Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, a Houston truck accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and maximum compensation.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Houston personal injury attorneys know truck accident claims are more complex than standard car accidents because they may involve:
- Truck drivers themselves
- Trucking companies the drivers are contracted with
- Vehicle manufacturers who built the truck involved in the crash
- Maintenance contractors who previously deemed the truck road-worthy
- Cargo loaders not properly adding product to the truck
Federal and state trucking regulations also play a major role in determining liability.
Common Causes Our Big Rig Crash Attorneys Are Familiar With in Houston
Truck accidents frequently result from:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted or impaired truck drivers
Identifying violations of federal trucking regulations is often key to building a strong case.
Injuries in Semi Truck Wrecks Our Houston Lawyers See
Due to the force involved, truck accidents often cause catastrophic and fatal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Severe burns
- Fatal injuries
These injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Compensation Available in 18 Wheeler Accident Claims
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Extensive medical treatment
- Long-term disability
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
Investigating a Truck Crash in Houston
A Houston big rig accident attorney will:
- Secure black box and GPS data
- Review driver logs and maintenance records
- Consult accident reconstruction experts
- Identify all liable parties
Texas Truck Accident Laws
Texas truck accident laws play a critical role in determining liability, compensation, and deadlines after a collision involving a commercial vehicle. Because truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, these cases are governed by both Texas personal injury law and federal trucking regulations, making them more complex than standard car accident claims.
Under Texas law, truck accident claims are generally based on negligence. Injured victims must prove that a truck driver, trucking company, or another party failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure caused the accident. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning an injured person can recover compensation only if they are 50% or less at fault. If a victim is partially responsible, their compensation is reduced in proportion to their share of fault.
Texas also enforces a two-year statute of limitations for most truck accident injury claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. This means a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, or the injured party may lose the right to seek compensation entirely. Certain exceptions may apply, but missing this deadline can be fatal to a claim.
In addition to state laws, truck accident cases are heavily influenced by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These federal rules govern hours-of-service limits, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, driver qualifications, and drug and alcohol testing. Violations of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
Another important aspect of Texas truck accident law involves vicarious liability, which allows trucking companies to be held responsible for the actions of their drivers when accidents occur during the course of employment. This often increases the amount of insurance coverage available to injured victims.
Because of the legal and regulatory complexity involved, truck accident claims in Texas require thorough investigation and experienced legal representation to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Houston Truck Accident FAQs
Who can be held liable for a Houston truck accident?
Liability can extend well beyond the driver. Depending on the crash, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, the vehicle or parts manufacturer, or a cargo loader may share responsibility. Under vicarious liability, a trucking company can also be responsible for its driver’s negligence, which often increases the insurance coverage available.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?
Generally two years from the date of the accident under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Missing this deadline can bar your claim entirely. Because truck evidence like black-box data and driver logs disappears quickly, it is best to act early.
What if I was partly at fault for the truck accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover as long as you were 50 percent or less at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your share. Trucking insurers often try to shift blame onto injured people to reduce what they pay.
How much does a Houston truck accident lawyer cost?
Callender Bowlin works on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront legal fees and the fee is tied to the outcome of your case. The consultation is free.
Contact a Houston Truck Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a truck accident, time is critical. Contact a Houston truck accident lawyer today.
