If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler or big truck, you’re not alone. East Texas highways see thousands of serious wrecks every year involving commercial vehicles. When it happens to you, you need a legal team that knows the local roads, understands trucking laws, and can fight for your compensation. A trusted 18-wheeler accident lawyer in East Texas can help protect your rights and hold trucking companies accountable.

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Why 18-Wheeler Wrecks Are So Dangerous in East Texas

Crashes involving semi-trucks are almost always worse than regular car accidents. Why? Because 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and that kind of force can cause major injuries or even death.

These crashes often happen along:

  • Interstate 20
  • U.S. Route 259
  • Highways 59 and 69
  • Busy truck routes through Longview, Tyler, Marshall, and Texarkana

In these cases, victims may suffer:

  • Broken bones
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Brain trauma
  • Burns and crush injuries
  • Death

What a Truck Wreck Lawyer Does

A truck wreck attorney will help by:

  • Investigating driver logs and truck maintenance records
  • Working with accident reconstruction experts
  • Calculating your total losses—both now and in the future
  • Dealing with the trucking company’s insurance
  • Filing suit, if necessary, to force a fair outcome

What Are the Average Truck Wreck Settlements in Texas?

While every case is different, settlement ranges often depend on the severity of the injuries, the long-term impact on your life, and the insurance coverage available. Below is a general guide based on independent legal and insurance industry estimates.

Settlement Estimates by Injury Severity

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Texas law limits the time you have to file a personal injury case. The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the crash.

Here are some other important details:

  • Trucking companies may destroy or lose important records within weeks.
  • The sooner you call a lawyer, the better your chances of recovering strong evidence (dash cam footage, maintenance logs, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions After a Truck Accident

Q: Who can be sued in a truck crash?
A: In addition to the driver, you may be able to file claims against the trucking company, the truck’s owner, parts manufacturers, or even the shipper.

Q: What if I was partially at fault?
A: Texas law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly responsible (as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault).

Q: Will the trucking company’s insurance pay right away?
A: Not likely. They may try to delay, deny, or reduce your claim. That’s why it’s critical to have legal representation.

Q: Do truck accident claims always go to court?
A: No. Most cases are settled out of court—but your lawyer should be ready to go to trial if necessary.

18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer: East Texas Service Areas

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, look for a lawyer who serves the following areas:

  • Longview
  • Tyler
  • Texarkana
  • Marshall
  • Daingerfield
  • Henderson
  • Nacogdoches
  • Rural areas throughout Gregg, Smith, Harrison, and Upshur counties

Some East Texas firms also represent clients in states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico who, particularly if they’ve been hurt in crashes with Texas-based trucking companies.

Conclusion

If you’ve been hurt in a big truck wreck in East Texas, you don’t have to deal with it alone. A skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, protect your health, and fight for the compensation you deserve.