Serious Truck Accident? Get the Compensation You Deserve
When you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident in Houston, Texas, you’re facing a complex legal battle against powerful trucking companies and their insurers. At 713justice.com, our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers understand the devastating impact of 18-wheeler accidents and have the resources and expertise to take on the largest trucking corporations in America.
Why You Need a Specialized Houston Truck Accident Attorney
Truck Accidents Are Different - Your Lawyer Should Be Too
- More severe injuries: Truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care
- Higher compensation: Commercial trucks carry $1 million+ insurance policies
- Complex regulations: Federal and state trucking laws create additional liability opportunities
- Multiple defendants: Trucking companies, drivers, manufacturers, and cargo loaders may all be liable
- Corporate defense teams: Trucking companies deploy teams of lawyers immediately after accidents
Proven Results in Houston Truck Accident Cases
- Over 25 years handling Houston truck accident cases
- Recovered millions+ for truck accident victims
- Hundreds of successful truck accident settlements and verdicts
- Experience with major trucking companies operating in Houston
- Deep understanding of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
Free Case Evaluation
Local Houston Trucking Knowledge
Our Houston truck accident attorneys understand the unique challenges of Houston’s trucking environment:
- Major Houston trucking routes: I-45, I-10, US 59/I-69, Beltway 8, and the Port of Houston
- Houston shipping district: Heavy truck traffic to and from the Port of Houston
- Industrial corridors: Petrochemical and refinery truck traffic throughout Harris County
- Construction zones: Ongoing Houston highway projects that create dangerous conditions for trucks
- Local trucking companies: Experience with regional and national carriers operating in Houston
The Cost of Going It Alone Against Trucking Companies
- Unrepresented truck accident victims face overwhelming disadvantages:
- Immediate Corporate Response: Trucking companies dispatch investigation teams within hours to protect their interests
- Evidence Destruction: Critical evidence is often destroyed or “lost” without immediate legal intervention
- Lowball Settlements: Insurance companies exploit unrepresented victims with offers of $10,000-$50,000 for cases worth millions
- Complex Liability: Multiple parties may be responsible, but unrepresented victims rarely identify all liable parties
- Federal Deadline Confusion: Special federal regulations create unique deadlines that can destroy cases if missed
The Value of Legal Representation: Why Truck Accident Lawyers Get Better Results
Statistics Show Represented Truck Accident Victims Receive Dramatically Higher Compensation
Research consistently demonstrates that truck accident victims who hire specialized attorneys receive significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves:
- 5x Higher Settlements: Truck accident victims represented by attorneys receive settlements that are 5 times higher on average than those who settle without legal representation
- Better Results Even After Legal Fees: Even after paying attorney fees, represented truck accident victims typically net 3-4 times more money than unrepresented victims
- Access to Policy Limits: Experienced lawyers know how to identify all available insurance coverage, often totaling $5-10 million or more
- Complex Case Resolution: Truck accident cases involving federal regulations require specialized knowledge that only experienced truck accident lawyers possess
Why Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Get Dramatically Better Results
Trucking companies and their insurers know the difference between dealing with experienced truck accident counsel versus unrepresented claimants:
Knowledge of Federal Trucking Regulations
- Understanding of FMCSA Hours of Service violations that cause fatigue-related accidents
- Knowledge of truck maintenance requirements and inspection violations
- Experience with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data analysis
- Familiarity with Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements and violations
Access to Trucking Industry Experts
- Accident reconstruction specialists with truck accident experience
- Former trucking company safety directors and compliance officers
- Medical experts familiar with catastrophic truck accident injuries
- Economists who understand the lifetime costs of severe disabilities
Ability to Preserve Critical Evidence
- Immediate preservation letters to prevent destruction of truck data
- Securing Electronic Control Module (ECM) data from the truck’s computer
- Obtaining driver logs, dispatch records, and maintenance files
- Preserving video footage from truck-mounted cameras
Common Types of Houston Truck Accidents
Houston’s position as a major transportation hub means heavy commercial truck traffic throughout the metropolitan area. Our truck accident attorneys handle all types of commercial vehicle accidents:
Interstate Highway Accidents
Houston’s major interstates see frequent truck accidents:
- I-45 truck accidents – High-speed collisions on the Gulf Freeway
- I-10 truck accidents – East and West freeway truck crashes
- US 59/I-69 truck accidents – Southwest and Northeast freeway incidents
- Beltway 8 truck accidents – Loop accidents involving local and through traffic
Port of Houston Related Accidents
- Container truck accidents – Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Petrochemical transport accidents – Hazardous material spills and explosions
- Port access road accidents – Heavy truck traffic to shipping terminals
Construction Zone Truck Accidents
Houston’s ongoing highway construction creates dangerous conditions:
- Reduced lanes forcing trucks into confined spaces
- Sudden traffic pattern changes
- Work zone speed reductions ignored by truckers
- Inadequate construction zone barriers
Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- 18-wheeler/semi-truck accidents – Large tractor-trailers
- Delivery truck accidents – FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and local delivery vehicles
- Garbage truck accidents – Waste management vehicle collisions
- Concrete mixer accidents – Construction vehicle crashes
- Tanker truck accidents – Fuel and chemical transport vehicles
Real Results for Real People
Devastating Injuries in Houston Truck Accidents
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds) means truck accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Severe cognitive impairment requiring lifelong care
- Memory loss and personality changes
- Inability to return to work or maintain relationships
- Need for 24/7 medical supervision
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Complete or partial paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Loss of sensation and motor function
- Chronic pain and muscle spasticity
- Need for wheelchair accessibility modifications
Amputations and Crush Injuries
- Loss of limbs requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation
- Severe crush injuries to multiple body parts
- Complex fractures requiring multiple surgeries
- Long-term disability and disfigurement
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
- Damage to vital organs requiring surgery
- Internal bleeding and hemorrhaging
- Ruptured organs necessitating removal
- Long-term complications and secondary infections
Burn Injuries
- Severe burns from fuel fires or chemical spills
- Need for multiple skin graft surgeries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Chronic pain and mobility limitations
Who Can Be Held Liable in Houston Truck Accidents?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, increasing the potential compensation available:
Truck Driver Liability
- Hours of Service violations – Driving while fatigued beyond legal limits
- Distracted driving – Cell phone use, eating, or other distractions
- Impaired driving – Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
- Speeding or reckless driving – Violating traffic laws
- Inadequate training – Lack of proper CDL training or experience
Trucking Company Liability
- Negligent hiring – Hiring drivers with poor safety records
- Inadequate training – Failing to properly train drivers
- Pressure to violate regulations – Forcing drivers to exceed hours of service
- Poor maintenance – Failing to maintain trucks in safe condition
- Negligent supervision – Inadequate oversight of driver behavior
Truck Manufacturer Liability
- Defective truck parts – Faulty brakes, tires, or steering components
- Design defects – Unsafe truck designs that contribute to accidents
- Failure to warn – Inadequate warnings about known dangers
- Manufacturing defects – Errors in the manufacturing process
Cargo Loader Liability
- Improperly secured cargo – Cargo that shifts and causes accidents
- Overloaded trucks – Exceeding weight limits
- Unbalanced loads – Cargo distribution that affects truck stability
- Hazardous material violations – Improper handling of dangerous goods
Maintenance Company Liability
- Inadequate maintenance – Failing to properly maintain truck systems
- Defective repairs – Repairs that fail and cause accidents
- Inspection violations – Failing to identify safety problems
Federal Truck Safety Regulations
Commercial trucks must comply with extensive federal regulations designed to protect public safety:
Hours of Service Regulations
- Daily driving limits – Maximum 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Weekly limits – Maximum 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) – Required electronic tracking of driver hours
- Rest break requirements – Mandatory breaks during driving periods
Commercial Driver's License Requirements
- CDL testing – Written and practical tests for commercial driving
- Medical certifications – Regular physical examinations required
- Drug and alcohol testing – Pre-employment and random testing programs
- Traffic violation restrictions – Strict penalties for violations
Vehicle Safety Standards
- Regular inspections – Daily pre-trip and periodic safety inspections
- Maintenance records – Documentation of all maintenance and repairs
- Weight limits – Maximum gross vehicle weight restrictions
- Equipment requirements – Mandatory safety equipment and markings
What to Do After a Houston Truck Accident
Immediate Steps at the Scene
- Call 911 immediately – Report to Houston Police and request medical assistance
- Seek medical attention – Truck accident injuries can be life-threatening
- Don’t move if injured – Wait for medical professionals
- Document everything possible – Photos of trucks, trailers, cargo, and scene
- Get truck information – License plates, DOT numbers, company names
- Identify witnesses – Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident
- Don’t admit fault – Never make statements about who caused the accident
Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately
Time is critical in truck accident cases:
- Evidence can be destroyed or disappear quickly
- Trucking companies dispatch investigation teams immediately
- Federal regulations create unique deadlines
- Insurance companies will contact you within hours seeking recorded statements
What Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Do Immediately
- Issue preservation notices – Prevent destruction of critical evidence
- Secure the truck and trailer – Preserve the vehicles for inspection
- Download electronic data – Extract computer data from the truck
- Interview witnesses – Get statements before memories fade
- Photograph everything – Document the scene, vehicles, and evidence
- Retain experts – Engage accident reconstruction and trucking industry experts
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Houston truck accident case worth?
Truck accident cases can be worth millions of dollars due to the severe nature of injuries and higher insurance policy limits. Factors affecting value include injury severity, liability, lost earnings, and available insurance coverage.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but there are exceptions. Federal regulations may create earlier deadlines for certain claims.
What if the truck driver wasn't at fault?
Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Even if the driver wasn't at fault, the trucking company, manufacturer, cargo loader, or maintenance company may still be responsible.
How much does a Houston truck accident lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Initial consultations are always free, and we advance all case expenses.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long will my truck accident case take?
Truck accident cases are more complex than car accidents and typically take 1-3 years to resolve. The timeline depends on injury severity, liability issues, and insurance company cooperation.
Contact Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Don’t let trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of you after a devastating truck accident. Our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys have the resources and expertise to take on the largest trucking corporations and fight for maximum compensation.
Types of Compensation in Houston Truck Accident Cases
The severe nature of truck accidents often results in substantial compensation awards:
Economic Damages
- Current medical expenses – Emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization
- Future medical care – Lifetime medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages – Income lost due to time off work
- Lost earning capacity – Reduced ability to earn income in the future
- Property damage – Vehicle replacement and personal property loss
- Home modifications – Wheelchair accessibility and equipment needs
- Attendant care – Cost of personal care assistance
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in activities
- Disfigurement – Permanent scarring and physical changes
- Mental anguish – Psychological trauma from the accident
- Loss of consortium – Impact on family relationships
Punitive Damages
Texas law allows punitive damages when truck drivers or companies act with gross negligence or malice, such as:
- Knowingly violating safety regulations
- Forcing drivers to exceed hours of service limits
- Operating trucks with known safety defects
- Hiring drivers with dangerous driving records