A crash involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial truck can turn life upside down in seconds. The force of impact, the severity of the injuries, and the complexity of the claims process often leave victims and their families feeling overwhelmed. Whether the collision occurred on I-35W, near the heart of Fort Worth, or on a rural stretch of road on the outskirts of town, the aftermath may involve emergency treatment, time away from work, ongoing pain, and a long road to recovery.
Truck accident cases come with their own legal challenges. These collisions are not handled the same way as passenger vehicle crashes. From federal regulations and multiple liable parties to powerful insurance companies that work to protect corporate interests, victims need experienced guidance to navigate the road ahead. Keep reading to learn how truck crashes are different, what to expect from the claims process, and how Patterson Law Group helps clients in Fort Worth pursue justice and recovery with trusted legal support.
Trusted Legal Help for Victims of Truck Crashes in Fort Worth
At Patterson Law Group, we represent people—not case numbers. When you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle, you deserve more than an insurance form and a quick offer. You deserve legal help that treats your injury with care, attention, and respect.
Our firm handles truck accident cases differently by limiting the number of clients we work with, staying hands-on throughout the process, and helping with more than just legal documents. We guide you through each stage of your recovery, from the initial call to the final resolution, providing resources and local advocacy tailored to your case.
Small Caseloads Mean More Individual Attention
We do not take on as many cases as possible. Instead, we focus on the clients we serve and devote time to understanding the full impact of the crash. Smaller caseloads allow us to investigate thoroughly, respond quickly, and stay ahead of important deadlines. You will never feel rushed or overlooked.
You’ll Work Directly With Your Lawyer
You will not be handed off to a call center or filtered through a chain of assistants. From day one, you’ll have direct access to an attorney who’s actively involved in your case and helps develop a plan for moving forward. Your lawyer will remain involved at every stage, ensuring consistency and a direct connection throughout your case.
Help With Transportation, Medical Referrals, and Paperwork
Truck accidents often leave victims without reliable transportation and with mounting medical needs. We help you access rental vehicles, locate trusted doctors, and keep your medical and billing records organized. If you need referrals to specialists, physical therapy, or diagnostic imaging, we guide you toward providers who understand personal injury claims.
Technology That Keeps You Informed
You should not have to wonder what is happening with your case. We use secure communication tools that help you track updates, access records, and review important documents at your convenience. Whether you are at home or on the go, you can stay informed and connected to your legal team.
Proven Experience With Texas Trucking Cases
Commercial vehicle claims are complex, and our team has the experience to handle them. We understand the federal and state laws that apply to trucking companies, the common tactics used by their insurers, and how to prepare for both settlement negotiations and trial. Our experience allows us to anticipate roadblocks and resolve claims efficiently while advocating for your full recovery.
How Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Wrecks
While all vehicle collisions can be traumatic, truck accidents present a unique set of legal and logistical challenges. From the first point of contact, our firm approaches these cases with strategies that reflect those differences.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Apply
Commercial drivers are subject to rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern everything from how long a driver can remain behind the wheel to how a truck must be maintained. Violations of these rules can be critical to your case. We investigate logbooks, maintenance records, inspection reports, and other data to determine whether a trucking company failed to meet safety requirements.
Multiple Layers of Liability
Unlike most car crashes, truck accidents often involve more than one responsible party. The driver may have made a mistake, but the company that hired them, the maintenance provider, or the party that loaded the cargo may also share blame. Identifying all potentially liable parties helps ensure you recover the full compensation available—not just from one insurance policy, but from every entity that contributed to the crash.
Commercial Insurers and Corporate Defense Teams
Trucking companies often carry higher insurance limits than private individuals, but they also have insurance carriers that work aggressively to avoid large payouts. These insurers often involve legal defense teams early in the process. Without experienced representation, it can be difficult to stand up to that level of opposition. We know how to present your case with the clarity and strength required to negotiate or litigate effectively.
Greater Vehicle Size Means Greater Injury Risk
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When they collide with a passenger vehicle, the result is often catastrophic. The size and weight of these vehicles mean that even crashes at moderate speeds can lead to serious injury. These cases often involve long-term care, permanent disability, or emotional trauma. Our team works to ensure those consequences are fully accounted for in your claim.
Where and Why Truck Accidents Happen in Fort Worth
Truck accidents occur across Tarrant County for a variety of reasons. Understanding where and why they happen can help clarify liability and provide insight into how your crash may have occurred. Below are some of the most common conditions and locations we see in Fort Worth truck crash cases:
- High-speed freight traffic on I-35W. This major trucking corridor sees a constant flow of 18-wheelers. Sudden stops, merging issues, and heavy traffic increase the risk of rear-end collisions, lane departures, and jackknife accidents.
- Congestion near rail yards and industrial zones. Areas around freight terminals, warehouses, and distribution centers often involve a mix of truck and commuter traffic. Poor visibility, tight turns, and unfamiliar routes contribute to frequent crashes in these zones.
- Construction on I-20 and Loop 820. Ongoing roadwork throughout Fort Worth creates unpredictable lane shifts and signage. These zones are especially dangerous for larger trucks that require more space to maneuver and stop safely.
- Fatigue and long-haul drivers. Truck drivers are required to take rest breaks, but not all companies enforce these rules properly. Fatigue remains a common cause of crashes, particularly in the early morning or late-night hours when alertness is low.
- Poor signage or merging conditions. Many crashes involve unclear lane markings, missing signs, or confusing merge areas. These problems are compounded when large trucks are involved, especially if they are trying to change lanes or navigate tight curves.
- Bad weather and limited visibility. Rain, fog, or dust storms make it harder to stop or control a truck. Commercial drivers are expected to reduce speed and take precautions under poor conditions. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.
Our team investigates how and where your crash occurred to identify the conditions that contributed to the collision. By combining legal experience with local knowledge of Fort Worth traffic and road design, we build cases that reflect the full story of what happened and who is responsible.
Types of Trucks Involved in Local Injury Claims
When people hear the term “truck accident,” they often picture an 18-wheeler on the interstate. While those crashes are common, truck-related injury claims in Fort Worth involve a wide range of commercial vehicles. Each type of truck presents different risks and legal considerations. Understanding the kind of vehicle involved in your crash helps determine what safety regulations apply, what records may exist, and who may be responsible for damages.
Tractor-Trailers and Semis
These are the largest vehicles on Texas roads and often cause the most severe damage when they collide with passenger cars. A standard tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. These trucks are regulated under strict federal and state laws that cover driving hours, maintenance, and load limits. Crashes involving semis often involve multiple parties and require detailed investigation into compliance with safety rules.
Box Trucks and Fleet Delivery Vans
Box trucks are commonly used for retail deliveries, moving companies, and service providers. They are smaller than semis but still large enough to cause serious injuries in a crash. Delivery drivers are often under pressure to complete routes quickly, which can lead to speeding, missed signals, or fatigue. Companies that own or lease these vehicles may share liability for hiring practices, driver training, or equipment maintenance.
Tankers and Hazardous Material Vehicles
Tankers carry gasoline, chemicals, and other potentially dangerous materials. When these trucks crash, the risk of explosion or toxic exposure makes injuries more severe. Tanker crashes may involve regulatory violations related to load security, labeling, or handling procedures. Identifying violations in these cases often requires collaboration with hazardous materials experts and review of detailed transport records.
Dump Trucks and Heavy Equipment Haulers
These vehicles are frequently used in construction and municipal projects. They carry gravel, concrete, machinery, or debris and often travel through neighborhoods, work zones, or commercial corridors. Their limited visibility and slow maneuvering make them hazardous in urban traffic. Liability in these cases may extend to contractors, city agencies, or subcontractors who operate or maintain the equipment.
Crashes involving any of these trucks require a careful review of driver credentials, vehicle maintenance, safety inspections, and employer oversight. Patterson Law Group builds each case based on the type of vehicle involved, ensuring that all relevant laws and responsibilities are considered.
Severe Injuries That Often Result From Truck Crashes
Truck accidents leave lasting impacts. The size and weight of commercial vehicles often result in injuries that are more severe than those seen in typical car crashes. For many clients, these injuries disrupt their ability to work, care for their families, or enjoy daily life. If you are living with painful or long-term symptoms after a truck crash, you are not alone—and you may have legal options to help recover physically, financially, and emotionally.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur even without a direct hit to the head. The force of impact in a truck crash may cause the brain to move violently inside the skull. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, difficulty focusing, mood changes, or memory problems. Some TBIs require long-term care and may affect cognitive abilities for years.
Spinal Cord Trauma
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis. Whether the injury results in temporary symptoms or permanent disability, spinal cord trauma often changes how a person lives and works. These cases require thorough medical documentation and long-term projections for care needs.
Crushed Limbs or Amputations
Heavy commercial vehicles can cause crushing injuries when smaller cars become pinned or rolled over. In some cases, limbs are severely damaged and must be amputated. Recovery from these injuries involves extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, and emotional support for adjusting to life changes.
Internal Organ Injuries
Seat belt pressure, blunt force trauma, or objects within the vehicle can cause damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. Internal bleeding may not be obvious right away and can become life-threatening without timely treatment. These injuries often require surgery and close monitoring during recovery.
Burns From Vehicle Fires
In some crashes, fuel leaks or electrical malfunctions result in fires. Burn injuries are extremely painful and may require skin grafts, wound care, and hospitalization. Severe burns often lead to scarring and can affect both physical function and emotional health.
Complex Fractures
Broken bones are common in truck crashes. Some fractures heal easily, while others involve shattered bones, joint dislocation, or multiple breaks that require surgical repair. Recovery can take months and may limit a person’s ability to walk, lift, or perform job duties.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD
Truck crash survivors often report emotional distress well after their physical injuries begin to heal. Flashbacks, driving anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping are common. These symptoms may interfere with daily life and deserve the same level of attention and documentation as physical injuries.
If you are dealing with any of these conditions, legal support can help ensure your medical records, treatment plans, and future care needs are fully represented in your claim. Our team works with medical experts and rehabilitation professionals to show how your injury has affected your life and what resources you will need to recover.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in Fort Worth
In the minutes and days following a truck accident, the decisions you make can shape your recovery and your legal case. These steps are designed to protect your health, secure vital evidence, and put you in the best position to seek fair compensation.
Call for Emergency Medical Assistance
Always call 911 after a truck crash. Even if you do not think your injuries are serious, you need an official record of the event and immediate evaluation by professionals. Paramedics can check for signs of head trauma, internal bleeding, or other injuries that may not be obvious.
Notify Fort Worth Police and Request a Report
The police will document the scene, speak with drivers and witnesses, and generate a crash report. This report will be essential for your case. Be sure to ask how to request a copy and follow up if it is not provided automatically.
Photograph the Scene and Vehicle Damage
If it is safe to do so, take photos of all vehicles involved, the road layout, any skid marks or debris, and your injuries. These images may help show fault or contradict future claims by the trucking company or insurer.
Write Down Names of Witnesses and Responders
Get names and contact information for any witnesses, first responders, or people involved in the crash. Witness testimony can help clarify events, especially if there are conflicting accounts of what happened.
Get Medical Attention—Then Follow Up
Some injuries take time to develop. Continue medical care even if you feel better in the hours after the crash. Follow your doctor’s instructions, attend all appointments, and report new symptoms as they arise.
Preserve Any Crash-Related Documents
Keep copies of everything related to the accident, including hospital bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, and missed work documentation. These records form the foundation of your legal claim.
Speak to a Truck Accident Attorney Early
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the more effectively your case can be protected. An attorney can manage insurance communication, preserve evidence, and begin building a legal strategy before delays or complications arise. Waiting too long may result in lost documentation or mistakes that could weaken your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Truck Accident Case?
Truck accidents often involve more than one responsible party. Understanding who may be liable is one of the most important steps in building your claim. Identifying all at-fault parties helps ensure you are not limited to one insurance policy and allows your attorney to seek full and fair compensation.
The Truck Driver
In many cases, the driver made an unsafe decision that led to the crash. Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or substance use are common causes. Drivers may also be liable if they failed to perform pre-trip inspections or ignored regulations about rest periods.
The Trucking Company or Carrier
Employers are often responsible for the actions of their drivers. A company may also be liable if it failed to train the driver properly, hired someone with a poor driving record, or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines. Maintenance violations or failure to address prior safety issues may also lead to liability.
Third-Party Cargo Loaders
In some cases, a separate company is responsible for loading the truck. If cargo shifts during transit and causes a crash, that third party may be liable. Unbalanced loads, unsecured items, or overloading can all contribute to dangerous conditions on the road.
Truck or Part Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical failures can turn a normal drive into a deadly situation. If a manufacturing defect caused or worsened the crash, the company that made or sold the part may share legal responsibility.
Our firm examines every angle of your case. We request maintenance logs, review company safety records, and consult with professionals who understand the trucking industry. By identifying every liable party, we work to maximize the recovery available to you and your family.
How Patterson Law Group Investigates Truck Accident Claims
Truck crash cases require more than a basic accident report. These claims are complex and demand a thorough investigation backed by facts, expert insight, and precise documentation. At Patterson Law Group, we take a comprehensive approach to every case we handle. Our goal is to uncover the truth, protect your rights, and build a claim that reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Retrieve Black Box Data and GPS Logs
Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules, commonly referred to as black boxes. These devices record speed, braking patterns, steering inputs, and more. In the event of a crash, the data stored in this equipment may reveal whether the driver was speeding, failed to brake in time, or deviated from their route. We request and analyze this data to help clarify what happened in the seconds leading up to the crash.
Examine Maintenance and Inspection Records
Trucking companies are required to maintain detailed records showing that their vehicles are inspected and maintained on a regular schedule. Missing or incomplete records may point to negligence. If brake failure, tire blowouts, or mechanical issues contributed to the crash, we examine whether the carrier followed all safety protocols or ignored clear signs of risk.
Analyze Photos and Vehicle Damage
We review photos from the crash scene to evaluate vehicle positions, road conditions, skid marks, and points of impact. If vehicle damage shows certain angles or speeds, that information can be used to demonstrate fault or explain injury severity. In more serious cases, we also work with engineers or auto specialists to assess the crash mechanics.
Interview Witnesses and First Responders
Statements from eyewitnesses and first responders can provide insight into how the crash occurred. Police officers, EMTs, and bystanders often note key details that support our claim. We document their accounts and include them in your file to help strengthen your version of events.
Consult Accident Reconstruction Experts
When liability is unclear, we may consult with professionals who specialize in reconstructing vehicle crashes. These experts use measurements, software simulations, and physical evidence to explain how the crash likely happened. Their findings can support your case in negotiations or in court if litigation becomes necessary.
Review Police and Toxicology Reports
We examine the crash report filed by Fort Worth police, as well as any toxicology reports if the driver was suspected of being under the influence. These reports often contain essential findings about traffic violations, vehicle behavior, and whether drugs or alcohol played a role.
By combining all of this evidence, we are able to present a well-organized, fact-based claim that accurately reflects what you experienced. We take care of the legal legwork so that you can stay focused on healing and rebuilding your life.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Crash?
After a truck crash, your losses may be much greater than they first appear. Medical bills can pile up quickly. Time away from work creates financial pressure. Pain and physical limitations can affect everything from your career to your relationships. In Texas, personal injury law allows you to recover compensation for these and other damages caused by someone else’s negligence.
Medical Expenses and Hospitalization
You may be entitled to recover the full cost of emergency care, ambulance transport, diagnostic testing, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment related to your injuries. We work with your providers to ensure all expenses are properly documented and included in your claim.
Lost Income and Reduced Future Earning Potential
If you missed work after the crash, you can seek compensation for lost wages. If your injury affects your ability to return to your previous job or limits your earning potential, we also include projected future losses based on your medical outlook and employment history.
Pain, Suffering, and Disfigurement
Texas law allows you to recover for the physical pain and emotional toll caused by a serious injury. This includes ongoing discomfort, sleep disruption, or physical disfigurement resulting from burns, scars, or amputations. We help you describe and document how your life has changed due to these losses.
Long-Term Disability
In cases involving spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, or permanent mobility limitations, your claim may include the cost of home modifications, assistive devices, and ongoing medical support. We work with life care planners and vocational experts to help show how your condition affects your future.
Mental Anguish
Truck crash victims often experience anxiety, depression, or trauma. If you have trouble driving, sleeping, or coping with daily stress after the crash, your claim may include damages for emotional and psychological suffering. We help ensure that your mental health needs are taken seriously during your recovery and reflected in your settlement demand.
Each of these categories is documented carefully using medical records, billing statements, expert opinions, and personal statements. Our team ensures that nothing is missed when calculating the true value of your case.
Don’t Wait—Texas Law Limits Your Time To File
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss that deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation, even if your case is valid and supported by strong evidence.
Some exceptions exist, such as in cases involving minors or government vehicles, but these situations are rare and often involve additional legal challenges. The safest approach is to take action early and give your attorney time to gather evidence, consult experts, and prepare a strong claim.
Even if you are still receiving medical care or unsure about the total cost of your injuries, it is wise to speak with an attorney now. Early legal support helps avoid common mistakes, ensures evidence is preserved, and allows your legal team to guide you through the process from the start.
Do not let uncertainty prevent you from protecting your rights. Our team is ready to evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you meet every deadline with confidence.
Start Your Recovery With a Free Case Review Today
Truck accidents leave a lasting impact. You may be facing a long recovery, rising medical costs, and pressure from insurance companies who want you to settle quickly. At Patterson Law Group, we help people throughout Fort Worth and Tarrant County navigate the aftermath of a truck crash with support, guidance, and results-focused representation.
We begin with a free consultation. You can tell us what happened, ask questions, and learn what your options are. There is no pressure to commit. Our goal is to provide clarity and direction at a time when things feel uncertain.
If we take your case, you will not pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. That structure allows you to get the legal help you need without financial risk.
You do not have to carry this burden alone. Let our team help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and take the next step toward recovery. Contact Patterson Law Group today to schedule your free case review. We are ready to listen and ready to fight for the outcome you deserve.
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