18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Brown County

We Stand With You After a Truck Accident

When a collision with an 18-wheeler disrupts your life, you may be dealing with injuries, facing mounting medical bills, or worrying about work and family. In times like these, having a trusted 18-wheeler accident attorney in Brown County to advocate for you can help restore your sense of control.

At Woodley & Dudley, we have served individuals and families in Brown County for more than 40 years. People turn to us after serious truck accidents because we take the time to understand how an accident has changed their lives. We listen, we ask questions, and we build a plan tailored to your unique needs.

To us, this is about helping our neighbors and supporting our community. Our attorneys draw on decades of local knowledge, professional experience, and an investment in the specific needs of clients in Brown County. If you need a compassionate ear and a clear plan, our attorneys are ready to help you move forward.

Contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Brown County. Call Woodley & Dudley at (325) 246-3250 or reach out online for your consultation.

Understanding Truck Accident Laws in Texas

The legal definition of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Texas generally includes any vehicle used for commerce with a gross weight rating over 26,001 pounds. These vehicles are held to higher standards regarding maintenance, driver qualifications, and "Hours of Service" (HOS). 

Based on our experience in Brown County, these are some leading causes of 18-wheeler accidents:

• Driver fatigue on rural highways, where rest options are limited, and delivery schedules are demanding.
• Pressure to meet tight deadlines sometimes leads to speeding or inadequate safety checks.
• Lack of proper vehicle maintenance, often due to cost-cutting or unfamiliarity with local safety rules.
• Weather and changing road conditions in Central Texas, such as fog or wet roads near the Pecan Bayou, can reduce visibility and increase risk.

Furthermore, Texas follows an "at-fault" insurance system, but with a specific rule known as proportionate responsibility (modified comparative negligence). This means that as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

This is why having a skilled 18-wheeler accident attorney in Brown County is vital—the trucking company's defense will almost certainly attempt to shift the blame onto you to reduce their payout.

Key Elements to Prove Negligence

To secure a settlement or verdict, our firm must establish four critical pillars:

• Duty of Care: We must show that the defendant (the driver or trucking company) owed you a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely. In Texas, every motorist has this duty, but commercial drivers have heightened responsibilities under state and federal law.
• Breach of Duty: This is the core of the case. We must prove the defendant failed to meet that duty. Common breaches include speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changes, or a company failing to perform required background checks on a driver.
• Causation: It is not enough to show the driver was negligent; we must prove that their specific negligence was the "proximate cause" of your injuries. For example, if a tire blew out, we must prove the accident happened because the company failed to replace worn treads.
• Damages: Finally, we must document the physical, emotional, and financial losses you sustained. Without verifiable damages—such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—there is no basis for a claim.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Brown County

Unlike a car accident, multiple entities may share financial responsibility for a truck wreck. Identifying every "pocket" of insurance is the key to full recovery. 

We investigate:

• The Truck Driver: For negligence, distracted driving, or impairment.
• The Trucking Company (Carrier): For negligent hiring, training, or pressuring drivers to skip rest breaks.
• The Maintenance Provider: If faulty brakes or steering components led to the crash.
• The Cargo Loader: If an improperly secured or unbalanced load caused a jackknife or rollover.
• The Manufacturer: If a defective part (like a tire blowout) caused the loss of control.

Recoverable Damages in Texas Trucking Claims

Given the severity of 18-wheeler accidents, the damages often exceed standard insurance policy limits. 

Woodley & Dudley pursues every available dollar for:

• Economic Damages: All current and future medical bills, surgical costs, physical therapy, and lost wages (including lost earning capacity).
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and loss of companionship.
• Exemplary (Punitive) Damages: In cases of gross negligence, such as a company knowingly letting a disqualified driver behind the wheel, we fight for additional damages meant to punish the wrongdoer.

Why Choose Woodley & Dudley for Your Case

After a serious accident, the right legal support can change the trajectory of your recovery. At Woodley & Dudley, our attorneys offer more than 100 years of combined experience, and our firm has been rooted in Brown County for over four decades. We are proud members of the College of the State Bar of Texas, reflecting a commitment to advanced standards of the profession and continuing legal education.

Our attorneys are recognized for our readiness to pursue cases in both negotiations and courtrooms. We have successfully represented clients at the Brown County Courthouse and understand how local judges and procedures influence each case. When you hire our team, you have attorneys who are experienced with Brown County’s courts and familiar with the realities that accident victims face in this community.

We are fully bilingual in English and Spanish, making it easier for everyone in our diverse community to get reliable counsel. Our team takes pride in providing accessible, effective legal services with clear communication every step of the way. Each legal plan is designed to match your unique circumstances and priorities.

Steps to Take After an 18 Wheeler Accident

Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a truck accident can protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Our attorneys draw on years of working with local authorities and health providers to guide clients through these early steps with confidence.

These actions can make a difference after an 18-wheeler accident:

• Focus on safety and medical care. Allow first responders or facilities like Brownwood Regional Medical Center to assess you, even if you feel fine at the scene.
• File a report with law enforcement. Contact the Brownwood Police Department, Early Police Department, or Texas Highway Patrol and make sure an official accident report is created.
• Document everything you can. If safe, gather contact information from witnesses, photograph the vehicles, and note key details such as highway markers or weather conditions.
• Be cautious with insurance and trucking representatives. Avoid making statements or accepting settlements until you have legal advice.
• Contact our team promptly. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, document losses, and protect your interests in the Brown County legal system.

Every accident is unique, and these steps help establish the clearest foundation for your legal rights and recovery.

Get Answers Today—Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Ready to move forward after a truck accident? Speak with a knowledgeable 18-wheeler accident attorney in Brown County who will listen, answer your questions, and give you a practical roadmap for your next steps. Our team at Woodley & Dudley brings over 100 years of experience, deep local knowledge, and support with no upfront fees or costs for your consultation. We want your first steps to feel straightforward and reassuring.

Call (325) 246-3250 or reach out online to connect directly with our team and take your first step toward recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can your team help me after my 18-wheeler accident?

We guide you from the moment you call us through the entire legal process, starting with gathering facts and organizing your claim. Our team deals with trucking companies and insurers directly, so you do not have to. We explain every step, answer your questions, and work to secure the support and resources you need for your recovery. Our goal is to reduce your stress and give you confidence moving forward.

What makes Woodley & Dudley different from other Brown County law firms?

What sets us apart is our long history in Brown County and the depth of our legal experience. With over 100 years of combined attorney experience, ongoing membership in the College of the State Bar of Texas, and a commitment to bilingual client service, we deliver representation grounded in proven results and local understanding. Each client receives a strategy made for their needs, not a standard approach.

Do I need a local attorney, or can I work with someone outside Brown County?

Choosing a local attorney gives you several advantages. We understand the Brown County court system, have insight into how judges and procedures shape cases locally, and know the roads and places where accidents occur. This knowledge can make the legal process smoother and help develop compelling, locally informed arguments on your behalf.

How does your team handle negotiations with trucking companies and insurers?

Our attorneys handle all contact and negotiation with the other parties. We build strong cases using evidence, clearly present your position, and push for fair results. If the other side does not offer what you deserve, our team is prepared to advocate for you in court, drawing on our trial experience in Brown County. We ensure you understand every offer before making a decision.

What does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Brown County?

Our representation is offered on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free, with no risk of getting our advice. You will know all potential costs upfront before you decide how to proceed, making our services accessible to everyone who needs them.

How soon should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney after my crash?

Contacting an attorney as early as possible is beneficial to your case. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies often reach out soon after an accident. By getting our team involved promptly, you give yourself the best chance to preserve your rights and strengthen your claim under Brown County procedures and timelines.

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