Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
Advocacy for 18-Wheeler Truck Injury Victims in Texas
Houston is the energy capital of the world and a central hub for international trade. This means our highways—from the sprawling Katy Freeway to the congested 610 Loop—are constantly packed with 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and industrial haulers. While these vehicles are essential to our economy, their massive size and weight make them lethal when involved in collisions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. At Matthews & Associates, our Houston truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of federal trucking regulations and the aggressive tactics used by insurance companies. We are here to level the playing field and ensure you receive the full compensation you are owed.
If you were injured in a truck accident, our Houston attorneys can fight to hold all liable parties accountable. Call (888) 923-7001 to schedule a free consultation.
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention. This boutique-level service, combined with our national litigation powerhouse capabilities, ensures you receive both personalized care and the resources necessary to take on the largest corporations and manufacturers.
Where Do Truck Crashes Often Happen in Houston?
Houston’s infrastructure is a labyrinth of major Interstates and State Highways. While an accident can happen anywhere, certain "hotspots" see a disproportionate number of commercial vehicle wrecks:
- I-10 (Katy Freeway): As one of the widest highways in the world, the sheer volume of traffic and merging lanes make it a prime location for side-swipe and rear-end truck accidents.
- I-45 (North Freeway/Gulf Freeway): Frequently ranked as one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the United States.
- The 610 Loop: The constant merging and heavy industrial traffic heading toward the Port of Houston create high-risk zones.
- US-59/I-69 (Eastex/Southwest Freeway): Narrower lanes and heavy congestion lead to frequent "stop-and-go" collisions involving big rigs.
- Busy Intersections: Congested intersections increase the risk of collisions involving large vehicles.
- Industrial Areas: Locations near shipping centers, ports, and warehouses often experience increased truck activity.
- Construction Zones: Narrow lanes and changing traffic patterns can create hazardous conditions.
- Urban Streets: Trucks navigating tight city roads can pose risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians.
Knowing where accidents frequently occur can help build a stronger claim and demonstrate patterns of negligence.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Because of their unique dimensions and mechanical design, large trucks are susceptible to specific types of accidents that rarely involve standard passenger cars.
- Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when a truck's drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle. A jackknifed truck can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, hitting everything in its path.
- Underride Collisions: These are among the most fatal types of crashes. They happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a high-clearance trailer, often shearing off the top of the passenger car.
- Rollovers: Large trucks have a high center of gravity. Sudden maneuvers, high winds, or improperly loaded cargo can cause the vehicle to tip over, creating a massive obstruction on the roadway.
- Blind Spot (No-Zone) Crashes: Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If a trucker changes lanes without ensuring the "No-Zone" is clear, they can easily crush a smaller vehicle.
- Tire Blowouts: A shredded tire on an 18-wheeler can cause the driver to lose control instantly or send heavy debris flying into the windshields of following drivers.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, leading to various injuries. Sadly, many truck accidents result from negligence, causing preventable harm to drivers and passengers alike.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Blind spots: From eighteen-wheelers to semi-trailer trucks, truckers must exercise a high degree of skill to operate vehicles safely. Carelessness regarding blind spots and other safe practices can result in serious accidents.
- Fatigue: Truckers often work long hours, leading to drowsy driving that increases the chance of truck accidents.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving can result in severe injuries on the road. Operating large trucks is incredibly dangerous while dealing with distractions, such as eating, drinking, texting, or calling.
- Reckless driving: Speeding or driving recklessly can result in truck accidents, especially when truck drivers are in a hurry to arrive or feeling pressure from tight schedules.
- Vehicle failure: When trucking companies fail to perform regular maintenance or properly service their trucks, it increases the risk of truck accidents.
Recovering Damages After a Truck Accident
Securing experienced representation from a qualified lawyer is essential to maximize the compensation available to you after sustaining a wrongful injury. At Matthews & Associates, our seasoned lawyers have over 25 years of experience maximizing damages for our clients and restoring their financial security and peace of mind during their recovery period.
Various types of damages are recoverable in truck accident lawsuits, including:
- Economic damages: These damages compensate for financial losses (e.g., monetary amounts) resulting from the accident, such as lost earnings, hospital bills, medical treatment costs, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: These damages compensate victims for non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring and disfigurement.
- Punitive damages: Unlike the above damages, these damages are meant to punish the defendant rather than compensate the victim. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases involving extreme malice or negligence.
Comprehensive Representation from a National Firm
Our Houston attorneys are familiar with every aspect of the legal process, allowing us to guide your steps wisely throughout the proceedings. Our clients trust us to prioritize their unique needs by offering sound counsel, communicating effectively and honestly, and keeping them informed and up-to-date about the status of their claims.
We can help you maximize and recover damages by assisting with:
- Filing your claim: From filing the required paperwork to interviewing eyewitnesses, we can strengthen your claim with compelling evidence to maximize its value.
- Investigating your case: Our Houston truck accident attorneys can thoroughly investigate the accident to determine all liable parties and pursue fair compensation.
- Gathering evidence: Sustaining an injury isn’t enough to recover damages after negligence. Our lawyers can fortify your case with relevant evidence and help you establish liability to seek maximum compensation.
- Representing your best interests: If needed, our determined advocates can aggressively protect your rights in court, providing experienced representation and negotiating effectively with involved parties to secure a favorable outcome.
Get national experience on your side by hiring Matthews & Associates.
Truck Accident FAQs
Who is liable for my truck accident?
Liability in trucking accidents is unique because multiple parties can be held responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loaders, or the manufacturer of a defective truck part.
How is a truck accident claim different from a car accident claim?
Trucking claims involve federal regulations (FMCSA), much larger insurance policies, and "black box" data (Electronic Logging Devices) that require immediate preservation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault.
What should I do immediately after a crash?
Call 911, seek medical attention (even if you feel fine), take photos of the scene, and do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before speaking to a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, evidence like driver logs can disappear much sooner, so acting quickly is vital.
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Protecting the Wrongfully Injured Since 2006
Our seasoned Houston 18-wheeler accident attorneys fight for justice on behalf of wronged parties in Texas. Get national experience on your side by partnering with Matthews & Associates. With millions recovered for our clients, we can deliver the comprehensive representation you need to take back your life and pursue justice. While our proven track record of results speaks for itself, our firm also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to each and every client we serve, ensuring your rights are protected from start to finish.
Matthews & Associates has over 25 years of nationwide experience seeking compensation for the wrongfully injured. Contact us online to discuss your case or call (888) 923-7001.
