Experienced Arlington Truck Accident Attorneys Ready To Serve You
Truck accidents in Arlington can lead to devastating injuries and long-term consequences for victims and their families. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, even a single moment of negligence—whether by the driver, the company, or a manufacturer—can result in life-altering harm.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, speaking with an experienced Arlington truck accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. At Hartley Law, we bring years of experience handling complex truck accident claims throughout Texas. Our legal team offers personalized strategies tailored to your unique situation, and we never charge any upfront fees. You only pay if we win.
Why You Need an Arlington Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Side
Truck accident cases are far more complex than regular car crashes. Victims often face trucking corporations and insurers with vast legal and financial resources, working to limit payouts. Without skilled representation, it’s easy to be outmatched.
Hartley Law’s team of Arlington truck accident lawyers fights to level the playing field. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How is a Truck Accident More Complex than a Standard Car Accident?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties–drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and insurers–which makes proving liability more challenging. Injuries are typically severe, raising the value and complexity of claims.
Trucking companies and insurers use aggressive tactics to minimize settlements, making legal negotiation crucial. Trying to handle the claim alone puts you at serious risk, which is why working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Arlington, TX is essential.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Don’t Face It Alone
Truck accident cases are complex — and while you’re trying to recover, the trucking company’s legal team is already working to protect their interests. You deserve an Arlington truck accident lawyer who knows how to fight back and win.
- No fees unless we win
- Fast, confidential consultations
- 100% focused on your recovery
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Arlington
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can protect your health and strengthen your claim. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and get medical care: Even if injuries seem minor, seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries—like concussions or internal trauma—may not be obvious right away.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Capture the truck’s company name, license plate, and USDOT number if possible.
- Collect witness contacts: Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash. Their statements can support your version of events later.
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating: Don’t apologize or guess what caused the accident. Even casual comments could be used against you.
- Request a copy of the police report: This official document will contain vital details and can be key evidence in your claim.
- Don’t speak to insurers or sign anything: Insurance companies may try to get quick statements to reduce their liability. Wait until you have legal representation.
- Contact an Arlington truck accident attorney: An experienced Arlington truck accident lawyer can protect evidence, handle insurers, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Here’s What to Do Next
The steps you take after a truck accident can make or break your case. Don’t try to face powerful trucking companies and insurers alone—speak with an experienced Arlington truck accident attorney today.
You handle recovery. We’ll handle the rest.
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Who Can Be Held Liable in an Arlington Truck Accident?
In many truck accident cases, more than just the truck driver may be at fault. Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential to recovering full compensation—and it’s something our legal team at Hartley Law is equipped to handle. Depending on the facts of your case, both direct and vicarious liability may apply. That means a party can be held responsible for their own actions or for the actions of someone they supervise or employ.
Here are some common parties that may be held liable in a truck accident:
- Truck Driver: May be directly liable for negligent driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, or violating hours-of-service rules.
- Trucking Company: May be liable for negligent hiring, poor training practices, or failure to inspect and maintain the vehicle. They may also be vicariously liable for their driver’s actions.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift in transit, causing loss of control or rollover accidents.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturers: Defects in the truck or its components (such as brakes or tires) could make the manufacturer responsible under product liability laws.
- Third-Party Maintenance Providers: If a maintenance company failed to identify or fix a mechanical issue, they may share fault for the crash.
At Hartley Law, we investigate each case thoroughly to uncover every source of liability—because missing even one responsible party could mean missing out on compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?
A truck accident can leave victims facing overwhelming financial and emotional losses. Through a personal injury claim, you may recover compensatory damages that cover both economic and non-economic harm.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses (like surgeries that can exceed $100,000), ongoing rehabilitation, lost wages from missing months of work, and lost future earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job. Property damage is also included, such as repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, like physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life—whether that means giving up a favorite sport or struggling with daily activities after the crash. An experienced Arlington truck accident lawyer can calculate these damages accurately to seek the full amount you’re owed.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases require far more investigation than standard car accidents. Strong evidence is critical to proving liability and securing fair compensation.
Key forms of evidence include:
- Black box data/EDR: Shows vehicle speed, brake use, and driver hours before the crash.
- Driver logs: Can reveal fatigue or violations of federal hours-of-service rules.
- Maintenance records: Prove if mechanical issues or poor upkeep contributed to the wreck.
- Police reports: Provide an official record of the crash and initial fault findings.
- Photos and video evidence: Document vehicle damage, road conditions, and skid marks.
- Medical records and expert testimony: Connect your injuries directly to the crash.
- Witness statements: Support your version of events and disprove conflicting accounts.
Gathering and preserving this evidence quickly is essential, which is why involving a truck accident lawyer early can make a major difference.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Arlington, Texas?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline will almost always prevent you from recovering compensation.
There are limited exceptions–such as claims involving minors, wrongful death cases, or situations where injuries weren’t discovered right away–so it’s crucial to act quickly and consult a lawyer to protect your rights.
Time Is Running Out on Your Claim
Texas law gives you just two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation forever.
Don’t wait. Don’t guess. Don’t Delay – File Your Claim Before It’s Too Late.
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How Long Does a Truck Accident Case Take to Settle?
Every case is different. Some truck accident claims resolve in a few months, while others take one to two years or longer if litigation is necessary.
The timeline depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, disputes over fault, the level of cooperation from insurers, and whether the case must go to trial. Quick settlements are often lowball offers designed to close the claim cheaply, so patience is key to achieving full compensation.
Common Types of Arlington Truck Accidents
Due to their size, weight, and unique structure, tractor-trailers are prone to accident types that rarely occur with standard passenger vehicles. Below are some of the most common and dangerous types of truck accidents seen in Arlington:
- Rollover Accidents: Tractor-trailers have a high center of gravity, making them especially vulnerable to rollovers—particularly when their cargo is improperly loaded or the driver takes a curve too fast. A rollover can block multiple lanes and lead to multi-vehicle pileups.
- Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out at a sharp angle—usually 90 degrees—relative to the cab. These accidents often happen during sudden braking or on slick roads and can result in the trailer sweeping across lanes and striking nearby vehicles.
- Override Accidents: In an override accident, a large truck drives over the rear of a smaller vehicle, often crushing it under the truck’s front end. These accidents are especially dangerous in heavy traffic or when a truck follows too closely and cannot stop in time.
- Underride Accidents: Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back or side of a trailer and slides underneath it. These incidents are typically catastrophic, often resulting in fatal injuries, especially if the truck lacks an underride guard or proper lighting.
Each of these accident types presents severe risks, and determining the cause requires a thorough investigation. Our Arlington truck accident lawyers are experienced in handling these complex cases and holding the appropriate parties accountable.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Arlington, TX
While truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, certain causes appear repeatedly in Arlington cases. These crashes are often the result of negligence—either by the driver or other parties in the trucking operation. Understanding these causes helps establish fault and protect your right to compensation.
- Distracted Driving: Whether texting, eating, or using in-cab systems, truck drivers who take their attention off the road—even for a few seconds—can cause catastrophic accidents due to the sheer size of their vehicles.
- Driving Under the Influence: Commercial truck drivers are held to a stricter standard with a legal blood alcohol limit of just 0.04%. Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road and tight delivery schedules often lead drivers to push past legal limits on driving time. Fatigue reduces reaction time, decision-making ability, and overall alertness.
- Unqualified or Poorly Trained Drivers: Some trucking companies fail to properly vet or train their drivers. When a company puts an unprepared driver behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle, they may be liable for negligent hiring or supervision.
- Improper Cargo Loading: An uneven or unsecured load can shift during transit, increasing the risk of rollovers or loss of vehicle control. Cargo loaders who fail to follow federal loading standards can be held responsible for resulting crashes.
- Poor Maintenance or Mechanical Failure: Trucks require regular inspections and repairs to operate safely. When trucking companies or maintenance providers cut corners, issues like brake failure or tire blowouts can lead to devastating accidents.
- Reckless Driving or Speeding: Trucks have longer stopping distances and less maneuverability than passenger cars. Speeding or aggressive driving by a trucker dramatically increases the risk of high-impact collisions.
- Mechanical or Manufacturer Defects: In some cases, a defect in the truck itself—such as faulty brakes or steering systems—can lead to an accident. When this happens, the manufacturer or parts supplier may share liability.
At Hartley Law, we have the experience and resources to investigate every possible cause of your truck accident. By identifying all liable parties, we help ensure you seek the full compensation you’re entitled to under Texas law.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Since trucks have a large size and weight, commercial trucks often cause life-altering injuries in collisions. Victims may face long-term medical care, lost income, and permanent disability.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can require emergency surgery, months of cognitive therapy, and may leave victims unable to return to work or school.
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis: These injuries often cause permanent mobility loss, requiring rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications.
- Broken bones: Severe fractures may need multiple surgeries, metal hardware, and lengthy physical therapy, keeping victims out of work for months.
- Internal organ damage: Damage to organs like the liver or lungs can demand emergency surgery and ongoing monitoring, sometimes resulting in lifeline health complications.
- Burns and lacerations: These injuries can lead to painful skin grafts, scarring, and psychological trauma that impacts daily life.
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage: While less visible, these injuries can cause chronic pain and limit movement, interfering with work or childcare responsibilities.
- Emotional trauma or PTSD: Many survivors experience flashbacks, anxiety, or depression that require long-term therapy and medication.
An experienced Arlington truck accident lawyer can help calculate both immediate and future costs linked to these injuries to pursue full compensation.
Types of Trucks Involved in Arlington Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents in Arlington can involve many different vehicle types, each carrying unique risks and legal challenges. Understanding these types of commercial trucks helps explain how liability is determined in serious crashes.
- 18-wheelers / Semi-trucks: Used for long-haul freight, these large trucks are often involved in high-speed highway accidents that cause catastrophic injuries and complex multi-insurer claims.
- Box trucks / Delivery trucks: Common in city traffic, their frequent stops and limited visibility create a high risk of collisions with cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Dump trucks: Often used in construction zones, their heavy, shifting loads can cause rollovers and severe damage in crashes, raising questions about maintenance and load safety.
- Flatbed trucks: These carry oversized or unsecured cargo that can shift or fall into traffic, creating dangerous multi-vehicle accidents and complex liability issues.
- Tanker trucks: Transporting flammable or toxic liquids, tanker trucks pose risks of spills, fires, and explosions, leading to severe injuries and heightened insurance scrutiny.
- Garbage trucks / Utility vehicles: Operating in residential areas, they stop frequently and have large blind spots, which can lead to pedestrian or cyclist accidents.
- Tow trucks: Often involved in roadside recovery, poor lighting or improper hookups can create hazards for passing motorists and raise questions about operator training and safety procedures.
Because each type of commercial vehicle carries different liability concerns, working with a skilled truck accident lawyer is vital to building a strong case.
Arlington Truck Accident Statistics
Arlington is home to major attractions like AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, but its central location between Dallas and Fort Worth also makes it a major commercial truck corridor, especially along I-20, I-30, and SH 360. In 2024, Tarrant County reported 1,716 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes, and the numbers reflect just how dangerous these incidents can be:
- Nearly 1 in 3 truck crashes resulted in injury or death
- 19 fatal truck crashes caused 19 deaths
- Hundreds more sustained serious or minor injuries from commercial vehicle collisions
These statistics confirm that truck accidents in Tarrant County are not only frequent—they are often severe, with victims frequently left with lasting injuries or worse.
Within Arlington’s city limits, the volume and severity of crashes reflect the same high-risk environment. In 2024, Arlington recorded 5,317 total crashes, many of which had tragic or serious outcomes:
- 35 fatal crashes caused 38 deaths
- 168 serious injury crashes, with 196 people seriously hurt
- 2,353 additional crashes led to either minor or possible injuries, affecting more than 3,400 people
- In total, over 4,800 people were injured or killed in traffic crashes in Arlington alone
Victims of truck crashes, in particular, may face complex claims involving corporate insurers—and often need skilled legal support to get justice and fair compensation.
How Insurance Works in an Arlington Truck Accident
Commercial trucking companies carry far higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles—at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and often several million dollars for larger fleets or hazardous cargo. These policies are designed to cover the severe injuries and property damage common in truck crashes.
Truck accidents often involve layered coverage, with a primary policy covering initial losses and secondary or excess policies providing additional funds once the primary limits are reached. This structure can make claims more complex, especially when multiple insurers are involved.
Trucking insurers frequently deny, delay, or shift blame to reduce payouts. They may argue over fault or point fingers at other companies involved in the trucking operation. An experienced Arlington truck accident lawyer can investigate the trucking company’s coverage, uncover hidden policies or exclusions, and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact our Arlington Truck Accident Lawyers
If you are considering filing a truck accident lawsuit in Arlington, contact Hartley Law Firm to speak with a member of our team today. For the past decade, we have dedicated our careers to helping personal injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. A truck accident case can be challenging to manage, especially when you’re trying to heal from your injuries. Let us do the work for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
FAQs About Arlington Truck Accident Lawsuits
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Most Arlington truck accident attorneys, including Hartley Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front and only owe legal fees if we recover compensation for you. The fee is typically a percentage of your settlement or verdict, and initial consultations are free.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
Do I have to go to court after a truck accident?
Most truck accident claims settle out of court, but some go to trial if fault is disputed or the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement. Hartley Law prepares every case for trial if needed and will guide you through the process to minimize stress.
Can I sue the trucking company directly?
Yes. If the company’s negligence contributed to the crash—such as unsafe practices, poor maintenance, or negligent hiring—you can sue them directly. Under vicarious liability, companies can also be held responsible for their drivers’ actions while on the job.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver is classified as an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable if it controlled the driver’s work or failed in hiring or training duties. Legal nuances like this are why having an experienced attorney is essential.
What makes commercial truck accident claims more valuable?
Commercial truck accident claims often have higher values due to severe injuries, larger insurance policies, and substantial financial losses. Because trucking is heavily regulated, safety violations—like overworked drivers or poor maintenance—can also increase the value of a claim.
How long will my Arlington truck accident case take?
Truck accident cases can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Timelines depend on your injury recovery, how cooperative insurers are, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the case goes to court. Quick settlements are often low-value offers that don’t account for future costs.
What’s the average truck accident settlement?
Settlement amounts vary widely based on factors like medical costs, lost wages, injury severity, and the strength of the evidence. While there’s no true “average,” Hartley Law Group works to recover the maximum compensation possible for every client.
You Deserve Justice — Let’s Go Get It
With Hartley Law Group on your side, you don’t have to face trucking companies or insurers alone. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
- Proven results
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Schedule Your Free Consultation today. It costs nothing to speak with us — and everything if you don’t.
