Houston Truck Accident Lawyers

Trucking companies play a vital role in Texas and the nation’s economy, but the owners and operators of large commercial trucks are also significantly responsible for road safety. Commercial truck accidents cause some of our highways’ most severe and devastating accidents. Dealing with trucking companies, insurance adjusters, and complex legal issues after a truck accident can be overwhelming for recent injury victims. 

That is where we come in. Our Houston truck accident lawyers at The de la Garza Law Group are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation truck accident victims deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck crash, do not face this difficult situation alone. Contact us for a free case consultation and review. If we represent you, you can be confident that we will dedicate the time, effort, care, and experience your case deserves.

Important Houston, TX Truck Accident Statistics 

Truck crashes are a serious and growing problem in Texas. Hundreds of thousands of these incidents occur annually across the country, and the trend has worsened over the last ten years. Federal data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reveals the severity of the issue, with 4,479 fatal crashes and 114,000 injury crashes reported in the most recent year.

Texas’s robust freight industry moves 1.5 billion tons of goods across 8.1 billion miles of its highway freight network annually. However, this extensive trucking activity comes at a cost: Texas experiences 38,149 commercial truck accidents each year, with a disproportionate number—5,743—occurring in Houston and the surrounding area. Approximately one in six truck accidents in Texas happens in Harris County.

As the most populous city in Texas, Houston experiences heavy traffic and a high volume of commercial trucks. Truck accidents are unfortunately frequent, and freight and trucking are vital to the city’s economy. Pursuing justice through personal injury claims and lawsuits compensates victims and serves as a deterrent, potentially preventing future tragedies. You can also check out our Texas truck accident fact sheet for more information on statistics.

The de la Garza Law Group Can Help Gather the Critical Evidence You Need to Support Your Truck Accident Claim

Figuring out the cause of a semi-truck accident can be complex, often involving multiple contributing factors and multiple vehicles. Untangling the sequence of events and accurately assessing their impact requires a thorough investigation. An experienced Houston truck accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all contributing factors. This investigation may involve examining various pieces of evidence, including:

• Official reports from law enforcement
• Documentation of physical damage to vehicles, roadways, and surrounding property
• Data retrieved from the truck’s electronic logging devices (ELDs), also known as black boxes
• Photographic evidence of the accident scene
• Video footage from surveillance cameras or dashcams
• Internal policies and procedures of the trucking company
• Driver logs, maintenance records, and other company records
• Records of past safety violations by the trucking company
• Manufacturing history and records related to the truck
• Driving history of the involved truck driver
• Results of drug and alcohol tests
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• Testimony from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists

By carefully analyzing this evidence, your truck accident attorney will work to establish liability and determine which party or parties are at fault. In serious truck accidents, uncovering negligent practices helps secure compensation for the victim and prevent future tragedies. 

For instance, if a trucking company’s policies encourage driver fatigue through excessive work hours, this negligence can lead to devastating accidents. Truck accident attorneys strive to hold such companies accountable and ensure they implement safer practices to protect the public.

The Most Causes of Truck Accidents in Houston and How They Affect Your Claim

Truck accidents arise from a complex interplay of factors, and determining the root cause is essential for establishing liability. Thorough investigations often uncover a combination of driver-related errors and vehicle-related issues, including:

• Driver-related causes are frequently a significant factor. Driver fatigue with long hours, tight deadlines, and insufficient rest can severely impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and alertness, increasing the risk of errors. Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use, impairs a driver’s ability to drive a truck.
• Unsafe driving practices such as speeding, misjudging turns, following too closely (tailgating), violating traffic laws, running red lights, or ignoring stop signs further increase the risk of collisions. 
• Inadequate driver knowledge caused by poor screening processes, hiring practices, or required training by trucking companies can put inexperienced or unqualified drivers on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Improper loading practices, including overloading beyond legal limits or failing to distribute cargo evenly, can affect a truck’s stability and handling. 
• Improperly hitched trailers or unsecured cargo pose a serious danger, as shifting loads can cause the truck to lose control or spill cargo onto the roadway. 
• Mechanical failures and defects stemming from negligent manufacturing or inadequate maintenance are another frequent cause of truck accidents. Tire blowouts, brake system failure, problems with the powertrain system, including the engine, transmission, and other components, and steering system malfunctions can make it difficult for the driver to control the truck’s direction.
• Violations of safety regulations, such as neglecting required maintenance checks, ignoring hours-of-service rules, and exceeding weight limits, can lead to serious accidents.

These types of truck accidents show that various parties may be held responsible. In addition to the truck driver, commercial trucking companies, cargo loaders, repair and maintenance shops, and manufacturers should be investigated for further liability. Your truck accident lawyer will investigate what party or parties should be pursued for legal action.

Collecting Financial Compensation for Your Losses

Injury victims in Texas have the right to pursue compensatory damages from the at-fault party or their insurance provider. These damages are categorized as either economic or non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages represent the tangible financial losses directly resulting from the accident. These compensatory damages aim to restore the victim to their pre-accident financial state and include quantifiable expenses, such as medical expenses, lost pay, and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible, non-monetary losses associated with the accident. Primary examples include pain and distress, reduced life expectancy, disfigurement, scarring, and overall reduced quality of life. 

These are more subjective and difficult to assign a specific dollar value to, but they represent the real and significant impact the accident has had on the victim’s life. Experienced truck accident lawyers use their knowledge of past truck accident settlements, expert testimony, and different calculations to fully estimate these losses’ extent. Texas has no legal limit on the amount of non-economic damages that can be awarded. 

Potential Punitive Damages

In certain truck accident cases in Texas, punitive damages may be awarded. This award is not intended to compensate the victim for any losses but rather to punish those liable and deter similar behavior in the future. 

To receive punitive damages, the victim must provide clear and convincing evidence of fraud, malice, or gross negligence on the defendant’s part. A clear example of gross negligence would be a truck accident directly caused by a driver operating the vehicle while severely intoxicated.

Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Houston Can Negotiate on Your Behalf

Once your damages have been assessed, your legal team will draft and send a formal demand to the responsible party or their insurance company. This letter outlines your losses, establishes their liability, and specifies the compensation you seek. The goal of this demand letter is to initiate productive negotiations and, ideally, resolve the matter without resorting to litigation. The de la Garza Law Group can provide assistance in crafting and delivering a compelling demand letter.

A well-written demand letter can expedite the settlement process and often resolves disputes before a formal lawsuit becomes necessary. While it’s possible to draft a demand letter independently, engaging an attorney ensures that the letter incorporates accurate legal references, presents compelling evidence of liability, and includes a fair and well-supported calculation of the requested compensation. After receiving the demand letter, several outcomes are possible:

The opposing party may sometimes accept your terms and begin processing your settlement payment. More frequently, they will respond with a counteroffer, initiating a negotiation process where both sides work toward a mutually acceptable agreement. In other situations, the opposing party may reject the demand outright and refuse to negotiate. If this occurs, filing a lawsuit may be the next appropriate step.

When You Should Consider Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Houston, TX

Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line, employing legal jargon and manipulative tactics to pressure claimants into accepting inadequate settlements. Having an experienced legal team on your side provides invaluable support in securing the compensation you deserve. If negotiations with insurance prove to be going nowhere, whether denying your claim outright or refusing to settle for a fair amount, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit is a significant decision that should be made in consultation with your attorney. They will understand the specific circumstances of your case and determine if you should decide to take your case to court. Check out our FAQs or contact a Houston truck accident attorney from The de la Garza Law Group for answers to any further questions you may have.

Truck Accidents Can Cause Devastating Injuries to Victims

Commercial trucks’ typically weigh between 25,000 and 35,000 pounds before cargo is even factored in—creating a significant disparity compared to standard passenger vehicles. This size difference often leads to catastrophic consequences in collisions, with severe injuries and fatalities being more prevalent. Truck accidents cause a range of devastating injuries, including:

• Bone fractures and breaks
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Burns (both chemical and physical)
• Neck strain (whiplash)
• Crush injuries
• Loss of motor function (paralysis)
• Limb loss and permanent disfigurement
• Damage to internal organs
• Emotional and mental distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Due to the often severe nature of these injuries, recovery can be a long process, spanning months or even years. In some cases, permanent disabilities requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation leave victims requiring life-long care. Holding those responsible for these accidents accountable is essential to provide victims with the necessary support for their recovery and promote safer practices within the trucking industry.

Following a truck accident, seek prompt medical attention, regardless of how you feel. Some injuries may not present immediate symptoms, and a medical evaluation establishes a crucial link between the accident and any resulting health issues. Medical professionals are trained to identify and document accident-related injuries, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment and begin your recovery journey. Retain all medical records, bills, treatment plans, and other related documentation, as these documents serve as vital evidence for your personal injury claim.

Client Focused, Trial Proven Truck Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

Pursuing compensation after a truck accident is a complicated legal process, with multiple possible liable entities and injured parties. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer allows you to have an advocate who understands how to protect your rights best and enables you to focus on recovery. 

One of the most compelling reasons to work with a lawyer is their proven track record. Examining a firm’s case results proves its success in handling similar cases. These results demonstrate the firm’s ability to secure favorable client outcomes through settlements or jury verdicts. Furthermore, reading testimonials from past clients offers valuable insights into the firm’s approach, communication style, and dedication to client satisfaction. These testimonials provide firsthand accounts of the lawyer’s positive impact on their clients’ lives during a difficult time.

When you work with The de la Garza Law Group, you know we advocate for you throughout the process. We will provide crucial support and guidance, explain complex legal concepts clearly, and communicate throughout. 

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact The de la Garza Law Group Today

If you were injured in a truck accident in Houston, taking immediate legal action helps protect your rights and maximize the compensation you may claim. Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of accident victims and their families. We will help you understand the legal jargon and complex paperwork requirements to fight for a fair settlement and put you on the right track.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not owe us any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery without any added financial stress. Do not delay. Schedule a free consultation with us today to get started in getting justice for your injuries and losses.