The vast freight networks running through Tyler, Texas, mean our roads see thousands of heavy trucks every day, and serious collisions are an unfortunate reality. When these accidents happen, trucking companies and insurers deploy skilled teams whose goal is to minimize payouts. Without experienced legal guidance, you may be left shouldering medical bills, lost income, and the cost of long-term care.
Although trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the nation, rules are often ignored or manipulated when profit takes precedence over safety. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these regulations are designed to reduce fatigue, ensure proper vehicle maintenance, and protect motorists. At Winocour Law, we know how to uncover these violations and hold the responsible parties accountable.
If a truck crash has harmed you or a loved one in Tyler or elsewhere in East Texas, protect your rights today. Contact us for a free consultation and let us begin building your case for full and fair compensation.
Why Trust Winocour Law with Your Truck Accident Lawsuit?
At Winocour Law, our foundation was built on complex personal injury and catastrophic accident cases. We know how to navigate complex liability issues and effectively challenge national carriers and their defense teams.
Proven Legal Expertise
Mike C. Miller is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by only a small fraction of Texas attorneys. This certification reflects advanced trial knowledge, courtroom experience, and a history of successful recoveries for clients injured in catastrophic collisions.
Founding attorney Jonathan Winocour, a Diplomate of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, brings extensive courtroom and negotiation experience to every case.
Deep Roots in East Texas
Our firm’s history runs through the heart of Texas. For over 135 years, our trial lawyers have helped extraordinary Texans pursue justice. We have represented injured clients in Tyler, Longview, and throughout Texas, recovering millions for families who never thought they would need a lawyer. We understand local courts, local juries, and the values that define this community.
Relentless Advocacy
From day one, we treat every case as if it will go to trial. That means safeguarding evidence, pursuing every potential avenue of liability, and confronting defense tactics head-on. Whether it is preserving black-box data, obtaining critical inspection reports, or uncovering corporate structures designed to evade responsibility, we bring the full force of our experience and resources to bear.
The Real Risks of Truck Accidents
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The sheer force of a collision with a passenger car, even a smaller truck, can cause catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma and paralysis
- Amputations and crushed limbs
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Beyond the physical toll, survivors often face psychological trauma, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These cases require a catastrophic injury attorney with the resources and knowledge to build the strongest possible claim.
Texas Truck Accident Laws and Regulations
Commercial trucking is heavily regulated under both Texas law and federal rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern driver training, rest breaks, vehicle inspections, cargo loading, and more.
When a trucking company or driver violates these rules and someone is injured, they may be held legally accountable. For example:
- A driver exceeding hours-of-service limits may cause a fatigue-related crash.
- A trucking company that ignores safety violations may be liable for negligence.
- A maintenance provider that performs faulty repairs may share responsibility for a mechanical failure.
Our attorneys have years of experience analyzing these regulations and uncovering violations that lead to liability.
Common Causes of Tyler-area Truck Accidents
Every truck accident typically begins with a chain of preventable failures. Our job is to trace that chain and expose where negligence occurred. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Federal law limits how long a commercial driver can remain behind the wheel under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 C.F.R. § 395.3. Too many companies push their drivers to ignore those limits, resulting in deadly fatigue-related crashes.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Whether it is a text message, a dispatch device, or drugs and alcohol, one moment of distraction in an 80,000-pound rig can devastate everything in its path.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Faulty brakes, worn tires, or neglected maintenance can turn a preventable issue into a catastrophic collision.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
When cargo shifts or exceeds weight limits, even the most skilled driver can lose control.
Weather and Road Conditions
Truck drivers are required to adjust to weather conditions, such as slowing down in rain, fog, or heavy traffic. Failing to do so is negligence.
Types of Truck Accidents
Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents we encounter and handle:
Jackknife Accidents
When a trailer swings out sharply, it typically occurs during sudden braking or when there is an uneven load balance.
Rollover Accidents
Caused by excessive speed, uneven cargo, or late reaction to road conditions.
Rear-End Collisions
Often linked to brake system problems or driver inattention. Proving fault may involve inspection reports.
Underride and Override Accidents
Deadly crashes where a car slides under or over a truck, often due to missing or defective safety equipment.
Blind Spot Accidents
When drivers change lanes without full visibility. Liability may extend to inadequate driver vetting or training.
In many of these incidents, victims suffer life-altering harm from which they may never recover. These injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, loss of limbs, paralysis, and other debilitating conditions that fundamentally change a person’s life.
This reality underscores why such cases demand the insight of a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney.
Who Can Be Liable in a Tyler Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. Depending on the facts of your case, responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver, if fatigue, distraction, or substance use played a role.
- The trucking company, for unsafe schedules, negligent hiring, or inadequate training.
- Maintenance contractors or mechanics, for poor inspections or faulty repairs.
- Manufacturers of vehicle parts, for defective brakes, tires, or other components.
- Shippers and loaders, for unbalanced or unsecured cargo.
What Not to Say After a Truck Accident
After a crash, you may be contacted quickly by an insurance adjuster or a trucking company representative. Their job is to minimize payouts—not protect your interests.
Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents before speaking with your lawyer. Even a casual comment like “I’m sorry” can be used in an attempt to reduce your claim. Instead, direct all communication to your attorney, who will protect your rights.
What May Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim
Successful dram shop cases can provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
- Wrongful death damages, including loss of companionship and financial support.
- Punitive damages, in cases of egregious or reckless conduct.
It is important to note that Texas applies a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that an injured party’s recovery may be reduced by the percentage of their own negligence, provided they are not more than 50% responsible for the outcome. However, this same rule still allows for significant award of damages if you are less than 51% responsible.
How Our Tyler Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
From consultation to resolution, Winocour Law is firmly committed to you and your case. When you work with us, you can expect:
- A free, confidential consultation
- Independent investigation, including driver logs and black box data
- Collaboration with accident reconstruction and medical experts
- Careful calculation of damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, and future care needs
- Thorough investigation of all potential sources of liability
- Direct communication with insurance companies on your behalf
- Strong negotiation for fair compensation and trial advocacy if needed
- Guidance on protecting your claim from insurance adjuster tactics Careful calculation of damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, and future care needs
- Regular updates so you always know where your case stands
Our long history in East Texas means we understand local courts and juries, which is an advantage in complex trucking cases. Many clients turn to us after working with larger firms that lacked the personal attention we place among our core values. At Winocour Law, you work directly with experienced trial attorneys who know what it takes to win.
If you need a Tyler or Longview truck accident lawyer, contact Winocour Law today. We are here to protect your rights, pursue justice, and help you move forward.