Key Takeaways: What Every Truck Accident Victim Should Know

  • Multiple parties may be liable in a truck accident claim, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, and parts manufacturer.
  • You have two years to file a truck accident claim in the State of Texas. If you miss this deadline, you may miss out on compensation completely.
  • The average value of a truck settlement can vary, but it often includes compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and mental anguish.
  • Hiring Simmons & Fletcher provides you with an experienced team of personal injury attorneys with a track record of compassion, dependability, and strong case results.

If a negligent truck driver hurt you, talk to a Houston truck accident lawyer today to learn how we can protect your rights. Simmons and Fletcher has helped truck accident victims fight big trucking companies for justice since 1979.

Who is the best truck accident lawyer in Houston?

No lawyer can honestly claim to be the best, and Texas advertising rules do not let a firm say so without proof. What you can check is who will work your case and what they have done. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., managing partner Paul H. Cannon has been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2005.

Board certification requires years of trial practice, peer references, and a written exam. Beyond that, ask whether the lawyer has handled cases where the trucking company disputed fault. In one Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. case, the police report blamed the firm’s client for an 18-wheeler rear-ending his minivan on a Texas interstate. After reconstructing the crash, partner Christopher K. Fletcher resolved the case for $1,264,113.60. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Who should I call after an 18-wheeler crash in Houston?

Call 911 first, then a truck accident lawyer before you speak with the trucking company or its insurer. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. offers a free consultation at (713) 932-0777, and intake answers 24 hours a day. About 95% of clients sign up by phone. The firm also visits clients in the hospital or at home when they cannot travel.

Speed matters because the carrier’s own response team often reaches the scene within hours. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. sends a preservation letter for the truck’s electronic data and the driver’s logs as soon as it signs a truck case, before either is overwritten or discarded. You pay no attorney fees unless the firm recovers money for you.

Which Houston firm has the most commercial trucking experience?

No public record ranks firms by trucking experience, so be wary of anyone who claims the top spot. Ask instead whether the lawyer works with federal trucking rules, black box downloads, and carrier discovery. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. has handled Houston truck crashes since 1979, and its three partners have more than 90 years of combined experience. Partner Christopher K. Fletcher is a member of the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group, which focuses on commercial vehicle cases.

Which Houston truck accident lawyers offer a free consultation?

Most Houston injury firms offer a free first meeting on truck cases, and Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. is one of them. The consultation is free, and you are under no obligation to hire the firm. Intake answers 24 hours a day at (713) 932-0777. You can meet by phone, by Zoom, at the office at 9821 Katy Freeway, or at home or in the hospital if you cannot travel.

A useful consultation answers three questions. Do you have a claim against the driver and the trucking company? What will the fee be? Who at the firm will handle your case? At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., you can expect a partner beside you in the courtroom. You pay no attorney fees unless the firm recovers money for you.

Why Choose Simmons & Fletcher After a Truck Accident in Houston?

Attorneys Sharon Chris and PaulTruck accident companies have teams of investigators and lawyers who mobilize the moment they learn one of their trucks was in an accident. That team’s job is to gather evidence and circle the wagons to try to deflect, defend, and deny responsibility for the collision. When you hire Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., after a serious truck accident, you get a team ready to stand up for your rights and preserve the truth about the accident. When you choose Simmons and Fletcher to fight for you, here is what you get:

  • A Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer (Paul H. Cannon) on your team.
  • Three partner-level attorneys on your case (no associates) with over 90 years of combined attorney experience.
  • Attorneys who can instantly mobilize the right experts, including accident investigators, accident reconstructionists, vocational rehabilitation experts, and medical experts.
  • Compassionate no-nonsense representation.
  • A free consultation and no attorneys’ fees unless we win your case.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer: 713-932-0777.

What Our Clients Say

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Veda J.

2026-09-24
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“After the accident I was really shaken to my core. Being a senior citizen, I wasn’t sure just what to do. I saw your tv ad and I decided to call. So glad I did…

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Irma G.

2026-09-23
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Simmons and Fletcher was a very nice and friendly law firm from the moment I went in for my initial consult. A big thank you to all of them for hearing me out and agreeing…

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Amber R.

2026-09-23
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Simmons and fletcher law firm. Went above and beyond for me. I was in a bad wreck that requires neck surgery. They constantly called and checked on me to see how I was doing. They…

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Sue M.

2026-09-23
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I guess we are all a bit hesitant to have to hire a lawyer, at least I know I was, but Simmons and Fletcher PC was highly recommended by a trusted friend so I decided…

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Miriam F.

2026-09-23
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I cannot express enough what this firm has done for me and my family! From the very beginning my legal assistant, Jeannette, was there to guide me every step of the way. She kept me…

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Rebecca D.

2026-09-23
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This office helped us out tremendously. Everyone we dealt with was professional and courteous. They were quick to respond to any questions regarding the process. I would definitely recommend these attorneys.

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Oscar M.

2026-09-23
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I had a great experience at Simmons and Fletcher. They fought continuously in my case and always hand my best interest in me. Ruth was kind and attentive to my needs. She was always available…

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Theresia R.

2026-09-23
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This firm did an excellent job in representing our family. Not only are they very knowledgeable but are also very polite and always communicated through the whole process. A special thank you to Amanda for…

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Rebecca S.

2026-09-23
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I cannot recommend this firm enough. Chris Fletcher represented me and my experience was great from start to finish. Chris was honest, accessible, and easy to talk to. His paralegal, Stephanie Quinn, was also incredibly…

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Sandra W.

2026-09-23
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I had a great experience with Simmons and Fletcher. Sharon Simmons Cantrell did an exceptional job on my case. She was attentive and sweet and fought hard for me. I would recommend her and the…

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Christashaia J.

2026-09-23
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I would recommend Simmons and Fletcher to anyone! From start to finish my case was handled properly! Amanda Johnston handle my case so well, as well as communicated with me throughout the entire ordeal, and…

We Don’t Just Handle the Easy Truck Cases

When you are looking at truck accident cases, keep in mind that the settlements are often big because the negligence results in catastrophic injuries or death. But a big number sometimes reflects how much coverage there was, not how tough the case really was. Below are a few examples of some of our results that we are particularly proud of, not because of how big the number was but because of how challenging the facts were.

$1,264,113.60 Truck Accident Settlement After Police Report Put Our Client at Fault

In a complex case involving an 18-wheeler truck crash, Attorney Christopher Keith Fletcher of Simmons & Fletcher, P.C., secured a $1,264,113.60 settlement for our client. On a Texas interstate, our client was injured when his minivan was rear-ended by a commercial motor vehicle. Our client suffered fractures to his knee and both forearms, which required immediate surgery to repair. To add insult to injury, the investigating officer determined that our client was stopped in the travel lanes rather than on the shoulder. As a result, the investigating officer blamed our client alone for the collision. After investigating and reconstructing the accident, we proved the truck driver negligently caused the avoidable wreck.  The prompt actions of the attorneys at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., prevented our client from being denied justice by a poor police investigation and a negligent truck driver.

$750,000.00 Truck Accident Settlement After Previous Attorney Gives Up

We represented a woman who was injured in a multi-vehicle collision involving an 18-wheeler in College Station, Texas. The case’s complexity, limited insurance coverage, and her invisible mild TBI caused her first attorney to return her file.  We took over her case and secured a $750,000.00 settlement without taking it to trial. We got her justice when another attorney simply gave up.

Do I Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer?

In this practice video, Houston truck accident lawyer Christopher K. Fletcher talks about the differences in handling a car wreck vs a truck accident and why you need a lawyer experienced in commercial motor vehicle cases when a big rig hits you. Call 800-298-0111 to talk to us about your truck accident case.

Video Summary: Truck accidents and car wrecks are not the same. The injuries are almost always catastrophic. If you are in a wreck with a large truck, you need to talk to an attorney immediately, not to the insurance company for the trucking company. They will not treat you fairly. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. has experience and knows trucking cases. Call us for a free consultation.

Find Out What Your 18-Wheeler Case Is Worth. Contact Simmons & Fletcher for a free case evaluation with zero pressure, obligation, or out-of-pocket cost.

Houston Truck Crash Statistics

Local Crash Statistics & Dangerous Hotspots

In 2024, 5218 trucks were involved in a wreck where someone died as a result in the United States. Several areas in Texas are high-traffic hotspots that can be especially dangerous for any driver. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, highways like Interstate 45, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 83, and Houston’s own Sam Houston Parkway are known for high traffic levels. The heavy congestion on these roads can contribute to more frequent truck and passenger vehicle collisions.

Major Truck Accident

How Truck Crashes Differ From Car Wrecks

While truck crashes and car crashes are both types of motor vehicle accidents, they differ in several ways. Most notably, truck accidents can cause much more damage than car wrecks.

Trucks are much bigger and heavier than your typical car. So when an 18-wheeler truck collides with a small passenger vehicle, the impact is usually more forceful, and the injuries can be catastrophic.

Trucks are also more prone to rear-end accidents and roll-overs because of their higher center of gravity and longer stopping distance.

A truck also involves more than just the driver and the vehicle. Because trucks often carry heavy cargo, accidents may be caused by shifting or falling cargo—something unlikely in a car crash.

Understanding Truck Accident Liability

Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complex than in a typical auto accident. This complexity is because multiple parties may be liable: drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, maintenance workers, and more. In these cases, it’s even more essential to hire skilled legal representation that can thoroughly investigate your claim and all parties that may be liable.

In the following sections, we’ll walk you through each party, how they may be liable, and what to expect when filing a claim against each one.

Driver Negligence & Hours‑of‑Service Violations

Under the law, truck drivers must operate their vehicles safely and follow all regulations that apply to their work. These regulations include federally mandated Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, which limit driving time to prevent fatigue. If a truck driver violates any regulations and causes a truck accident due to distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, or hours-of-service violations, they may be found liable for negligence.

Negligence is the most important thing you and your Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer must prove to file a successful claim. To prove negligence in your truck accident injury claim, you must prove four essential elements:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant had a duty to protect your safety.
  • Breach: The defendant’s negligent or reckless behavior breached that duty of care.
  • Cause: The defendant’s negligence directly caused your accident and injuries.
  • Damages: You suffered economic and non-economic damages as a result of the accident.

You and your truck lawyer must collect as much evidence as possible to prove negligence. Keep all records of your medical visits, as well as written communication between you and the defendant or their legal team. Your Houston truck accident lawyer may use this evidence to strengthen your case and recover your losses.

Carrier Responsibility & Negligent Hiring

Trucking companies (or carriers) may also be liable if their employees caused an accident. They’re more likely to be held liable if they’ve been negligent in their hiring, training, and supervising of employees.

For example, let’s say a company doesn’t properly check a driver’s qualifications or encourages unsafe driving practices to be more efficient. In this case, they may be held directly responsible for causing the crash.

However, Texas passed House Bill 19 (HB 19) on September 1, 2021. This law aims to protect trucking companies from “excessive lawsuits.” As a result, most truck accident lawsuits end up in a bifurcated trial. In a bifurcated trial, the proceedings are divided into two parts: (1) determining liability and (2) determining damages.

While bifurcated trials can make liability harder to determine, a qualified lawyer for semi-truck accidents can help. A member of the experienced legal team at Simmons & Fletcher can help you navigate this process and work diligently to identify liable parties in your case.

Third Parties: Loaders, Manufacturers & Maintenance Providers

In some cases, third parties whose actions contributed to the accident may be held liable. Third parties can include:

  • Cargo loading companies that improperly secured a load;
  • Truck part manufacturers who overlooked a defective part;
  • Maintenance providers who performed substandard repairs or inspections.

To identify any liable third parties, a truck accident lawyer near you can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident. Then, they can determine whether multiple parties may be held accountable for your damages.

The Truck Accident Process After You Hire Us

Initial Case Review

First, you contact our Houston truck accident legal team for a free case evaluation. We charge nothing upfront to meet with you or discuss your case on a Zoom video conference—whichever works best for you. You provide us with any details you have of the wreck, as well as any documentation you received at the scene. All we need is your signed retainer authorizing us to act on your behalf, and then our team takes over so you can focus on healing.

Investigating the Crash

Every truck crash is different. Some have complex liability issues and result in catastrophic injuries, while others are less complex. We will devise a strategy tailored to your case with the following goals:

  • Preserving accident evidence as needed to establish the true facts of the case.
  • Establishing liability of the driver, the trucking company, the maintenance company, the loader, and any other party whose negligence contributed to the collision.

The investigation may require us to mobilize a truck accident response team to photograph the scene and vehicles, send out experts in 18-wheeler maintenance and operations to evaluate the wreckage, and retain qualified experts to download the electronic data from the truck’s black box.

Collecting Evidence

To prove a truck accident claim, you’ll need evidence to support your side of the story. You or your resourceful 18-wheeler truck accident attorney can collect this evidence. Some of the most common (and important) types of evidence in truck accident cases include:

  • Photographs of the accident scene;
  • Witness statements;
  • Medical records;
  • Truck maintenance records and log books;
  • Event Data Recorder or “black box” data and GPS coordinates;
  • Company policies;
  • Local, state, and federal accident reports.

Filing the Lawsuit

Your commercial accident lawyer will most likely file a suit on your behalf to initiate the discovery process and begin forcing the trucking company and other defendants to turn over their logs and records. This requires preparing a petition, identifying all the correct parties, and serving them with process.

Discovery

Discovery begins shortly after you file the lawsuit. During discovery, your attorney and the defendant’s attorney will exchange evidence to get a complete view of the case. Motions often help prevent the other side from hiding evidence or limiting disclosure. Once we acquire sufficient written discovery, we will take the depositions of key witnesses and parties to the litigation. Expert depositions typically follow after the party depositions.

Negotiations and Settlement Discussions

Negotiations and settlement discussions may occur at any time after the full extent of the injuries and damages is clear and the legal basis for negligence has been documented. Settlement discussions and initial settlement offers typically occur toward the end of discovery. Often the discussions take place at mediation.

Mediation

Most Harris County Courts require parties to try to mediate their case before going to trial. In mediation, both sides meet with a neutral third party. The mediator will try to reach a reasonable agreement between the claimant and the defendant. If you can’t reach an agreement, your personal injury lawsuit will likely go to trial.

Preparing for Trial from the Start

While most cases don’t go to trial, the trial lawyers at Simmons & Fletcher are well equipped to represent your claim in court if your needs aren’t met by a fair settlement. We prepare from day 1 as if your case will go to trial.

Schedule Your 18-Wheeler Accident Consultation Today. Get free help through an initial case evaluation with an empathetic, experienced commercial truck lawyer.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

After experiencing a truck accident in Houston, TX, your first priority should be your physical health. Remove yourself from any present danger and seek out medical attention immediately—even if you don’t think that you need it or you don’t notice any injuries.

Once you’ve gotten medical care and kept the records of your visit, proceed through the following steps:

  • Call the police and provide a statement when they arrive;
  • Take photos of the accident scene and damage to involved vehicles;
  • Collect contact information from the truck driver and any witnesses;
  • Keep records of all police statements and medical evaluations;
  • Avoid talking to the truck company’s representatives or insurers;
  • Avoid posting about the accident on social media;
  • Contact a Houston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Resources For Serious Houston Truck Accident Victims

The following resources may be useful if you have recently been in a truck accident:

Why Our Houston Lawyers are Uniquely Qualified for Truck Accident Litigation

Have you ever noticed how Houston’s entire roadway system is designed for the trucking and shipping industry? Houston is a shipping hub. The Port of Houston and Galveston bring in a constant flow of shipping containers carrying cars and products to oil tankers delivering crude for refining; Houston is a shipping epicenter. In fact, the Port of Houston brought in over 250,000,000 tons of product in 2024. It is the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage. But those products don’t stay in Houston. Trucks redistribute that tonnage throughout the United States. The Galveston ports send trucks up I-45 with goods at the same time. State Highway 99 is a giant loop encircling the outskirts of most of Houston. SH 99 lets trucks go around town and reach I-59 and I-45 to ship products north, as well as I-10 to ship products west to San Antonio and out of state.

Despite these well-designed roadways that let trucks move outside the city, hundreds of 18-wheelers still travel through Houston each day.  We constantly see everything from tanker trucks to box trucks. As a result, Harris County has the most truck crashes of all Texas counties, logging 5000-6000 truck wrecks annually, according to TxDOT crash statistics. We have experience handling all kinds of truck accidents right here in our own backyard. We are prepared to handle any type of truck wreck across the nation.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle

Large trucks can cause many different types of accidents, each with its own risks and dangers. Some of the most common truck accident types we see at our personal injury law firm include the following:

  • Conspicuity truck accidents. Trucks must have certain reflectors and reflective material to be visible when they turn across traffic in the dark.
  • Failure to maintain a single lane accidents. Some of the worst accidents occur when a driver swerves into an oncoming lane or even a parallel travel lane.
  • Head-on collisions. If a truck driver is fatigued, negligent, or simply loses control of their vehicle, they may drift out of their lane and cross over the median. If this happens, they may drive straight into oncoming traffic and cause a head-on collision. Tire blowouts and other incidents that cause swerving may also lead to a head-on wreck.
  • Jackknife accidents. If a large truck with articulated joints turns too quickly or brakes improperly, the force may cause the trailing part of the vehicle to swing too wide and skid—creating a shape similar to a folding jackknife. Jackknife accidents can cause the back of the truck to strike nearby vehicles and even drag them along with it—which may lead to catastrophic injuries.
  • Oversized load accidents. Trucks with loads that are too tall, too wide, or not properly balanced can cause disastrous multi-vehicle accidents. Truckers who fail to follow permitted routes or abide by limits are a hazard waiting to happen.
  • Rear-end collisions. Truck drivers must leave significant space between themselves and the vehicle ahead. Large trucks are heavy and slow to brake, so it takes time to slow down—if the driver is distracted, speeding, or tailgating, a sudden stop by the car in front can lead to a rear-end collision that may completely crush the braking vehicle
  • Rollover accidents. Because of a commercial truck’s higher center of gravity, it is more likely to roll over when going around a tight turn or speeding through a curve. Rollover accidents may occur because of driver error, improper loading, or poor maintenance. They create a significant hazard to other motorists on the road, and they may even crush other vehicles and pedestrians as they roll over.
  • Side underride accidents. An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle (e.g., a car) slides underneath the bed of the semi-truck or tractor-trailer. Since the truck has so much more space between its body and the road, it’s easier than you might think for a passenger vehicle to slide underneath. Underride collisions are one of the deadliest types of truck accidents, and they’re often caused by a truck stopping too quickly.
  • Wide-turn accidents. Truck drivers sometimes have to make tight right turns, which can be challenging in their large vehicles. To make such a turn, many truck drivers swing their cab wide to the left and then circle through a right-hand turn. However, this approach may cause vehicles in neighboring lanes to crash into the trailer or even get caught under the truck.
  • Wrongful death accidents. Sadly, many truck accidents result in fatalities. The reality is that a passenger car, motorcycle, or pedestrian stands little chance against an out-of-control, multi-ton truck.

Accidents Involving Specific Trucks

Not all trucks are the same. Not even all of them are truly commercial motor vehicles. Below is more information about specific types of trucks and the nuances of the accidents they cause:

  1. Box truck accidents. Commercial and private drivers operate box trucks. The latter can pose extra risks.
  2. Bucket truck accidents. Utility companies commonly use bucket trucks to service lines and tree trimmers. However, they also serve other purposes and can cause unique accidents.
  3. Car hauler accidents. Car carriers are large trucks that transport other cars. When they get in a wreck, their payload may become projectiles.
  4. Concrete mixer truck accidents. Cement mixer trucks are heavy equipment that can cause serious damage in a collision.
  5. Flatbed truck accidents. Flatbeds can present a unique accident scenario when they turn across a roadway because the empty bed may be almost invisible to approaching drivers in the dark or when the sun is low and blinding.
  6. Delivery truck accidents. With direct-to-you shopping available, delivery vehicles ranging from vans to 18-wheelers are another common source of accidents in Houston.  Some examples of these are:
  7. Dump truck accidents. Dump trucks pose a unique challenge because they often have different insurance requirements and regulations when they operate intrastate only.
  8. Garbage truck accidents. The weight of a loaded or unloaded garbage truck can seriously damage a passenger car and its occupants.
  9. Tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler crashes. Big rigs hauling everything from groceries to retail goods are frequently involved in truck accidents in the Houston area.
  10. Tanker truck accidents. Houston is a town built on the oil and gas industry. Tankers hauling oil, gas, and other flammable liquids pose a unique hazmat accident risk. In addition, tankers in Houston haul beverage products and other liquids for consumptive use.
  11. Wrecker truck accidents. Wreckers speeding to the scene of an accident can often cause collisions with unwary drivers.

Common Causes of Truck & 18-Wheeler Crashes

Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, including negligence by the truck driver or the managing company. Negligence can include insufficient training practices, violations of trucking regulations, and more. However, the most common causes of 18-wheeler collisions include driver error and improper maintenance.

Driver Error or Negligence

professional driver in cab of his rigTruck accidents often stem from driver error. Sometimes, driver error stems from negligence, recklessness, or plain thoughtlessness. In any case, they can lead to serious accidents that could have otherwise been avoided.

Some of the most common truck driver errors that lead to accidents include:

Improper Maintenance

If a trucking company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, it may be held liable for accidents. Poor maintenance can lead to several factors that could cause a serious truck accident, including brake failure, tire blowouts, and equipment malfunctions.

For example, if a company neglects required inspections or fails to replace worn or defective equipment, it may be liable for an accident caused by the truck itself.

In some cases, the product manufacturer or maintenance worker may be found liable if they overlooked or failed to fix a maintenance issue on the truck.

Common Injuries in Truck and Semi-Truck Accidents

Because semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are so large, truck accidents can cause a lot more damage than your typical motor vehicle collision. Truck accident injuries can be catastrophic, and severe truck accident injuries can have a lifelong impact on the people they’ve affected.

Some of the most common types of injuries we see after a truck accident include:

Compensation & Recovery: What You Can Expect

Economic & Non‑Economic Damages

Two main types of compensation are available after a Houston truck accident: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages have a precise dollar value. They’re intended to reimburse injured parties for financial losses (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, etc.).

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, include losses without an obvious dollar value. These may include mental anguish and other emotional injuries.

The most common types of damages granted in Texas truck accident claims include:

  • Medical bills;
  • Future medical expenses;
  • Loss of income and/or loss of future income;
  • Property damage;
  • Diminished quality of life;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Loss of consortium in the case of a fatality.

Your commercial truck accident attorney will work to determine a just amount of financial compensation for all of your damages.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, a judge may award a third type of compensation: punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the liable party. This is different from economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to restore already-lost financial damages to injured parties. Courts award punitive damages only when the liable party has been egregiously negligent, reckless, or harmful.

Factors That Influence Settlement Values

The value of a truck accident settlement can vary widely depending on the specific details of the accident. Some of the most important factors in estimating how much a case may be worth include:

  • Cost of medical expenses, including past, current, and ongoing care;
  • Severity of injuries, especially if they are life-altering or permanent;
  • Any lost income or a diminished earning capacity due to injuries;
  • The level of mental anguish, pain and suffering, and other emotional damages.

Get Help After Your Truck Accident

Request your free consultation to speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer in Houston for semi-truck accidents today by calling (800) 298-0111 or locally (713) 932-0777. Our intake team is waiting 24/7 to take your call.

Related Resources

 

FAQ's

Do I need a lawyer for a minor truck crash?

Yes, you should still hire a lawyer for a minor truck crash in order to protect your rights. Even if the truck crash seems minor now, you never know what invisible injuries or damages might arise later on. Hire a skilled truck wreck attorney to gather evidence now in case you need it later.

 

How long will my truck accident case take to settle?

Your truck accident case will likely take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year. This is the average range for truck accident claims. However, every case is different, so it’s difficult to say exactly how long it will take to settle your particular case, or even if it will settle vs going to trial. A Houston truck accident attorney will be able to discuss the details with you and come up with an approximate timeline for your claim and settlement.

Can you still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for a truck accident?

Yes, you can still recover compensation if you’re partly at fault in a Texas truck accident. However, you must be less than 50% at fault for the crash, according to the Texas Modified Comparative Negligence Law. If you’re found to be partially responsible (but less than 50%), your awarded compensation will be reduced by the same percentage that you’re found responsible.

For example, if you’re responsible for 10% of the crash, your compensation will be reduced by 10%.

What does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

It doesn’t cost anything to hire a Texas truck accident lawyer up front. Our big truck wreck lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning that there’s no out-of-pocket cost to hire one of our lawyers for an 18-wheeler accident. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. And, even then, our attorney fees will just come out of your final compensation. Attorney fees are 33.3% without a lawsuit, 40% with a lawsuit, and 45% with an appeal.

 

Hw long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?

You have two years to file a truck accident lawsuit in the state of Texas. This deadline comes from the statute of limitations under Title 2, Chapter 16 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. If you don’t file within this time frame, you may lose any present or future right to compensation. An experienced truck injury lawyer can help you understand your deadline and whether any exceptions apply.

 

Are emergency vehicles commercial motor vehicles?

No, emergency vehicles are not considered commercial motor vehicles. Despite their size, ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles aren’t regulated as commercial vehicles. If the city, state, or county operates emergency vehicles, Texas sovereign immunity laws protect them. Even private ones have their own insurance rules.

What Should You Bring to Your Truck Accident Consultation?

Useful things to bring to a consultation with a lawyer regarding a truck accident include: The Texas crash report, any information the officer provided regarding the other vehicle and operator, any photos of the scene or your injuries in your possession, medical bills and medical receipts you have received, your driver’s license, your insurance policy’s declaration of coverage, and any witness names and contact information you have.

 

 

Case Results

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If you have suffered a personal injury that you believe was the result of someone else’s negligence, give us a call to discuss your case. Our intake specialists are available 24/7 to answer your general questions and gather the information required to determine who is the best person to evaluate your case. Consultations are 100% free and you are under no obligation to hire us by calling.

ABOUT OUR FIRM

Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., rooted in Christian values, exclusively handles personal injury cases, advocating for the rights of accident and negligence victims. Our Houston-based team, dedicated to compassion and excellence, handles cases across car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and other types of cases with a commitment to personalized care. Upholding integrity and client-focused service, we strive for impactful legal outcomes. For a detailed understanding of our approach and team, visit our attorneys page.

 

 

 

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