HOUSTON TRUCK
ACCIDENT LAWYER

18-Wheeler & Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston

Our preeminent-rated truck accident attorneys have over 35 years of experience. We help truck accident victims get maximum compensation.

Our 18 wheeler accident lawyers limit the number of new cases that we accept. To provide the best representation for you. Our law firm is undefeated in truck accident cases and has countless multi-million-dollar wins. We have not lost a truck accident injury or wrongful death case! Hire our 18 wheeler accident attorneys and get the compensation you deserve.

Our phenomenal success for truck accident victims is due to over 35 years of experience. Dedication to our clients, and our aggressive approach to winning big rig accident lawsuits. Best of all, we give you and your family the personal attention you deserve.

Hurt in a commercial vehicle accident ?– Send us an email to request a case consultation. Or call us at (281) 587-1111 and talk with a preeminent-rated truck accident attorney.

What Can I Do to Protect My Rights After a Truck Accident in Texas?

The most important thing that you can do to protect your right is to hire the most experienced truck accident attorneys. It is challenging to act quickly when you are severely injured or grieving from losing a loved one. Yet that is when you should take action in hiring the right personal injury lawyer.

Act to get the quality of representation you deserve as early as possible. A severe injury claim or wrongful death case can be like a war with an adverse insurance company. The insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to pay out as little as possible. And hire the best defense attorneys.

Delay favors the trucking company and the insurance carriers. The sooner you act the better. When your accident investigation begins early, the better for your case. Let us prove your case. And be your spokesperson with the insurance adjusters.

Why Hire Our Leading Houston Truck Accident Lawyers?

When you’ve been hit by a commercial vehicle, it is difficult to know what you should do to protect your rights. Our nationally recognized truck accident law firm knows how to maximize your settlement.

We are undefeated in truck accident cases. And have countless multi-million-dollar proof!

Commercial policies

Truckers carry commercial policies that protect the company. From driver negligence claims for personal injury or wrongful death. These insurance policies are commercial policies. So the stakes are substantial for the insurance carrier. This exposure makes the insurance carrier fight harder to protect their money. The company will hire the best defense attorneys.

You need our truck case experience

You will need a personal injury attorney who has won truck crash lawsuits for decades. Our award-winning team is undefeated in helping truck accident victims.

We know the trucking rules

Retaining our experienced tractor-trailer accident attorneys is the right move. The law that applies to professional drivers and motor carriers contains hundreds of rules. Our truck accident lawyers in Houston know how to win big rig crash lawsuits. We have been finding trucking companies at fault and winning big money for accident victims for three decades.

Contact us early

The sooner you contact our Houston 18-wheeler Truck accident lawyers, the better. We will fight for justice for you!

Investigate the Texas trucking injury lawyers you are considering hiring. Before signing paperwork with that law firm. Find the most experienced and successful lawyer for your truck injury case. Our experience and proven results speak for themselves.

What is the Cost of Getting the Leading Truck Accident Attorney?

People worry about the cost of hiring a skilled commercial vehicle accident attorney. To represent them after an injury accident. Some choosing to try to handle the claims on their own to “save the fees.” That is a mistake.

Nothing makes an insurance adjuster happier than dealing with a victim. On their 18-wheeler injury case. Or having an inexperienced lawyer for the victim, if the injuries are substantial.

Our nationally recognized Houston truck accident lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there is no upfront cost for you to hire us. We are only compensated out of money recovered for you. And our interests are aligned. The more money you get the more we get paid! We are among the top 18 wheeler accident law firms in the country and are undefeated in big rig crash cases.

If you don’t get money, we don’t get paid! Studies show those with a reputable attorney consistently net more compensation. Don’t short-change yourself; hire our highest-rated attorneys for an 18 wheeler crash in Houston, TX.

Know that there are no upfront costs to hire us to help you. We advance all case expenses and only get paid if you get money in your pocket. Our goal is to maximize your compensation, and we are exceptional at it! Our legal fee starts at 33% of the money recovered.

Why Early Investigation by a Top-Rated Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Matters.

An investigation soon after a commercial vehicle accident is important. After a truck wreck, vital evidence should be saved. This evidence would include things like:
* Evidence from the scene of the wreck.
* Damage to the vehicles, debris, or skid marks on the highway.
* Computer data (Black Box) from the big rig.
* Paperwork about the Driver and Company. This important evidence can help prove negligence and the cause of the crash.

We Have a Quick Response Team

Our experienced trucking accident attorneys maintain a quick response team. The team works on severe injury or wrongful death cases. The team gets vital evidence to win your case.

Putting our preeminent-rated Houston truck accident attorneys to work early benefits your case. Examining your case early, we can combat the insurance carriers and the trucking company.

Recent truck wreck cases we have handled had defense lawyers at the crash site in hours. Well before the tractor-trailer was even moved. The insurance company often gets a head start.

Getting data such as measurements and preserving the big truck for inspection are crucial steps.

The sooner a truck accident victim hires our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys, the better for your case.

Police Investigation May be Inadequate

With catastrophic injuries or wrongful death crashes, an officer will usually examine the scene. However, do not assume all the evidence you need will be obtained by the authorities. Get our leading truck accident law firm in your corner.

What to Do at the Scene of a Semi-Truck Accident?

Our trucking accident lawyers suggest the following at the scene:
* Call the police if you are able
* Cooperate with the police officer
* Exchange Information with the other driver
* Identify witnesses
* Take photos or a video of the scene and vehicles
* If injured, report it to first responders
* If necessary, take the ambulance to the hospital

Blame Shifting by Defense Lawyers

Defense lawyers try to shift the blame for an accident. Or say that your injuries are preexisting or unrelated.
Documenting the scene with photographs can help combat blame-shifting. Reporting your injuries help document they were part of the crash.

Our Houston truck accident lawyers will take steps to get the evidence to win your case. And work to maximize your damages.

Things to Do in the Days After the Collision

Preserve Your Car

With severe injury preserving your vehicle can be important. if your car may have had a defect that contributed to the accident or your injuries. Or to combat the defense on specific issues.
Also, your vehicle may be essential to help determine how the accident occurred.

Talk with an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer before your car is totaled. Or repaired if you have a catastrophic injury.

Get Recommended Follow Up Medical Care

It is important to document your case and treatment. Toughing it out hurts for the case. Following your doctor’s orders is vital for your recovery and case. Use specialists when appropriate.

Keep a Record of Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses.

Save all paperwork from the hospital and doctors. If you do not have health insurance call us to see if we can help you get needed care.

Call our Award-Winning Truck Accident Lawyers

Our skilled team has decades of experience in getting top damages in tractor-trailer crash cases for three decades. We are nationally recognized in truck accident litigation. And have protected Texas families for decades.

Call the leading 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Houston at (281) 587-1111. Or fill out an online consultation request for a FREE consultation.

What Compensation is Available to Trucking Accident Injury Victims?

Damages for a truck accident victim in a truck accident lawsuit can include the following in Texas:

* Reasonable and necessary medical expenses, both past and future
* Physical pain and mental anguish, both past, and future
* Lost earning capacity both past and future
* Physical Impairment
* Disability and Disfigurement
* Exemplary or punitive damages in some cases
* Wrongful death and survival damages.

The settlement value of a semi-truck crash will vary depending on the facts of your case. An 18-wheeler accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm will evaluate your case for free.

It costs nothing to have a skilled lawyer from Baumgartner Law Firm evaluate your damages from a large truck claim. We will advise you on protecting your rights and the next steps. Call us for a FREE consultation- (281) 587-1111.

How Much are Truck Accident Settlements?

Compensation and settlements from a commercial vehicle accident will vary from case to case. Based upon three factors. The factors are:
1. Liability
2. Damages, and
3. Insurance coverage.

Our truck accident attorneys have won record multi-million-dollar settlements for truck accident claims. And handled hundreds of cases. Commercial vehicle collisions are valued higher than car-to-car accidents. The driver of a semi-truck must be professional and follow the safety rules. Violations of the safety rules are compelling evidence in Texas.

Jurors in Texas tend to look skeptical of professional drivers’ excuses after an 18-wheeler accident. Because a big rig can weigh 80,000 pounds, the impacts are usually severe and the injuries substantial.

We specialize in maximizing compensation after a severe injury or fatal truck wreck. Let us help you!

How to Maximize Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim?

Get the Best Lawyer

The first step in maximizing the compensation is to hire the finest 18-wheeler attorney you can find. Get our top-rated truck accident lawyers to help you. Then you can avoid worrying about the claim and focus on your recovery.

Our truck accident law firm has an incredible record of winning significant damages for you. We have helped hundreds of truck accident victims.

Follow Up with Medical Care

The next step in ensuring you get maximum damages is to follow your doctor’s orders to the letter. Many personal injury victims have reasons why they couldn’t follow up with medical care. Juries accept almost none of the excuses.

Failing to follow up with recommended treatment will hurt your case.
Finding specialists to treat you will not only speed up your recovery but also improve your case.

Keep Track of Expenses and Losses

Keeping track of your lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses can be helpful. For your Houston truck accident attorney and your case.

Avoid Posting to Social Media

Finally, avoid social media posts during your recovery. Recent cases in Texas have allowed defense attorneys to get your social media. Including Facebook and other social media posts. A skilled insurance defense attorney can use posts against you. Twisting to infer you are faking or not hurt badly.

Call us with Questions

If you have questions about what to do to help your case, call us. (281) 587-1111!

About Some of Our Recent Houston 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Wins

We have never lost a truck accident case. Helping families after an injury accident with a commercial vehicle. Our wins go back for more than 35 years.

• In one recent case, we represented a truck driver.  He died after he lost control of his semi and jackknifed across the roadway, killing two innocent people.

After many depositions, we dug up many safety violations by his company and others. We recovered millions of dollars for the truck driver’s family. And got much more money than the other “truck accident attorneys” got for their clients. The families of the two innocent people who died. When our client lost control of the big rig.

• Another recent fatal truck accident case we won involved the defense attorney on-site in an hour. Before the vehicles had been moved.

The defense lawyer was able to speak with officers at the scene. The trucking company contested liability. And blamed our client for the accident. We won the case and were able to obtain a large 7 figure settlement for the family. The settlement was a record -the highest ever paid by the trucking company.

• We fought a trucking company after its driver jackknifed across the road, killing a wonderful woman.

Our truck accident attorney filed a lawsuit. And took many depositions. Our tractor-trailer accident lawyers were able to prove numerous safety violations. The insurance company then paid our demand for a multi-million-dollar settlement to avoid trial.

• We represented a woman who was hit while in the blind spot of a semi-truck. The company denied responsibility.

But once our 18-wheeler accident lawyers got hired, the case settled for a substantial sum before litigation. Our client was thrilled!

• We represented a young man with a brain injury from getting hit from the rear.

The initial offer by the insurance company was a joke. We filed a lawsuit. And won the case. Our client knew that he would not worry about medical care or money for the rest of his life. We secured a multi-million-dollar settlement.

Defendants Want Confidential Settlements with Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

We hold trucking companies accountable. Most of our multi-million-dollar wins are confidential by the demand of the trucking company. To prevent others from finding out how much we forced them to pay our clients. Don’t settle for less!

You can view a few of our recent victories by visiting our results page. Don’t only hire a car accident lawyer. Call a preeminent-rated truck accident lawyer for a collision with an 18-wheeler.

How Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Use the Safety Regulations

Truck drivers and truck companies must follow safety laws. Rules are in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. And adopted by the state of Texas.

Hours of Service

One rule limits when a commercial vehicle driver can be behind the wheel or on the clock. The hours-of-service regulations for commercial drivers specify when a truck driver can drive.

The regulations require:
• 14-hour duty limit (minimum 10 hours of rest after 14 hours on duty)
• 11-hour driving limit (minimum 10 hours rest after 11 total driving hours)
• 60/70-hour duty limit

Driver fatigue causes a lot of accidents. It can occur for truck drivers who do not follow the safety regulations.

Professional drivers are often pressured to deliver the load quickly. Violations can happen when pressed by the company. Or when the driver seeks to earn more money.

Our Texas truck accident law firm reviews logbooks and even cell phone records. To discover rules violations. And make the company pay.

It is important that the law firm you select has substantial experience. In investigating driver fatigue and violations of federal regulations. We have over 35 years experience.

Maintenance Obligations

Trucking companies must keep their trucks safe. The safety regulations have set rules. Many truck wrecks happen because the truck was unsafe. Or even “out of service” while on the road.

Our 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys inspect the tractor-trailer after a crash. Looking for rules violations that relate to why the wreck occurred.
Discovering safety violations helps us win your case.

Our firm has won maximum damages for truck accident victims for over three decades.

What We Look For After a Collision

Our investigation after a tractor-trailer crash can include:
• Logbooks
• Black box or computer event data
• Documents evidencing the load and prior deliveries
• Inspection of the tractor-trailer
• Assessment of the accident scene
• Poor training
• Defective rigs
• Cell Phone Use

Driver Training

18-wheeler drivers have a commercial driver’s license. Some trucking companies simply turn them loose on the highways to deliver their loads. At the Baumgartner Law Firm, we believe that merely having a CDL is insufficient safety training. For a commercial driver operating a vehicle that can weigh 80,000 pounds.

Motor carriers must ensure that their drivers are adequately trained. And able to manage the big rigs safely. Ongoing safety training must be a part of all motor carrier operations.

Recent Changes to Texas Truck Accident Evidence

Texas law regarding truck accident injury lawsuits has just changed. The changes require you get the most skilled prominent commercial accident attorney for your truck accident claim.

Our nationally recognized award-winning lawyers are the way to go!

Why Look for Dangerous Equipment on Big Rigs?

Truckers must ensure that the trucks on the highway are in safe and proper operating condition. Semi-truck drivers must inspect their tractor-trailers every day. And check their loads to ensure they are properly secured.

Further, the federal regulations require truck drivers to check the semi-truck before beginning any trip. The truck driver must inspect:
• Air Lines and compressor
• Brakes
• Fuel system
• Lights
• Steering
• Safety equipment
• Axles
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and tires
• Numerous other equipment

When the trip ends, the commercial vehicle driver must re-examine the truck. And each item is covered in their driver’s daily vehicle inspection reports. Not following safety regulations can cause accidents.

All dangerous conditions or defects must be in such reports. The driver must and report it to the motor carrier before taking the big rig out on another trip. Failure to inspect or act on inspections can be significant evidence of negligence.

Truck Crash Evaluations

An investigation after a fatal truck accident is part of an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers have won many commercial truck accident cases. Where we proved the truck, itself was a danger to both the driver and the public. We have even won huge damages for commercial truck drivers!

Call us for a FREE consultation after your truck collision case. Speak with a preeminent-rated Houston truck accident lawyer! (281) 587-1111

Call us for a FREE consultation after your trucking accident and speak directly with a preeminent-rated Houston truck accident lawyer! (281) 587-1111

How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Truck Accident Case Take?

It is difficult to predict how long an 18-Wheeler settlement will take without knowing the cause of the truck crash. When liability is contested, the case will take longer. 18-Wheeler collisions are more complex and involve more issues than a simple car wreck.

If responsibility is clear, cases that do not involve severe injury might be resolved as soon as six months. After medical care is completed. But truck crashes involving severe injury, or a fatality will always take more time to resolve.

For large damages, one to two years can be a general guideline. But much depends on the lawyers, courts, and facts of the collision.
The more money at stake, the longer your case will take.

Our undefeated 18-wheeler accident lawyers have been winning tractor-trailer injury cases for decades. Put our experience to work for your financial future.

Texas Leads the Nation in Fatal Truck Crashes

Texas records the highest number of truck accidents of any state in the US. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) keeps statistics. They say Texas had a total of 581 fatalities from a truck accidents last year. Truck accidents lead to devastating injuries, massive property damage, and a high fatality rate.

If you suffered injuries in a Texas truck accident, contact a top-rated personal injury attorney. Call Baumgartner Law Firm to discuss your case and help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Trucking Crashes in Texas

Several factors can cause severe trucking accidents on Texas roadways. Common causes and contributing factors of truck accidents include:

Truck driver fatigue

Driver fatigue is a serious problem. Fatigue accounts for one-quarter of fatal and severe accidents each year. Most commercial truck drivers work under hectic and tight schedules that put them under immense pressure. Failure to deliver their consignments on time results in penalties from their employers.

Unreasonable schedules push most drivers to work for long hours. Without adequate sleep, leading to fatigue. Rules violations are frequently discovered after a lawsuit is filed.

Fatigue increases reaction time and leads to a loss of concentration and reduction of coordination. Studies reveal that most drivers’ average time to react to a risky situation on the road is 1.5 seconds. A fatigued motorist takes up to three seconds to respond. That leads to a truck crashing.

Excess speed and following too closely

The extreme pressure placed on most truck drivers may force them to speed to beat turnaround times. Large trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is about 20 times more than an average car. Speeding with such massive weight makes the trucks challenging to control or stop in traffic. Speeding causes severe crashes.

A truck driver traveling at high speeds makes reacting to a hazard harder. A driver moving at a slower pace, which decreases the likelihood of a crash. Speeding increases the risk of losing vehicle control because trucks at high speeds are challenging to maneuver.

Overloaded cargo

Truck overloading is not only a safety concern but also a cost concern. Commercial trucks must carry loads up to a specific limit only, both in terms of weight and volume. An overloaded vehicle poses the following safety risks:
• Instability: Overloaded trucks are less stable and quite difficult to steer. And take longer to stop, leading to accidents.
• Tire Failure: A tire blowout is one of the leading causes of accidents in Texas. Overloaded trucks cause tires to overheat and wear out rapidly. Which increases the risk of blowouts.
• Malfunctioning brakes: An overloaded truck’s brakes must work harder to bring the semi-truck to a stop. Brakes tend to overheat faster and lose their effectiveness when stopping an overloaded truck.

Mechanical defects with the truck

Some of Texas’ serious truck crashes are caused by mechanical issues that the truck owner should have fixed. Mechanical problems are overlooked as a factor in auto accidents. Mechanical defects can cause a crash or create issues contributing to a crash involving large trucks.
Some of the typical mechanical failures that cause accidents include:
* Worn Out Tires: Up to 35 percent of road crashes in the US are due to tire blowouts or worn tires.
* Faulty Brakes: Faulty brakes cause up to 22 percent of big rig accidents. Rear-end collisions from faulty brakes make it difficult for truck drivers to stop in time.
* Steering Suspension: Steering and suspension problems cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Leading to a collision with other motorists or a crash into an object or property.
* Windshield Wipers: Faulty wipers can diminish the driver’s vision during rainy or foggy conditions. Defective wipers may be due to worn-out blades or a wiper system.
* Headlights and taillights: A truck with faulty lights is at a higher risk of causing an accident.

Truck Driving under the Influence

DWI accounts for up to 28 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. When a truck driver is drunk, the consequences are severe.

Drunk drivers can also become drowsy or fall asleep while driving, leading to head-on collisions. Alcohol reduces a motorist’s ability to read and comprehend traffic signs and signals. And makes it difficult to understand the actions of the other drivers. Alcohol or drug use by a CDL holder can lead to punitive damages after a commercial vehicle crash.

Who Can Be at Fault in a Trucking Accident?

Determining liability in trucking accidents is not as easy as it might first seem. If you have been involved in a trucking accident, contact an experienced trucking accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm.

We will help investigate the crash and determine the fault party to be held liable for your injuries. Some of the possible parties to blame for trucking accidents include:

• The truck driver
• His employer – the trucking company
• A truck manufacturer
• A shipping or loading company
• Truck maintenance company
• A passenger vehicle driver

Talk with us about your accident with a commercial vehicle; the initial consultation is free and without obligation!

What Is the Statute of Limitation for a Personal Injury Case in Texas?

Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitation. For filing a lawsuit related to personal injuries that occurred in a car accident. It is important to keep in mind that the deadline clock starts ticking from the date of the accident. The sooner you make your claim, the better. Never wait until the last minute to hire a truck accident attorney.

Where Fatal Houston Truck Accidents Take Place [Interactive Map]

The map below shows where fatal truck accidents have taken place in Houston. Most of the fatal truck accidents in Texas happen in the cities of Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. In this map of 18-wheeler accidents in Houston, we see most crashes occur on:
* Interstate 45 (I 45)
* Interstate 10 (I 10)
* US 59 (Katy Freeway)
* Beltway 8
* US 290
* 610

This is because semi-trucks use the freeways and, on the interstates, more than driving around the city itself.

Texas Semi-Truck Accident Statistics [Infographic]