Rowlett, Texas Truck Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a truck accident can leave you in a state of shock, potentially upending your life and leaving your future uncertain. These collisions often involve failures at multiple levels, which can make the question of liability more complicated. For help in filing a claim and seeking payment for damages, reach out to a Rowlett, TX truck accident attorney today.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we have over 30 years of legal experience. In that time, we have represented many clients injured in auto wrecks, with verdicts and settlements in the millions. Our lawyer is also board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Drowsy Driving and Other Forms of Truck Driver Negligence

Truck drivers are often held to strict schedules that push them to stay on the road far longer than is safe. Federal regulations limit how many hours a commercial driver can operate before taking a required rest period, but not every driver or trucking company follows those rules.

Drowsy driving slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and can cause a driver to drift out of a lane or fail to notice traffic stopping ahead, often with devastating results given the size and weight of a commercial truck.

Fatigue is far from the only form of negligence that leads to truck crashes. Distracted driving and failing to properly secure cargo can all contribute to a serious wreck. Some drivers also operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that impair alertness. When a trucking company pressures drivers to meet strict deadlines, it can create the exact conditions that lead to fatigued driving and other negligent behavior.

What Evidence Do You Need for a Truck Accident Claim in Rowlett?

Building a strong truck accident claim requires more evidence than a typical car accident case. Electronic logging devices can show how many hours a driver had been on the road and whether federal hours of service rules were followed. Dash cameras, if installed, may capture the moments leading up to the crash, and the truck's black box data can reveal speed, braking, and other details at the time of impact.

Other useful evidence can include the driver's employment records, training history, drug and alcohol testing results, and any prior safety violations. Maintenance logs can show whether the truck was properly inspected and repaired, and cargo records can reveal whether the load was secured correctly. Police reports, witness statements, and photographs of the scene remain important as well. Because trucking companies often send investigators to the scene quickly, it is important to begin gathering and preserving evidence as soon as possible.