Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
40+ Years Handling Serious 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Cases
An 18-wheeler crash can change a family in seconds. The trucking company may have investigators and insurance representatives working before the road is cleared. You need someone protecting your side just as quickly.
I am Greg Baumgartner. For more than 40 years, I have represented people and families after serious truck and commercial vehicle crashes. My firm moves fast to preserve evidence, identify every responsible party, and build a case for full compensation. We have never lost a trucking case.
Call (281) 587-1111 or request a free, confidential case review. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
40+ Years Personal injury experience | Undefeated In trucking cases | Millions Recovered in truck and commercial vehicle cases | No Fee Unless we recover money |
Legally reviewed by Greg Baumgartner, Texas attorney licensed since 1984 | Updated July 14, 2026
Proven Results in Truck and Commercial Vehicle Cases
A strong truck case requires more than a large demand. It requires proof that can withstand the trucking company’s defenses. These results show our experience handling serious injuries, disputed fault, multiple defendants, and wrongful death claims.
$5 MillionCommercial Vehicle Spinal Injury The defendants denied responsibility. After extensive litigation, the case was resolved for $5 million. | $3.75 MillionCommercial Vehicle Head Injury Our client was rear-ended at high speed on a Houston highway. Multiple defendants were involved, and the case resolved during trial. |
$3.55 Million18-Wheeler Wrongful Death A tractor-trailer backed across a roadway while making a delivery. The defense blamed the victim. We filed suit and secured a $3.55 million recovery before trial. | $3 MillionSemi-Truck Crash With Back Surgery A series of highway collisions created several claims. Our client required back surgery, and we obtained the largest recovery among the claims arising from the crash. |
See more truck and commercial vehicle case results. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, evidence, law, insurance, and damages.
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Meet Greg Baumgartner
I have been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1984 and founded Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985. I hold a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws degree, and I am a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College. I have received an AV Preeminent peer-review rating, been selected to Super Lawyers, and earned a 10.0 rating on Avvo.
You can review my background and approach to client service, my Super Lawyers profile, and my Avvo profile. Credentials matter, but they are not a substitute for preparation, judgment, and results.
Baumgartner Law Firm is not a high-volume settlement practice. We accept a limited number of serious cases so each client receives personal attention. Clients can speak directly with me, and every case is prepared with trial in mind.
Lead Trial Lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
A truck crash is not simply a larger car accident. Commercial carriers operate under safety rules that do not apply to most drivers. The most important evidence may be controlled by the trucking company, its insurer, a maintenance vendor, a cargo company, or another business involved in the trip.
A serious case may involve several insurance policies and several responsible parties. The defense may also have investigators, experts, and lawyers working from the first day. That is why early action matters.
- Electronic records may show speed, braking, engine activity, driver hours, GPS history, and communications before the crash.
- Company files may reveal unsafe hiring, poor training, false logs, pressure to meet a delivery schedule, or repeated safety problems.
- Maintenance and inspection records may show brake, tire, steering, lighting, or trailer defects.
- Cargo records may help explain a rollover, jackknife, shifting load, or loss of control.
- Severe injuries and wrongful death claims require careful proof of future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and the full human loss to the family.
What We Do Immediately After We Are Hired
In my experience, the first days after a serious truck crash can shape the entire case. We focus first on evidence that may disappear, be overwritten, or remain under the control of the motor carrier.
- Send preservation notices to the trucking company, insurer, vehicle owner, and other parties who may control evidence.
- Identify the motor carrier, driver, tractor and trailer owners, cargo interests, maintenance companies, and available insurance coverage.
- Inspect the vehicles and crash scene when the facts require it.
- Seek ECM, event data recorder, electronic logging device, GPS, telematics, dashcam, and onboard camera information.
- Obtain driver qualification, dispatch, hours-of-service, fuel, toll, phone, maintenance, inspection, and cargo records.
- Interview witnesses and work with qualified reconstruction, trucking safety, medical, and economic experts when needed.
The goal is not to collect every possible record. It is to find the evidence tied to the cause of the crash and the harm it created. Learn more about our Houston truck accident investigation process.
Who May Be Responsible for a Houston Truck Crash?
The evidence determines who should be held responsible. Not every case involves the same defendants, and filing against the wrong parties can waste time and weaken the focus of the claim.
Truck driver: A driver may be responsible for speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, unsafe turns, following too closely, or other careless driving.
Motor carrier or employer: A company may be responsible for a driver acting within the scope of the job. It may also be directly responsible for unsafe hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, or safety practices.
Maintenance or repair company: A contractor may share responsibility when poor inspection or repair work contributes to brake, tire, steering, or other equipment failure.
Shipper, loader, or cargo company: Improper loading, securement, or weight distribution may contribute to a rollover, jackknife, cargo spill, or loss of control.
Vehicle or parts manufacturer: A defective truck, trailer, tire, brake component, coupling system, or safety device may create a product liability claim.
Other motorists or businesses: A passenger vehicle driver, construction company, property owner, or another business may share fault depending on how the crash occurred.
Our investigation may include a close review of negligent hiring and retention by a trucking company and the records that show whether the driver was qualified and properly supervised.
Houston Truck Accident Facts and Local Evidence
Houston is a major freight center. Commercial trucks move through I-10, I-45, I-69/US 59, US 290, Loop 610, Beltway 8, and the Ship Channel area every day. A serious crash in this region can involve evidence held by public agencies, toll-road systems, nearby businesses, industrial facilities, warehouses, and private fleets.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2024 county report, Harris County had 6,313 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. Those crashes included 41 fatalities and 112 suspected serious injuries.
Local evidence may include a police or DPS crash report, 911 recordings, body-camera footage, toll records, traffic or business video, witness information, and scene measurements. A police report is useful, but it is often only the starting point. TxDOT explains how Texas crash reports and records are collected and maintained.
Why local investigation matters Video can be overwritten, vehicles can be repaired, and electronic data can be lost. A lawyer familiar with Houston’s road system and commercial traffic can identify likely evidence sources and act before they disappear. |
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Truck crashes often have more than one cause. A driver’s mistake may be connected to company pressure, poor training, unsafe equipment, or a failure to enforce basic safety rules.
• Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations that reduce alertness and reaction time
• Distracted driving, including phone use, dispatch messages, and in-cab devices
• Speeding, following too closely, and driving too fast for traffic or weather
• Wide turns, unsafe lane changes, and failure to account for trailer off-tracking
• Blind-spot collisions involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians
• Jackknife accidents caused by braking, speed, road conditions, equipment, or cargo issues
• Negligent truck maintenance involving brakes, tires, steering, lights, or trailer components
• Unsafe hiring, poor training, lack of supervision, or pressure to meet an unrealistic schedule
• Improper loading, overweight cargo, shifting loads, or failed cargo securement
• Alcohol, drugs, medical problems, or other conditions that make the driver unsafe
Federal rules limit driving and on-duty time and require rest periods. The FMCSA hours-of-service rules are intended to reduce fatigue. Logs, ELD records, dispatch data, toll receipts, fuel records, and phone data may show whether a driver exceeded legal limits or recorded false rest periods.
Motor carriers must also systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles under their control. The FMCSA inspection and maintenance requirements can become important when brakes, tires, steering, lights, or other equipment contributed to the crash.
Texas law also affects how some commercial vehicle cases are presented. Under Chapter 72 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the investigation should connect a safety failure to the cause of the crash. A poor company record alone is not a substitute for proof that the failure contributed to the collision.
Compensation Available After a Truck Accident
The value of a case depends on the injuries, available insurance, strength of the liability evidence, future medical needs, loss of income, and how the crash has changed the person’s life. There is no honest “average” that can value every case.
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Physical pain and mental anguish
Physical impairment and disfigurement
Property damage and other accident-related expenses
Loss of consortium or household services when supported by the facts
Wrongful death and survival damages when a family member is killed
Read more about how truck accident settlement value is evaluated. When a crash causes a death, our Houston wrongful death lawyer page explains the claims that may be available to the family and the estate.
In rare cases, punitive damages in a Texas truck accident case may be available when clear and convincing evidence proves fraud, malice, or gross negligence.
Serious Injuries We See in Truck Cases
The force of an 18-wheeler crash can cause life-changing harm. Our firm handles truck cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord and back injuries, fractures, internal injuries, burns, amputations, permanent impairment, and fatal injuries.
Families can learn more about claims involving a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury. In severe cases, we work with treating doctors and qualified experts to explain future care, lost earning capacity, life-care needs, and the long-term effect on the family.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
This pillar page provides the main overview. The following focused resources explain specific crash types, vehicles, and claim issues in more detail.
What to Do After a Houston Truck Accident
Your health comes first. The following steps can also protect important evidence and reduce avoidable disputes with the insurance company.
- Call 911 and report the crash. Ask for emergency medical help when needed.
- Get medical care promptly, even if some symptoms appear later.
- Take photos and video of the vehicles, road, debris, skid marks, traffic controls, and visible injuries if you can do so safely.
- Get witness names and contact information. Do not assume the police report will include every witness.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer or sign broad medical releases before getting legal advice.
- Keep medical bills, wage records, receipts, photographs, and all communications about the crash.
- Speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer before the vehicles are repaired or key electronic records are lost.
For a more detailed checklist, review what to do after a truck accident in Houston.
Texas Deadlines and Fault Rules
Two-year filing deadline: Most Texas personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years, although exceptions may change the deadline. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Waiting can also make evidence harder to find, even when the legal deadline has not expired.
Texas 51% fault rule: An injured person generally cannot recover damages if found more than 50% responsible. A recovery can be reduced by the person’s percentage of fault when it is 50% or less. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001.
Insurance companies employ tactics such as delays and denials to manage truck accident injury claims. They may request excessive paperwork or conduct lengthy investigations. Making the process frustrating for victims. This can lead victims to accept lower settlements or abandon their claims.
Trucking companies may try to blame you or others for the accident. They might say you share some responsibility, which could reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
Insurance companies offer low amounts to settle claims quickly. They hope that people who need money will accept less than what their damages are worth.
Defense lawyers or insurance investigators might monitor you to find evidence that could harm your case. They use this information to challenge your honesty. The truck accident attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm in Houston can help protect your rights against these unfair tactics.
The “black box,” also known as an event data recorder (EDR), is commonly found in semi-trucks. It helps analyze truck crashes and offers important evidence for truck accident lawsuits.
In truck accidents, the EDR captures key information such as speed before the crash, steering actions, and braking details. This data helps show negligence and important facts about braking and speed. We have used this black box information in many trucking accident cases with expert witnesses to cut off false defenses asserted by the trucker.
Hire a local trucking accident lawyer promptly to ensure the truck’s black box data is preserved.
Trucking companies can be negligent in several ways. Trucking companies can be careless in many ways. They might make drivers work too long. They may allow drivers to use fake logbooks. Some hire unqualified drivers.
Others ignore drug tests and health checks. They might provide poor training and use unsafe trucks. Many do not follow federal safety rules.
Large truck regulations stipulate that every 18-wheeler must have a warning light on the dashboard. This light alerts drivers to brake failure.
All air brakes on the truck or trailer must have a pressure gauge. The gauge should be easily visible to the driver.
Federal regulations require that braking systems automatically adjust for wear on brake parts. Additionally, regular manual inspections are required to ensure the braking system works properly.
Truck operators must keep records of any brake repairs, replacements, or installations. This paperwork should be easy to access for inspections.
An 18-wheeler with working brakes takes about one-third longer to stop than a car. If the brakes are not working properly, it can lead to more accidents. Many rear-end truck accidents have been linked to faulty brakes.
Neglecting truck maintenance can lead to road accidents, especially due to brake failure. If a truck’s brakes are not well-maintained, it may not stop in time, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tractor-trailers need about one-third more distance to stop than regular cars. Faulty brakes make this stopping distance even longer.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023, Harris County led the pack in truck crashes in the greater Houston area, with over 6,113 total big truck wrecks. The total for 2023 includes 40 fatalities and over 2422 injury or suspected injury trucking accidents.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023, the counties bordering Harris reported over 2,000 commercial truck accidents, resulting in 27 fatalities.
Truck accidents differ from regular car accidents and require specialized knowledge to handle personal injury claims. Safety rules for truck drivers and companies are often subject to change.
It is crucial to hire lawyers with experience in handling truck accident cases. They can represent you against a truck driver or company. These lawyers understand the complexities involved and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
In Texas, you can get money for damages after an accident. However, you must be less than 51% at fault. If you are partly at fault for the truck accident, you may still get money from the other person involved.
After a truck accident, it’s best not to talk to the insurance company for the truck driver. They may contact you soon and want to record your statement.
Their goal is often to challenge medical costs, injuries, or blame you. Instead, we advise you to hire a skilled commercial vehicle accident attorney. Let them handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. This will help protect your interests and ensure you get the support you need.
In 1985, we took on our first truck accident case which was hard because the victim was drunk when the crash happened. Despite this challenge, we won the case and secured compensation for the victim’s child and parent.
For decades, we have specialized in truck accidents. We have handled hundreds of cases and won millions for our clients. We have not lost a truck accident case.
Our team provides the most experienced legal support for your truck accident claims. We have never lost a truck accident case and provide expert legal help for your claims.
To get started with a free consultation about your personal injury case with Baumgartner Law Firm, call our office at (281) 587-1111. Our legal team will be ready to help you. You can also contact us online or text us on the chat prompt.
There is no charge for speaking with a preeminent-rated Houston truck accident attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm.
We handle all types of truck accident cases in Houston, TX
Our law firm specializes in assisting individuals involved in truck accidents in Houston, Texas. We handle all types of commercial vehicle accidents. Such as:
- Houston FedEx Accident Lawyers
- Amazon Van Accident Lawyer in Houston
- Houston UPS Truck Accident Lawyer
Our experienced attorneys know truck accident laws well. We are committed to helping victims get the compensation they need. We are here to support you during this difficult time and make sure you get the justice you deserve. We charge no money up front.
Most truck accident cases are caused by driver error.
Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Blind spots on semi-trucks are a notorious cause of severe accidents. Big vehicles have blind spots that can create dangerous situations for other drivers on the road. If you were injured in a truck accident because the driver didn’t see you, our Houston blind spot truck accident lawyer can help. Our Houston blind spot accident lawyers will investigate your case and gather evidence. We will work hard to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous truck accidents on the road. They occur when a truck's trailer swings outward from the cab at an angle, sweeping into other lanes and striking surrounding vehicles. These crashes often cause catastrophic injuries or death. Our Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer stands ready to fight for your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Wide Turn Truck Accidents
One of the most common causes of accidents involving tractor-trailers is a wide-turn accident. Either the truck driver takes up the whole road and causes a crash or they turn into you. We have won numerous wide turn truck accident cases.
T-Bone Truck Accidents in Houston
T-bone accidents happen when one vehicle hits the side of another. They are especially dangerous when a large truck is involved. The sheer force of an 80,000-pound vehicle can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries. We understand that these cases can be complex, and we will utilize our legal expertise to build a strong case for you. We will seek to hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the financial recovery you deserve.
Rear-End Truck Accidents
Our Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Houston has won many rear-end crash lawsuits. Being hit in the rear is a very common type of truck accident. As semi-trucks take about 1/3 longer to stop.
Trust Us with Your Houston Truck Accident Case
We possess the experience and resources to tackle even the most complex cases. If you were in a truck accident, like a rear-end crash, our lawyers can help you. We are familiar with the trucking regulations by heart. We will fight hard to defend you and litigate against the truck driver and company when necessary.
For a free consultation with our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers, contact us today. We are here to help you understand legal issues and get the money you need to move on.
Some big rigs have dash cams. The trucking companies install the cameras to protect their interests. If the camera shows the other driver was at fault, the company will use the footage to win their case. If the video shows the trucker is to blame, the trucking company might try to conceal it.
Hiring an experienced attorney can ensure important evidence is obtained.
Our truck accident attorneys use investigators to find videos from surrounding businesses. We have used the videos to win our case.
Yes, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas is extended to specific surviving family members, including spouses, children, and parents of the deceased. These beneficiaries can pursue legal action against the truck driver and parties responsible for the fatal truck accident.
Families affected by fatal truck accidents in Houston deserve answers, accountability, and fair compensation for their loss from an experienced truck accident attorney. Taking timely legal action is critical to preserving your rights and securing the resources necessary to rebuild after such a tragedy.
Here’s What Our Truck Accident Clients are Saying
Talk Directly With Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Call (281) 587-1111 or contact Baumgartner Law Firm online for a free, confidential consultation. Our Houston office is at 6711 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, Texas 77069. There is no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
Related Resources
- What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer do?
- Truck Driver Logbooks in Truck Accident Lawsuits
- How to File a Claim Against a Trucking Company in Texas
- Wide Turning Truck Accident Attorney
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX?
- 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Truck Accident Claim
- The Most Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
- How Can Truck Accidents Be Prevented?
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We will answer you within 24 hours via email, or you can call us directly. We are always ready to help. If immediate assistance is needed, call us at (281) 587-1111. We are available 24 – 7.