Key Takeaways from a Fort Worth Logging Truck Accident Lawyer
- Logging truck accidents can result in severe injuries due to their size and cargo.
- Patterson Law Group helps victims pursue full compensation in Fort Worth, TX.
- Texas trucking laws and federal regulations play a major role in these cases.
- Our Fort Worth logging truck accident lawyers build strong, evidence-based claims.
- Victims have limited time to file a claim—don’t wait to speak with a truck accident attorney in Fort Worth.
It’s a sight most drivers in Texas are familiar with—towering logging trucks barreling down highways or winding through rural routes. They carry immense loads, often stacked high with freshly cut timber, and demand distance and respect on the road. But the result can be catastrophic when something goes wrong—whether it’s a mechanical failure, overloaded cargo, or simple driver fatigue.
Logging truck accidents aren’t your average fender benders. These collisions tend to cause widespread damage, significant injuries, and, too often, tragic fatalities. If you or someone you love has been involved in one of these crashes in Fort Worth, TX, it’s crucial to understand your rights, the role of Texas trucking laws, and how a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer can help you hold the right parties accountable.
At Patterson Law Group, we know that victims of these serious wrecks need more than sympathy—they need strategic legal support, quick action, and a legal team ready to investigate the details.
Why Logging Trucks Pose a Serious Risk in Texas
Texas is one of the top lumber-producing states in the nation. With heavy logging activity in East Texas and large transport networks connecting sawmills and construction hubs, logging trucks are constantly in motion across the state—including through the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Unfortunately, the combination of massive weight (often exceeding 80,000 pounds), high centers of gravity, and winding or congested roads increases the risk of:
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
- Cargo spills
- Brake failure
- Collisions with passenger vehicles
These trucks are also more likely to travel long distances on tight deadlines, contributing to driver fatigue and maintenance shortcuts—known causes of serious wrecks.
Key Laws That Affect Logging Truck Accident Claims in Texas
State and federal laws govern truck accidents in Texas. One of the most important is Texas Transportation Code § 545, which outlines requirements for commercial vehicle operation. Violations of these laws—such as unsafe passing, failure to yield, or speeding—can support a personal injury claim when they lead to a crash.
Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) apply to logging trucks. These regulations cover:
- Maximum driving hours (HOS regulations)
- Mandatory rest breaks
- Truck maintenance and inspection protocols
- Cargo securement rules
Any violation of FMCSA guidelines may indicate negligence by the driver or trucking company and could significantly strengthen your claim.
Another key aspect is Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, outlined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. This law means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—so long as you are less than 51% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
What To Do After a Logging Truck Accident in Fort Worth
The aftermath of a truck accident is chaotic. But taking the proper steps can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 immediately – Get emergency services to the scene.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like internal bleeding or head trauma) are not immediately apparent.
- Document everything – Take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, injuries, and cargo spills.
- Get contact info – Collect names and insurance details from the driver and any witnesses.
- Avoid giving statements – Don’t speak to insurance adjusters without consulting an accident lawyer in Fort Worth.
How Our Fort Worth Logging Truck Accident Lawyers Help
At Patterson Law Group, our legal team thoroughly investigates the crash. We gather black box data, inspect maintenance records, review driving logs, and consult with accident reconstruction experts when needed.
We work to establish liability, which can involve multiple parties, such as:
- The logging truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loading contractors
- Maintenance providers
- Manufacturers of faulty truck parts
Once liability is clear, we pursue maximum compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Our team will handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery. As a trusted truck accident attorney in Fort Worth, we know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts—and we don’t let them get away with it.
Common Causes of Logging Truck Accidents
Understanding the most frequent causes of logging truck crashes can reveal where negligence may have occurred:
- Overloaded or unsecured logs – Shifting timber can destabilize the truck or spill onto the road.
- Driver fatigue – Truckers who skip rest breaks or exceed HOS limits are more prone to poor judgment.
- Brake failure or tire blowouts – Often due to improper maintenance.
- Speeding or reckless driving – This is especially dangerous given the truck’s size and stopping distance.
- Poor route planning – Logging trucks on narrow urban roads can be hazardous.
Texas Logging Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were over 38,000 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Texas in 2023. While not all involved logging trucks, the fatality rate for large truck collisions remains disproportionately high.
In Tarrant County alone, which includes Fort Worth, there were more than 2,000 truck-related accidents in 2023, including numerous incidents involving heavy-haul and logging vehicles. These numbers underscore the danger—and the need for aggressive legal representation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Every case is different, but a successful logging truck accident claim in Fort Worth, TX, may include compensation for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Lost wages and reduced future earnings
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Vehicle replacement or repairs
If a loved one died in the crash, wrongful death compensation may be available for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.
FAQ: Fort Worth Logging Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a claim after a logging truck accident in Fort Worth, TX?
How long do I have to file a claim after a logging truck accident in Fort Worth, TX?Under Texas law, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. If you don’t file your claim by then, you could lose your right to compensation. However, starting early gives your Fort Worth logging truck accident lawyer more time to build a strong case.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. A truck accident attorney in Fort Worth can help argue down your level of responsibility.
Who can be held liable in a logging truck accident?
Liability may fall on the truck driver, the company that owns the truck, a cargo loading crew, or even a manufacturer if equipment failure was involved. Your accident lawyer in Fort Worth will investigate all potential liable parties.
What if the trucking company says it’s not responsible?
Trucking companies often distance themselves from liability by claiming their drivers are independent contractors. However, many still control the drivers’ schedules and equipment. A skilled truck accident attorney in Fort Worth, TX, can challenge these claims.
How much does it cost to hire Patterson Law Group?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win. Our goal is to remove financial barriers so you can pursue justice without added stress.
Our Fort Worth Logging Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
Logging trucks are essential to Texas’s economy—but when they’re involved in crashes, the damage can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a logging truck accident, don’t try to take on the trucking companies and insurance giants alone.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth logging truck accident lawyers are here to fight for you every step of the way. We understand the unique challenges these cases bring, and we’re ready to hold negligent parties accountable so you can get the compensation you need to move forward.
Call us today for a free consultation and let a trusted truck accident attorney in Fort Worth help you get the justice you deserve.
