Skilled Denton Truck Accident Attorney Ready To Assist You
Truck accidents in Denton, Texas can result in devastating injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. When you’re up against trucking companies and their insurance teams, having the right legal representation is critical. That’s where we come in.
At Hartley Law, our team of experienced Denton truck accident lawyers is here to fight for your rights. With a proven track record in handling high-stakes, complex truck accident claims, we offer personalized legal strategies tailored to the unique facts of your case.
Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler on I-35 or involved in a commercial delivery truck crash downtown, our Denton truck accident lawyers are ready to provide you with the compassionate representation you deserve and help you pursue full and fair compensation.
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 Denton attorney who knows how to fight back.
- No fees unless we win
- Fast, confidential consultations
- 100% focused on your recovery
Why You Need a Denton Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Side
Truck accident cases are not like typical car accidents. These claims are far more complicated because they often involve multiple liable parties, federal trucking regulations, and aggressive insurance companies determined to protect their bottom line. Victims are frequently up against powerful corporations with deep legal resources and teams of adjusters working to minimize payouts.
That’s why having a skilled Denton truck accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. At Hartley Law Firm, we understand the pressure you’re under. Our attorneys have the experience and resolve to stand up to trucking companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and handle every truck accident case on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
How is a Truck Accident More Complex than a Standard Car Accident?
Truck accidents often involve more than just the driver. In many cases, liability may extend to the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, or maintenance contractors, each with their own insurance provider and legal team. That means your case isn’t just about proving one person’s negligence; it’s about navigating a web of corporate interests determined to avoid accountability.
Injuries from truck accidents also tend to be more serious, which raises the stakes. Higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and lasting impairments all contribute to a claim’s value, which is why commercial insurers often use aggressive tactics to reduce or deny compensation. Without an experienced lawyer to negotiate on your behalf, you risk being overwhelmed or pressured into accepting far less than you deserve. At Hartley Law, we know their playbook—and we’re ready to fight back.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Denton Truck Accident?
In the aftermath of a serious truck accident, it’s easy to assume the driver is the only one at fault, but liability often runs much deeper.
Trucking is a multi-layered industry, and when something goes wrong, several parties may share responsibility. Because of this, these cases often involve both direct liability (when a party’s actions directly caused the crash) and vicarious liability (when a company is held accountable for the actions of its employees).
Key parties that may be held liable in a Denton truck accident include:
- Truck Driver: May be directly liable for reckless driving, fatigue, distracted driving, or drug/alcohol use behind the wheel.
- Trucking Company: Can be vicariously liable for the driver’s actions and directly liable for negligent hiring, poor training, over-scheduling, or failing to inspect and maintain the fleet.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transport, leading to dangerous rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or steering components can lead to catastrophic failures on the road.
Third-Party Maintenance Providers: If a company contracted to maintain the truck skipped steps or performed shoddy work, they may also bear responsibility.
Truck Accident Statistics
Texas is the deadliest state when it comes to truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, out of the 3,870 fatal truck accidents in the United States in 2019, 517 occurred in the Lone Star State. This means more than 13% of all fatal truck accidents in the country occurred in Texas.
Due to Denton’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the city sees a high volume of truck traffic. Not surprisingly, Denton experiences many truck accidents each year. In fact, according to the most recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were more than 900 commercial truck accidents in 2024 alone.
- 1 in every 5 serious truck accidents in Denton County resulted in a fatality in 2024
- On average, nearly 2.5 truck accidents occurred in Denton County every day in 2024.
- In 2024, more than 50% of commercial truck accidents in Denton County resulted in injuries, compared to only 38% of non-CMV accidents.
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 Denton attorney who knows how to fight back.
- No fees unless we win
- Fast, confidential consultations
- 100% focused on your recovery
Holding Negligent Truck Drivers and Their Employers Accountable
After an accident, it is common to wonder where to turn for help. You may have spent days or weeks in the hospital, missed work and time with your family, and are now facing the endless inflow of medical bills. It is an overwhelming time. Understandably, your first thought after a Denton truck accident may not be filing a lawsuit.
However, filing a truck accident claim can provide you and your family with much-needed financial compensation after an accident. Depending on the nature of the accident and the extent of your injuries, you may recover damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, decrease in earning capacity, and any pain and suffering you endured due to the accident.
In most motor vehicle accident cases, an injured motorist files a claim against the driver they believe was responsible for causing the accident, establishing fault for the incident. However, when it comes to truck accident cases, it is important to also consider naming the truck driver’s employer as a defendant in the case. Under the Texas vicarious liability law, employers are responsible for their employee’s negligent acts, provided the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident.
It is important that you reach out to a Denton, TX truck accident lawyer as soon as you are ready, as there are strict timelines that apply in personal injury cases. Under Texas law, you generally have just two years to file a claim after a truck accident. However, the sooner you reach out to a lawyer, the better.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Denton, TX
Truck drivers are supposed to be “professional” drivers, adhering to strict regulations. However, too often, truck drivers get comfortable behind the wheel and take liberties—liberties that place other drivers at risk. For example, the following are the most common causes of Denton truck accidents:
- Drowsy driving,
- Intoxicated driving,
- Aggressive driving,
- Equipment malfunction,
- Improperly loaded cargo,
- Distracted driving, and
- Fatigued driving.
Truck drivers owe a duty of care to everyone else on the road. This duty requires truckers to operate their rig safely and responsibly. When a truck driver’s negligent actions result in another’s injury, they can be held financially accountable. However, don’t expect truck drivers and their employers to see things the same way you do. Truck accident cases often hinge on complex legal theories and should be handled by an experienced personal injury legal practitioner.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Denton
In the moments after a truck accident, it’s normal to feel disoriented and overwhelmed, but the steps you take can have a lasting impact on your physical recovery and legal rights. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a crash with a commercial truck in Denton:
- Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask serious symptoms. A medical evaluation also creates a record that can be critical for your claim later on.
- Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any identifying company logos on the truck. These details can help reconstruct what happened and point to liability.
- Gather Witness Contact Information: Bystanders can offer crucial third-party accounts of the crash. Ask for names, phone numbers, or emails so your attorney can follow up.
- Do Not Admit Fault or Speculate on the Cause: Avoid saying things like “I didn’t see them” or “Maybe I was going too fast.” Even offhand remarks can be used against you later.
- Request a Police Report: The official crash report will document important facts and may include the responding officer’s initial assessment of fault, which is often a key piece of evidence.
- Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers Before Legal Counsel: Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and seem friendly, but they are not on your side. Their goal is to protect the company, not your interests.
- Contact a Denton Truck Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible: A knowledgeable attorney can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and start building a strong case from day one. At Hartley Law, we’re here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
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 Denton Truck Accident Attorney Today.
You handle recovery. We’ll handle the rest.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Because of their immense size and weight, commercial trucks can cause devastating, life-altering injuries in a crash. Victims are often left facing long-term medical challenges, months or years of rehabilitation, and serious disruptions to their personal and professional lives. These are some of the most common—and serious—injuries seen in Denton truck accident cases:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A violent blow to the head can cause a TBI, ranging from a concussion to permanent cognitive impairment. Treatment may involve neurosurgery, long-term therapy, and ongoing monitoring. TBIs can affect memory, speech, concentration, and emotional regulation, often making it difficult to return to work or school.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis. Recovery may require emergency surgery, physical therapy, and mobility aids like wheelchairs. These injuries often require lifelong care and may prevent victims from living independently or earning a living.
- Broken Bones: The force of a truck crash can cause multiple fractures, especially to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Severe breaks may need surgical pins, plates, or screws to heal. Extended recovery times and lost mobility can interfere with daily activities and job duties.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma may injure organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. These injuries may require emergency surgery, ICU care, and extended hospital stays, followed by months of recovery.
- Burns and Lacerations: Fires, fuel explosions, or torn metal can cause deep burns or serious cuts. Treatment often includes skin grafts, infection control, and cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries. Scarring and disfigurement can also cause long-term psychological distress.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: These are common in all types of crashes but can be especially severe in truck accidents. Soft tissue damage can affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to chronic pain and limited movement. Physical therapy and pain management are often necessary.
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD: Surviving a traumatic accident can take a heavy mental toll. Many victims experience anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, or depression. Mental health treatment, including counseling and medication, may be essential for recovery but is often overlooked in insurance evaluations.
Hartley Law understands that the impact of a truck accident goes far beyond the initial crash. We fight for compensation that accounts for your full range of injuries—physical, emotional, and financial—so you can begin to rebuild your life with the support you deserve.
Types of Trucks Involved in Denton Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents in Denton can involve a wide range of large vehicles, each presenting its own unique dangers on the road. The type of truck involved often affects the cause of the crash, the severity of the injuries, and the parties that may be held liable. The most common types of commercial trucks involved in serious accidents include:
- 18-Wheelers / Semi-Trucks: Due to their size, weight, and speed, accidents involving semi-trucks often result in catastrophic damage. Liability can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company and its insurance provider, especially when fatigue or schedule pressure is a factor.
- Box Trucks / Delivery Trucks: Often used by retailers, moving companies, and courier services, box trucks have large blind spots, a high center of gravity, and frequent stops that make them prone to collisions with smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Many are operated by third-party contractors, which can complicate insurance claims.
- Dump Trucks: These commercial vehicles are essential in construction zones and roadwork, but are notorious for poor visibility, wide turns, and the risk of tipping due to uneven loads. When an accident occurs, liability may fall on the driver, their employer, or even the construction company overseeing the site.
- Flatbed Trucks: Flatbeds are used to haul oversized or irregular loads such as lumber, steel beams, or heavy equipment. Improperly secured cargo can shift or fall during transport, leading to multi-vehicle accidents. In these cases, cargo loaders and the companies that secured the load may share responsibility.
- Tanker Trucks: Tankers transport hazardous materials, including gasoline, chemicals, or industrial waste. A crash involving one of these trucks can quickly escalate due to fire, explosions, or toxic spills. These cases often involve stringent federal safety regulations, which add complexity to the legal process.
- Garbage Trucks / Utility Vehicles: Operating primarily in neighborhoods and residential streets, these commercial trucks make frequent stops and may block traffic or travel at odd hours. Their large size and limited maneuverability pose significant risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and children.
- Tow Trucks: Tow trucks assist with vehicle breakdowns and crash recovery, often working on the shoulder or in active traffic lanes. When operators fail to use proper lighting, secure the load correctly, or pull out unsafely, they can cause major accidents. Liability may involve the driver, their employer, or even the company responsible for the initial vehicle recovery.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases aren’t like your average fender bender. When a collision involves a commercial vehicle, the investigation needs to go deeper. Proving fault often means uncovering layers of data, company practices, and driver behavior that go far beyond the scene of the crash. Hartley Law gathers critical evidence like:
- Black Box Data (Event Data Recorder): These devices capture crucial information in the moments leading up to a crash, such as speed, brake usage, and the duration of the truck’s operation. This data helps show if the driver was speeding, failed to brake, or violated hours-of-service rules.
- Driver Logs: Commercial drivers are required to record their hours behind the wheel. These logs can reveal signs of fatigue or violations of federal hours-of-service regulations, which are common causes of serious accidents.
- Maintenance Records: If a trucking company skipped routine maintenance or failed to address known issues, these records can expose negligence that contributed to the crash.
- Police Reports: A police report documents the initial facts, including driver and witness statements, road conditions, and any citations issued. While not the final word, these reports often support key details in the case.
- Photos and Video Evidence: Dash cams, surveillance footage, or smartphone photos can show the positions of vehicles, damage, weather conditions, and even driver behavior. This kind of visual evidence can be hard to dispute in court.
- Medical Records and Expert Testimony: Medical records link your injuries directly to the crash. We also work with medical experts to explain the severity of your injuries and how they may impact your future.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can provide unbiased accounts of what happened, including who was at fault, the speed of the truck, and whether any reckless behavior was involved.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Denton, Texas?
Due to the statute of limitations in Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a truck accident lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you’ll likely lose your chance to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
However, some exceptions exist. If the injured person is a minor, the clock may not start ticking until they turn 18. In wrongful death cases, the two-year period generally begins on the date of death, not the date of the accident. And in rare cases involving delayed discovery—for example, if an injury wasn’t immediately apparent—you may have more time, but proving it can be difficult.
Don’t take chances with your future. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident in Denton, contact Hartley Law as soon as possible. We’ll make sure your case stays on track and your rights are protected from day one.
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 Insurance Works in a Denton Truck Accident
Commercial trucks are required to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and often carry more depending on the cargo or size of the vehicle. But just because coverage exists doesn’t mean getting compensated is simple.
In many cases, there are multiple layers of insurance involved. The truck driver may have a primary policy, while the trucking company, trailer owner, or cargo shipper may carry secondary or umbrella coverage. Sorting through these overlapping policies takes experience, and insurers don’t make it easy.
Trucking insurance companies are known to deny valid claims, delay payments, or shift blame onto the victim. That’s why it’s critical to have a lawyer who knows how to investigate coverage limits, challenge exclusions, and uncover hidden policies that could increase your compensation.
Ready to Take Action? Contact a Denton Truck Accident Lawyer at Hartley Law
At Hartley Law Firm, we accept injury cases involving:
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a truck accident, the Denton truck accident attorneys at the Hartley Law Firm is here to help. We provide aggressive, client-centered representation to accident victims and their families in all types of truck accident cases. With our help, you can hold the negligent truck driver responsible for your injuries financially accountable, so you can begin to move on with your life after the accident. We offer all truck accident victims a free, no-obligation consultation in which we can answer any questions and explain the process to you in understandable terms. To learn more, give us a call or contact us through our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you sustained serious injuries in a truck accident, you need an experienced Denton injury attorney on your side. Hartley Law Firm offers a no-cost, no-obligation consultation for injury accident victims. During your consultation, we will analyze your case and help you explore your options for pursuing a legal claim.
Meanwhile, we hope these FAQs will provide the basic information you need to take the next step.
How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident Case?
To establish liability for your damages, you (or your attorney) must identify all parties that caused or contributed to your accident. You must then demonstrate that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care and then subsequently breached that duty through reckless, negligent, or wrongful actions. Once you can demonstrate that this breach caused your injury accident, you can establish liability for your injuries and other damages.
The complex nature of trucking accidents can make it harder to prove liability. The sooner you can get an attorney on board, the better. After even a few days, critical evidence can disappear. Witnesses might not remember the incident as clearly. Contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can begin the investigation and documentation process.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Denton Truck Accident Injury?
Typically, you can pursue compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages. This could include your current and future medical treatment costs, current and future lost income, pain and suffering, and more. You could also be entitled to compensation for any permanent damage or disability you sustained as well as diminished earning capacity and lost life’s enjoyment. An attorney can provide a more accurate estimate of what your case value might be.
What Is the Average Denton Truck Accident Settlement Amount?
The injuries and other damages you suffered are unlike those of any other accident victim. This makes it impossible to estimate any possible average truck accident settlement in Denton. However, the nature of truck accidents tends to be more serious than many other types of motor vehicle collisions. Talking to an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer is the best way to determine what your claim value might be.
How Long Will It Take to Get a Settlement for My Truck Accident Injury Claim?
Unfortunately, we cannot establish any average time for a Denton truck accident case to settle. Every injury accident victim’s situation is unique. Two factors that can affect your case include the nature and extent of your injuries and how they will affect your life in the future. The details of the accident can also affect the time it takes to resolve your claim.
In most cases, we successfully negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, because truck accident claims can involve multiple parties—potentially including the truck driver, the shipper, the trucking company, etc.—these cases tend to be more complex. As a result, they may take longer to resolve.
If the insurance company will not settle, we might have to pursue your case through a civil suit. If we do take your case to court, the time required to resolve it will take longer than it otherwise might.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Most Denton truck accident attorneys, including Hartley Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of your settlement or verdict. Initial consultations are typically free, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you’ll receive 80% of the total damages.
Do I have to go to court after a truck accident?
Most truck accident claims settle out of court, especially when liability is clear. But if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer or disputes fault, a trial may be necessary. At Hartley Law, we prepare every case for court from day one. If it comes to trial, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
What makes commercial truck accident claims more valuable?
Truck accident claims often involve more severe injuries, larger insurance policies, and greater financial losses. Commercial trucks are heavily regulated, and violations like driver fatigue or poor maintenance can increase liability. These factors typically make truck accident claims more valuable than standard car accidents.
Can I sue the trucking company directly?
Yes, you can sue the trucking company if their negligence contributed to the crash, ike failing to maintain the vehicle or hiring an unqualified driver. You may also have a claim under vicarious liability, which holds companies responsible for their employees’ actions on the job.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable, especially if they controlled the driver’s work or failed to vet or train them properly. These legal distinctions matter and can affect how compensation is pursued.
You Deserve Justice — Let’s Go Get It
With Hartley Law on your side, you don’t have to face trucking companies or insurers alone.
- Proven results
- Personal attention
- Fierce advocacy
Schedule Your Free Consultation today. It costs nothing to speak with us — and everything if you don’t.
The best way to get more accurate estimates of your claim’s potential value and how long it could take to resolve is to contact a truck accident lawyers from the Hartley Law Firm today. You don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. Contact us now to schedule your free case review.
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