Crockett Truck Accident Lawyer

US 287 brings 18-wheelers through Crockett, and SH 7, SH 19 and SH 21 carry log trucks and freight across Houston County’s timber country. When a commercial truck causes a crash on these mostly rural highways, the results can be devastating.

For 45 years, Roberts & Roberts has represented people hurt by 18-wheelers and commercial trucks across East Texas. Several of our attorneys are board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. See what we have recovered for clients on our verdicts and settlements page.

Call (903) 597-6000 for a free consultation. You pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you, and we will come to you anywhere in the Crockett area.

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Truck Crashes on Houston County Highways

US 287 is the main truck route through Crockett, connecting Palestine and Corsicana to the northwest with Groveton and the Gulf Coast to the southeast. SH 7 runs east toward Kennard and Nacogdoches, SH 21 follows the historic El Camino Real route toward Alto and Madisonville, and SH 19 runs north to Palestine and south to Trinity. Log trucks from the Davy Crockett National Forest area are common on all of them.

In 2025, Houston County had 358 reported traffic crashes. Those crashes killed 4 people and injured 147 more, 19 of them seriously, according to Texas Department of Transportation crash data.

TxDOT also counted 31 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Houston County in 2025. Those crashes injured 7 people. Crashes involving 18-wheelers tend to be the most serious because a loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, roughly 20 times as much as a passenger car.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

A claim against a trucking company is not the same as a claim against another driver. More rules, more parties and more insurance are involved, and the trucking company usually has investigators working within hours of the crash.

Federal Safety Rules

Commercial drivers must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules. Truckers hauling freight generally may drive no more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and they cannot drive past the 14th hour after starting their workday.

More Than One Responsible Party

The driver, the trucking company, a freight broker, the company that loaded the cargo, a maintenance shop or a parts manufacturer may each share the blame.

Larger Insurance Policies

Interstate carriers hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and many carry far more. That coverage can make a full recovery possible after a serious injury.

Evidence That Disappears

Electronic logging device data, dash camera video, driver logs, dispatch records and maintenance files can be lost or overwritten. We send preservation letters right away so that evidence is still there when it matters.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Crashes

In our experience, most serious truck wrecks trace back to choices the driver or trucking company made before the crash:

Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
Speeding or following too closely for the truck’s weight
Distracted driving, including phone use and in-cab devices
Brake, tire or lighting failures from skipped maintenance
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
Wide right turns and unsafe lane changes in blind spots
Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Crockett

Get Medical Care

Go to the emergency room or see a doctor the same day, even if you feel all right. Crockett Medical Center serves the Crockett area.

Report the Crash

Call 911. Depending on where the crash happened, the Crockett Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office or a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper will respond and write the crash report.

Document Everything

Photograph the truck, its DOT number, company name and license plates, the scene and your injuries. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.

Avoid Recorded Statements

The trucking company’s insurer may call quickly. You do not have to give a recorded statement. Refer them to your lawyer.

Get Your Crash Report

Texas peace officer crash reports (form CR-3) are available through the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System.

Call a Truck Accident Lawyer

The sooner we can send preservation letters and start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Texas law allows injured people to recover damages that may include:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Physical pain and mental anguish
Physical impairment and disfigurement
Property damage

When a trucking company acts with gross negligence, such as knowingly putting a dangerous driver or truck on the road, exemplary (punitive) damages may also be available. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule, you can recover as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. Most claims must be filed within two years of the crash.

Where Your Crockett Truck Accident Case Is Handled

Crockett is the county seat of Houston County, and truck accident lawsuits arising here are usually filed in the 349th District Court at the Houston County Courthouse. Some cases against interstate carriers can be filed in or moved to federal court. Most cases resolve through settlement, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.

Our lawyers work from offices in Tyler, Longview and Dallas. Our Tyler office is the closest to Crockett. If you are in the hospital or cannot travel, we will meet you at home or at your bedside at no cost.

Truck Accident Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?

In most cases, two years from the date of the crash. If a city, county or state vehicle was involved, written notice may be required within six months or less, so talk with a lawyer right away.

Who pays if the driver works for a different company?

Responsibility can extend to the motor carrier whose authority the truck operated under, a broker who chose an unsafe carrier, or a shipper that loaded the trailer improperly. Identifying every responsible company is one of the first things we do.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Not before you understand the full cost of your injuries. Early offers often come before the extent of an injury is known. Once you settle, you cannot reopen the claim.

Do I have to travel to your office?

No. We meet clients in their homes and in hospitals. We will come to you in Crockett or anywhere in Houston County.

Talk to a Crockett Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck in or around Crockett, call Roberts & Roberts at (903) 597-6000 or contact us online. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.