Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are far too common on the roads of Houston. Every day, innocent people are injured or even killed in collisions with 18-wheelers on I-10 or the 610 Loop. These crashes often leave behind a trail of devastation and pain. If you or a loved one has recently suffered injuries in a serious truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact a Houston truck accident lawyer at The Nguyen Injury Law Firm to discuss your case and your legal options during a free consultation.

Why Choose The Nguyen Injury Law Firm?

When you face the resources of a large trucking company, you need a legal advocate with specific knowledge and a strong local presence. Our lawyers have deep roots in the Houston metropolitan area and a concentrated focus on personal injury, giving our clients a distinct advantage. We know the commercial arteries where devastating wrecks happen, from I-10 and the Katy Freeway to the surface streets around Houston’s industrial parks and the Port of Houston. Our familiarity with the area allows us to investigate with speed and precision. The key to a successful truck accident claim lies in the details, and we work swiftly to preserve evidence like driver logbooks, black box data, and maintenance records to build a compelling case that will stand up in Harris County courts. Our track record demonstrates our commitment; we prepare every case for trial, a strategy that strengthens our position in any settlement negotiation and dedicates our full resources to pursuing the maximum compensation for your injuries.

The Complexities of a Houston Truck Accident Case

You cannot approach a semi-truck accident claim the same way you would a minor fender-bender. Our Houston commercial truck attorneys tailor our strategy specifically for your case, understanding both Texas state law and the federal regulations that impact your claim. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes a long list of detailed rules on trucking companies, controlling everything from driver work hours and vehicle maintenance to cargo loading and drug testing. A violation of these rules can serve as strong evidence of negligence.

Unlike a typical car crash, a commercial truck wreck can involve numerous defendants who share liability under Texas’s proportionate responsibility laws. Our detailed investigation helps identify every responsible party, which may include:

• The Truck Driver: Errors like speeding on the Sam Houston Tollway, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued.

• The Motor Carrier: Negligent hiring, poor training, pressuring drivers to break rules, or failing to maintain their fleet.

• The Cargo Shipper: Improperly loaded or overweight trailers that cause the truck to lose control.

• The Truck or Parts Manufacturer: Defects in crucial components like brakes or tires that lead to equipment failure.

Furthermore, trucking corporations are protected by large insurance policies handled by specialized adjusters whose job is to limit or deny your claim. They may push for a quick, lowball settlement or try to get you to provide a recorded statement they can use against you. It is crucial to let your attorney from The Nguyen Injury Law Firm manage all communications with these representatives.

Our Investigative Process for Houston Truck Accidents

Evidence from a crash disappears quickly, and corporate records can be challenging to secure without legal action. Our team moves immediately to obtain the proof needed to support your claim. Your Houston truck accident lawyer will issue legal notices to the trucking company to preserve the vehicle’s black box recorder (ECM), driver work logs, and all maintenance records. We may hire accident reconstruction experts to visit the collision site on the Gulf Freeway or Highway 288 to document physical evidence and analyze road conditions. We also identify and interview witnesses to secure independent accounts and consult with Houston medical specialists, economic experts, and trucking safety experts to document your damages and identify failures to follow industry safety standards. This comprehensive approach ensures that no stone is left unturned in building an airtight case that holds all negligent parties fully accountable.

Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim

Calculating the true value of your claim means accounting for every single loss the accident has caused, ensuring your family’s long-term stability. Our Houston truck accident lawyers pursue compensation for both tangible financial losses and intangible personal harm, making sure your recovery accounts for Houston’s high medical costs and the impact on your earning capacity. Common damages we pursue under Texas law include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all your bills for emergency care at facilities like Houston Methodist or Memorial Hermann, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann, and any anticipated future medical needs.

• Lost Income: Compensation for the wages and benefits you lost while unable to work during your recovery.

• Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries are long-term or permanent, this accounts for the loss of your ability to earn at the same level as before the accident.

• Pain and Suffering: This payment addresses the physical pain and discomfort you have experienced because of your injuries.

• Emotional Anguish: Compensation for the serious emotional and psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Wrecks in Houston

The pressure to meet deadlines and maximize profits can cause some trucking companies to compromise on safety, leading to dangerous patterns of negligence. Our attorneys have the experience to expose these hazardous practices. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: The paid-by-the-mile system may pressure drivers to violate federal Hours-of-Service rules, leading to drowsy driving on Houston’s 24-hour freight corridors.

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who use cell phones or GPS can cause a catastrophe in seconds, and while Texas law prohibits texting while driving, enforcement remains a challenge.

• Excessive Speed: A fully loaded tractor-trailer requires the length of a football field to stop, making speeding especially dangerous in Houston’s frequent stop-and-go traffic on I-45 and I-69.

• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Brake failures and tire blowouts are often traced to a company’s failure to perform required inspections and repairs, a problem accelerated by Houston’s hot, humid climate.

• Inadequate Driver Screening: Some carriers fail to conduct proper background checks, allowing reckless drivers on the road.

• Weather Conditions: Houston’s sudden thunderstorms, fog, and flooding create hazardous conditions that require commercial drivers to exercise extra caution.

Key Texas Laws That Impact Your Truck Accident Claim

Two specific Texas laws directly influence your ability to file a claim and the amount of compensation you can receive.

The first is the Texas Statute of Limitations, which sets a firm two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your claim in Harris County courts within this window, your case will almost certainly be rejected. It is crucial to act quickly, especially if a government truck was involved, as that deadline shortens to just six months.

The second is Proportionate Responsibility. This Texas law states that you can still recover damages as long as you are found 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your final damage award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a Harris County jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 10% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $90,000. However, if you are found 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any compensation.

Resources for Houston Truck Accident Victims

Recovering from a truck accident involves more than just legal action. Here are some valuable Houston-area resources that may assist you during your recovery.

Houston Medical Centers Specializing in Trauma Care:

• Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center: Level I Trauma Center with specialized care.

• Houston Methodist Hospital: Comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation services.

• TIRR Memorial Hermann: World-renowned rehabilitation facility for serious injuries.

• Ben Taub Hospital: Level I Trauma Center serving Harris County residents.

Support Groups and Counseling Services:

• Brain Injury Association of Texas – Houston Chapter: Support groups for TBI survivors.

• The Hope and Healing Center: Trauma counseling for accident victims.

• Family Houston: Counseling and practical support for families.