Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Houston, Texas, you need an experienced advocate on your side. 

DeHoyos Accident Attorneys has a proven track record of securing justice and compensation for victims of large truck accidents. 

These incidents often result in catastrophic injuries and substantial financial losses, making it crucial to work with a skilled Houston 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer.

Understanding 18 Wheeler Accidents in Houston, TX

Accidents involving 18-wheelers, known as semi-trucks, are among the most dangerous and devastating on Texas roads. These vehicles weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them a significant threat to smaller passenger vehicles. 

In 2022, Texas led the nation in fatalities resulting from significant truck accidents, emphasizing the critical need for legal expertise in these cases.

Examples of Common 18-Wheeler Accidents

Rear-End Collisions: 

A truck failing to stop in time can cause severe damage to the smaller vehicle in front. This is particularly dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers.

Rollover Accidents: 

Poorly loaded cargo, sudden maneuvers, high winds, or tire blowouts can cause trucks to overturn, posing significant risks to the driver, passengers, and other motorists.

Jackknife Accidents: 

When the trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, it can block multiple lanes of traffic, creating a dangerous obstacle for other vehicles. This often occurs during hard braking or sharp turns.

Blind Spot Accidents: 

Trucks have large blind spots, known as “no-zones,” on the sides and rear of the vehicle. Collisions can occur when other vehicles are in these blind spots and the truck driver fails to see them.

Head-On Collisions: 

These are often the deadliest when a truck veers into oncoming traffic, typically due to driver fatigue, distracted driving, or adverse weather conditions.

Underride Accidents: 

When a smaller vehicle collides with the rear of a truck, it can be forced underneath the trailer, resulting in catastrophic injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents: 

Trucks can swing into adjacent lanes when making wide turns, striking other vehicles.

Texas Leading in Deaths from Large Truck Accidents in 2022

According to the National Safety Council, Texas had the highest fatalities in significant truck accidents in 2022. Contributing factors include the state’s extensive highway system, high volume of commercial trucking, and driver fatigue. 

These statistics highlight the importance of understanding your legal rights if you’ve been involved in an accident.

Statistic	Data	Source
2022 Texas Truck Accident Fatalities	810	National Safety Council
2022 California Truck Accident Fatalities	436	National Safety Council
Contributing Factors in Texas	Extensive highway system, high volume of commercial trucking, driver fatigue	National Safety Council (inferred)

What Are The Different Types of Truck Accidents?

Rear-End Collisions

Large trucks require significantly longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of rear-end accidents when traffic suddenly slows.

Rollover Accidents

Improperly secured cargo or sharp turns can cause a truck to roll over, endangering other road users.

Jackknife Accidents

When the trailer skids and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab, it can lead to multi-vehicle collisions.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have blind spots on all four sides. Failing to account for these areas can result in devastating crashes.

Head-On Collisions

These occur when a truck driver loses control and crosses into opposing traffic, often causing fatalities or life-altering injuries.

A Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer With Proven Results

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we pride ourselves on achieving exceptional results for our clients. 

We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and have the resources to investigate thoroughly, negotiate effectively, and litigate aggressively. 

Our Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer is committed to helping victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Legal Considerations in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases

Texas law governs the operation and maintenance of commercial trucks to ensure road safety. Understanding these laws is crucial when pursuing a claim after an 18-wheeler accident.

Texas Laws Around 18-Wheeler Accidents

In Texas, specific laws govern the operation and maintenance of commercial trucks. For example:

Reporting Requirements: 

Under Texas Transportation Code §550.061, truck drivers must report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

Weight Limits: 

Texas Transportation Code §621.101 regulates the maximum weight of trucks to prevent road damage and enhance safety.

Violations of these laws can be used as evidence of negligence in your case.

Hours-of-Service Regulations:

Federal regulations, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), limit the number of hours truck drivers can operate to prevent driver fatigue. Violations of these regulations can be evidence of negligence in an accident.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements:

Commercial trucks are subject to rigorous safety inspections to ensure they are in proper working order.

Tire tread depth, brake function, and other safety components are regularly inspected.

Violations of these laws can be used as evidence of negligence in your case. An experienced Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine whether any violations of these laws contributed to the collision.

Texas Laws Around 18 Wheeler Accidents

Following a serious 18-wheeler accident in Texas, understanding the relevant laws is crucial to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. 

Here’s a breakdown of key Texas statutes that apply to 18-wheeler accidents: 

Reporting Requirements:

Texas Transportation Code §550.061 outlines the legal obligation for truck drivers to report accidents. This applies to any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding a certain threshold.

Failure to report an accident as mandated by this law can have legal consequences for the truck driver and potentially impact your claim.

Weight Limits:

Texas Transportation Code §621.101 establishes the maximum weight limits for commercial trucks operating on Texas roadways. These regulations prevent excessive wear and tear on infrastructure and enhance overall road safety.

Exceeding weight limits can significantly affect a truck’s handling and braking capabilities, increasing the risk of accidents. Evidence of an overloaded truck can be a crucial factor in proving negligence in your case.

Additional Considerations:

While not directly outlined in a single Texas statute, other regulations play a significant role in 18-wheeler accident cases:

Federal Hours-of-Service Regulations: 

Established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these regulations limit the hours truck driver can operate their vehicles. This is crucial to prevent driver fatigue, a significant factor in truck accidents. 

Violations of these federal regulations can be used as evidence of negligence.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements: 

Commercial trucks undergo regular inspections to ensure proper working order. These inspections cover various aspects, such as tire tread depth, brake function, and other critical safety components. 

Violations of these maintenance and inspection requirements can establish negligence on the part of the trucking company.

An experienced Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, including police reports, witness statements, and accident scene details. 

By examining these factors alongside relevant Texas laws and federal regulations, your attorney can determine if any violations contributed to the accident and build a strong compensation case.

Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents

Collisions with 18-wheelers often result in severe injuries, including:

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a victim’s quality of life.

Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

Broken bones are common and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may require immediate surgical intervention.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.

What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Houston

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Houston, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and ensure your well-being. Here are the essential steps to take:   

Seek Medical Attention: 

Your health and safety should be the top priority. If you don’t believe your injuries are serious, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time.

Report the Accident:

Contact the Houston Police Department to report the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as possible.

Exchange information with the truck driver, including their name, contact information, and the trucking company they work for.

Document the Scene: 

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any debris.

Gather Witness Information: 

If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information.

Consult with an Attorney: 

Contact a Houston 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can advise you on your legal rights, gather evidence, and protect your interests.

Legal Process in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases

The legal process after an 18-wheeler accident can be complex. Here’s a general overview:

Investigation:

Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, which may include:

• Obtaining the police report
• Gathering witness statements
• Reviewing truck driver logs and maintenance records
• Investigating the truck’s black box data (if available)
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts

Filing a Claim:

Your Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer will file a claim against the responsible parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any other entities that may be held liable.

Negotiation:

Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies involved to try and reach a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Litigation:

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney may file a lawsuit to pursue your claim in court.

Client Testimonials and Success Stories

“DeHoyos Accident Attorneys turned my life around after my accident. Their dedication and expertise secured a settlement that covered all my medical bills and more.”

“I was extremely impressed with the professionalism and compassion of the entire team at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys. They kept me informed every step of the way and truly cared about my well-being.” 

“I highly recommend DeHoyos Accident Attorneys to anyone who has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident. They are skilled and experienced, and they fought tirelessly to get me the compensation I deserved.”

These are just a few examples of the positive feedback we have received from our clients. We are proud of our track record of success in helping victims of 18-wheeler accidents recover from their injuries and rebuild their lives.

When to Hire an 18 Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston?

You should consider contacting a Houston 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, even if your injuries initially seem minor.

Here are some key situations where hiring a lawyer is crucial:

Serious Injuries: 

If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or burns, it’s essential to have legal representation.

Fatalities: 

If the accident resulted in a fatality, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Truck Driver Negligence: 

If you suspect that driver negligence, such as fatigue, distracted driving, or drunk driving, contributed to the accident.

Truck Company Negligence: 

If you believe the trucking company may be liable for the accident due to inadequate maintenance, improper driver training, or truck overloading.

Difficulty Communicating with the Insurance Company: 

If you are having difficulty communicating with the insurance company or if they are denying your claim.

Contact the Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for a FREE Consultation!

Don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our experienced team of attorneys will review your case, answer your questions, and advise you on the best course of action.

Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys Today!

18 Wheeler Accident FAQs

What are some common causes of 18-wheeler accidents?

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving (texting, using a cell phone)
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Improper lane changes
• Adverse weather conditions
• Equipment failure (brake failure, tire blowouts)
• Poorly maintained vehicles
• Driver inexperience

What types of damages can I recover in an 18-wheeler accident case?

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity

How long must I file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in Texas?

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Texas, including 18-wheeler accidents, is two years from the date of the accident.

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident?

• Contact a Houston 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
• Seek medical attention.
• Contact law enforcement.
• Document the accident (take photos and videos).
• Gather witness information.