Houston Truck Accident Lawyers

Injured in an Accident Involving a Negligent Truck Driver in Houston, TX?

We share the road with large commercial trucks every day, and though they can be intimidating, we generally expect the drivers inside them to be responsible, well-trained operators. When things go wrong, the resulting collision can be fatal. Every year, truck accidents cause severe injuries and countless dollars in property damage. Even with responsible operators behind the wheel, trucks are susceptible to causing accidents with disastrous results.

Due to the enormous power of commercial trucks, truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences for all parties involved, and it can be challenging to know what to do when they happen. Even worse, truck accidents are often the result of multiple parties’ negligence, not just the driver’s. Accident victims should enlist the aid of an experienced truck accident lawyer who can provide them with valuable legal advice and representation.

Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents on our roadways. Our Houston truck accident attorneys at Hilliard Law are adept at getting their clients the best possible compensation. If you've been injured in a commercial truck accident, we are ready to fight for you!

Request a free initial consultation with our Houston truck accident lawyer by calling (866) 927-3420 or filling out our online contact form today.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Truck accidents occur in many different ways, often depending on the conditions of the road, the driver’s behavior, and the mechanical state of the vehicle. Some of the most common types of semi-truck accidents we handle include:

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, forming a “V” shape, it can cause multi-vehicle pileups.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to their weight, trucks require longer stopping distances. A moment of distraction can lead to a devastating rear-end crash.
• Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles can become trapped underneath a trailer when a truck stops suddenly or turns without warning.
• Rollover Accidents: High speeds, improper loading, or sudden turns can cause a big rig to tip over, crushing nearby vehicles.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Truck drivers have significant blind spots on all sides. When they fail to check these areas before changing lanes, serious accidents can occur.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks often need extra room to turn, and misjudging this space can lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Each of these accident types requires detailed investigation, often involving accident reconstruction experts and black box data from the truck.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to follow strict safety regulations, but negligence remains a leading cause of accidents in Houston. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Federal law limits the number of hours a truck driver can operate, yet violations remain common. Fatigue reduces reaction time and alertness.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems can easily divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines may exceed speed limits or make risky maneuvers.
• Improper Loading: Uneven or overweight cargo can cause loss of control or rollover accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other maintenance issues can make a truck unsafe to operate.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use — including prescription medication — can impair a driver’s judgment and coordination.
• Negligent Hiring and Supervision: Some trucking companies fail to properly screen or train their drivers, leading to preventable accidents.

Identifying the root cause of a crash is crucial. Your attorney at Hilliard Law will work with accident reconstruction specialists and investigators to determine who is responsible — whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, or a parts manufacturer.

Common Big Rig Accident Injuries

Because commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, collisions often result in catastrophic injuries. Victims may face long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and loss of income. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Internal Organ Damage
• Severe Burns
• Crush Injuries and Amputations
• Wrongful Death

At Hilliard Law, we understand how overwhelming recovery can be. Our legal team helps you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

Federal Trucking Laws

The trucking industry is regulated by both state and federal laws to ensure safety on the road. Key regulations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: Govern how many hours a driver can operate before mandatory rest periods.
• Maintenance and Inspection Requirements: Carriers must routinely inspect and repair vehicles to maintain road safety.
• Weight and Cargo Regulations: Trucks must not exceed certain weight limits and must properly secure loads.
• Driver Qualification Standards: Drivers must hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and meet physical fitness standards.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Required to record driving hours electronically, reducing the risk of falsified logbooks.

Violations of these rules can provide critical evidence in a personal injury claim. Our Houston truck accident attorneys know how to obtain driver logs, maintenance records, and GPS data to prove negligence and liability.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost Wages: Income lost while you recover from your injuries.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to work in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and physical pain caused by the crash.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If your loved one was killed in a truck accident, you may recover funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve under Texas law.

Truck Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Who can be held liable for a truck accident?

Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and even manufacturers of defective truck parts.

What should I do after a truck accident in Houston?

Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene, collect witness information, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?

Yes. Truck accident cases are complex, involving multiple parties and federal regulations. A skilled Houston truck accident lawyer can help maximize your recovery.

How much does it cost to hire Hilliard Law?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs — we only get paid if we win your case.

Schedule a free consultation to find out more about what we can do for you by calling us at (866) 927-3420 or filling out our contact form.