layered policies can make claims more complicated and harder to resolve.
Trucking insurers often deny valid claims, delay payouts, or shift blame to the victim. They may argue the injuries were pre-existing or caused by something else.
That is why hiring an attorney is so important. A Carrollton truck accident lawyer can uncover hidden policies, interpret exclusions, and make sure all available coverage is used to maximize your compensation. Insurers have legal teams working to protect their bottom line. You need someone just as dedicated fighting for you.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?
After a truck accident, you can likely expect mounting expenses and lost wages. Fortunately, you may be able to collect damages after your accident. Damages help cover various financial losses related to your truck accident. This compensation can be economic or non-economic in nature, and can include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Lost earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental and emotional anguish,
- Physical impairment, and
- Disfigurement.
Damages can be challenging to calculate, and you may not know the full extent of what you are owed. Your Carrollton truck accident attorney will collect evidence and documentation to help calculate the right amount of damages to help you recover financially.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Carrollton Truck Accident?
In truck accidents, there are a number of parties that may be liable for the crash. Generally, the responsible party depends on the specific factors of the accident. For example, if the accident is the result of operational error like the driver being distracted, liability may fall on the driver and, possibly, the trucking companies. However, if the crash happened due to equipment failure, the manufacturer, owner, or inspector of the truck may be responsible. Since liability depends on the unique circumstances of the crash, it’s important to retain a Carrollton truck accident lawyer. They can review all the facts of the case and identify the party responsible for your injuries.
How is a Truck Accident More Complex than a Standard Car Accident?
While some might assume truck accident cases are similar to auto collisions, there are many significant differences between the two. These characteristics can make the case of truck accident victims slightly more difficult to navigate and require the skill and expertise of a Carrollton truck accident attorney.
Semi-Trucks Cause More Damage Than Vehicles
First and foremost, trucks are clearly larger and heavier than a regular car. Due to this massive size and weight, trucks can cause much more property damage and injuries. Major damage and severe injuries can add a layer of complication and often lead to more expenses for victims. Truck accident attorneys work that much harder to recover for their clients after experiencing an accident.
Trucks are Highly Regulated
Semi-trucks must follow many federal regulations and safety standards. These laws and regulations can be hard to understand and make truck accident cases much more difficult. Truck accident lawyers are well-versed in this area, giving them the knowledge needed to handle your case.
Semi-Trucks Require Larger Insurance Policies
You may be familiar with auto insurance policies, but trucks are required to have much more insurance coverage due to their size, weight, and capacity to cause significant damage. Insurance companies are difficult to deal with, but much more so when so much money is on the line. A Carrollton, TX truck accident lawyer will know how to handle the insurance company and communicate in an efficient manner.
FAQs About Carrollton Truck Accident Lawsuits
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you probably have many questions about the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from potential clients.
Should I Seek Medical Attention Even If My Injury Seems Minor?
Absolutely. There are several injuries that may present as mild pain at first but then evolve into something more serious. In addition, if you don’t seek medical help after the accident, the trucking company and their insurance company may use that fact to deny your claim. Even if the injury seems minor, get medical treatment just in case.
What Claims Should I File After a Truck Accident?
There are several claims you may need to establish after your Carrollton truck accident. Here are just a few of the claims you should consider to help get you started:
- Liability claims against both the driver and their employer,
- Personal injury protection (PIP) claim through your insurance policy, and
- Medical payments (Med-Pay) claim, either through your policy or the other party’s policy.
If you have any difficulties identifying the claims you need to file, our experienced Carrollton truck accident lawyers can help.
Who Is Responsible If the Truck Driver Was an Independent Contractor?
Typically, when an employee causes injury while acting in the scope of their employment, their employer can be held vicariously liable for their actions. But a company generally cannot be held liable for the negligent actions of an independent contractor. However, there are exceptions, and an experienced Carrollton, TX truck accident attorney can help you determine whether they apply in your case.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partially at Fault?
Your recovery depends on the amount of fault assigned to you by the court or jury. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence doctrine for personal injury cases. This means that, under Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a claimant may only recover compensation if their share of fault is 50% or less. In addition, the court usually reduces the total award by the claimant’s percentage of fault. For example, if you make a claim for $100,000 and the court finds you 25% at fault, you would receive a final award of $75,000.
Should I Settle My Case or Go to Trial?
It depends. Each case needs to be evaluated on an individual basis to determine the best possible outcome. There are many instances where litigation may not be necessary. However, this depends on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries;
- The amount of time litigation may take; and
- Case expenses for gathering evidence, hiring expert witnesses, etc.
This is why it’s important to consult a Carrollton truck accident lawyer that has experience in settling claims and taking cases to trial.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Most Carrollton truck accident attorneys, including Hartley Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. Legal costs are only collected if your attorney recovers compensation on your behalf. The fee is usually a percentage of the final settlement or verdict, and initial consultations are free.
Can I sue the trucking company directly?
Yes. If the trucking company acted negligently, for example, by failing to maintain the vehicle, hiring unqualified drivers, or pushing drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, you may sue the company directly. You may also be able to hold them accountable through vicarious liability if their employee caused the crash while working.
What makes commercial truck accident claims more valuable?
Truck accident claims often involve more serious injuries, larger medical bills, and higher long-term losses. These cases also tend to carry higher insurance coverage limits. If a trucking company broke federal safety regulations, this can increase your potential compensation. A skilled attorney will identify all the factors that add value to your case.
How long will my Carrollton truck accident case take?
Case timelines vary based on several factors. If your injuries take time to stabilize, your claim may be delayed until damages can be accurately calculated. Other delays may occur if fault is disputed, insurers are uncooperative, or a trial becomes necessary. Most cases resolve in several months to two years. Quick settlements are usually low-value offers that may not cover future costs.
What’s the average truck accident settlement?
There is no single average amount, as every case depends on medical expenses, lost wages, injury severity, liability, and available evidence. A settlement for a minor injury will be far lower than one involving long-term disability or wrongful death. Hartley Law focuses on recovering the maximum compensation based on your unique circumstances.
You Deserve Justice — Let’s Go Get It
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Schedule Your Free Consultation today. It costs nothing to speak with us — and everything if you don’t.
Contact the Carrollton Truck Accident Attorneys at the Hartley Law Firm Today
If you’ve recently been seriously injured in a truck accident, our Carrollton truck accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue a claim against the driver responsible for your injuries. In some cases, you may be able to bring a claim against the trucking company, which can increase your chances of collecting the full amount of damages you are owed.
At the Hartley Law Firm, our Carrollton truck accident attorneys put people first. We understand that being involved in an accident is very stressful, and you are not looking to add to your already significant burdens. That is why when you bring us on to handle your claim, we will take care of everything, so you can keep your focus on your recovery and getting your life back to normal.
Our experienced legal team also handles other types of personal injury cases, including:
- Auto vehicle accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Wrongful death claim
- Sexual violence
To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with our Carrollton, TX truck accident/personal injury attorneys, give us a call at 469-289-6063 or connect with us through our online form.
PRACTICE AREAS
- Car Accident
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Premises Liability
- Workplace Injury
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck or vehicle accident, we provide expert legal support to truck accident victims in the following cities:
