According to the Texas Department of Transportation, thousands of crashes involving commercial trucks happen across the state each year. A good number of those occur right here in Collin and Denton counties, where Frisco sits between major shipping routes and expanding suburbs.
Whether you’re commuting, going about your day, or heading to a soccer game, chances are you’re sharing the road with a vehicle that outweighs yours by several tons. And when those trucks are involved in accidents, the results are often life-changing.
But most people don’t know what causes these crashes or how to protect themselves if they experience one. That’s what we will discuss in this article. So, you will know what steps to take after a truck accident.
What Often Leads to Truck Accidents?
There’s rarely one single cause. Most truck crashes happen due to a mix of factors, some of which are within the driver’s control, and some that aren’t.
Driver Fatigue: Sleep-deprived drivers may react more slowly or even doze off behind the wheel, especially during overnight hauls or when pushing past safe limits.
Speeding and Pressure to Meet Deadlines: Many drivers face tight schedules and unrealistic delivery times. This pressure can lead to speeding, aggressive driving, or skipping necessary breaks, all of which raise the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving: A quick glance at a phone, reaching for a drink, or adjusting a GPS can take attention off the road at exactly the wrong time. Given the size of a truck, even a moment’s distraction can be catastrophic.
Poor Maintenance: Worn-out brakes, bald tires, or faulty lights can easily lead to disaster if not checked and repaired on time. Maintenance is a shared responsibility between drivers and their employers, but sometimes, safety is compromised for cost-cutting.
Improper Cargo Loading: When a load isn’t balanced properly, it can cause a trailer to sway or tip over. Overloaded trucks or unsecured cargo can also break loose, affecting the truck’s ability to stop or steer.
Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, or even strong wind can make it harder to control a truck. Slippery roads combined with the weight of the vehicle reduce traction and make braking harder. Potholes and poor signage also play a role, especially on rural roads or in construction zones.
Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers: A driver who hasn’t had enough training, especially when it comes to handling a large truck in emergency situations, can be a danger to everyone on the road.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Talk to the Trucking Company
After a truck accident, you are not just dealing with injuries and stress. You are also facing insurance companies, medical bills, and numerous unanswered questions.
In growing cities like Frisco, Texas, where major highways and commercial traffic run through busy residential and business areas, serious truck accidents are more common than many people realize. When something like this happens, knowing your rights and having the right help matters.
Before you speak with anyone from the trucking company or their insurance team, it is a good idea to get legal guidance. These companies often move quickly to protect themselves. If you are in the area, connecting with a truck accident lawyer in Frisco who understands how to handle complex cases like this can make a big difference.
A skilled lawyer can look into the details such as driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck. They know what evidence matters and how to hold the right parties responsible. While you focus on your recovery, they can focus on making sure your side is fully represented.
If You Are Involved in a Truck Accident
The moments after a truck accident can be chaotic. But your actions during and after the crash matter more than you might think.
Put Safety First
Check yourself and others for injuries. If you’re able to move safely, get out of the path of traffic. Turn on hazard lights and wait for help. If you’re stuck or seriously injured, try to stay calm and limit movement.
Call 911
This is non-negotiable. You’ll need police and medical assistance. The police report will also become an important piece of evidence if there’s a legal case down the line.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Injuries from truck accidents aren’t always obvious right away. Internal injuries or whiplash can take hours or days to show up, and a delayed diagnosis can hurt both your health and your legal claim.
Avoid Admitting Fault
It’s natural to want to apologize or explain what happened. Resist that urge. Even a simple “I didn’t see him” can be used against you later. Just stick to the facts when speaking to police or insurance reps.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. Between the physical pain, the emotional toll, and the pressure from insurance companies, it’s a lot to deal with. But you are not alone in this. The most important thing is to focus on your safety and well-being first. Then, make sure you have the right support to protect your rights and your future. Whether it’s gathering evidence, understanding your legal options, or dealing with medical bills, the right help can make a difficult situation more manageable. With steady guidance, you can take the next steps with confidence.