A collision with an 18-wheeler can leave you with life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and a long road to recovery. When you turn to your Houston truck accident lawyer with The Doan Law Firm, you gain the support of a personal injury attorney with millions of dollars in damages recovered for truck accident victims. Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable for your losses.
Houston Truck Accident Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, use the table of contents below.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Houston
Federal and Texas Laws Regulating the Trucking Industry
Liability in Houston Truck Accident Cases
Types of Truck Accidents
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in a Truck Accident Claim
How Trucking Insurance Affects Compensation
Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Claim
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Houston
Houston’s highways are filled with commercial trucks, and a single mistake by a truck driver, a poorly maintained vehicle, or an overloaded trailer can put your life at risk. If you were injured in a crash, you may be dealing with serious injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty about what comes next. Your experienced Texas truck accident attorney from The Doan Law Firm is ready to investigate the cause of the crash and help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, but exhaustion makes them more likely to make deadly mistakes. Federal regulations limit driving hours, but some trucking companies pressure drivers to keep going beyond legal limits to meet tight deadlines. A fatigued driver may drift into another lane, fail to notice slowing traffic or take too long to react to an emergency.
You should not have to suffer because a truck driver or their employer ignored safety rules. If a trucking company allowed its drivers to skip required rest breaks or falsify logbooks, they may be held liable for a crash. Investigating driver logs, GPS data, and black box records can reveal whether fatigue played a role in your accident.
Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo
Every truck has strict weight limits and cargo securement rules to prevent accidents. When a truck is overloaded or unbalanced, the driver may struggle to control it, especially on turns, inclines, or during sudden stops. Shifting cargo can throw the truck off balance, leading to rollovers, jackknife crashes, or lost loads blocking the highway.
If your crash was caused by a truck losing its load, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or shippers may be responsible. Proper cargo securement is critical for preventing accidents, and failure to follow these regulations can put everyone on the road in danger.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent mechanical failures, but some cut corners to save money. Brakes, tires, and steering systems must be checked regularly, and ignoring repairs can lead to devastating consequences. If a truck’s brakes fail, the driver may be unable to stop in time, leading to high-speed rear-end collisions or multi-vehicle crashes.
When a mechanical failure causes a crash, the trucking company, maintenance provider, or even the truck manufacturer may be liable. Reviewing inspection logs, repair records, and expert analysis can uncover whether neglect or defective parts contributed to your accident.
Dangerous Weather and Road Conditions
Houston’s unpredictable weather can make driving dangerous, especially for large trucks. Heavy rain can cause hydroplaning, poor visibility, and extended stopping distances, making it harder for truck drivers to react to sudden traffic changes. Strong winds can also cause tall commercial trucks to tip over or drift into other lanes.
Truck drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving to match road conditions. If a driver was speeding in heavy rain or failed to brake in time because of slick roads, they may be at fault. Poorly maintained roads, missing warning signs, or highway construction hazards may also play a role in truck accidents.
Federal and Texas Laws Regulating the Trucking Industry
Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict state and federal regulations to keep the roads safe. When these rules are ignored, devastating accidents can happen. Several of the following key regulations are responsible for truck operations, and violations may play a role in your crash:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) – Establishes rules for truck driver hours, maintenance, and cargo securement. These regulations set limits on how long truckers can drive without breaks, require mandatory vehicle inspections, and dictate how cargo must be secured. If a trucking company ignored these rules, it may be held liable for an accident caused by driver fatigue, mechanical failures, or shifting cargo.
- Texas Transportation Code § 545.062 – Requires safe following distances for commercial vehicles to prevent rear-end collisions. Large trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, and failing to leave enough space increases the risk of rear-end crashes at high speeds. If a truck driver was tailgating or failed to slow down in time, this law could help prove they were at fault.
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 – Defines modified comparative fault, affecting compensation in truck accident cases. Texas law allows injury victims to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault—as long as they were not more than 50% responsible. Trucking companies and insurers may try to shift blame, so gathering strong evidence is essential to proving liability.
- 49 CFR § 396.3 – Mandates regular inspections and maintenance for commercial trucks to prevent mechanical failures. Trucking companies must keep their vehicles in safe working condition through routine inspections and documented repairs. If an accident was caused by brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems, a lack of maintenance could be to blame.
When a truck crash leaves you injured, knowing which laws were violated can help prove liability and strengthen your case. Our team can investigate whether safety violations, maintenance failures, or driver negligence played a role in your accident.
Liability in Houston Truck Accident Cases
If you were injured in a truck accident, multiple parties might be responsible for what happened. Trucking companies, drivers, cargo loaders, and even maintenance providers all have specific duties to keep the roads safe. Your Houston truck accident attorney can help determine who is liable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining vehicles, and ensuring that federal regulations are followed. If a company puts untrained or overworked drivers on the road, they put everyone in danger. A crash caused by fatigue, reckless driving, or poor vehicle maintenance can often be traced back to a company that ignored safety standards.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers must follow traffic laws and trucking industry regulations to prevent crashes. If a driver was speeding, operating under the influence, or distracted behind the wheel, their negligence could have led to your injuries. A fully loaded truck takes far longer to stop than a passenger vehicle, making reckless driving especially dangerous.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers
Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, making a truck unstable or causing cargo to spill onto the road. If a truck jackknifed, rolled over, or lost its load, cargo loading errors could be to blame. Companies responsible for loading trucks must follow strict weight and balance guidelines to keep trucks safe on the road.
Truck Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
A mechanical failure can turn a truck into a dangerous weapon. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can cause a truck driver to lose control, putting everyone at risk. If a truck was poorly maintained or had a defective part, the company responsible for repairs or the manufacturer may be held liable.
Types of Truck Accidents and Their Impact
The type of truck accident you were involved in can affect the severity of injuries, property damage, and liability. Some crashes are caused by driver mistakes, while others result from mechanical failures, improper cargo loading, or hazardous road conditions. Some of the most common types of truck accidents our clients have reported include:
- Jackknife Accidents – These occur when the truck’s trailer swings out at an angle, blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These crashes often happen when a driver brakes too suddenly or loses control on slick roads, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
- Underride Collisions – These happen when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, often causing fatal injuries. Federal law requires rear underride guards, but some trucks lack proper safety equipment, making these crashes especially dangerous.
- Blind Spot Crashes – These result from truck drivers failing to check their blind spots before merging or changing lanes. Large trucks have significant blind spots on both sides, making it easy for smaller vehicles to be overlooked.
- Lost Cargo and Debris-Related Accidents – These occur when improperly secured cargo spills onto the roadway, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers. These accidents can cause secondary crashes as vehicles swerve to avoid debris or collide with hazardous materials.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in a Truck Accident Claim
If you were injured in a truck accident, proving fault requires strong evidence that supports your claim. Unlike regular car accidents, truck crashes involve electronic data, inspection records, and other industry-specific evidence that can reveal what went wrong. Gathering the right proof can help establish liability and strengthen your case for maximum compensation.
Black Box Data and Electronic Logging Devices
Every commercial truck is equipped with a black box and an electronic logging device (ELD) that records driving hours, speed, and braking data. If the truck driver was speeding, driving while fatigued, or failed to stop in time, this data can provide crucial evidence of negligence. Trucking companies may try to delete or hide this information, so acting quickly is essential.
Truck Maintenance and Inspection Records
Trucking companies must inspect their vehicles regularly, but some ignore necessary repairs to save money. If a brake failure, tire blowout, or engine problem caused your crash, reviewing maintenance logs can help determine whether the truck was in safe working condition. Missing records or repeated mechanical failures could indicate serious negligence.
Dashcam Footage and Surveillance Video
Many commercial trucks have dashcams that capture real-time footage of the road, including reckless driving, sudden stops, or impact at the moment of the crash. Traffic cameras, nearby security footage, or witness videos can also provide clear evidence of what happened before and during the accident. If available, video footage can be one of the strongest pieces of proof in your case.
Police Reports and Eyewitness Testimony
A police report contains official details from law enforcement, including statements from both drivers, accident scene observations, and any traffic violations issued. Witnesses who saw the accident can provide firsthand accounts of how the truck was being driven and whether the driver or company ignored safety rules. If a truck driver ran a red light, swerved into your lane, or failed to stop, witness testimony can help back up your claim.
How Trucking Insurance Policies Affect Compensation
Trucking companies are required to carry high-limit insurance policies, but that does not mean insurers will pay full compensation easily. After a crash, the trucking company’s insurer may try to shift blame, minimize your injuries, or delay the claims process to protect its bottom line. These companies have legal teams and adjusters working against you, making it critical to understand how insurance policies impact your claim.
The amount you can recover depends on the at-fault party’s coverage limits and the specifics of your case. Some truck accident claims involve multiple insurers, including the trucking company, the driver, cargo loaders, and third-party maintenance providers. If insurance coverage is not enough to cover your losses, pursuing additional legal action may be necessary to recover full compensation.
Recoverable Damages in a Houston Truck Accident Claim
A truck accident can leave you with significant financial burdens, from medical expenses to lost wages and long-term care costs. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Recovering compensation after a truck accident typically involves filing an insurance claim, negotiating a settlement, or pursuing a lawsuit in court. In some cases, settlements can cover the full extent of your damages, but if the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve, taking your case to trial may be the best option.
Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston About Your Case
A serious truck accident can leave you with severe injuries, lost wages, and significant financial burdens. Insurance companies and trucking corporations often try to limit payouts, but your truck accident attorney in Houston from The Doan Law Firm will not let them minimize your claim. Learn more about your legal options and how to pursue maximum compensation when you contact our office to request your free consultation today.