100% FREE CASE REVIEW

(713) 352-7975

Houston Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer

Over the years, an alarming number of tractor trailer accidents have occurred in Texas according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). For the year 2019, TX DOT reported 6,369 total tractor trailer accidents in Harris County. Dallas County came in second with 4,146 18-wheeler accidents.

Because of the size, weight, and difficulty of stopping or slowing down in an emergency, it is likely that many tractor trailer accidents will produce catastrophic outcomes and result in serious injuries and fatalities. A truck accident can generate a great deal of uncertainty, making it critical to seek the advice of a Houston tractor trailer accident lawyer.

Top-Rated Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX

18-wheeler accidents or truck accidents involving tractor trailers are amongst the deadliest types of vehicular accidents. Tractor trailers are commonly used to transport food, goods, and other materials around the state and across the country. Many times, tractor trailers are weighed down with heavy loads. If those loads are improperly secured, they can easily shift during transport. The weight, width, height, and speed of a tractor trailer can all play a role in causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, thus causing a serious accident.

Approximately 10 percent of all vehicle fatalities in Texas involve large tractor trailers or 18-wheelers. Surprisingly, many of these fatal accidents and around two-thirds of all large truck accidents occur on rural roads in good weather, as opposed to being on major highways or occurring during bad weather conditions. A majority of these accidents can be attributed to a fatigued driver, a distracted driver, or truck driver negligence.

There may be additional parties liable for the accident. The trucking company may be liable if they neglected to perform routine safety and maintenance checks or disregarded the laws regulating hours of service for truck drivers. Additionally, if the manufacturing company improperly loaded the truck, they may be partially responsible for the accident and injuries. When you contact a Houston tractor trailer attorney from our firm, we will review your case and thoroughly investigate to uncover all responsible parties and include them in your claim or lawsuit.

What Can Cause a Tractor Trailer Accident?

A commuter’s worst nightmare is to be hit by a tractor trailer, and many of us do well to drive carefully around them, especially while passing. It is always wise to exercise caution on the roadways around them, keep a safe distance when possible, and stay aware of traffic around you, but sometimes it can just be out of your hands. Unfortunately, there are many circumstances outside of your control and responsibility that can lead to a collision, such as:

  • High winds
  • Worn or faulty brakes
  • Adverse weather
  • Poor road conditions
  • Driver negligence

Tractor Trailer Accidents an Cause Severe Injuries

Due to the massive size and weight of tractors and their loads, a crash with one can have devastating effects on other cars. Despite the fact that only 4% of registered cars in the U.S. are tractor trailers, they cause 6% of all auto injuries and 13% of all auto fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association tracks all crash data in the United States, and according to them, 159,000 injuries and 5,005 deaths came from tractor trailer crashes.

Even new safety features and modern airbag technology can offer little protection from a runaway or otherwise out of control trailer. Unlike them, passenger vehicles don’t have a large steel framed cab protecting them, and in tractor trailer accidents, occupants of the passenger vehicle are 74% more likely to be injured and 82% more likely to be killed than the truck driver.

This means you or your family carry almost all of the risk for bodily harm or worse. Dealing with your insurance claims and liability in the midst of a medical emergency or even a family tragedy can be an incredibly stressful and unnecessary burden on your mind.

Working with Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX

Insurers strive to save money and protect themselves, so they typically offer victims significantly less than what’s due for medical bills and all other expenses associated with a collision and truck accident injuries. Achieving justice and resisting these deceptive tactics are made possible when being represented by a reputable team of tractor trailer accident lawyers.

Insurance companies and large trucking companies are known for being extremely aggressive when it comes to pressuring victims into accepting low settlement amounts, or outright denying victims their rightful claim to compensation for the injuries and damages they sustained in a tractor trailer accident. Our Houston tractor trailer accident attorneys will not back down in the face of such intimidation. In fact, we are dedicated to protecting the little guy and ensuring those liable for the accident are held accountable for their actions or inactions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers

Do I need to hire a Houston tractor trailer accident lawyer?

Many truck accident cases benefit from the legal assistance and counsel of an experienced tractor trailer accident attorney. These cases are quite complex and can involve commercial trucking regulations, an examination of motor carrier records and safety history, dash cam recordings, and more. Given that you may be injured—and that there is generally just one chance to seek compensation and justice—it will likely be in your best interests to consult with a truck accident lawyer.

What type of compensation can I receive for a tractor trailer accident claim?

If you are injured in a collision with a tractor trailer, the resulting damage can impact several aspects of your life; however, some may be more challenging to prove than others. Work with an attorney to assess the proper amount of economic and non-economic damages for your claim. This can include past and future losses associated with (but not limited to):

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses

Tractor trailer accidents cause devastating and fatal injuries. Here’s how negligence contributes to these wrecks and what victims can do in the aftermath to get the justice they deserve.

Get a FREE Consultation