The state's business depends heavily on the roadways in and surrounding Hillsboro, Texas. Hillsboro residents frequently share the road with large 18-wheelers and business delivery trucks due to the significant traffic at the Interstate 35 split into I-35E and I-35W. These trucks are vital to the economy, but they also put the occupants of passenger cars at serious risk. Rarely is a collision with a semi-truck minor. The outcomes are frequently disastrous or lethal due to the enormous size and weight of these vehicles. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a wreck with a large commercial vehicle in Hill County, the path to recovery is often complex. Dealing with a trucking company is not the same as dealing with another passenger car driver. These corporations have deep pockets, aggressive legal teams, and insurance adjusters who arrive at the scene within hours. To protect your rights, you need a legal team with the resources and experience to fight back. For dedicated legal representation, contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP. 

The Danger of Commercial Trucking in Hill County 

Hillsboro is a high-traffic hub. Between the constant movement of goods toward the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and the heavy industrial presence near local thoroughfares like Highway 22 and Highway 81, large trucks are everywhere. The residents of Hillsboro suffer when a truck driver or a trucking corporation compromises safety. 

Even though the average passenger car only weighs around 4,000 lbs., fully loaded 18-wheelers can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. Due to the extreme weight difference between passenger cars and 18-wheelers, people traveling in a passenger car can suffer major injuries from just a low-speed collision with an 18-wheeler. Common types of injury caused by truck accidents in Hillsboro include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, fractures of many bones, and damage to internal organs. With the potential consequences being so great, you can't afford to go through this situation on your own. 

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents 

Many people assume that a truck accident is just a "big car accident," but the legal realities are vastly different. There are several factors that make trucking litigation in Hill County exceptionally challenging: 

Federal and State Regulations 

The trucking industry is governed by strict rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover everything from how many hours a driver can be on the road to the weight of the cargo and the frequency of vehicle inspections. Proving that a driver or company violated these federal safety standards is often the key to a successful case. 

Multiple Liable Parties 

In a standard car wreck, you usually only deal with the other driver. In a commercial truck accident, several parties may share responsibility, including: 

• The truck driver 
• The trucking company or motor carrier 
• The owner of the truck or trailer 
• The company responsible for maintenance 
• The cargo loaders who may have improperly balanced the freight 
• The manufacturer of defective truck parts 

Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP investigates every possible party to ensure all responsible entities are held accountable for your losses. 

Aggressive Defense Tactics 

Trucking companies and their insurers have specialized rapid-response teams. They often begin building their defense before the police have even cleared the wreckage. They may attempt to "lose" evidence or pressure victims into signing lowball settlements before the full extent of their medical needs is understood. 

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Wrecks in Hillsboro 

Through our experience representing injured Texans, we have identified several recurring themes in commercial truck accidents. Often, these crashes are not truly "accidents" but the result of avoidable negligence. 

Driver Fatigue 

Truck drivers are often under immense pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. This can lead to "Hours of Service" violations, in which drivers remain behind the wheel long after they become dangerously tired. A fatigued driver has slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them a hazard on Hill County highways. 

Distracted Driving 

Like any other driver, truck operators can be distracted by cell phones, navigation systems, or even eating while driving. However, when a driver is operating an 80,000-pound machine, a single second of distraction can lead to a multi-car pileup. 

Improper Maintenance 

Semi-trucks undergo incredible wear and tear. If a company fails to maintain brakes, tires, and steering systems, the truck becomes a ticking time bomb. Brake failure on a downhill stretch of I-35 can lead to a catastrophe that could have been prevented with a simple inspection. 

Speeding and Reckless Operation 

Because of their weight, 18-wheelers require much longer distances to come to a complete stop. When a truck driver speeds or follows too closely in heavy Hillsboro traffic, they lose the ability to react to sudden changes in traffic flow. 

Evidence We Secure in Hillsboro Trucking Cases 

Building a winning case against a trucking corporation requires specialized evidence that is not found in typical car accident claims. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we act quickly to preserve and analyze critical data. 

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) 

Modern trucks are equipped with ELDs that track exactly how long the driver was on the road and when they took breaks. This data is essential for proving driver fatigue. 

The "Black Box" (Event Data Recorder) 

Most commercial trucks have an Event Data Recorder that captures technical data in the seconds leading up to a crash. This includes the truck's speed, whether the brakes were applied, and the steering angle. This information can definitively prove driver error. 

Maintenance and Inspection Logs 

We demand the vehicle's service records to determine whether the trucking company ignored known mechanical issues. We also review the driver’s pre-trip inspection reports to determine whether they knowingly operated an unsafe vehicle. 

Driver Qualification Files 

Trucking companies are required to vet their drivers. We examine the driver’s history to determine whether the company hired someone with a history of safety violations or failed drug tests. 

Compensation for Hillsboro Truck Accident Victims 

When you are hit by an 18-wheeler, the financial impact can be devastating. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowed under Texas law to cover all your needs. 

Economic Damages 

These are the quantifiable losses you have suffered. We work with medical and financial experts to calculate: 

• Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries and rehabilitation 
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity 
• Costs for home modifications or medical equipment 
• Property damage to your vehicle 

Non-Economic Damages 

These damages cover the cost of the accident's human casualties, including: 

• Physical pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress and trauma 
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance 
• Disfigurement or permanent disability 

We may also seek exemplary damages to penalize the offender in certain infrequent instances of egregious carelessness, such as when a business willfully permits an inebriated driver to operate a vehicle. 

Why Hillsboro Residents Trust Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP 

We understand that Hillsboro is a community that values hard work and integrity. When we take on a truck accident case, we treat our clients with the respect they deserve. We know that you are going through one of the most difficult times in your life, and we are here to provide the steady guidance and aggressive advocacy you need. 

Our firm has the resources to stand up to national trucking fleets. We don't back down when the insurance companies try to play games. If they refuse to offer a settlement that fully covers your medical bills and your future, we are fully prepared to present your case to a jury in a Hill County courtroom. 

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Hillsboro 

If you are involved in a wreck with a large truck, your actions in the days that follow are critical. 

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you think you are okay, internal injuries from a truck impact can be delayed. 
2. Report the Accident: Ensure the Hillsboro Police or State Troopers create a formal report. 
3. Do Not Give a Statement: Do not talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. They are looking for reasons to deny your claim. 
4. Preserve Evidence: Do not repair your vehicle until it has been inspected by an expert. 
5. Hire an Attorney: The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of preserving the "black box" data before it is overwritten. 

Contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP 

You do not have to fight a massive trucking corporation alone. The legal team at Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP is ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve. We serve the entire Hillsboro area and the surrounding Hill County region, providing the high-level legal skill you might expect in a big city with the personal service of a local firm. 

The clock is ticking on your claim. Every day that passes is a day that evidence can be lost or destroyed. To discuss your case with a team that knows how to win against the trucking industry, contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP today. We offer a free consultation to review the facts of your accident and help you determine the best path forward for your recovery.