Houston Truck Accident Lawyers

Helping Clients Recover After Devastating Truck Accidents

You may refer to commercial trucks as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or big rigs. Regardless of what you call them, accidents involving large trucks can be catastrophic and even deadly. We depend on commercial trucks to transport goods throughout the United States. However, sharing the road with these large vehicles is dangerous. Truck drivers, trucking companies, and loading crews all play an important part in ensuring the vehicle gets to its destination without a collision. When one or more of these parties fail to perform their duties properly, they put other drivers and passengers at risk. Truck accidents can result in catastrophic damages that affect victims and their family members for years to come. If you or a loved one experienced a semi-truck accident in the Houston area, you probably feel overwhelmed by the many expenses and aspects of your physical recovery. You might feel stressed about making ends meet while missing time at work, especially when considering the many medical expenses associated with a truck accident case. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. With the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer, you can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and get on the road to recovery. Our Houston truck accident attorneys will fight for you to receive maximum compensation. We will handle the legal details of your claim so you can focus on resting and recovering. Please don’t hesitate to call our personal injury law firm right away to hold a negligent truck driver, maintenance crew, and trucking company responsible for the damages their actions have caused. We offer a free consultation so you can get the answers you need at no risk. Call (713) 489-1875 immediately for more information about how we can help.

Who is Responsible for a Truck Accident in Houston?

Truck accident investigations are complex. These vehicles have black boxes that record a great deal of information. Extracting this information before it is destroyed or lost is vital. Also, obtaining records from the truck company is essential. Our lawyers send notices to all parties advising them to preserve and maintain those records. During our investigation, we may also retain one or more experts to assist in reconstructing the truck accident. One of the reasons we conduct a comprehensive truck accident investigation is to obtain evidence. However, we also need to determine who is responsible for the cause of the crash. Only those parties who contributed to the cause of the accident can be held liable for your injuries and damages. Potential parties that might share in the liability for a truck accident claim include:

The truck driver
The truck’s owner
The trucking company
Loaders or shippers
Repair and maintenance companies
Truck manufacturers and parts manufacturers
Other parties involved in the collision

By identifying each party that might have some liability for your injury claim, we increase the chance that you can recover maximum compensation for your claim. You can rely on our team of experienced Houston truck accident attorneys to collect the necessary evidence to prove who was responsible for your crash. We will also help gather medical records to demonstrate the extent of your suffering and get you the money you need to recover and get back to your life.

What Are the Leading Causes of Large Truck Accidents?

While poor weather conditions and road conditions can be a factor in some truck accidents, driver error is the most common cause of large truck accidents.

Truck driver errors that can lead to a truck accident include:

Fatigue and drowsiness
Distracted driving
Speed
Reckless driving
Poor judgment
Lack of experience
Drug or alcohol use
Failure to obey traffic rules

However, other factors can also lead to a truck accident. Defective truck parts, improperly loaded cargo, inadequate maintenance, employer negligence, errors by other drivers, and defectively designed roads or signs could also be factors in the cause of a truck accident.

It is of utmost importance that you do not sign any agreements or accept money from the insurance company or trucking company without first speaking with a lawyer. You should also not make any statements about your health or well-being, as this could be used to justify a lower amount of compensation. Reach out to our legal team for help identifying the cause of your accident and collecting compensation in full.

How Is Liability Determined in a Texas Truck Accident?

Texas motor vehicle accidents can be highly complex because of the many different potential causes. A trucking accident is even more complicated because of the various liable parties, such as the trucking company, loading crew, maintenance crew, and truck driver. Houston truck accident attorneys like those at The Alfred Firm have a great deal of experience utilizing evidence to discover the at-fault party and hold them accountable.

To be held liable, you must prove that the other party:

Owed you a duty of care, such as maintaining their vehicle in good condition or following traffic laws
Violated the duty of care by failing to perform their duty properly
Caused the accident due to violating their duty of care
Caused you severe injury that merits legal action

An experienced truck accident attorney will use evidence such as surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, accident reconstruction experts, and photos of the crash to prove that the other party owes you compensation in a truck accident case. Contact our legal team today to get started holding negligent parties accountable and make a full recovery.

What Injuries Are Common in Houston Truck Accidents?

The injuries in large truck accidents can be catastrophic. A large truck that collides with a smaller vehicle can crush the vehicle, causing instant death for the passengers of the smaller vehicle. Often, individuals who survive a truck accident have traumatic injuries and sustain permanent impairments.

Some examples of truck accident injuries include:

Amputations – Losing a limb is an injury victims may suffer after an accident with a semi-truck. Amputations severely impact a person’s ability to work and live their life, resulting in catastrophic damages
Spinal cord and back injuries – Spinal cord injuries can be excruciating and may result in paralysis in severe cases
Multiple fractures and broken bones – The impact from the semi-truck can cause broken and shattered bones and sprains. Many drivers injure their hands and feet as they brace for impact. Severe bone fractures may require extensive recovery periods with multiple surgeries
Head and brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries are among the most devastating injuries from a semi-truck accident. The extreme change in direction can cause the brain to impact the person’s skull, resulting in bleeding, memory loss, oxygen deprivation, mood disorders, and learning disabilities. Getting immediate treatment is essential if you think you or a loved one is suffering from a TBI
Scarring and disfigurement – Burns and lacerations can result in scarring that affects the person’s self-image for the rest of their lives. These injuries may merit compensation in a truck accident lawsuit
Severe burns – Burns are incredibly painful and require a long recovery. They may also lead to permanent scarring that impacts the person’s quality of life
Internal organ failure – Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening if treatment is not received immediately. These injuries are difficult to diagnose, which is why it’s essential to get immediate medical treatment after an 18-wheeler accident
Wrongful death – Fatal truck accidents wreak havoc on the lives of surviving family members who experience emotional and financial damage with the loss of their loved one. Reach out to our law firm for help bringing a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party

Our Houston truck accident lawyers represent clients who suffer various truck accident injuries. We can work with clients to obtain a complete medical diagnosis of their impairments and disabilities for an injury claim. We also work with clients to document damages to ensure they receive the highest compensation for their truck accident claims.

What Damages Are Included in A Truck Accident Claim?

In cases involving permanent disability, a truck accident claim could be worth millions of dollars. A lifetime of medical treatment, personal care, and loss of income is substantial. Even when the person recovers fully from their injuries, the recovery could be lengthy and very costly. For these reasons, truck accident claims tend to be very high in value.

The trucking company knows the value of Texas truck accident cases and will likely act quickly to offer you a settlement. However, many companies, including insurance companies, are usually looking out for their own pocketbooks rather than your well-being. The initial settlement offered to accident victims is typically far below what the person will need to recover fully.

When you have a personal injury law firm on your side, your Houston truck accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. That will look different depending on the details of your claim, including whether you share any of the blame and how extensive your injuries are.

Some damages seen in a truck accident claim include:

Cost of medical care, including hospitalization, surgical procedures, and future doctor’s visits
Emergency transportation charges
Medical equipment, such as a wheelchair
Past and future loss of income, such as lost wages, salaries, bonuses, and vacation time
Decreased income earning potential
Ongoing medical and personal care
Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy and chiropractic care
Extreme physical pain and suffering
Property damage
Costs of home renovations for accessibility
Emotional and mental anguish, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety
Loss of Quality of Life and Enjoyment of Life
Wrongful death
Funeral expenses (within reason)
Punitive damages if the other party engaged in criminal behavior

In many cases, medical experts and financial experts are needed to estimate the future damages that a truck accident victim is likely to incur because of the injuries caused by the crash. Our legal team has extensive experience holding Houston trucking companies accountable for damage caused in an accident. We will work tirelessly to identify the guilty party, whether that be the trucking company, truck driver, loading crew, or another driver.

Don’t accept a lowball offer from an insurance agent. Call our Houston truck accident attorneys immediately to file a claim and get the monetary compensation you deserve.

Should I Hire a Houston Truck Accident Attorney?

Yes, we strongly recommend hiring a Houston truck accident attorney if you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck. These cases are complicated; you are going up against a large corporation and an insurance company with unlimited resources. You need a legal team with a deep understanding of trucking regulations and laws that knows how to investigate and handle a truck accident claim.

The Houston truck accident lawyers at The Alfred Firm have the experience necessary to handle truck accident claims. There are many aspects of a truck accident claim that inexperienced attorneys may not fully understand. Make sure that when you hire a truck accident attorney, you question the attorney about previous cases and experience. Experience matters. We have what matters.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

For many accident victims, bringing a truck accident lawsuit is the last thing on their minds. However, taking prompt legal action can protect you and your family in the future.

In most cases, you have just two years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit. While that sounds like a long time, it is not. In a truck accident case, we need ample time to conduct an investigation. You may also require months to heal from your injuries. Beginning the work on a truck accident claim as soon as possible after the crash gives you the best chance of success in your case.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been in a Trucking Accident?

Experiencing an 18-wheeler accident can be traumatizing, leaving victims in shock and wondering what to do. If you’ve been in a crash with a semi-truck, please follow some crucial steps to protect yourself physically and legally.

Some actions you should take following a Houston trucking accident include:

Stay at the accident scene to avoid hit-and-run charges
Get out of the flow of traffic so you and other victims are safe
Notify the authorities, including police officers and emergency personnel
Exchange contact information with any other drivers involved in the accident
Administer first aid to other victims if necessary
Get immediate medical treatment, even if you think you weren’t severely injured
Take photos of the accident scene and collect contact information for eyewitnesses
Contact an accident lawyer to learn more about your rights, especially before accepting a settlement from the trucking company

Many individuals think that because they feel fine, they don’t need medical treatment. However, delaying treatment can lead to further injury and permanent damage. Talk to a trusted medical professional right away to identify internal bleeding, brain injuries, and damage to internal organs.

Once you are safe and recovering, please act quickly to hold the trucking company or truck driver accountable for their negligence. Our legal team will help you deal with the legal aspect of your trucking accident so you can focus on being with loved ones and making a full recovery. Call now for a free case review.

What Is the Process for Filing a Claim After an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Truck accident victims often find that the trucking company immediately offers a settlement. Rather than accepting the money, you should consult an accident lawyer to learn about your legal options and see whether you are eligible to file a truck accident lawsuit. If you decide to take legal action, you could get past and future medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages covered.

Some steps involved in filing a claim for a commercial truck crash are:

Speaking with an attorney to get support and help to collect maximum compensation
Filing a claim with the insurance company
Providing evidence to determine liability, including police reports, photos of the accident, and eyewitness testimony
Submitting documents that demonstrate the extent of damages
Negotiating a fair settlement
If negotiations fail, bringing the matter to a court of law to litigate against the negligent truck maintenance crew, driver, or company

When you are suffering from a commercial vehicle accident, the last thing you need is to worry about the details of a legal case. Contact our team of truck accident attorneys for help navigating the Texas legal system. We will handle negotiations and other interactions with the insurance company and at-fault party so you can rest and recover.

Why Is a Semi-Truck Accident So Serious?

Car accidents involving commercial vehicles are notorious for causing serious injuries and death. There are several reasons why trucking accidents are so dangerous, such as the obvious weight difference between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. The immense size of a semi-truck, which can weigh over 80,000 pounds compared to a passenger vehicle of around 4,000-5,000 pounds, illustrates the potential for extreme damage.

Another reason semi-truck accidents have such potential for serious injury is because of the dangerous cargo being hauled by large commercial vehicles. When a Texas truck crash occurs, there is always the chance that the large truck is hauling dangerous chemicals or flammable materials, resulting in devastating burns and injuries.

For help recovering from a trucking accident, including a fatal truck accident that claimed the life of your loved one, reach out to our compassionate team of attorneys right away. Our Texas truck accident lawyers have the skills and dedication to help victims recover financially, even in the most complex situations. You can trust us with your Texas truck accident case, so call today.

What Makes Your Law Firm Different?

We are here for you in your time of need. Call today to speak with one of our attorneys. Our Houston truck accident lawyers have significant experience handling these traffic accidents. We have the resources and skills to launch a full-scale accident investigation to determine the cause of the crash and who is responsible for your injuries and damages.

Commercial trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds. Compare that to the average weight of a passenger vehicle (about 4,000 to 5,000 pounds), and you can see why large truck accidents are devastating for the occupants of the other vehicles. In 2018, 4,951 people died in large truck accidents. Eighty-two percent of those fatalities were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants.

Contact our office at (713) 489-1875 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer. We handle claims on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay our attorneys’ fees until we recover money for your accident claim.

Should You Hire Our Houston Truck Accident Attorneys?

We understand that you may be confused and unsure of what steps to take next. You may have numerous parties contacting you about your truck accident claim. We can help.

Please remember not to sign anything or accept any money from the other party until you’ve spoken with a trucking accident lawyer about your crash. Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers. Bring a list of your questions, and we will review each question and concern with you. We will explain the process of pursuing an injury claim after a truck accident in more detail.

Get the facts about truck accident claims from an experienced personal injury lawyer before you make any decisions regarding your claim.

Contact The Alfred Firm at (713) 489-1875 to schedule a free consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys in Houston.