HOUSTON TRUCK
ACCIDENT LAWYER

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

The most important thing that you can do to protect your rights after being injured but a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle is to hire the best, most experienced attorney for truck accidents. It is frequently challenging to act when you are severely injured or grieving from losing a loved one, yet that is precisely when you should take action in hiring an attorney. Also, you must take steps to get quality representation 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 or nothing if they can get away with it. Delay favors the trucking company and the insurance carriers.

The sooner your truck accident investigation begins, the more likely it that the inquiry results in helpful evidence for your case. Let us be your spokesperson with the insurance adjuster.

Why Hire Our Leading Houston Truck Accident Lawyers?

When you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler or a commercial vehicle, often it is difficult to know what you should do to protect yourself and your family. Our law firm is nationally recognized and has been protecting the financial future of truck accident victims for over thirty-five years. We are undefeated in truck accident cases.

Truckers carry commercial policies that protect the company from driver negligence claims for personal injury or wrongful death. These insurance policies generally take seven-figure liability coverage amounts, so the stakes are substantial for the insurance carrier. This exposure makes the insurance carrier fight harder to protect their money and pay little on the claim. You will need a personal injury attorney who has consistently won truck crash lawsuits on your side. Our award-winning team is undefeated in helping truck accident victims.

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 decades.

The earlier you contact our Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyers, the better we will be able to fight for justice for you!

Always investigate the Texas truck injury lawyers you are considering hiring for your truck wreck case before signing paperwork with that law firm. If you can find a more experienced and successful lawyer for your truck injury case, hire them immediately! Our experience and proven results speak for themselves.

What is the Cost of a Top Truck Accident Attorney to Represent Me?

Many 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.” Nothing makes an insurance adjuster happier than dealing with a non-lawyer on their 18-wheeler injury case and dealing with an inexperienced associate of a credible law firm, particularly if the injuries are substantial.

Our nationally recognized Houston truck accident lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm take cases on a contingency fee basis – meaning there is no upfront cost to hire us.

We are only compensated out of money recovered for you. 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! Study after study shows those with a reputable attorney net more compensation. Don’t short-change yourself; hire the highest-rated attorney 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 is Early Investigation by a Leading 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney So Important?

One cannot overstate the importance of an early investigation by a leading truck accident attorney after getting hit by a semi-truck.

After a truck wreck, vital evidence should be preserved. This evidence would include evidence regarding the scene of the wreck, such as damage to the vehicles, debris or skid marks on the highway, and computer data from the big rig.

Our Truck Accident Investigation Quick Response Team

Our experienced trucking accident attorneys maintain a quick response team for severe injury or wrongful death cases. By putting a preeminent-rated Houston truck accident attorney to work on your case early, we can combat the insurance carriers and the trucking company on an equal footing.

Several recent truck wreck cases we have handled involved defense lawyers at the crash scene before the vehicles are even moved. Getting vital data such as measurements and preserving the big truck for inspection are crucial steps. The sooner a truck accident victim gets our experienced Houston truck accident attorney, the better for your case.

With catastrophic injuries or wrongful death crashes, the investigating officer will usually thoroughly examine the scene itself. However, it is a mistake to assume the evidence you need to win your case will be obtained by the authorities. Get our truck accident investigation team in your corner.

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

If you can take pictures with your cell phone at the scene on your own, do so. Get photographs of the motor vehicles in their final resting positions and any skid marks or debris that indicates the direction of the large truck before or after impact.

Usually, the defense attorney will hire an accident reconstruction expert to shift the blame from the trucking company and its driver onto the innocent injury victims or other third parties.

Documenting the scene with photographs can help combat this defense technique. Our Houston truck accident lawyers will take steps to get the needed evidence to win your case if you hire us.

When the injuries have been severe, 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. Always talk with an 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer before your car is destroyed or repaired if you have a catastrophic injury. Our skilled team has decades of experience in getting top damages in tractor-trailer crash cases for three decades.

To speak with the leading 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Houston, fill out an online consultation request or call (281) 587-1111 for a FREE consultation.

What Compensation is Available to Trucking Accident Injury Victims?

Legal 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
• 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 lawyer from Baumgartner Law Firm evaluate your damages from a large truck claim and advise you on protecting your rights. Call us for a FREE consultation- (281) 587-1111.

How Much are Settlements for Commercial Truck Wrecks?

Compensation from a commercial vehicle accident will vary from case to case based upon three factors. The factors are liability, damages, and insurance coverage. Over the last thirty-five years, our truck accident attorneys have won record multi-million-dollar settlements for truck accident claims.

Generally, commercial vehicle collisions are valued higher than a car to car accidents. The driver of a semi-truck must be professional and follow the safety rules that apply. Violations of the safety rules are compelling evidence in Texas. Also, jurors in Texas tend to look skeptical of professional drivers’ excuses after an 18 wheeler accident. Additionally, because a big rig can weigh 80,000 pounds, the impacts are usually severe and the injuries substantial.

We have maximized compensation for countless numbers of Texas families after a severe injury or fatal truck wreck. Let us help you!

How to Maximize Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim?

The first step in maximizing the compensation from an injury accident with the big rig is to hire the best 18 wheeler attorney you can find. By retaining our top-rated truck accident lawyers to help you, you can avoid worrying about all of the details of the claim and focus on your recovery. Our truck accident law firm has an incredible record of winning significant damages for you.

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, and juries accept almost none of the excuses. Failing to follow up with recommended treatment can hurt your case.

But finding specialists to treat you will not only speed up your recovery but also help your case.

Additionally, keeping track of your lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses can be helpful for your Houston truck accident attorney and help your case.

Finally, avoid social media posts during your recovery. Recent cases in Texas have allowed defense attorneys to see and use Facebook and other social media posts. A skilled insurance attorney can easily twist to infer you were not hurt as badly as you were. If you have questions about what to do to help yourself, call us. (281) 587-1111!

Some of Our Recent 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Wins

We have helped families in the Houston area and across Texas after an injury accident with a commercial vehicle for over 35 years.

One case we won was representing a truck driver who 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 family and much more money than the other attorneys recovered for the families of the two innocent people killed by our client.

Another recent fatal truck accident case we won involved the insurance defense attorney on-site before the vehicles were moved. Although the trucking company contested liability, we were able to obtain a large 7 figure settlement for the family. The settlement was the highest ever paid by the trucking company. We have never lost an injury or wrongful death case.

We fought a trucking company after its driver jackknifed across the road, killing a wonderful woman. After extensive discovery and many depositions, our semi accident lawyers were able to show numerous safety violations. The insurance company then paid up a multi-million dollar settlement.

We represented a woman who was run over while in the blind spot of a semi-truck. The company initially denied responsibility. But once one of our 18 wheeler accident lawyers got involved, 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 offer by the insurance company was a joke. But, after winning the case, our client knew that he would not worry about medical care or money for the rest of his life.

Many of our incredible 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.

You can view a few of our recent victories by visiting our results page. Don’t only hire a car accident lawyer. Call us for a preeminent-rated truck accident lawyer for your collision with a semi or a big rig.

How We Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations After a Large Truck Accident

Both truck drivers and truck companies must follow the safety laws in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. One such 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 be behind the wheel.

• 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 can quickly occur for truck drivers is a given for those who do not follow the safety regulations. Professional drivers often are pressured to deliver the load quickly either to benefit financially or to appease the company. It is critically important that the law firm you select has substantial experience investigating driver fatigue and violations of federal regulations. Our firm has won maximum settlements for a truck accident victim over three decades.

Truck accident 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

Many 18-wheeler drivers have a commercial driver’s license and simply turn 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 in Texas law regarding truck accident injury lawsuits require you get the most skilled prominent commercial accident attorney for your truck accident claim. Our award-winning team is the way to go!

Why do We 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 adequately 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 ended, the commercial vehicle driver must re-examine each item covered in their driver’s daily vehicle inspection reports. When a driver does not follow the safety regulations it can cause accidents.

All dangerous conditions or defects must be in such reports and reported 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.

An investigation after a fatal truck accident can be an essential 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 and speak directly with a preeminent-rated Houston truck accident lawyer! (281) 587-1111

How Long Does a 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. If liability is contested, the case will take longer. 18-Wheeler collisions are more complex and involve more issues than a simple car wreck.

If liability is clear, cases that do not involve severe injury or wrongful death can potentially be settled 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.

If your damages are large, 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 the case will usually take. Our undefeated 18-wheeler accident lawyers have been winning significant damages in tractor-trailer injury cases for over three decades. Put our experience to work for your financial future.

Texas records the highest number of truck accidents of any state in the US. Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimate the Lone Star state had a total of 581 fatalities from truck accidents in 2020. Truck accidents are hazardous and often lead to devastating injuries, massive property damage, and a high fatality rate.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a Texas 18 wheeler truck accident, contact a top-rated personal injury attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm to discuss the details of your case and help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.

Five Common Causes of Truck 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 that contributes to twenty percent of all accidents and up to 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 often results in hefty penalties from their employers.

Unfortunately, too much work and unreasonable schedules push most drivers to work for long hours without a break or adequate sleep, leading to fatigue.

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 severely fatigued motorist typically takes up to three critical seconds to respond, leading to a higher risk of crashing.

Excess speed and following too closely

The extreme pressure placed on most truck drivers may force them to speed to beat tough turnaround times. Large trucks typically 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, resulting in severe crashes.

Typically, a truck driver traveling at high speeds covers more ground between spotting and reacting to a hazard than a driver moving at a slower pace, which increases the likelihood of a crash. Speeding also 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. They also take longer to stop, leading to massive accidents.
• Tire burst: 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 premature and dangerous blowouts.
• Difficulty overtaking: Overloaded trucks cannot accelerate normally, making it difficult to overtake quickly and safely.
• Malfunctioning brakes: An overloaded truck’s brakes must work harder to bring a car to a stop. Brakes also tend to overheat faster and lose their effectiveness at 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. Unfortunately, mechanical problems are often overlooked as a factor in auto accidents. Mechanical defects can cause a crash directly or create issues contributing to a road 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. Worn-out tires and over or underinflation often cause tire blowouts.

Faulty Brakes: Faulty brakes typically cause up to 22 percent of road accidents. Most rear-end collisions can be attributed to faulty brakes that make it difficult for truck drivers to stop in time when tailing slowing traffic.

Steering Suspension: Steering and suspension problems often 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 visibility during rainy or foggy conditions. Defective wipers may be due to worn-out blades or a malfunctioning wiper system.

Headlights and taillights: Headlights and taillights help drivers see the road while ensuring the truck is visible to the other drivers. 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 intoxicated, they may fail to react on time when tailing traffic that has slowed or stopped, leading to rear-end collisions.

Drunk drivers can also become drowsy or fall asleep while driving, leading to head-on collisions. Alcohol typically 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 or road users. 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 or property damage that occurred in a car accident. It is important to keep in mind that the deadline clock starts ticking from the date the accident occurred. The sooner you make your claim, the better.

Where Fatal Houston Truck Accidents Take Place [Interactive Map]

The map below shows where fatal truck accidents have taken place between 2010 and the first quarter of 2019. A large majority of the fatal accidents involving truck collisions that occur in Texas happen in the large metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. In this map of accidents in Houston, we see that a large number of these occur on Interstates 64 and 610. This is because semi-trucks are found more often on the interstate than they are driving around the city itself.

Texas Semi-Truck Accident Statistics [Infographic]