Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Any accident on the roads in Houston can result in serious injury.

When the accident involves an 18-wheeler truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig, there is nearly always a greater chance of coming off second-best and sustaining a serious injury.

If you are involved in a semi truck accident in Houston, it’s vital to work with a truck accident lawyer that has extensive experience in claiming fair compensation for truck accident injuries resulting from negligent or reckless truck drivers.

Ryan DeHoyos is highly experienced in working with accident claims involving 18-wheeler trucks in the Houston area. He and his team are dedicated to fighting on your behalf to help you claim the compensation you deserve and move on with your life.

Understanding Truck Accidents 

Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, any collision can result in devastating consequences. 

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established ‘Hours of Service’ rules to limit driving time and reduce fatigue, but violations of these rules still happen, leading to accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distractions from mobile devices, eating, or even daydreaming can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Given the size of these vehicles, even a momentary lapse can result in a catastrophic accident.

Speeding

To meet tight delivery schedules, truck drivers may speed, increasing the likelihood of losing control, particularly in adverse weather conditions or on unfamiliar roads.

Mechanical Failures

Poor maintenance or manufacturing defects in a truck’s brakes, tires, or other critical components can lead to failures on the road. Regular inspections are crucial but sometimes neglected, leading to dangerous situations.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications can severely impair a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

When cargo is not properly secured or loaded, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and increasing the risk of rollover or jackknife accidents.

Who needs a Houston truck accident lawyer?

The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck mean that any collision with a passenger vehicle frequently results in extensive personal injuries and property damage.

18-wheeler accidents are invariably more complex than car accidents, often involving multiple parties, so, determining fault may not be a straightforward process.

If you sustain injuries, financial losses, and property damage from an accident involving a large truck in the Houston area, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible after you have had your injuries checked and treated.

Often, in the case of serious injuries, the family of the accident victim will initiate contact with a truck accident lawyer on behalf of the injured parties to ensure that they can get the care and compensation they need. At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, we treat every case with the compassion and dignity it deserves.

Our truck accident lawyers are experienced at looking for evidence more specific to 18-wheeler truck accidents. For example, identifying the tell-tale signs of driver fatigue and other reasons that cause commercial truck drivers to be involved in accidents.

We can start gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and helping you to determine the next steps regarding communications with the insurance company and trucking company, and getting your medical bills paid.

Why hire Houston truck accident lawyer, Ryan DeHoyos?

Following any type of motor vehicle accident, it is in your best interests to work with an experienced Houston attorney

Legal representation is especially important in a large truck accident case where injuries and property damage may be severe and there are greater complexities when determining fault.

The most important thing for you to do if you’ve been in a truck accident is to focus on healing – not stressing about having to deal with insurance companies, who are reluctant to pay fair compensation, or truck companies who are denying liability. Insurance companies are notoriously reluctant to pay up for accidents until they are forced to, and the costs involved with damage to large commercial trucks can mean that cases become particularly contentious.

Our Houston truck accident lawyer will help to determine the at-fault party or parties and start to gather evidence to substantiate your claim. You can rest assured that Ryan DeHoyos’s experience in handling insurance claims on behalf of truck accident victims means that you do not have to settle for less than you are entitled to.

Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2019, Ryan is intimately familiar with the local Houston court system as well as the procedures and laws involved in personal accident injury claims.

He will create a compelling argument that aims to hold the at-fault driver/trucking company and insurance company to account. We will push for the maximum possible settlement or take the matter to court. Ryan DeHoyos is equally adept at trial as he is in negotiations outside of the courtroom if no settlement is possible, so you know you are in safe, experienced hands with your case.

We believe that victims whose past, present, and future lives have been impacted by a Houston truck accident that was no fault of their own deserve full and fair compensation for their physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional pain and suffering.

Houston Truck Accident Statistics

Truck accidents are a significant concern in Houston and across Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were over 32,000 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Texas, with many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. 

In Harris County alone, which includes Houston, 2,979 truck accidents were reported, making it one of the state’s most dangerous areas for truck accidents.The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that large trucks are involved in approximately 10% of all fatal crashes on U.S. roads. In Texas, the numbers are even more alarming, with large trucks being involved in nearly 14% of all deadly crashes.

What to do if you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Houston

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, taking the following steps will safeguard your immediate well-being and also improve your chances of a favorable outcome in a personal injury lawsuit:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to undergo a thorough medical examination. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, might not manifest immediately. Creating a comprehensive medical record is essential for any potential legal action.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Contacting the police to report the accident is vital. This official record serves as crucial evidence in any subsequent legal proceedings. Be sure to gather details like the names and contact information of any witnesses present.

Seek Legal Counsel

Consulting with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer is indispensable. They will guide you through the complex legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Avoid Contact with Insurance Companies

It is advisable not to provide statements or information to insurance companies without legal counsel. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts, and their representatives are skilled negotiators.

Your Houston Truck Accident Lawyer’s Role

Your Houston truck accident lawyer, Ryan DeHoyos, will review the claims process. This includes:

Investigating the Accident: 

This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and potentially reconstructing the accident.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: 

Your attorney will negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure maximum compensation.

Building a Strong Case: 

This includes gathering medical records, police reports, and expert testimony to support your claim.

Litigating Your Case: 

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to represent you in court.

By entrusting your case to a skilled attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities.

Compensation for commercial truck accident victims

If you have been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler or other truck due to the negligence or recklessness of the driver and/or truck company, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries and financial losses.

Types of Compensation Available

When injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to various compensation. Understanding the different categories can help you and your Houston truck accident lawyer pursue the total amount you deserve.

Economic Damages

These damages are intended to cover the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident. They include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses directly related to the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are less tangible and include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and reduced quality of life. Because these damages are subjective, they can vary widely based on the specifics of your case.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the truck driver or trucking company’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Common scenarios with Houston truck accidents

Truck accidents are just as varied as car accidents – and happen for just as many reasons from multiple types of human error to mechanical failure and adverse road conditions.

However, truck drivers are professional drivers. While this should mean that they are more experienced and careful on the roads, Truck drivers also frequently spend hours behind the wheel covering massive distances. There is more chance of driver fatigue or complacency affecting them than most other road users.

As trucking companies look to maximize profits, greater pressure may be placed on drivers to do longer shifts in some circumstances, which greatly compromises safety.

An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer can deal with cases to delve into uncovering whether a driver was on an excessively long shift behind the wheel at the time of the accident and driver fatigue was likely to have been a contributing factor in the accident.

The trucking company may also be at fault in this scenario, as well as the driver. And if the brakes are shown to be faulty, the truck manufacturer may also be liable. With the potential for multiple parties to be at fault for the accident, truck accident compensation claims can rapidly become extremely complex.

Tackling such a complicated scenario without the assistance of an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of these sort of proceedings could cost you the compensation you deserve.

‘Hours of Service’ rules

There are thousands of large truck accidents each year in the US.

Accidents caused by truck drivers who fell asleep at the wheel were climbing until the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) instituted the hours of service rules.

These rules imposed strict limits on the number of consecutive hours that truck drivers can drive without a break. Currently, drivers can spend no more than 11 hours behind the wheel and must have 10 consecutive off-duty hours before they begin their next driving shift.

These rules have reduced the number of large truck collisions but there are still too many – and many drivers ignore the limits, either by choice or feeling pressurized by their employers.

Common Truck Accident Types

Several types of truck accidents frequently occur:

Jackknife Accidents

Accidents occur when the trailer swings out from behind the truck, forming a 90-degree angle. They are often caused by sudden braking or slippery road conditions.

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their size and weight, trucks take longer to stop. If a truck driver follows too closely, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid rear-ending another vehicle.

Underride Accidents

These occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck’s trailer, often resulting in fatal injuries.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. If truck drivers fail to check these blind spots before changing lanes or turning, they can collide with vehicles they cannot see.

Tire Blowouts

A blowout can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to a severe accident.

Rollovers

These accidents can happen if a truck takes a turn too quickly or if the cargo shifts suddenly, causing the truck to tip over.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need more space to make turns. If drivers misjudge the turn, they can collide with vehicles or pedestrians.

T-Bone Collisions

It occurs when a truck runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of another vehicle.

Head-On Collisions

These are among the most deadly types of accidents, often resulting from a truck driver crossing the center line into oncoming traffic.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Damages Suffered in a Trucking Collision in Texas?

In Texas, determining liability in a truck accident involves a comprehensive analysis of the accident’s circumstances and the parties involved. Due to the complex nature of such accidents, multiple entities might be held accountable for the damages suffered. The following outlines the primary parties that could be held liable:

Truck Driver

If the driver was negligent, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service rules, they could be liable for the accident.

Trucking Company

The company that employs the driver may be liable if it fails to train the driver properly, enforces unsafe driving practices, or neglects truck maintenance.

Cargo Loaders:

If improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident, the individuals or companies responsible for loading the truck could be held accountable.

Truck Manufacturer

If a defect in the truck or its parts (such as brakes or tires) caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.

Maintenance Companies

If the accident was due to improper maintenance, the company responsible for the truck could be at fault.

Other Negligent Drivers

In some cases, another driver’s negligence may have caused the truck to crash.

Client Testimonials and Success Stories

DeHoyos Accident Attorneys have successfully represented numerous clients in 18-wheeler accident cases, helping them secure the compensation they deserve. For example, one client was severely injured in a jackknife accident. 

Ryan DeHoyos and his team meticulously investigated the case, proving that the truck driver had violated hours-of-service rules. The client received a substantial settlement covering medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur from a blow to the head during an accident. These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive and physical abilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other permanent disabilities, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.

Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

Broken bones and other orthopedic injuries are joint in truck accidents, often requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and require extensive physical therapy.

Whiplash

Whiplash, a common injury in rear-end collisions, occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing pain and stiffness.

Injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Houston? Contact Our Houston Truck Accident Attorneys Today!

Whether a negligent or reckless truck driver was partly or wholly to blame for your accident, the team at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC will work tirelessly to help you claim compensation for your injuries and losses.

For a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident attorney, start by booking online or call (832) 745-4878. We receive no fee unless we win compensation for your injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average settlement for a commercial truck accident with an injury?

It’s not possible to answer this question meaningfully without determining fault and knowing the extent of the injury and other losses, including loss of earnings, pain, and suffering (physical and emotional), loss of quality of life, and so on.

We can usually provide an approximate estimate of compensation after your free case evaluation, where we will gather all the details of your accident, so please contact us today for a free online consultation.

What causes most truck accidents in Houston, Texas?

Common causes of accidents involving commercial trucks include:

• Lack of driver training
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Defective or faulty truck parts
• Braking problems
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Prescription drug use
• Driver’s lack of familiarity with the route
• Roadway hazards
• Trucking companies allowing unsafe truck drivers to continue driving

What is the Texas statute of limitations on truck accident claims?

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in the Houston area, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Delaying the process or trying to handle a claim on your own could limit the compensation that you receive – don’t take the chance. Contact an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer to weigh up your options.

How Do I Prove Negligence for the Truck Accident?

Proving negligence in a truck accident involves demonstrating that the truck driver or another responsible party failed to act reasonably, leading to the accident. To establish negligence, you’ll need to prove four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: Show that the truck driver owed you a duty of care. This is usually straightforward, as all drivers are legally responsible for operating their vehicles safely.
2. Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the truck driver or another party breached this duty. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic laws.
3. Causation: Prove that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. This often requires evidence like accident reports, witness testimony, and expert analysis.
4. Damages: Provide proof of the damages you suffered due to the accident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

What Does it Cost to Hire the Top-rated Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston?

Hiring a top-rated truck accident lawyer in Houston typically works on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees; the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award you receive. 

If your case is successful, the attorney will take a pre-agreed percentage (usually around 30-40%) of the compensation you recover. 

You don’t owe any legal fees if you don’t win your case. This arrangement ensures that your attorney is motivated to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Houston Truck Accidents Infographic