Truck Accident Attorneys in Houston, TX
Houston Truck Accident Attorney
John Ramsey on Trucking Cases
If a trucking accident severely injured you or caused you to lose a loved one, call Ramsey Law Group. Our Houston truck accident attorneys know the devastating impact a truck accident can have on the victims and their families, physically, emotionally, and financially. Our Houston truck accident lawyers will fight to hold any negligent parties accountable for your injuries and strive to get you the compensation you need to recover.
Why Ramsey Law Group?
Ramsey Law Group is an established Houston personal injury firm that works with individuals like you throughout Texas and the United States. At Ramsey Law Group, our attorneys are:
- Successful in securing large settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims;
- Locally and nationally recognized for excellence; and
- Service-oriented in both our legal practice and communities.
Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Let Ramsey Law Group handle your legal matters, so you can focus on healing.
Types of Commercial Trucks Involved in Accidents
Commercial trucks come in various types, each presenting unique challenges when involved in accidents. Due to their size, weight, and the specific nature of their operations, accidents involving these trucks are often complex. Understanding the differences between these types of vehicles is crucial for identifying liability and pursuing compensation.
18-Wheelers (Semi-Trucks)
18-wheelers, also known as semi-trucks, are among the largest vehicles on the road. Their massive size and heavy loads make them difficult to maneuver. They are especially prone to jackknife or rollover accidents. These trucks can cause catastrophic damage due to their long stopping distances and immense weight.
Our Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help victims of a semi-truck accident navigate the complexities of legal claims.
Box Trucks
Box trucks are often used for local deliveries. They are often involved in rear-end collisions and cargo-related accidents. Due to improper loading or limited visibility, these trucks are more likely to cause accidents in urban areas.
Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks transport hazardous materials, making accidents with these vehicles particularly dangerous. In the event of a spill, explosion, or fire, the consequences can be devastating. These include risks of chemical exposure or environmental damage.
Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks carry large, sometimes unsecured cargo, increasing the chance of accidents due to debris or cargo falling off the trailer. These incidents are particularly dangerous on highways, where falling cargo can cause multi-vehicle crashes.
Victims in these cases should seek the expertise of truck wreck lawyers to navigate complex liability issues.
Different Types of Truck Accidents
Several types of truck accidents occur in Houston, each presenting specific dangers. These accidents can lead to severe injuries and extensive damage.
Here are some of the common types of truck accidents:
Jackknife Accidents
These accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form an L or V shape with the cab. This happens when the driver loses control, usually during sudden braking or slippery conditions. This makes it impossible for the driver to regain control of the vehicle.
Rollover Accidents
These accidents are common when trucks take sharp turns at high speeds. The vehicle's high center of gravity makes it prone to tipping over. This can cause massive damage to nearby cars and structures.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle gets trapped underneath a truck’s trailer. These accidents are often fatal because of the significant size difference between vehicles.
Rear-End Collisions
These accidents involve a truck slamming into the back of a smaller vehicle. Given the truck’s weight, these collisions can cause severe damage, even at low speeds.
Cargo-Related Accidents
They are caused by improperly loaded or unsecured cargo that shifts during transit. This can lead to loss of control or falling debris, endangering other drivers on the road.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Houston
Truck accidents in Houston can happen for a variety of reasons, with some causes being more prevalent than others. Understanding these common causes can help identify liability and improve safety on the road.
Driver Error
Truck drivers often work long shifts with limited rest, which can lead to fatigue. Fatigue significantly reduces reaction time, making it harder for drivers to avoid accidents. This is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
Using a phone, eating, or adjusting a GPS can take a truck driver's focus off the road. In a large vehicle like a truck, even a moment of distraction can result in catastrophic consequences.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for trucks, particularly when it comes to the brakes. Not properly maintaining or inspecting the brake system can cause brake problems. This increases the risk of serious accidents.
Worn-out or improperly inflated tires are a common cause of truck accidents. A tire blowout, especially at high speeds, can cause a driver to lose control, leading to serious crashes on highways.
Weather Conditions
Houston’s weather can create challenging driving conditions. Rain, fog, and other severe weather reduce visibility and traction. These can increase the likelihood of accidents involving trucks.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Trucks require more time to stop compared to smaller vehicles. When truck drivers speed, they reduce their ability to stop in time. This can lead to fatal accidents, especially on busy roads or highways.
A Houston Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
While you can work directly with the trucking company’s insurance company to settle your claim, this is not in your best interests. Insurance companies are not on your side. They are for-profit companies whose goal is to protect the financial interests of their shareholders. An experienced truck accident attorney at Ramsey Law Group only has your best interests in mind. We will work tirelessly to get you the full and just compensation you deserve after your accident. At Ramsey Law Group, our Houston truck accident lawyers are with you from the very beginning of your case through the end of the settlement, or trial, if needed. Our experienced attorneys build a strong case for recovery and advocate for you in the following ways:
- Collecting evidence;
- Speaking with witnesses;
- Reviewing trucking company records;
- Investigating the crash scene;
- Hiring needed experts;
- Determining liability for the accident;
- Assessing your total losses;
- Negotiating a fair settlement;
- Filing a lawsuit on your behalf; and
- Proceeding to trial, if necessary.
Ramsey Law Group’s truck accident attorneys in Houston are ready to take your case to court, if that is the best option for your case. Call our office today to learn more about how Ramsey Law Group can help and support you through this process.
Trucking Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions
Many factors make truck accidents more complicated than car accidents. The first and most apparent difference between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks is size and weight. A large truck is any truck with a gross vehicle weight greater than 10,000 pounds; whereas, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh in at nearly 80,000 pounds. Large trucks include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Tractor-trailers;
- Construction vehicles;
- Tanker trucks;
- Garbage trucks;
- Flatbed trucks;
- Larger delivery trucks; and
- Box trucks.
The size and weight of commercial trucks increase the chances of fatal accidents to riders in passenger cars. Trucks pose additional accident hazards after a collision, such as cargo spills, hazardous chemical leaks, and road blockages that create vehicle pile-ups. Many parties play a role in placing commercial trucks and their drivers on the road. The federal and state governments strictly regulate the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) controls commercial trucking in the United States. The FMCSA establishes all rules and regulations regarding truck drivers and trucking companies including, but not limited to:
- Driver breaks and overnights;
- Routine vehicle maintenance;
- Cargo loading and safety rules; and
- Driver training and standards.
Although the FMCSA sets definitive guidelines for the trucking industry, some companies and drivers neglect to follow these rules to increase the speed of delivery and enhance their profits. This causes unnecessary accidents and places those sharing the roads with them at risk. When trucking companies and drivers try to maintain unrealistic schedules, accidents happen due to:
- Driver fatigue;
- Distracted driving;
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Speeding;
- Improper cargo loading;
- Inadequate truck maintenance; and
- Poor driver training.
The truck driver and trucking company are not the only potentially liable parties for a truck crash. The fault for a truck accident may also lie with any one or more of the following:
- The driver;
- The trucking company;
- The truck owner;
- The trailer owner;
- The cargo loader;
- The maintenance provider;
- The truck manufacturer; and
- The truck parts manufacturer.
As with any accident involving multiple parties and insurance companies, there is often a shifting of blame from one party to another. Therefore, it is crucial to seek help from an experienced truck accident attorney immediately following the crash. It is easiest to solve liability problems while evidence is fresh, and witnesses can easily recall the accident.
Truck accidents cause more catastrophic or life-altering injuries than passenger vehicle accidents, and their injuries can lead to death. Some common injuries include:
- Head and neck injuries, including traumatic brain injury;
- Spinal cord damage;
- Paralysis;
- Severe burns;
- Amputation;
- Disfigurement; and
- Death.
Any of these injuries may prevent a victim from working during recovery or returning to the workplace altogether. The death of a family member can leave dependents without a provider. Financial compensation is vital, and allows a victim to not only pay for some of what he or she has lost, but it helps start the process of moving on.
Compensation varies according to the types and severity of injuries a victim suffers in a truck accident. In general, compensation includes:
- Current and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Accessibility modifications to a home or vehicle;
- Rehabilitation;
- Physical therapy;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental and emotional trauma;
- Loss of consortium; and
- Wrongful death.
The amount of time you have to file personal injury cases varies according to the state and its statute of limitations, or the time limit. In most personal injury cases in Texas, you have two years from the time the injury occurred to file a claim to seek financial recovery for your personal injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to check with an experienced Houston truck accident attorney to learn about your state laws.
The timeline for resolving a truck accident case in Texas can vary widely, depending on several factors. Typically, the process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Case Investigation Phase
This initial phase involves gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, and obtaining expert witness testimony. Depending on the complexity of the case, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Negotiation vs. Trial
If the case is resolved through settlement negotiations, it may conclude within a few months. However, if the case goes to trial, the process can extend to 1-2 years or longer. It also depends on court schedules and legal complexities.
Factors Affecting Timeline
Multiple factors influence the duration of a truck accident case. These can include the severity of injuries, the number of liable parties, and whether the case proceeds to court. More complex cases with serious injuries or multiple defendants will generally take longer to resolve.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have two years to file a personal injury claim after an accident. Failing to file within this period can result in losing the right to pursue compensation.
Choosing the right truck accident attorney is crucial when dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident. Here are important factors to keep in mind when selecting a lawyer.
Experience with Trucking Cases
It is important to hire a Houston truck attorney with a strong track record in handling truck accident claims. Trucking accidents require specific expertise because of their complexity.
Understanding of Federal and State Laws
Your attorney should have in-depth knowledge of both Texas traffic laws and federal regulations, like the rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Our Houston truck accident lawyers can better navigate your case.
Trial Experience
Some cases may not settle, so it's important to choose an attorney who is not afraid to take your case to court. A truck crash lawyer with trial experience can improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Fee Structure
Ensure you understand the lawyer’s fee structure, as many work on a contingency basis. Confirm what percentage of the settlement they will take if you win the case.
Client Reviews
Look at client reviews and past case results to assess the lawyers’ competence. A highly rated truck accident lawyer in Houston can give you confidence in their ability to handle your case.
I was treated like family and my best interest was always kept at the forefront of their priorities. The entire team is so caring and professional. Thank you for everything Mr. Ramsey!!”
Call Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At Ramsey Law Group, you will have the resources, support, and legal skills necessary to recover proper compensation for your injuries. Our truck accident attorneys at Ramsey Law Group are here to answer your most pressing legal questions and help put your mind at ease. Contact us anytime, from anywhere in the United States. Call (713) 489-7577 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form.
Ramsey Law Group specializes in trucking accidents in Houston, Texas.
