Given the size and weight of an 18-wheeler when compared to a passenger car, it is no wonder that accidents involving these trucks result in life-altering injuries and fatalities. If you or your loved one was involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Houston, Texas, there is hope.
An accident involving an 18-wheeler can leave victims suffering debilitating injuries that affect their lives in numerous ways. They may be left facing medical bills they cannot afford, pain that doesn’t go away, and job duties they can no longer perform. We recommend you hire a truck accident lawyer right away after an accident.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer understands the physical, financial, and emotional toll an 18-wheeler accident can take on victims of these accidents. For 35+ years, we have been dedicated to providing unparalleled legal representation to victims of 18-wheeler accidents in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding area. Our law firm has been recognized for our vigorous legal advocacy and commitment to justice by prestigious legal organizations such as Texas Super Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell, and Lead Counsel Rated, among others.
Were You Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
When a trucking accident involves a passenger car and an 18-wheeler, it is often the driver and occupants of the passenger car who suffer severe and life-threatening injuries, while the truck driver is able to walk away without a scratch or bruise.
- Fact: In 2021 alone, 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents on the roads of the United States, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Texas led the nation in the number of fatal truck accidents and accounted for nearly 14% of truck accident fatalities that year.
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it could take months or years to recover from your injuries. Unfortunately, many victims never fully recover and end up suffering physically, psychologically, and/or financially for the rest of their lives. If the accident was someone else’s fault, you shouldn’t bear the burden of their negligence and might be entitled to compensation.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Accidents involving 18-wheelers can happen for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:
- Driver error
- Driver fatigue
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Equipment failure or out-of-service violations
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Distracted driving
- Adverse weather conditions
- Speeding or reckless driving
Understanding the cause of the accident is essential in pinpointing liability and getting fair compensation. Our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm can help you investigate your accident to understand how it occurred and identify liable parties.
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Due to the sheer size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents can be catastrophic. Common injuries might include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Fractured ribs
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limb and amputations
- Disfigurement
- Other catastrophic injuries.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our Houston 18-wheeler accident attorneys are committed to advocating for clients who have suffered serious injuries and helping them secure compensation for their past, ongoing, and future medical expenses and other losses.
- Note: In Texas, injured victims of truck accidents have a limited amount of time to take legal action and seek financial recovery. That time limit is known as the statute of limitations and equals two years from the date of the accident pursuant to the Tex. Civ. Prac. and Rem. Code § 16.003.
Damages in 18-Wheeler Accident Claims
If your injury claim is successful, you could be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages following an 18-wheeler accident. Damages in these cases often include:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Punitive damages, if applicable (in Texas, punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant acted with gross negligence, fraud, or malice pursuant to Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 41.003).
Read more: What is an average truck accident settlement?
Our lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm work with a network of medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, and financial consultants to accurately assess the full extent of damages suffered by our clients to ensure they receive full compensation.
Why Choose Baumgartner Law Firm
When you choose our law firm, you can expect the following:
- Experience. For more than 35 years, we have been committed to helping injured victims and their families during difficult times in Houston and throughout the state of Texas.
- Track record of success. Our firm has repeatedly won multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, which is evident from our Case Results page.
- National and local recognition. Baumgartner Law Firm has been recognized by prestigious legal organizations, including Martindale Hubbell, on a national and local level.
- Dedication to justice. Our goal is to help every client we represent obtain the compensation and justice they deserve so they can move forward with their lives.
- Client-centered approach. Our philosophy is simple: We treat every client as a person, not a case number because we have empathy for the people who seek our help.
- Trusted service. We have earned a reputation for achieving exceptional results for our clients, which is evident from the testimonials of our past clients.
- No-fee guarantee. If we don’t win, you pay us nothing because our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
- Free consultations. Our goal is to make our service as accessible as possible, which is why we provide free initial consultations to people in their times of need.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we focus on helping injured victims of 18-wheeler accidents and their families restore their lives by advocating for the compensation they deserve.
Baumgartner Law Firm: Contact Our Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Help
Our 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm has tackled numerous types of truck accident cases and knows what it takes to effectively advocate for accident victims and help them get the financial security they need. We have the experience and resources to bring you justice and provide support during this overwhelming time in your life.
Contact us today to request a free case evaluation with our team and discuss how we can help you. Call (281) 587-1111 or send us an email.
Related Resources:
How Long Does It Take to Settle An 18-Wheeler Accident Case?