Have you been seriously injured in an accident with a large truck or 18‑wheeler on a Houston highway? A Houston truck accident lawyer from Gibson Hill Personal Injury can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Gibson Hill Personal Injury is recognized for handling truck accident cases in Houston and has a track record of securing verdicts and settlements in 18‑wheeler accident matters. Our experienced truck accident lawyer team has the knowledge and results needed to handle even complex claims.
Contact us for a free case review.
We Understand What You’re Going Through
We know injuries from a truck accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, time off work affects your income, and the uncertainty of recovery can cause significant stress. Truck accidents often result in substantial financial challenges because of these medical costs and lost wages, making experienced legal help important for many victims.
Truck accident victims often need to file personal injury claims to recover damages for their injuries. These cases are often more complex than regular car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties and regulations.
When a trucking company or insurer offers a quick settlement, it might seem like relief. However, these early offers often fall short of fairly compensating truck accident victims. Accepting one too soon might limit your rights to full recovery for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation with our Houston Attorneys
Don’t let trucking companies take advantage of your situation. Get Gibson Hill Personal Injury on your side.
Our Houston truck accident attorneys have the knowledge and resources to take on trucking companies, insurers, and their attorneys. Truck accident cases are generally more complicated than car accidents because of the state and federal regulations that apply. Having an attorney familiar with these rules can affect the outcome of your case.
Call (713) 659-4000 today to discuss your potential claim. You can also read our client testimonials or contact us online to set up a free and confidential consultation.
What Are Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are collisions involving large commercial vehicles, such as semi‑trucks, 18‑wheelers, and tractor‑trailers that share the road with passenger vehicles. Because of their size and weight, these crashes can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities—particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles.
Truck accidents happen frequently on Houston roads and throughout Texas, involving not only semi‑trucks but also other commercial trucks. These incidents can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. Such accidents may arise from issues like distracted driving, fatigue, improper maintenance, or other forms of negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. Since commercial trucks are regulated under both federal and Texas state law, determining liability can be complicated. Responsible parties may include the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer.
Victims often experience severe injuries, ongoing medical expenses, loss of income, and long rehabilitation periods. Handling insurance claims or legal proceedings without representation can be stressful, so having a knowledgeable Houston truck accident lawyer to guide you through the process and protect your rights can be helpful.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in Houston, contact a qualified attorney who has held negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. The right legal support allows you to focus on your recovery while your law firm manages the details of your claim.
Why Hire a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer From Gibson Hill?
Large truck accidents are complicated cases. [Firm-name] handles truck accident and truck wreck cases throughout Texas. As Texas truck accident attorneys, we have experience with commercial truck crashes and are familiar with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Qualified truck accident lawyers understand the federal and state laws that regulate trucking operations—knowledge that can help strengthen your case. Trucking companies and their insurers often seek quick settlements to limit costs. At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we prioritize truck accident clients over case numbers, work to protect their rights, and carefully investigate liability. With the necessary resources, we identify key evidence that supports accountability for your injuries. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help improve your chances of a fair result.
We Specialize in Houston Truck Accident Claims
Victims should consider hiring a truck accident lawyer who understands how to handle these complex cases. Truck accidents involve multiple potentially responsible parties, including trucking companies and insurers, who may focus on limiting payouts.
Attorneys handling semi‑truck accident cases can guide clients through the truck accident lawsuit process, which often requires extensive evidence gathering and expert testimony. The legal process for truck accident claims typically involves gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and possibly going to trial.
A truck accident lawyer can gather crucial evidence, determine liability, and advocate effectively for fair compensation. These cases tend to be more involved than ordinary auto collisions because of the overlapping responsibilities between parties and the regulations that apply. Having a lawyer who understands both state and federal trucking law helps protect victims’ interests and evens the playing field when negotiating with large corporations or insurers.
Gathering Evidence for Your Truck Accident Claim
Some of the most crucial evidence our Houston truck accident attorneys will obtain includes:
- Crash report
- Statements from witnesses
- Copies of your medical records and bills
- All available insurance policies
- Video surveillance of the collision
- Photos from the accident scene
- Damage estimates of all vehicles involved
- The truck driver’s employment history and driving records
- Maintenance, inspection, and repair reports of the commercial truck from the trucking company
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties—including commercial truck drivers, trucking companies, and others—may share responsibility. Truck accident cases often require expert testimony to establish liability and the extent of damages. An experienced truck accident lawyer should understand hours‑of‑service rules, driver qualification standards, and maintenance requirements for commercial truck drivers, as well as federal and state trucking laws.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is a critical step in the legal process. This process typically involves gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and possibly going to trial to seek compensation you may be owed.
You won’t have to handle any step of the legal process yourself. We will determine how much insurance coverage is available and file a claim. When the time comes, our Houston truck accident lawyers will work hard to negotiate a settlement aimed at covering your expenses. If we cannot reach an agreement with the insurance company, we can file a lawsuit against them and the at‑fault party.
Steps to Take After an Accident With a Truck
Accidents involving trucks can lead to catastrophic damage and life‑threatening injuries. Protecting your rights after a truck accident is important. Before proceeding with a legal case, you should follow these steps to help ensure crucial evidence isn’t lost or destroyed.
At the Scene of the Accident
- Call law enforcement to report the collision. You must notify the Texas Department of Transportation if any accident results in an injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. If an officer arrives to investigate, they will submit the report on your behalf.
- Move your vehicle to a safe place. If it’s too dangerous to do so, leave it where it is and move to an area where you’re not in the way of oncoming traffic.
- Talk to witnesses to find out what they saw and write down their names and phone numbers.
- Get auto insurance and license information from all drivers involved. You should also ask the truck driver for their employer’s name and contact information.
After Leaving the Scene
- Go to the hospital. Don’t wait to seek treatment. Even if you believe you have minor injuries, you should still allow a doctor to evaluate you. Show up for all follow-up appointments, and don’t stop treating your injuries until your medical providers release you from their care.
- Speak With an experienced truck accident attorney.
- Bring your car to a repair shop and ask them to evaluate the damage. They will provide a report with an estimated cost of repairs.
- Report your accident to your auto insurance company; Gibson Hill Personal Injury can do so on your behalf. Most insurance policies specify a deadline, and some give you as little as thirty days to file. If you miss the deadline, you might be unable to recover compensation.
What Does an Accident Investigation Look Like?
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we know what it takes to perform a thorough investigation after commercial truck accidents. Commercial trucking companies operating large commercial vehicles must comply with federal and state regulations and carry insurance coverage to protect against liability in the event of accidents. Your Houston truck accident attorney will review every piece of evidence we can find to show that someone else’s actions contributed to your injuries.
Truck Accident Report
One of the most vital pieces of evidence we will request is a copy of the truck accident report. On it, we can find relevant information, such as:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Who the officer believes was at fault
- Description of the events leading up to the collision
- Name, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved
- Type and location of damage to every vehicle
- Names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses
- Any traffic citations issued
Witnesses are important in personal injury cases because they can confirm your version of events. If you tell the investigating officer that the truck driver was responsible, and they deny any amount of blame, a witness could back up your statement.
Medical Evidence
While treating your injuries, you should provide us with the doctors’ and facilities’ names and all related dates of treatment. We will request copies of your medical records and billing statements to document the timeline of your treatment and the costs you incurred. If your doctor places you at maximum medical improvement, we can ask for an estimated cost of any future care to include in your claim.
What Types of Damages Could You Be Entitled To?
You may be eligible for compensation if you were in a negligent truck accident. Such accidents often cause severe injuries, leading to medical bills and missed work.
Here are some examples of the types of compensation you may be entitled to:
- Current Medical Expenses – You may be able to recover the cost of your medical expenses, such as doctor’s visits, hospital bills, prescription drug costs, and the initial ambulance ride.
- Future Medical Expenses – If your injuries are severe, you may face an uphill recovery. You may be able to get compensation for the cost of long-term therapy, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
- Loss of Current Income – If your injuries prevented you from going to work, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Loss of Potential Future Earning Capacity – If your injuries are severe enough to make returning to your job impossible, you may also be able to recover compensation for an expected loss of future income.
- Pain and Suffering – You are undoubtedly going through a lot physically and emotionally following a traumatic event like a collision with a large truck. An experienced attorney may be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston can explain your options and help you pursue a fair settlement. Trucking companies may offer a low settlement hoping you’ll resolve the claim quickly, and accepting too soon can prevent you from obtaining full compensation later.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Texas topped the list as the number one deadliest state for commercial vehicle accidents in 2019. In one year, there were 408 fatal truck accident crashes. A total of 7,399 people sustained injuries, and another 462 people died.
While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration explicitly lays out the safety regulations that all truck drivers and their employers must adhere to, accidents continue to happen due to negligence and poor driving.
- Distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated driving is risky. Distractions can be texting, eating, or engaging with passengers. Driving when tired can lead to seeking other activities to stay alert. Some drivers might even use substances to stay awake.
- Speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions puts everyone at risk. When someone is traveling at a high rate of speed, it becomes difficult to avoid hazards on the road or come to a complete stop for traffic ahead.
- Driving with improperly loaded cargo occurs when the person responsible for loading a commercial truck doesn’t follow safety precautions or use the proper securement devices. The cargo could fall off and cause an accident.
- Unsafe passing or lane changes can occur due to trucks having larger blind spots than standard passenger cars.
A National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey found that 94% of vehicle-related accidents result from human error. That means most accidents could be prevented if negligence and poor judgment were taken out of the equation. Holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable for their trucking accidents sends the message that this behavior will not be tolerated.
Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
From 18‑wheelers to moving trucks to garbage trucks, large vehicles are essential to our economy but can create serious risks for other motorists. Because of their size and weight, they can cause significant damage when they collide with smaller vehicles. Truck wrecks involving a large commercial truck can result in more serious injuries and property damage compared to many typical car accidents.
The most common types of truck accidents include the following:
- Rollover accidents – When a commercial vehicle rolls onto its side, it can crush cars underneath it, causing life-threatening injuries to the occupants.
- Jackknife accidents – A truck jackknifes when the driver loses control, and the cab and trailer swing towards each other at a 90-degree angle.
- Rear-end collisions – Truck drivers that are tailgating typically cause a rear-end crash when they can’t slow down in time to avoid colliding with the back of another vehicle.
- Underride accidents – These accidents occur when a truck suddenly slows down or stops, and the vehicle behind it ends up underneath the trailer.
- T-bone accidents – Also referred to as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents mostly happen in intersections when a truck driver doesn’t stop at a red light or stop sign.
- Head-on collisions – When a commercial vehicle crashes into the front of a car, it can lead to severe injuries and fatalities, especially at high rates of speed.
- Lost load accidents – When the trucking company doesn’t implement adequate securement procedures, loose cargo can fall off the truck into oncoming traffic.
Liability and Negligence in Houston Truck Accidents
Determining liability and negligence is at the heart of every Houston truck accident case. When a collision with a commercial vehicle occurs, identifying who is responsible for the resulting injuries and damages is essential for truck accident victims seeking compensation. Texas law requires truck drivers and trucking companies to operate their vehicles safely and comply with applicable trucking laws and regulations. When these standards are not met and a truck accident happens, those who are injured in a truck crash may pursue claims against the negligent parties.
An experienced truck accident attorney in Houston can play an important role in uncovering the facts and establishing liability. Your accident lawyer will conduct an investigation, gathering evidence such as black box data, maintenance logs, and witness statements to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. This process may involve working with accident reconstruction experts and analyzing detailed records to understand how negligence contributed to the accident.
Liable parties in truck accidents can include not only the truck driver but also the trucking company, commercial truck manufacturers, cargo loaders, and even other drivers involved in the incident. In many Houston truck accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, making it even more important to have a truck accident lawyer on your side to identify all potential sources of liability.
To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, truck accident victims must generally show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent actions, and caused harm as a result. This requires familiarity with both state and federal trucking regulations and the ability to gather and interpret technical evidence.
Types of Injuries Suffered in Large Truck Collisions
Those who survive a crash with a large truck can suffer extensive and serious injuries that may take months or years to heal, and some people live with ongoing effects for the rest of their lives.
Truck accident injuries can be severe due to the size and force of large trucks, and in the case of a fatal truck accident, families may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
These are some of the more common types of injuries that can result from a large truck accident:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Concussion
- Serious head, neck, and spine injuries
- Broken or crushed cones
- Internal bleeding and damage to organs
- Soft tissue damage
- Burns
- Loss of limbs
- Wrongful death
Large trucks can weigh more than 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. You don’t have to sit down and do the math to know who will come out on top when an 80,000-pound semi-truck collides with a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle. Numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 72% of people killed in large-truck collisions are the occupants of other vehicles.
Significant injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, such as physical or occupational therapy or long‑term assistance. Many people do not initially consider these future needs when evaluating the overall cost of a crash.
What Is the Cost of a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Accident victims might choose not to seek legal representation in an attempt to save money. They may believe they’re better off handling their case alone so they don’t have to pay legal fees or costs, but people who don’t hire a Houston truck accident attorney usually receive lower compensation than those who do.
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we understand the financial struggles you may be facing. That’s why we take cases on a contingency fee basis: you won’t have to pay us upfront to represent you, and if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
Texas Truck Accident Stats
Houston Statutes That Could Impact Your Truck Accident Case
When you suffer injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, you must follow specific deadlines if you want to pursue financial compensation. Insurance companies usually provide a timeframe for filing claims; some give you as little as 24 hours, while others allow up to 30 or 60 days.
After your accident, you should request a copy of your policy to confirm how much time you have. You should also be aware of the statute of limitations for lawsuits. The statute of limitations for truck accidents in Texas is two years from the crash date. If the deadline passes, you could lose your right to pursue legal action against the truck driver or trucking company.
Contact one of our truck accident attorneys to discuss your case.
Accident Claims Process
Filing an insurance claim requires collecting evidence proving someone else was at fault and that you sustained injuries as a result. Texas’ fault system determines who’s financially responsible for the injured party’s damages. If the insurance company finds that the truck driver or trucking company caused the accident, they will become liable for your injuries.
The insurance company usually pays compensation in this type of situation. You should not have trouble collecting an adequate settlement if you can prove liability. The amount you receive will depend on various factors, including the truck driver’s insurance policy coverage.
All truck drivers must carry insurance with minimum liability limits. Those limits cover the victim’s expenses and losses associated with the injury. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires the following liability limits:
- $300,000 for commercial vehicles weighing under 10,001 pounds and carrying non-hazardous freight
- $750,000 for trucks over 10,000 pounds and carrying non-hazardous freight
- $1 million to $5 million for commercial trucks transporting hazardous materials
After determining how much insurance coverage is available, we will file the claim and gather sufficient evidence that proves you deserve compensation for your damages. We will send the insurance company a demand letter detailing the accident, your medical treatment timeline and the settlement amount we believe is fair. If they approve it, they will tender the limits on the policy. We can file a lawsuit if they deny your claim or try to negotiate for lower compensation.
Truck Accident Lawsuits in Houston
A lawsuit can be a time-consuming and complicated process. We will have to prove negligence existed to recover a financial award. Negligence is a legal theory that refers to someone’s failure to provide a reasonable degree of care to another, resulting in injuries. There are five elements we will show with the evidence we find to prove negligence:
- Duty: The at-fault party owed you a reasonable duty of care;
- Breach of duty: They breached their duty;
- Cause in fact: If it weren’t for their actions or inaction, you wouldn’t have suffered harm;
- Proximate cause: Their breach directly led to your injuries; and
- Damages: You incurred damages as a result of the accident.
Compensation in Truck Accident Lawsuits
In a claim or lawsuit, you can seek economic and non-economic damages. However, only in lawsuits can you pursue punitive damages.
Punitive damages aren’t intended as compensation to the accident victim. Instead, they aim to punish the individual responsible for causing another person harm.
Proving you deserve punitive damages can be a challenge. We must provide clear and convincing evidence to the jury that shows the at-fault party acted with:
- Malice: Intentionally caused injury to someone else;
- Fraud: Intentionally deceiving, concealing, or misrepresenting material facts to deprive someone of their legal rights or otherwise cause injury; or
- Gross negligence: omission or act involving an extreme degree of risk with indifference towards another person’s safety, rights, or welfare.
Let Gibson Hill Personal Injury Help You Fight for Justice
We’ve been helping clients throughout Texas recover the compensation they need since 2013. Our legal team has extensive experience handling insurance claims, litigating cases, and seeking justice. When you hire us, we will stay by your side until the end. We provide personalized attention and guidance throughout the entire case.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a collision with a large truck, call a truck accident lawyer from Gibson Hill Personal Injury in Houston at (713) 659-4000 for a free and confidential consultation.
Related Reading
Truck Accident FAQs
We receive questions from clients every day about their truck accident cases. Following are some of the most common questions we receive.
It would be helpful if you bring all documentation associated with the truck accident. That includes medical records, insurance company letters, and detailed notes about the injuries you sustained and the physicians you regularly see during your recovery. You should also bring identification, health insurance cards, and auto insurance cards, so we can make copies.
Every case is different. The duration will depend on various factors. Some insurance claims take a few weeks to resolve, while others can take years if liability isn’t clear. Lawsuits typically last several months to several years since preparations take longer. Your Houston truck accident lawyer will review everything associated with your case to provide an estimated timeframe.
There are things you should and should not do if you get hurt in a commercial vehicle collision.
Do call 911 and wait for an officer to arrive on the scene. If there are injuries or fatalities and you leave without reporting the crash, you could face criminal hit-and-run charges.
Don’t dispose of critical evidence, such as torn clothing, broken car parts, and medical records.
Do seek legal representation immediately after the accident.
Don’t sign anything from the at-fault party’s insurance company before allowing your attorney to review it first.
Do show up to all doctor’s appointments until you recover or reach maximum medical improvement.
Don’t speak to the insurance adjuster working on your claim. Your Houston truck accident attorney will handle all communication.
When an insurance company or jury is reviewing the details of your case to determine a fair financial award, they might use some of the following contributing factors:
- Type of injury and how serious it is
- Length of time it takes to recover
- If there’s an impairment, disfigurement, or disability caused by the injury
- Impact of the truck accident on quality of life
- Any psychological or emotional trauma suffered
- Availability of evidence proving fault
- Limits listed on the liability insurance policy
- Time missed from work due to the injury
To request a copy of the accident report, go to the Crash Records Information System website and enter the required details associated with the crash.
Determining liability in truck accident cases can be complex. Multiple parties may be at fault, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the vehicle manufacturer in some instances.
Experienced Houston truck accident attorneys can thoroughly investigate the truck accident case to pinpoint the responsible parties and build a strong case.
Commercial trucks are subject to strict federal and state regulations. Violations of these regulations can significantly impact the outcome of a truck accident lawsuit.
Houston truck accident attorneys have the expertise to identify regulatory breaches that may have contributed to the accident. This knowledge is invaluable when negotiating settlements or presenting evidence in court.
Insurance companies representing commercial trucking companies often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts in truck accident cases. Without proper legal representation, victims may settle for less than they deserve.
Houston truck accident attorneys understand the nuances of dealing with insurance companies and can negotiate effectively on behalf of their clients.