Truck Accident Lawyers in Burleson

Holding Commercial Drivers Accountable in Johnson County

More than 600 people were killed in accidents involving commercial vehicles in Texas in 2018, and thousands more suffered serious injuries.

If you've sustained injuries or had a loved one killed in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, a Burleson trucking accident attorney at Coontz Cochran has the experience to help you pursue compensation.

Contact our trusted truck accident attorney in Burleson at (888) 858-0536 to schedule a free consultation.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas

Truck drivers in the United States face pressure from tight schedules, often traveling long distances in short periods. Fatigue from these conditions can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. Drivers may turn to caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol to stay alert, but these choices can impair judgment and slow reaction time on the road.

Distracted driving also contributes to truck accidents. Using a mobile phone or eating behind the wheel often diverts attention. Poor vehicle maintenance, including brake failures or tire blowouts, reflects negligence by trucking companies that are responsible for road safety.

Along the I-35W corridor in Burleson and throughout Johnson County, heavy commercial truck traffic increases the risk of crashes caused by congestion, sudden lane changes, and challenging merges. Local weather conditions, such as rainstorms or strong winds, can exacerbate the hazards for 18-wheelers and big rigs, increasing the likelihood of collisions or jackknife accidents. When trucking companies or drivers fail to respond to these risks, the impact can be devastating for local families.

Securing Your Right to Fair Compensation After a Truck Accident

When you sustain injuries in a trucking accident, you face well-funded trucking companies and insurance carriers who often fight claims. Companies may limit settlements or delay payments, adding stress during recovery.

Knowledgeable legal guidance matters in these situations. At Coontz Cochran, our team helps clients understand insurance policies and claim procedures, enabling them to make informed decisions. We leave no detail unchecked, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, always striving for the best outcome for clients.

Commercial vehicle accident claims often require a close review of extensive trucking logs, service records, and communications between drivers and their companies. In Johnson County and nearby communities, our firm helps clients navigate Texas-specific trucking regulations and understand what sets big rig or 18-wheeler cases apart from other vehicle accidents. We explain timelines and steps upfront, so you receive clear guidance from the start.

Unique Challenges in Big Rig & 18 Wheeler Accident Cases

Big rig and 18-wheeler accidents present risks and legal challenges that differ from other motor vehicle collisions. Because these trucks weigh much more than passenger vehicles, crashes on highways like I-35W often lead to more severe injuries and greater damage. Commercial trucking companies must follow both federal and state regulations, so investigating these accidents requires a wider lens. Responsibility might rest with different parties, which can mean reviewing driver logbooks, company inspection reports, and federal compliance records.

Burleson and Johnson County have seen a rise in freight traffic, putting more 18-wheelers and big rigs on local highways each year. As a result, safe driving and regular truck maintenance are more critical than ever. Injury victims often face lengthy recoveries and complex insurance negotiations, especially when several businesses operate or own the truck involved. Because big rig claims can involve multiple companies and regulatory layers, having a team experienced with local and federal truck accident standards can make a difference in getting fair compensation.

The Legal Claim Process for Truck Accidents in Burleson

Pursuing a claim after a truck accident in Burleson follows a series of important steps, each requiring careful attention. The process begins by notifying insurance carriers and collecting evidence, like medical records and crash reports. Attorneys familiar with Texas law and Johnson County courts clarify what records and details matter most to your case. Investigations often uncover whether trucking companies followed safety regulations, which can affect liability and damages.

After the fault is established, negotiations with insurance adjusters and legal filings typically follow. Each phase brings important timelines—under Texas law, you generally have two years from the crash date to pursue legal action. Local familiarity with Johnson County procedures helps keep claims moving, as police, emergency responders, or other agencies may provide key evidence. Throughout the process, our team answers questions and sets clear expectations, so you know what comes next at every stage.

Understanding Truck Accident Liability in Burleson

Truck accidents can involve several liable parties, including the driver, the trucking company, the truck parts manufacturer, or the maintenance provider. Determining liability demands close analysis of the crash, from vehicle inspections to driver qualifications and work schedules. For example, a brake failure causing a crash could make the parts manufacturer and the company responsible for maintenance both accountable.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules for truck maintenance and driver conduct to protect public safety. Failing to follow these rules can count as negligence. At Coontz Cochran, we review each aspect of a truck accident, working to identify liable parties and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.

When a crash occurs on major roads through Burleson, investigations often involve local police, the Texas Department of Transportation, and federal officials. These investigations review inspection records, phone logs, and driver licensing histories. By considering all local and federal requirements, we build a clear liability picture for your case.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident

The moments after a truck accident can overwhelm anyone, but taking the right steps protects your health and your legal rights. First, check for injuries and get medical help, even if you feel fine. Document the accident scene by taking photos of vehicles, roadway conditions, and any visible injuries right away.

Collect witness contact information, since these statements may be vital later. Avoid making statements about the accident at the scene, as others could misinterpret your words. When you reach out to a Burleson trucking accident lawyer from Coontz Cochran, you gain peace of mind and support during a stressful time.

In Johnson County, law enforcement typically arrives quickly at commercial vehicle accident scenes on major roads, such as I-35W. Officers collect information, direct traffic, and submit reports that you may need for insurance and legal claims. Emergency medical crews provide fast care and transport injured people to Burleson hospitals. Collecting all paperwork, especially the police crash report, strengthens your position and preserves evidence if you choose to file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents often result from driver fatigue, distracted driving, or a lack of proper vehicle maintenance. Weather and improperly loaded cargo can also contribute. Investigating each cause requires tailored legal and technical knowledge, which can make a difference in the outcome.

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Attorneys and investigators look at police reports, eyewitness statements, and video from crash scenes to determine who is at fault. The process also checks for any FMCSA regulation violations or violations of state traffic laws. Several parties may share responsibility, based on the evidence uncovered.

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Truck Accident?

Victims of truck accidents may recover compensation for current and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of life enjoyment. Sometimes, courts may award punitive damages in cases of severe misconduct.

Why Is a Truck Accident Claim More Complex Than Other Vehicle Accidents?

Truck accident claims are more complicated because they often involve multiple parties, complex insurance issues, and federal regulations. Working with experienced legal advocates helps navigate this complexity and strengthen claims for fair compensation.

How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Truck Accident?

Texas law generally allows two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury claim. Details of the event or involvement of specific parties may alter this timeline. A quick consultation gives you the best chance to file a timely claim.

Choose Coontz Cochran for Your Truck Accident Claim

Commercial trucks can weigh as much as 40 tons when fully loaded. When traveling at speeds of up to 65 or 70 mph on the highways, they can easily cause catastrophic injury or death in the event of a crash.

Make sure that your immediate and ongoing medical treatment is covered by the liable party's insurance by establishing negligence and winning the payment you need. Hire a Burleson trucking accident lawyer from our firm at your earliest convenience to fight for justice and fair compensation.

Our team values compassionate support for clients at every stage of the legal process. We recognize how financial and emotional stress can weigh on families after a serious crash, so we remain committed to easing the burden. Our legal approach fosters open, clear communication, and we invest time in building trust throughout every case.

Our attorneys have served Burleson, Johnson County, and the Dallas–Fort Worth area for decades. By staying current with Texas trucking laws and researching local accident trends, we shape our services to the unique needs of big rig accident and 18-wheeler accident victims in this region. Clients can count on guidance designed for the realities of area highways, businesses, and courts—so they have support for every step ahead.

Contact our trusted truck accident attorney in Burleson at (888) 858-0536 to schedule a free consultation.