Houston Truck Accident Attorneys Protecting Your Rights & Maximizing Your Compensation

Houston’s congested highways and commercial trucking routes make it a high-risk area for truck accidents. With thousands of 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and commercial vehicles operating in and around the city every day, serious accidents are unfortunately common. Due to their sheer size and weight, collisions involving trucks often lead to catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At RTRLAW, our experienced Texas truck accident attorneys have the skills, resources, and knowledge to take on trucking companies, insurance providers, and negligent drivers in order to work to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Why are Truck Accidents More Severe Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents pose far greater risks than standard car collisions due to several key factors making them significantly more dangerous and deadly. Large commercial trucks and buses travel daily throughout Houston’s highways and rural roads contributing to thousands of severe crashes each year. In 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes. This number marks an increase from previous years.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that 5,788 people were killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2021. This is a 17% increase from 2020.

These statistics, and the ones highlighted below, underscore a concerning rise in fatal incidents involving large trucks during that period, and further point out the serious risks that large commercial vehicles pose to other drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Some elements of truck accidents to keep in mind:

• Size & Weight Disparity: A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs only 3,000–4,000 pounds. This weight imbalance often results in devastating impacts during collisions. In fact, 79% of large truck crashes in 2015 caused property damage, while 20% resulted in injuries, making them some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road.
• Longer Stopping Distance: Trucks require significantly more time and space to stop than passenger vehicles. When traveling at highway speeds, a fully loaded truck can take twice the distance to come to a full stop, increasing the chances of rear-end collisions in high-traffic areas like Midtown and Montrose.
• Higher Risk of Rollovers & Jackknife Accidents: Large trucks are more susceptible to rollovers and jackknifing, especially in conditions involving poor weather, improper cargo loading, or sudden braking. These types of accidents often lead to multi-vehicle pileups and fatalities.
• Complex Liability Issues: Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes can involve multiple responsible parties, including:
  • The truck driver (for reckless or distracted driving)
  • The trucking company (for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or forcing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines)
  • Cargo loaders (for improperly securing or overloading freight)
  • Maintenance providers (for failing to perform required inspections)
• Dangerous Rural & Interstate Roads: Studies show that 60% of large truck crashes occur on rural roads, with a quarter of all accidents taking place on interstate highways. Additionally, 83% of fatal truck accidents happen on weekdays. This highlights the risks associated with commercial trucking operations.
• Nighttime & Low Visibility Dangers: More than 35% of all fatal truck crashes occur at night between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., so this further demonstrates that driving in low-light conditions is particularly hazardous. Factors such as fatigue, poor visibility, and road obstructions further contribute to these accidents.

Due to the sheer force of impact in a truck accident, victims often suffer from life-threatening injuries, including spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and fatalities. Given these factors, it’s critical to have aggressive legal representation to fight for your rights.

RTRLAW’s Houston truck accident attorneys have extensive experience investigating these complex cases and will work tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Houston?

Houston’s highways and roads see thousands of commercial trucks each day, making truck accidents a serious concern. These massive vehicles pose a greater risk of catastrophic accidents due to their size, weight, and the extensive distances they travel. Many truck accidents result from negligence, whether on the part of the driver, trucking company, or other third parties. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents can help victims seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.

At RTRLAW, our Houston truck accident attorneys conduct in-depth investigations into the root causes of truck accidents, and they work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for injured victims. Below are some of the most frequent causes of truck accidents in Houston:

• Driver Fatigue: Long-haul truckers often work extended shifts with little rest, leading to exhaustion, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to limit driving hours, many trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits to meet deadlines.
• Distracted Driving: Operating a massive 18-wheeler requires a drivers full attention on the road. However, distractions such as texting, eating, using a GPS, adjusting the radio, or talking on the phone can result in delayed reactions and deadly crashes. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a momentary distraction can lead to devastating consequences.
• Speeding & Reckless Driving: Trucks require significantly more time and distance to come to a complete stop than smaller vehicles. Excessive speeding, tailgating, or aggressive lane changes can make it impossible for a truck driver to avoid a collision. Speeding on wet or poorly maintained roads further increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a truck while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications significantly impairs a driver’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time. While FMCSA enforces strict drug and alcohol testing regulations, some drivers still violate these rules, putting themselves and others in serious danger.
• Vehicle Malfunction & Improper Truck Maintenance: Commercial trucks undergo constant wear and tear from long-distance travel, making regular inspections and maintenance critical. Unfortunately, trucking companies and drivers sometimes neglect repairs, leading to dangerous mechanical failures such as:
  • Brake failure: preventing the driver from stopping in time
  • Tire blowouts: causing the truck to lose control
  • Engine malfunctions: resulting in sudden breakdowns on the highway
• Violation of FMCSA Regulations: The FMCSA establishes strict safety regulations for the trucking industry, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo handling, and hours of service. However, some trucking companies and drivers cut corners, violating these federal regulations to save time and money, often at the expense of safety.
• Poor Road Conditions & Low Visibility: Truck accidents often occur due to external factors beyond a driver’s control, such as:
  • Uneven or poorly maintained roads: leading to tire damage or loss of control
  • Construction zones: where improper signage and traffic patterns increase accident risks
  • Low visibility from fog, rain, or poor lighting: making it harder for truck drivers to react to sudden obstacles
  • Inclement weather: Houston’s severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall create hazardous driving conditions, particularly for large trucks. Wet and icy roads reduce traction, increasing the likelihood of jackknifing or hydroplaning. Poor weather combined with driver inexperience can lead to devastating collisions.
• Improper Cargo Loading & Cargo Shifting: Commercial trucks transport thousands of pounds of cargo, which must be properly secured and distributed to maintain vehicle balance. Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can:
  • Shift during transit: causing a rollover or jackknife accident
  • Fall onto the roadway: creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers
  • Exceed legal weight limits: making braking and maneuvering more difficult
• Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers: Driving a commercial truck requires specialized training and experience. Poorly trained drivers may struggle with vehicle control, fail to judge stopping distances properly, or make dangerous errors in high-traffic areas. Trucking companies that hire unqualified drivers or fail to provide sufficient training may be held liable for accidents.

When a truck accident occurs in Houston, multiple parties may be responsible, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or even government entities. At RTRLAW, our experienced truck accident lawyers conduct detailed investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident and hold the liable parties accountable.

What are the 6 Most Common Injuries in Houston Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic types of crashes due to the sheer size and force of 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and commercial vehicles. Victims of truck collisions often suffer life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and even permanent disability accommodations.

At RTRLAW, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden that truck accident victims face. Below are some of the most severe injuries commonly sustained in Houston truck accidents:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head trauma can result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, and permanent brain damage
• Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis: Damage to the spine can lead to partial or total paralysis
• Broken Bones & Fractures: The impact of a truck crash can cause multiple fractures requiring surgery
• Internal Organ Damage: Internal injuries can lead to life-threatening complications
• Burn Injuries: Fires and explosions after a crash can cause severe burns and scarring
• Amputations: The crushing force of a truck accident can result in the loss of limbs

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a truck accident, RTRLAW is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Who is Liable in a Houston Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are complex because they often involve multiple liable parties. Depending on the specific circumstances, responsibility may fall on:

• The Truck Driver: If the driver was distracted, fatigued, speeding, or impaired, they can be held liable.
• The Trucking Company: Employers can be responsible if they fail to train drivers, enforce unsafe schedules, or neglect maintenance.
• The Truck Manufacturer: If a truck crash was caused by defective brakes, tires, or steering systems, the manufacturer may be at fault.
• Cargo Loaders: If improperly loaded cargo caused the accident, the company responsible for loading the truck may be held accountable.
• Maintenance Companies: If a maintenance provider failed to fix mechanical issues, they may be liable.

Our Houston truck accident attorneys will investigate all aspects of the accident to determine who is responsible and build the strongest case possible for maximum compensation.

What can Drivers do to Help Prevent Truck Accidents from Happening?

Preventing truck accidents can be challenging, as many factors contribute to collisions, including weather conditions, road hazards, and other drivers’ behavior.

However, all road users, including trucking companies, truck drivers, and passenger vehicle drivers, can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of accidents. By following safe driving practices and adhering to proper safety measures, the likelihood of devastating truck accidents can be significantly lowered.

Safety Measures for Trucking Companies

Trucking and bus companies play a crucial role in maintaining road safety by ensuring their drivers and vehicles meet high safety standards. Companies can take the following steps to reduce accident risks:

• Carefully Maintain Their Fleet of Vehicles: Routine inspections and timely maintenance on trucks prevent brake failures, tire blowouts, and mechanical malfunctions that often lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Establish Clear Safety Protocols: Companies should enforce strict safety policies, such as limiting driver hours, requiring rest breaks, and ensuring compliance with federal trucking regulations set by the FMCSA.
• Train All Drivers in Safe Driving Techniques: Providing comprehensive driver education programs ensures truck drivers understand defensive driving, safe braking distances, and how to navigate highways safely. Proper training reduces human errors and improves decision-making in high-risk situations.

Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers operate massive commercial vehicles that require greater stopping distances and heightened awareness on the road. To minimize accident risks, truck drivers should:

• Maintain Safe Distances and Speeds: Truckers must follow speed limits and allow extra space between their truck and other vehicles to account for longer stopping distances.
• Always Be Conscious of Their No-Visibility Zones: Every commercial truck has large blind spots, also known as “No-Zones”, where smaller vehicles may be invisible to the driver. Truckers should always check their blind spots before changing lanes.
• Check and Maintain Vehicles Before Driving: Performing pre-trip inspections can catch tire wear, brake issues, or engine failures before they lead to accidents on the road.
• Practice Defensive Driving When Necessary: Being alert, patient, and cautious in heavy traffic can prevent lane-changing accidents, rear-end collisions, and sudden braking incidents. Truck drivers should anticipate the actions of surrounding vehicles and prepare to respond safely.

Safety Tips for Passenger Vehicle Drivers

Smaller vehicles are especially vulnerable in truck accidents. Since trucks require longer braking distances and have larger blind spots, passenger vehicle drivers should practice safe driving habits when sharing the road with large trucks:

• Learn Defensive Driving Techniques: Drivers should anticipate possible dangers and take proactive measures to avoid sudden lane changes, aggressive braking, or speeding around trucks.
• Always Avoid a Truck’s Blind Spots: Trucks have significant blind spots on both sides, in front, and behind the trailer. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely cannot see you either.
• Maintain a Safe Distance Between the Front of Your Car and the Back of the Truck: Following too closely behind a truck can result in severe underride accidents if the truck suddenly stops. Always leave extra space when driving behind a truck.
• Always Pay Attention to a Truck’s Stop Signals and Turn Signals: Large trucks need extra time to slow down and turn. Drivers should anticipate truck movements and avoid cutting off a truck when changing lanes.
• Never Pass a Large Vehicle on the Right While it is Making a Right Turn: Trucks make wide right turns and often need extra space to maneuver. Passing a truck on the right side while it’s turning can lead to dangerous side-impact collisions.
• Report Dangerous Truck Drivers: If you witness a truck driver engaging in reckless driving, such as speeding, swerving, or tailgating, report them to the local authorities or the trucking company to help prevent future accidents.
• Invest in a dash camera or video recording device in your vehicle: With today technology, investing in a dash camera that captures video may provide the necessary evidence to illustrate exactly what occurred. Having evidence of how the accident occurred can put a person in your shoes illustrating exactly what you saw.

Even when drivers take all necessary precautions, truck accidents can still happen due to negligence, poor road conditions, or mechanical failures. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Houston, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Compensation can You Recover in a Houston Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accidents often cause serious injuries and massive financial burdens, leaving victims struggling with medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston truck accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. At RTRLAW, we are committed to helping victims recover the maximum compensation possible to support their recovery and future well-being.

Here are the types of compensation you may be eligible to recover:

Medical Bills

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, including:

• Emergency care and ambulance fees for immediate medical attention at the scene.
• Hospital stays for surgeries, intensive care, and other critical treatments.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain mobility and strength after serious injuries.
• Ongoing medical care for chronic pain, disability, or long-term conditions resulting from the accident.
• Medications, medical devices, and home modifications needed for permanent injuries.

The cost of medical treatment can be overwhelming, but you should not have to pay for expenses caused by someone else’s negligence. RTRLAW fights to ensure all current and future medical costs are covered in your settlement.

Lost Wages & Future Income

A truck accident injury can force you to miss weeks or months of work, leading to financial strain for you and your family. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Wages lost due to time away from work while recovering.
• Reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
• Future loss of income if you suffer from permanent disabilities that prevent you from working.

For those who own businesses or work in physically demanding jobs, a truck accident can significantly affect their career and financial future. RTRLAW will calculate not only your immediate lost wages but also your long-term financial losses, ensuring you receive the full amount you deserve.

Pain & Suffering

Truck accident injuries don’t just take a physical toll—they also cause emotional and psychological distress. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for:

• Chronic pain and discomfort that affects your daily life.
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD caused by the trauma of the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or activities you once loved.
• Mental anguish from dealing with long-term disabilities and physical limitations.

Because pain and suffering damages are subjective, insurance companies often try to minimize them. Our skilled attorneys at RTRLAW will aggressively negotiate to ensure you receive a fair settlement for the emotional and physical hardships you’ve endured.

Property Damage

Truck accidents can total vehicles or cause significant damage, leaving victims without transportation. Compensation may cover:

• Repair costs for your vehicle if it is salvageable.
• Replacement costs if your car was totaled in the crash.
• Damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle at the time of the accident.

RTRLAW works with auto repair experts and appraisers to determine the true monetary amount of your vehicle damage and ensure you receive a full reimbursement.

Wrongful Death Damages

In the most tragic cases, truck accidents result in fatal injuries. Families who have lost a loved one due to a truck accident can pursue wrongful death compensation, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses to cover the cost of laying a loved one to rest.
• Loss of financial support for spouses, children, or dependents who relied on the victim’s income.
• Loss of companionship for family members grieving the sudden loss of a loved one.
• Emotional suffering endured by surviving family members.

At RTRLAW, we understand that no amount of money can replace a loved one, but we are dedicated to helping families recover the financial support they need to start moving forward.

Truck accidents often lead to devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone. The legal team at RTRLAW has extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases and will fight passionately to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Why Choose RTRLAW for Your Houston Truck Accident Case?

At RTRLAW, we understand that dealing with a truck accident claim can be overwhelming. Our dedicated and experienced Houston accident attorneys will handle all legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovery. Here’s why clients trust us:

• Proven Results: We have a history of winning substantial settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims.
• No Fees Unless You Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.
• Experienced Trial Attorneys: If insurance companies refuse to settle, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.
• A Comprehensive Handling of Your Case: We conduct thorough investigations, gather vital testimony, and negotiate aggressively with insurers.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Houston truck accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. RTRLAW is ready to fight for you and will work to secure the maximum compensation possible.

Call us today at 346-250-5211 for a free consultation or explore our website further to learn how our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers can help you get your health and life back on track. Let RTRLAW fight for the justice you deserve!