Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Houston, Texas?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Houston Police Department is 713-884-3131.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Houston, Texas?

  You may request a copy of a police report from the Houston Police Department's Records Division by calling 713-308-8585, by visiting its office at the Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis, or by sending a mail to its address. When claiming a police report, you are expected to provide information such as the date and location of the accident. Additionally, you may go online at policereports.lexisnexis.com.

• What factors affect the value of a truck accident claim in Houston?

  Truck accident claims in Houston vary depending on different factors, such as damage incurred, the severity of injuries, or the number of liable parties. A truck accident lawyer needs to gather the victim's bills, medical records, paychecks, pain journals, and other types of evidence to determine the right amount of compensation. Payments for hospital stays, surgical procedures, physical rehabilitation, and past and future lost wages are also factored in when calculating the value of a claim.

• What kind of proof will help in a Houston truck accident case?

  Those involved in a truck accident in Houston should document as much detail as possible to prove another party's fault. Here are some types of proofs that are useful for truck accident lawsuits:

  • The truck driver's positive drug or alcohol test
  • Vehicle maintenance records from the commercial trucking company
  • Eyewitness and law enforcement reports
  • Available footage of the incident
  • Videos or photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and the victims with their injuries

• What are some steps you should take if you were involved in a truck accident in Houston?

  If you are badly injured following a truck accident in Houston, you should prioritize seeking medical care. If your injuries are not that severe, here are some steps you should immediately take:

  • Take note of the truck's license plate number and other identifiers.
  • Get the eyewitnesses' and truck driver's contact information.
  • Call 911 to file an accident report and ask for assistance.
  • Take photos of the scene.
  • Narrate the details to a police officer. Additionally, even if you believe your injuries are only minor, you should go to an urgent care center as soon as possible. Consulting with a lawyer is also beneficial after figuring in a truck accident.

• What are the usual causes of truck accidents in Houston?

  The size of commercial trucks is one cause of truck accidents in Houston. Other possible reasons include speeding, drunk driving, drug use, poor road conditions, defective truck parts, and improper cargo loading. Accidents may also arise due to trucking companies' negligent hiring, retention, or maintenance.

• Are truck accidents common in Houston?

  In Texas, Houston usually has the most number of tractor-trailer accidents annually. It is also known as the deadliest city in the country for fatal trucking accidents. In one year, 2,835 truck accident cases in the city involved injuries, while 41 incidents resulted in death. During the same period, Texas had the highest number of deaths resulting from large truck crashes, recording a total of 643 fatal collisions.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.