Truck accidents often leave victims facing devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress. In Texarkana, where highways like I-30 and U.S. 59 are often congested with commercial trucks, these collisions can be particularly dangerous.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, a Texarkana truck accident lawyer with Bailey & Galyen can help you seek justice and maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our long history of obtaining life-changing settlements and verdicts.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
Texarkana Truck Accident Guide
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Texarkana Truck Accident Case?
- Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous?
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texarkana
- Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries
- Do I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
- Our Texarkana Truck Accident Lawyers Will Handle the Insurance Companies
- Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
- What Compensation Is Available to Truck Accident Victims?
- Is There a Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
- How Can a Lawyer Help with My Texarkana Truck Accident Case?
- Contact the Texarkana Truck Accident Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Texarkana Truck Accident Case?
At Bailey & Galyen, we’ve spent decades building a reputation for providing compassionate, client-focused legal representation. With a legacy dating back to 1982, our firm has grown to serve clients across Texas, New Mexico, and Arkansas. We are proud to be a partner for individuals navigating the aftermath of devastating truck accidents.
Our Texarkana office is here to provide personalized service, whether your accident occurred near Richmond Road, in the downtown area, or on a busy stretch of Loop 151. We answer calls 24/7, offer free consultations, and provide Spanish language services. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you can retain top-performing legal representation without paying anything upfront or out of pocket. You pay nothing for our services if we don’t recover compensation for you.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous?
Passenger vehicles are no match for commercial trucks, which are several times larger and heavier. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, creating a massive force upon impact that makes accidents far more severe.
Factors that make truck accidents more dangerous include:
- The size disparity between trucks and cars
- Longer stopping distances for large vehicles
- Potential for multi-vehicle pileups
- High center of gravity, making trucks prone to rollovers
- Hazardous cargo that may spill during crashes
- High potential for deadly underride and override collisions
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texarkana
Truck accidents often stem from negligence, whether by the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties. Among these, driver error remains the leading cause, encompassing a range of dangerous behaviors and decisions. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, driver error and unsafe driving practices are ten times more likely to cause truck accidents than any other factor.
The most common negligent driver actions that cause truck accidents are:
Speeding and aggressive driving: Large trucks require longer stopping distances, and speeding significantly increases the likelihood of a rear-end collisions or rollover.- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, adjusting a GPS, or interacting with in-cab technology can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
- Fatigue: Federal regulations limit truck drivers’ hours of service (HOS), but long shifts and tight delivery schedules can still result in drowsy driving, impairing driver reaction times and decision-making.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Running stop signs, ignoring traffic signals, or making illegal turns can create hazardous situations.
- Tailgating: Closely following other vehicles makes avoiding collisions difficult if traffic comes to a sudden stop or slowdown, making rear-end collisions more likely.
- Improper lane changes: Blind spots on large trucks can obscure other vehicles, leading to serious sideswipe or merge accidents.
- Impaired driving/drunk driving: The use of alcohol, drugs, or even certain over-the-counter medications can impair a driver’s ability to drive a truck safely.
Other semi-truck accident factors include:
- Mechanical failures: Bad brakes and tire blowouts stemming from defects or other issues can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash.
- Improper loading: Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo can shift and destabilize the truck, increasing the risk of a rollover.
- Poor maintenance: Neglecting regular inspections or failing to address known issues often leads to preventable accidents.
Behind each of these causes lies a breakdown in responsibility, whether due to driver error, trucking company negligence, or an equipment defect. Identifying the specific causes of your accident is critical for building a strong claim.
Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often result in life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Severe burns
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- Burns
These injuries require extensive medical care, often at facilities like Christus St. Michael Health System or Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana. Recovery can take months or years, and some victims may never fully heal.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To have a valid claim, your Texarkana truck accident lawyer has to prove the following four elements:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to drive safely.
- Breach of duty: They failed to meet this responsibility.
- Causation: Their actions directly caused the accident.
- Damages: You suffered injuries and financial losses as a result.
Our Texarkana Truck Accident Lawyers Will Handle the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are more focused on protecting their bottom line than fairly compensating accident victims. An insurance adjuster for the at-fault party may contact you soon after the truck accident, hoping they can get you to settle before you hire a lawyer. They may try to:
- Minimize your injuries
- Shift blame for the accident
- Pressure you to accept a low settlement
- Delay your claim, hoping you’ll settle out of frustration
You don’t have to talk to insurance companies when they’re trying to take advantage of you. A Texarkana truck accident lawyer can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies, protecting your rights and safeguarding your claim’s value.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
Liability in a truck accident case can extend to multiple parties, including:
- Truck drivers: For reckless driving, speeding, or violating federal regulations
- Trucking companies: For negligent hiring, improper training, or overloading cargo
- Manufacturers: If a defect in the truck or its parts (e.g., Bridgestone tires, Bendix brakes) caused the crash
- Maintenance and service providers: For failing to inspect or repair the vehicle properly
An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties.
What Compensation Is Available to Truck Accident Victims?
Truck accident victims may be eligible for various types of compensation, such as:
Medical expenses: Past and future costs for surgeries, therapy, and medications- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work
- Pain and suffering: Damages for physical and emotional trauma
- Property damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was fatally injured in the crash
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the specifics of your accident and injuries.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Texas law sets a strict deadline—known as the statute of limitations—for filing a truck accident lawsuit. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to act quickly.
In Arkansas, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Whether your truck accident happened on the Texas or Arkansas side of the city, Bailey and Galyen can help you understand your options.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Texarkana Truck Accident Case?
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is never easy. Between the physical pain, emotional toll, and financial strain, trying to manage a legal claim on your own can feel impossible. That’s where having an experienced advocate makes all the difference. A skilled lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Identify liable parties
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Represent you in court, if necessary
At Bailey & Galyen, we understand the stakes are high after a truck accident. That’s why we’re here to support you with personalized guidance and a relentless commitment to your case, giving you the space to focus on healing.
Contact the Texarkana Truck Accident Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
Truck accidents can leave you feeling helpless, but there is help. At Bailey & Galyen, our Texarkana, AR, personal injury lawyers have dedicated their professional lives to helping individuals and families whose lives have been turned upside down by a truck accident. Our commitment to 100% client satisfaction is reflected in our 5-star Google rating and hundreds of positive client reviews.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Texarkana truck accident attorney. Let us handle the legal challenges so you can focus on your recovery. In Texarkana, TX, call us at (903) 417-0097. In Texarkana, AR, the number is (281) 771-1568. You can also use our easy online contact form.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law
4526 Summerhill Rd
Texarkana, TX 75503
