Accidents involving 18-wheelers and commercial trucks are among the most severe and devastating on Texas roads. Due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds, collisions can result in catastrophic injuries, extensive medical costs, and life-altering disabilities.

If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. However, determining how much you will receive depends on several factors, including injury severity, liability, insurance coverage, and lost wages.

At RTRLAW, our experienced Texas truck accident attorneys are dedicated to fight for the maximum settlement possible for accident victims. We will investigate the crash, negotiate aggressively with trucking companies and insurers, to ensure our clients receive the full amount you deserve.

Who Pays for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas?

One of the most critical questions in 18-wheeler accident claims is who is financially responsible for the damages caused in your accident. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making liability more complex.

Potential liable parties in an 18-wheeler accident include:

  • The Truck Driver: If the driver was distracted, fatigued, speeding, or impaired, they may be held personally responsible. 
  • The Trucking Company: Employers may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failure to enforce safety regulations.
  • The Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical defect (such as brake failure) caused the accident, the manufacturer could be responsible. 
  • The Cargo Loading Company: Improperly loaded cargo can shift, causing rollovers or loss of vehicle control. 
  • Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or faulty traffic signals may place liability on the city or state. 

Because multiple parties may be involved, trucking companies and insurers will often fight aggressively to minimize their perceived fault and lower their payouts. Having an experienced truck accident attorney is essential to protect your rights and maximize your settlement.

What Damages Can You Recover After an 18-Wheeler Accident?

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler crash, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, which could include:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

  • Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, hospital stays, medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment. 
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries. 
  • Loss of Future Earnings: If you’re permanently disabled and unable to return to work. 
  • Property Damage: Covers vehicle repair or replacement costs. 

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma. 
  • Emotional Distress: Covers anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mental health treatment. 
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in normal activities or hobbies. 
  • Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for life-altering injuries, scarring, or amputations. 

Punitive Damages (In Cases of Gross Negligence)

If the trucking company or driver acted with reckless disregard for safety, such as driving under the influence or falsifying driving logs, you may be eligible for punitive damages, which serve to punish wrongdoing and deter future negligence.

How Much is a Typical 18-Wheeler Accident Settlement in Texas?

There is no fixed amount for truck accident settlements, as each case is unique and the property damages and injury can vary from minor to massive. However, settlements in 18-wheeler accident cases often range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on a number of factors:

  • Severity of Injuries: 
    • Minor injuries (whiplash, sprains) may settle for $25,000–$150,000.
    • Severe injuries (broken bones, spinal damage) can range from $250,000 to $1 million.
    • Catastrophic injuries (paralysis, brain damage, wrongful death) often result in multi-million-dollar settlements.
  • Liability & Fault Determination: 
    • If the truck driver or company is 100% at fault, your settlement will be higher.
    • If you share partial fault, your compensation may be reduced under Texas’ comparative negligence rule.
  • Medical Expenses & Long-Term Care: 
    • Higher medical bills and future care costs typically lead to larger settlements.
  • Insurance Policy Limits: 
    • Trucking companies often carry $1 million+ liability policies, but some cases may exceed policy limits.
    • If multiple parties are liable, compensation may come from several insurance policies.
  • Legal Representation: 
    • Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer ensures insurers don’t lowball your settlement.
    • RTRLAW fights aggressively to maximize every dollar you receive.

The settlement amount for an 18-wheeler accident in Texas depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, liability, medical costs, causation and available insurance coverage. Without skilled legal representation, you risk receiving far less than you deserve. Take the important next steps by hiring an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer who will fight aggressively to maximize your compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.

What Steps Should You Take After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas?

To protect your rights and build a strong case, take the following steps as soon as possible after an 18-wheeler accident:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. 
  2. Call 911 & Get a Police Report: Official documentation is crucial for proving liability.
  3. Take Photos & Gather Evidence: Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
  4. Get Contact Information: Collect details from the truck driver, company, and any witnesses. 
  5. Do Not Speak with Insurance Adjusters: Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
  6. Contact a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer: RTRLAW will handle negotiations and fight for your maximum compensation.

Taking these steps after an 18-wheeler accident can significantly impact the outcome and potential value of your claim. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. RTRLAW’s experienced truck accident attorneys are ready to protect your rights, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose RTRLAW for Your Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Case?

Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to limit your compensation. At RTRLAW, we fight back. Our Texas truck accident attorneys provide:

  • No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
  • Decades of Experience: We’ve recovered millions for accident victims. 
  • Aggressive Negotiation & Trial Representation: We don’t settle for less than you deserve. 
  • Dedicated Legal Team: Personalized attention and 24/7 availability.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Texas, don’t settle for less than you deserve. RTRLAW is here to fight for you.