Getting hit by a semi-truck can change everything in an instant. One moment, you’re driving to work or taking your kids to school. Next, you’re dealing with serious injuries, hospital bills, and a totaled vehicle. It’s terrifying and exhausting. And it’s not always clear what to do next.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., we understand how stressful life becomes after a crash. That’s why we walk Texans through the recovery process step by step. If you’re wondering how to file a truck accident claim in Texas, you’re in the right place.
This post explains what you need to know about pursuing a truck accident claim, your legal rights, and how we help you get started.
Truck Accidents Are Different Than Regular Car Accidents
Truck wrecks aren’t just “big car accidents.” They’re more dangerous, more complex, and often more serious.
Here’s why truck accident cases are different:
- Trucks cause more severe injuries due to their size and weight;
- Trucking companies usually have large insurance policies;
- More than one party may be responsible, including the driver, trucking company, or even the maintenance provider; and
- Federal and state safety regulations also apply, adding another layer to the case.
That’s why you need more than a basic insurance claim. You need a strategic plan that’s built for the trucking industry’s unique challenges.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Texas
Here are the essential steps to take to safeguard your health and legal rights after a truck collision.
Step 1: Get Medical Treatment Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if you feel “okay,” always get checked out. Some injuries, like brain trauma, internal bleeding, or spinal damage, don’t show symptoms right away.
Seeing a doctor helps:
- Protect your health,
- Create a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash, and
- Support your claim later.
If you wait too long, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
Step 2: Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Early
Truck accident claims move quickly, and trucking companies often have lawyers on the scene within hours of a crash. They’re looking for ways to limit what they owe.
You need someone on your side just as fast. At The Zimmerman Law Firm, we get to work right away by helping:
- Preserve black box data from the truck,
- Collect logbooks and inspection records,
- Interview witnesses and secure camera footage, and
- Notify the trucking company to preserve evidence.
The earlier you call, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Step 3: Investigate the Cause of the Crash
Before you can file a truck accident lawsuit or insurance claim, you need to know why the crash happened and who is responsible. Our team investigates thoroughly to find out:
- Was the driver speeding, distracted, or tired?
- Did the company push the driver to break safety rules?
- Was the truck overloaded or poorly maintained?
- Were other vehicles involved?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. That means multiple insurance companies and a more complicated path to justice. We work diligently to uncover the truth and explain everything in plain language.
Step 4: File the Insurance Claim
Once we understand what happened, we can file a claim with all the responsible parties. This process usually includes contacting:
- The truck driver’s insurance,
- The trucking company’s insurance, and
- Any third-party maintenance or loading contractors.
We handle all communication with insurance adjusters, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a low settlement.
Step 5: Calculate What Your Claim Is Worth
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future),
- Lost income,
- Loss of earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Disability or disfigurement, and
- Damage to your vehicle.
Every case is different. Some Texas truck accident claims are worth tens of thousands of dollars. Others, especially those involving permanent injuries, can be worth hundreds of thousands or more.
We take a comprehensive approach and verify nothing is overlooked. We also explain the “why” behind the numbers so you know what to expect.
Step 6: Try to Settle or File a Lawsuit
Most truck accident claims settle without going to court. But sometimes, insurance companies refuse to offer a fair deal.
If that happens, we’re ready to file a truck accident lawsuit and take the case to trial. That doesn’t mean you’ll definitely end up in court, but it shows the other side we’re serious.
When we file a lawsuit, we:
- Prepare all court documents;
- Handle deadlines and filings;
- Represent you in mediation, hearings, or trial; and
- Keep you updated at every step.
Some law firms rush to settle. We don’t. We fight for what’s fair, whether that means a substantial settlement or a courtroom verdict.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is usually two years from the date of the crash. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover anything, even if you were severely hurt. That’s why it’s smart to speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How The Zimmerman Law Firm Helps with Truck Accident Claims
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., we handle truck accidents across Central Texas, including Waco, Temple, Killeen, Round Rock, and Austin.
We’re not a quantity-over-quality firm. We don’t hand your case off to a junior staffer. The attorney you meet is the one who sees your case through to the end.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Real relationships. You’ll meet with a real attorney from day one, not a case manager or call center.
- Personal service. We stay in touch and are happy to answer any questions you may have. You’ll always know what’s going on.
- Proven experience. We’ve handled serious injury cases for decades and know how Texas trucking law works.
- Local knowledge. We live and work in the communities we serve. We care about our neighbors, and we fight for them.
Truck accidents can turn your life upside down. You deserve a team that helps you get back on your feet.
Ready to File a Truck Accident Claim? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, don’t try to handle it on your own. Trucking companies have legal teams, investigators, and adjusters working against you from the start. You deserve someone in your corner.
Call The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, help you file your truck accident claim, and work to get the full compensation you deserve.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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