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Truck Accidents in Bonham, TX

The Differences Between Car and Truck Accident Cases in Bonham
At first glance, a truck accident may seem like just any other motor vehicle accident. But the reality is that truck accidents are almost always more dangerous and more devastating than typical car crashes. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that even a relatively low-speed collision can lead to catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and life-altering consequences. When you look closer, the differences between car and truck accident cases become even clearer, especially when it comes to injuries, liability, insurance coverage, and legal procedures.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Bonham, it's essential to understand what sets these cases apart from standard car accidents and why having an experienced Bonham truck accident attorney like David K. Wilson can make all the difference in securing the full compensation you need and deserve.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences that make truck accident cases in Bonham more complicated than your typical fender-bender or car crash.
1. Severity of Injuries and Damage
One of the most noticeable differences between car and truck accidents is the extent of injuries and damage. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks often cause more severe damage when they collide with smaller vehicles.
Common injuries in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
These injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability, requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or even home modifications.
At David K. Wilson & Associates, we understand how to thoroughly assess the long-term consequences of truck accident injuries, ensuring our clients aren’t pressured into accepting a quick, undervalued settlement.
2. Different Rules and Regulations
Unlike passenger vehicle drivers, commercial truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to a strict set of federal and state regulations.
Some of these include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road before taking mandatory rest breaks.
- Weight and Load Restrictions: Ensures trucks aren’t overloaded, which increases the risk of rollovers or brake failure.
- Maintenance Requirements: Trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Driver Qualification Standards: Truckers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet specific medical fitness standards.
Violations of any of these laws can be key evidence in your case. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations to determine whether the truck driver or trucking company failed to comply with these essential safety regulations.
3. Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
In a standard car accident, the person responsible is usually the other driver. In truck accident cases, liability can be shared across multiple parties, making the case more complex.
Parties that may be held liable include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck or trailer
- The shipping or loading company
- The manufacturer of a faulty truck part (such as brakes or tires)
- Maintenance providers, if poor repairs contributed to the accident
This web of potential defendants is why truck accident claims require the expertise of experienced legal analysis. Our firm has the resources and expertise to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for their actions.
4. Larger Insurance Policies and Higher Stakes
Trucking companies often carry multi-million dollar insurance policies due to the risk of devastating injuries or death. While this may seem beneficial for victims, it also means that the insurance company will likely fight aggressively to limit or deny payouts. Insurance adjusters in truck accident cases are trained to:
- Shift blame to the victim
- Downplay injuries
- Push for fast, lowball settlements
- Use recorded statements against you
Having a Bonham truck accident attorney like David K. Wilson means you have someone protecting your rights, handling negotiations, and making sure you’re not taken advantage of by powerful insurance companies.
5. Stronger Legal Teams on the Defense Side
Because the stakes are so high in truck accident cases, defendants often come to court armed with teams of attorneys and accident investigators. Trucking companies have legal departments on standby, ready to respond to a crash almost immediately, sometimes before the vehicles are even towed away.
If you’re going up against a well-funded trucking company alone, the playing field is anything but fair. That’s why you need an experienced trial lawyer who understands Texas trucking laws, knows how to fight comparative negligence claims, and can take your case to court if required.
6. Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents generate a significantly different type of evidence compared to car crashes. This includes:
- Driver logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Black box data (event data recorders)
- Dashcam or onboard camera footage
- Truck inspection reports
- Load manifests
- Employment and training records
- Drug/alcohol screening results
Preserving this evidence is crucial. Unfortunately, some of it can be legally destroyed within weeks of the crash if action isn’t taken. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we act fast to send preservation letters, secure records, and ensure key evidence is not lost or tampered with.
7. Length and Complexity of Litigation
Due to these factors, truck accident lawsuits often take longer than standard car accident claims. It may take months or even years to resolve a truck accident case, especially if it goes to trial.
Our team keeps clients informed at every step, managing expectations and pushing the case forward while you focus on your recovery.
Compensation in Bonham Truck Accident Cases
In truck accident cases, victims may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Disfigurement and physical impairment
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal truck accidents)
In some cases, we may also pursue punitive damages if the trucking company’s actions were grossly negligent, such as knowingly allowing a fatigued driver to be on the road or failing to address known mechanical issues.
Contact Our Team Today
Truck accident cases aren’t just bigger accidents; they’re different in almost every way. From identifying liable parties to interpreting federal regulations and securing expert testimony, these cases demand a unique skill set.
At David K. Wilson & Associates, we’ve been helping injured victims across Bonham and North Texas for over 40 years. We’re not intimidated by big trucking companies, and we don’t back down from a courtroom fight. When your future is on the line, you deserve a legal team that’s experienced, aggressive, and deeply committed to your recovery.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident in Bonham, don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already building its defense. Let us start building your case. Reach out today and schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held liable in a Texas truck accident?
Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance provider, or cargo loader depending on the cause of the crash.
How is fault determined in a Texas truck accident?
Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you're found less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages. It may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Liability may still extend to the trucking company if it exerted control over the driver or failed to ensure safety compliance, even if the driver is classified as an independent contractor.
What kind of evidence is important in a Texas truck accident case?
Crucial evidence includes the police report, truck driver’s logbooks, black box data, maintenance records, photos, witness statements, and surveillance footage if available. Our team will help you gather this evidence.
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Trucking Accident Attorneys in Bonham, TX
After a serious truck accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. From start to finish, we’ll be in your corner protecting your rights and guiding you forward.
Please call the team at David K. Wilson & Associates at (903) 870-9050 for a free legal consultation with a trucking accident attorney.
