If you’ve been injured or tragically lost a loved one in a truck accident in Houston, Texas, you need experienced legal representation to fight for your rights. Collisions involving large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers are often devastating, and navigating the aftermath can be incredibly complex. At Smith & Hassler, our Houston truck accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable and securing the maximum compensation you deserve. With over 30 years of experience serving the Houston community, we have a proven track record of success and a reputation for being aggressive advocates for our clients.
Learn what crucial steps to take immediately if you are involved in an 18-wheeler or big rig accident.
The sheer size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles contribute to the catastrophic nature of these accidents. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer dwarfs the average 5,000-pound car, meaning the occupants of the smaller vehicle often bear the brunt of the impact.
Truck accident infographic
Furthermore, truck accident claims are rarely straightforward. Unlike typical car accidents, these cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties, including trucking companies, drivers, shipping companies, and more. Trucking companies also have significant insurance coverage and deploy teams of lawyers to minimize payouts. Attempting to navigate this complex legal landscape alone puts you at a severe disadvantage. Fortunately, our skilled Houston truck accident lawyers possess the experience and resources to level the playing field and fight for your best interests.
“After a terrible traffic accident, Smith and Hassler were a true blessing. They handled everything with such patience and understanding, providing much-needed peace of mind during a painful and confusing time. They ensured we received the necessary medical care and fought tirelessly to get us the compensation we deserved from all responsible insurance parties. I wholeheartedly recommend Smith and Hassler.” — Florence F., Client
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Truck Accident Claims
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Houston Truck Accident?
Determining liability after a truck accident is often more complicated than in car accident cases. Due to the commercial nature of trucking, several parties may be responsible for your injuries and damages if negligence was a factor. These parties can include:
Damaged vehicles at the scene of a truck accident in Houston
- The Truck Driver: Driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, is a frequent cause of truck accidents.
- The Trucking Company: Companies can be liable for negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, forcing drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, or failing to maintain their vehicles properly.
- Shipping Companies & Load Brokers: If improper loading or unsecured cargo contributes to an accident, the shipping company or broker responsible for the load may be liable.
- Truck Manufacturers: Defective truck parts or manufacturing flaws that cause an accident can lead to manufacturer liability.
- Third Parties: In some cases, other drivers, contractors, or entities may contribute to the accident and share liability.
Given this complexity, consulting with a Houston truck accident lawyer is crucial to identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Considering hiring a lawyer after a rear-end collision? Click here to learn more.
What Are the Common Types of Truck Accidents in Houston?
The immense size and unique handling characteristics of commercial trucks mean they can be involved in a wide range of accident types. Some of the most frequent and dangerous truck accidents include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Trucks, due to their weight and braking distance, can easily cause devastating rear-end collisions with smaller vehicles.
- Underride Accidents: These horrific accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck trailer, often leading to severe or fatal injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks with high centers of gravity, especially when carrying unsecured or liquid cargo, are susceptible to rollovers, particularly on curves or during sudden maneuvers.
- Jackknife Accidents: When a truck driver loses control, the trailer can swing out and form a 90-degree angle with the cab, creating a jackknife situation that blocks roadways and causes collisions.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Large trucks have significant blind spots, and accidents occur when drivers merge, turn, or change lanes without properly checking these areas, colliding with vehicles they couldn’t see.
- Head-On Collisions: Though less frequent, head-on collisions with large trucks are almost always catastrophic due to the combined forces of the vehicles.
Tragically, fatal truck accidents are a significant concern. Statistics show that a large percentage of fatalities in truck accidents involve occupants of passenger vehicles, highlighting the vulnerability of those sharing the road with these massive vehicles. Whether you have been involved in a rear-end collision, underride accident, rollover, or any other type of truck crash, a Houston truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Get immediate answers to your truck accident questions and learn about your legal rights.
What are the Primary Causes of Truck Accidents in Houston?
Many truck accidents are preventable and stem from the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies. Common examples of negligence that lead to truck accidents include:
In one recent year, nearly 5,000 lives were lost in crashes involving large trucks
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding speed limits or driving aggressively, especially in adverse weather conditions, significantly increases accident risk for large trucks.
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Truck drivers must adhere to traffic laws and yield appropriately, and failing to do so is a common cause of collisions.
- Driving Under the Influence: Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and incredibly dangerous, and unfortunately, it still occurs in the trucking industry.
- Drowsy Driving and Fatigue: Federal hours-of-service regulations are in place to prevent driver fatigue, but violations and pressure to meet deadlines can lead to drowsy driving accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, using cell phones, or eating while driving are major contributors to all types of accidents, including truck crashes.
- Overweight Trucks and Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can destabilize trucks, leading to accidents.
- Inadequate Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets, and neglecting maintenance can result in mechanical failures and accidents.
- Mechanical Defects: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause truck accidents, and liability may rest with the trucking company or even the manufacturer in some cases.
- Hiring Unqualified or Inexperienced Drivers: Trucking companies have a responsibility to hire qualified and properly trained drivers. Negligent hiring practices can put unqualified drivers on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a Houston truck accident caused by any form of trucker or trucking company negligence, our experienced legal team can help you pursue justice and fair compensation.
Let a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Manage Your Claim
Trucking companies typically carry substantial insurance policies, reflecting the potential for significant damages in truck accidents. This also means they will aggressively defend against claims to protect their profits. You need a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer to advocate for you and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Our attorneys have the expertise to conduct thorough investigations into your truck accident, gather crucial evidence, and build a compelling legal case on your behalf. We are prepared to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for a just verdict. We are committed to recovering maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We understand the financial strain that often follows a truck accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Contact our Houston truck accident lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
“When a dump truck totaled my car, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. The insurance company was unresponsive and unhelpful with my injury claim. Hiring Smith & Hassler was the best decision I made. Daragh Carter and his team were exceptional. They fought tirelessly against the insurance companies, including my own, and ultimately secured a settlement that was far more than I could have achieved on my own. I am incredibly grateful for their expertise and highly recommend them to anyone needing a personal injury lawyer.” – Reed, Client
