Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Have you been a victim of a truck accident and need a Houston truck accident lawyer? If so, contact our Houston truck accident attorney today! Big truck accidents happen every day in the Houston area and cause serious injuries! Our truck accident lawyers have recovered millions for those injured in truck accidents. Call our Houston truck accident lawyer now to get the compensation you deserve!

Unfortunately, truck accidents are on the rise because of the increase in deliveries in Texas due to the Covid-19 pandemic. You might have noticed the increase in commercial truck and commercial vehicle traffic such as Amazon vans in your local neighborhood. As of May 2020, Amazon had over 75,000 drivers either as direct employees or as one of its delivery partners.

Dump truck causes car accident
Big trucks cause big accidents and serious injuries!

Amazon was the fourth-largest U.S. shipping service behind USPS, United Parcel Service or UPS, and FedEx. But in 2021, Amazon took over FedEx for the number third sport causing a spike in delivery truck accidents. The problem with this sudden influx of delivery trucks is the struggle to balance safe driving with getting the products or packages delivered on time. You might have even seen or been involved in an Amazon truck collision.

Delivery Company Pressures Delivery Driver and Cause Motor Vehicle Accidents
The most common truck accident is due to trucking company pressure to deliver on schedule over safe driving

When hiring a Personal Injury Law Firm or any Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston you want to be reassured that they have the knowledge and expertise you need to help you file a Houston Truck Accident Lawsuit to get you the compensation you deserve.

You need to hire a personal injury law firm with experienced Houston truck accident attorneys who can fight the big trucking companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other commercial trucks especially if you are in an 18-wheeler accident. Call us today for a free consultation.Because most trucking accident law firms and our Houston truck accident lawyers offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee, there is no risk to you to obtain a free case evaluation. Not only does hiring an accident lawyer in Houston or retaining a delivery truck accident attorney not cost you any out-of-pocket money, but it will also significantly improve the chances of a valuable outcome in a company truck or 18 wheeler accident. Experienced Houston truck accident lawyers can do the following:

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer can help  with an amazon delivery truck accident!
Call our Houston truck accident lawyer if you are in an Amazon delivery truck accident today!
  • Provide a free consultation and free case evaluation for truck accident cases
  • Investigate the truck crash scene and obtain the police report
  • Assist you with your property damage claim
  • Assist with documentation and calculation of your lost wages
  • Assist with calculating medical expenses for your soft tissue and catastrophic injuries
  • Consider the laws/requirements for trucking companies and their delivery truck drivers.
  • Understand the dynamics of commercial trucks and trucking accidents
  • Understand the application of the federal motor carrier safety act, safety regulations, trucking regulations, and policies
  • Know how to deal with insurance coverage issues uninsured delivery trucks/multi-policy truck insurance
  • Understand duties, training, and qualifications for trucking companies and truck drivers
  • Differentiate trucking company employees from an independent contractor

One of the biggest reasons to hire an experienced truck accident attorney for your car accident is that truck accident attorneys can increase the value of your delivery truck accident claims and settlement offer so you can get your medical bills and lost wages paid and also receive compensation for pain and suffering.

Experienced truck accident lawyers can make even the smallest elements and details of your truck crash help to get you maximum compensation without going to trial.Dealing with a truck accident claim or injury claim with a trucking company truck driver is an unfortunate event but if you are represented by our Houston truck accident lawyers you can get the relief you need.

Why do truck accidents happen?

Many factors play a role in a big rig, tractor-trailer, 18 wheeler, or semi-truck accident. They could be the distracted driving of a truck driver focused on delivering packages or who is on his cell phone and not on the truck driver’s duty of driving safely. That is why you need a delivery truck accident attorney in Houston, TX.

When a trucking company puts unsafe commercial truck drivers behind the wheel of a large truck it leads to an increase in truck crash cases and sometimes fatal truck accidents. This is especially true in an 18 wheeler or semi-truck accident because of the size and weight of 18 wheelers compared to passenger vehicles.

For truck accident victims, it is critical to require some sense of accountability from the trucking industry in truck accident cases, many of which happen because the driver was:

1.      Speeding

2.     Not obeying traffic signals

3.     Following too closely

4.     Fatigued or drowsy

5.     Taking OTC medications or prescription drugs

Fed Ex Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer
Fed Ex Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

Distracted Driving

Driving distracted is one of the most common causes of fatalities that occur in truck accidents, especially with the increased use of cell phones. While there are laws that have been put in place to help minimize the damage caused by distracted driving, it is a habit that has been hard to break.

Using a cell phone or focusing one’s attention on anything besides the road and vehicles around is all too common. When you take this risk and combine it with a heavy truck that outweighs most vehicles on the road, the results can be devastating.

This is why it’s critical that if you’re in an 18-wheeler accident where distracted driving may have been the cause of your severe injuries, you should obtain legal help from Texas truck accident attorneys. Experienced truck accident attorneys are able to get eyewitness statements, review logs after semi-truck accidents, and consider other factors to prove that distracted driving was the actual cause of the injuries.

While cell phones are the primary source of distraction for drivers, there are also other distractions known to contribute to 18-wheeler accidents in Houston. To avoid this risk, truck drivers must use a hands-free communication device while operating their trucks. However, this isn’t always the case, and a phone call or text is enough to cause a fatal truck accident due to distracted driving.

The rules for distracted driving are more extreme with truck drivers, and there are certain areas where they can’t use their cell phones even if they’re stopped at a red light. This is one of the main reasons why a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will dig deep to find out if your truck accident injury was a result of the truck driver being distracted from the road. We will fight to get you the maximum compensation.

Aggressive Driving

A leading cause of truck accidents today, aggressive driving includes excessive speeding, following too closely and not allowing an adequate braking distance, erratic lane changes, failing to yield the right of way, ignoring traffic signs, making obscene gestures, reckless driving, running stop signs, and tailgating other vehicles, just to name a few examples.

While truck drivers should always remain courteous and professional, this is not always the case. There are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to drivers being stressed out, and it can be quite easy for them to take this stress out while driving.

The size and weight of a semi-truck or any other large commercial truck can make things extremely dangerous, especially when an aggressive driver is behind the wheel. This makes it critical to keep your eyes open for aggressive drivers and avoid them whenever possible. If a truck is driving dangerously, there is usually a phone number on the back of the rig that can be called to report it to their company directly before any more truck crashes take place.

See Also: Speeding and Truck Accidents

Alcohol/Drug Use

Even though it’s a small number of 18-wheeler accidents that are caused by the use of alcohol and/or drugs, it’s still an issue that has to be addressed. 

There are two situations where a truck accident victim may be entitled to liability when the accident is caused by negligence. With negligence, a driver may have had a drink of alcohol or used drugs before they got behind the wheel of their big rig. In this case, they will not only be subject to legal consequences, but they will be responsible for all damages that result from their own actions.

Negligence is present when a violation of a safety rule occurs, which in this case would be the usage of alcohol or drugs while they were driving their semi. In this case, it doesn’t have to be proven that the truck driver was driving in an unsafe manner as the use of drugs or alcohol is enough to show their non-compliance with safety rules.

Defective Truck Equipment

Having defective truck equipment can lead to some serious truck crashes. Some of the most common types of defective truck equipment that lead to truck accidents can include bad brakes, bad tires, defective underride bars, inadequate tie-downs for cargo, and non-functioning lights.

Driver Fatigue

Schedules are tight, and the life of a truck driver is non-stop. Drowsy driving has contributed to a majority of 18-wheeler accidents, and at times they have become some of the worst types of accidents involving commercial vehicles.

Despite the strict regulations that limit how many hours a truck driver can be on the road, this continues to be an ongoing problem. If you find yourself in a typical car accident that is due to driver fatigue, you must let a personal injury attorney know so that they can file a personal injury claim and hold the other party responsible for their actions and get you the compensation you deserve.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Not loading cargo properly or not having it secured in the right manner could easily cause an accident, and this is something that must be looked at in an 18-wheeler truck accident. Whether the cargo slides, falls off or leaks out, several consequences may arise.

It’s important to keep in mind that it is common for trucking companies to use a third-party cargo loading company which takes the liability off of them and puts it on the company who loaded the cargo. This approach is taken due to the high number of truck accidents that are a result of a truck driver having poorly loaded cargo.

See Also: Cargo Spills and Truck Accidents

Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers

Being a professional driver of commercial vehicles takes more than just a few hours in a truck driving school or a brief amount of time behind the wheel. To make things safer, drivers need to have extensive experience and continued training to be able to deal with the situations that they must confront on the road, as well as the workings of their semi-truck.

Since trucking companies are liable for those that they employ to move their loads, it rests upon them to ensure that their drivers are trained to avoid collisions or at least minimize the amount of damage caused during a truck wreck with other passenger vehicles. Due to the high demand for transportation, there are countless times when accident victims share the road with inexperienced and/or poorly trained drivers.

Uncovering whether truck drivers have the necessary qualifications or training is key to ensuring that they are held liable when their actions result in damages and/or injuries.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifing a truck happens when a truck is moving at a high speed and an abrupt maneuver is performed when the driver is unable to anticipate the road or other hazards that lay ahead. When a truck jackknifes, the trailer goes sideways and this may lead to a rollover accident.

Since jackknifed truck accidents are not uncommon, many drivers are trained or have gained the experience they need to correct the jackknife before it gets out of control. Sadly, many truck accidents that involve a jackknife could have been prevented.

Rear-End Accidents

In the trucking industry, rear-end accidents are very common. It is for this reason that drivers are required to maintain a safe distance from the other vehicles that are in front of them so that there is adequate braking distance and an 18 wheeler truck accident can be avoided. If a commercial truck rear-ends someone, most of the time the truck driver will be found liable for the accident.

Not only does truck driver training make drivers aware of the distance they must allow between them and other vehicles, but when they take the test for their Commercial Driver’s License, they have to demonstrate knowledge of this as well.

Rear-end accidents with big trucks can be catastrophic. When you take into account the size of the truck, the weight of the cargo, and the impact it can have, it’s a very dangerous combination. 

Determining the cause of your accident case is the first thing that must be done. Evidence must be gathered at the scene to help ensure a positive outcome.

Your 18 wheeler accident lawyers will request a traffic accident investigation report. They will also take whatever documentation you have and build solid truck accident claims on your behalf against the trucking company. 

What injuries are most common in truck collisions?

While there are a lot of different kinds of delivery truck collisions, some of the most common injuries are:

Suffering any of the above injuries or any other means you must rely on the help of a legal expert from a truck accident law firm.

It is no secret that insurance companies will not have your best interests at heart. Especially when delivery accident lawsuits have increased so dramatically in recent years. Trying to force people into settling or giving them a lowball offer for a delivery truck accident settlement is an everyday occurrence. This is exactly why 18 wheeler accident lawyers are dedicated to representing personal injury victims in truck or car accidents.

While we might not be able to change the world overnight, we can get our clients what they deserve for the unfortunate situation. 

Know Where You Stand – Truck Accident Attorney Houston

Simply put, you enlist the connections, experience, and tools of an industry authority.

Our law firm has almost 20 years of experience under our belt, so we know a thing or two about delivery truck accidents and negotiating with insurance companies. We have witnessed how they will try to get over on others to save their financial assets and reputation. Simply put, we put them where they wish they weren’t put.

Left with only one decision, to do right by the client(s) that we’re representing. It’s time for you to get paid, isn’t it? Call our law firm at (713) 572-6446 now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Delivery Truck Settlements And Lawsuits

As determined by countless accident victims and their families for whom we have won cases over the past 20 years.

I am still recovering and undergoing medical treatment. Can I file a trucking accident lawsuit?

Under Texas law, there is a two-year statute of limitations for commercial trucking accidents. That means you have two years to file a truck accident case against the drivers and trucking companies involved in the truck accident or 18 wheeler accident from the date of the crash. Consult with one of our truck accident lawyers as soon as possible after your trucking accident; there is no time to waste.

Doing so will provide you with a running start on getting the truck accident case settled and ensure your medical condition and future treatments will also be taken into account.

UPS DELIVERY TRUCK ACCIDENT
UPS DELIVERY TRUCK ACCIDENT

How can a truck accident lawyer in Houston help you win your case?

These types of claims are a little more complicated than a simple personal injury lawsuit, as you are usually dealing with bigger corporations such as a trucking company and an accompanying tougher legal defense. A trucking company knows everything there is to know about truck accidents and settling lawsuits for the least amount of money.

When you choose an experienced Houston accident attorney, you are going with someone who deals with these types of people daily and we have the necessary experience to shut them down on poor attempts of compensation. Plus, we offer a contingency fee agreement so there are no fees unless we win.

What happens if a company truck or commercial vehicle gets in an accident?

Aside from getting the packages back en route to their recipients, local authorities coming to do a traffic accident investigation, and getting medical treatment, here’s what to expect.

1. In many truck collisions, the trucking company immediately sends out a crash team to investigate.

Amazon, FedEx, and UPS have plenty of experience handling serious collisions, fatal truck collisions, or truck accidents with serious injuries. They also have experience getting their hands on evidence to help the trucking company deny its errors and negligence. Most of the time, they will send out an accident team to evaluate the situation and study the possibilities.

It’s for this reason that as soon as you have spoken with law enforcement and received medical care, you should reach out to your Houston delivery truck attorneys. We can show the same level of proactiveness, if not greater, than transportation companies and secure the evidence that could determine the outcome of your lawsuit.

2.      You could get a phone call from their insurance company as soon as day 1.

Company trucks are not owned by rookies and they will try to put a lid on the situation as soon as possible. Don’t admit anything, come to an agreement, or sign documents without first consulting a delivery truck lawyer, and truck accident victims should never give a recorded statement without talking to our accident law firm first.

This is because they are always looking out for themselves and what they have to do to save money. No matter how they have to do it.

This could happen in as little as a few weeks or as long as a year after the wreck, it just depends on the strength of your case and what kind of weight it pulls with the delivery company’s insurance company. In most cases, we see it land on the lighter end of the scale, meaning 6 months or less.

If a settlement can not be reached, it can be taken to trial which can last as long as 2 years. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident and are looking for a law firm, contact our injury lawyers through the private secure live chat or call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Are you ready for your free consultation?

We’re waiting to hear from you here at Bayou City Law so that we can get you on the road to a successful recovery of your truck accident lawsuit. We know how difficult it can be to deal with things after the wreck and want to make it as easy to deal with as we can. Give our office a call or use the contact form on this website to get your initial consultation scheduled.

Remember you won’t be charged a dime until I win the case, so there is no risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accident Lawsuits

With over 19 years of experience, and membership in the most exclusive attorney organizations in the United States, it’s safe to say that I know what it’s like when it comes to filing a lawsuit due to an 18-wheeler accident or any other type of commercial vehicle accident.

Over the years, I have come to realize that a lot of the questions asked by my clients seem to pop up repeatedly. Here are some of the most popular questions regarding truck accident lawsuits. Feel free to reach out to me with any further concerns or questions you might have.

Are truck accident lawsuits different from other accident lawsuits?

Yes. Not only are there laws that truck drivers must follow, but trucking companies are more experienced when it comes to handling cases that involve 18-wheeler accidents. Not to mention that insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid being held liable.

When it comes to lawsuits arising from other types of accidents, the process is a lot more straightforward since there are not as many technicalities. This is why you need to rely on an experienced Houston personal injury attorney to help you with your truck accident lawsuit.

Do I need a lawyer for an 18-wheeler collision in Houston?

If you have had to receive medical attention and have sustained damages from a commercial truck collision in Houston, you must have someone in your corner. An attorney will be able to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, stay protected throughout the whole process, and compile all of the data needed to have a strong case to present in court. If you currently have an attorney, but you feel like they are not looking out for your best interests, contact Jerome today. He will make sure you get the best representation possible.

See Also: Should you fire your truck accident lawyer?

How common are 18-wheeler collisions?

There are well over 300 deaths per year as a result of an 18-wheeler collision and more than 2,000 injuries caused by accidents with a commercial truck. This makes up a large part of the number of accidents on the road every year.

How long can a truck driver stay on the road without breaks?

A 30-minute break must be taken after 8 hours according to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and a driver can’t be on the road for more than 11 hours. Truck drivers are also not allowed to drive more than 7 days at a time without taking a total of 34 hours off.

How long does it take to settle a truck accident lawsuit?

It depends on the situation and the insurance company that is being held liable for the damages and/or injuries that resulted from a truck accident. I have seen clients able to settle their truck accident lawsuits within a few months but have also seen these cases span a few years.

The case is at the mercy of the insurance company until you take it to trial. Once taken to trial, a conclusion is in sight. You can expect to see the most progress during this stage since it is the only way a remedy comes to the surface if the insurance company was unwilling to settle beforehand.

How much does a truck accident attorney cost?

Most personal injury attorneys and law firms will charge what is known as a contingency fee. This means that unless results are produced, a Houston trucking accident lawyer will not get paid. In the world of truck accidents, insurance companies and trucking companies are known to hire seasoned legal counsel to try and take the liability off themselves, so it is important to choose an experienced Houston truck accident attorney to handle your case.

You can expect the rate to be around a third of what the settlement amount is if the case is settled without the need to file a truck accident lawsuit. Of course, this depends upon the truck accident lawyers you choose and the rates that they have set for themselves.

See Also: How much does hiring a truck accident lawyer cost?

How much money can I get from an 18-wheeler accident claim?

The amount of money that you can receive from a truck accident settlement will depend on the severity of the injuries as well as the extent of the damage that was caused. I have seen clients get $30,000 but I have also handled multi-million-dollar truck accident cases that I have won in court.

The best way to understand how much you might get is to reach out directly to a truck accident lawyer to discuss the incident and understand what you can expect if you decide to file a lawsuit. This will ensure that all the contributing factors are taken into consideration while providing you with a solid outlook on how things might proceed.

How will a Houston truck accident lawyer help me?

Truck accidents are one of the most complex types of personal injury lawsuits because insurance companies and trucking companies will work hard to ensure that they’re not held liable for the accident. This means that you will be going against legal teams that have a lot more experience with cases like these.

A Houston truck accident attorney can ensure that all the evidence is gathered, claims are proven to be true, and that the judicial process is fair to you throughout the entire claims process. Not to mention, there is a greater chance that you will have a settlement offered when you have legal representation.

See Also: Truck Driving Accident Procedures – 10 Steps that Must Be Taken

Is there a certain amount of time I have to file an 18-wheeler collision claim?

Here in Houston and all of Texas, there is a time limit of 2 years following the date of the accident to file a truck accident claim. This may be lengthened if both parties are in complete agreement. However, if this is not the case and the 2-year period is over, you may be denied to have your case heard in court and lose the opportunity to cover any of the expenses that were a result of the accident. That is why it is so important to retain the services of a Texas truck accident lawyer or an experienced car accident lawyer immediately.

What are the most common truck accident injuries?

While injuries vary depending on the circumstances of the truck accident, some injuries seem to happen more often than others. These include:

  • Back and neck injuries
  • Burns
  • Head injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries (Paralysis)

Keep in mind that even if it might not seem that you have not suffered any injuries during your 18-wheeler accident, you still need to seek medical attention. Some conditions may not be obvious at first and ignoring them could affect whether or not you can obtain successful treatment while also minimizing the long-term results.

When is a commercial driver considered negligent?

Truck drivers are expected to drive responsibly and safely, which is their duty of care. If an accident is caused when it could have been prevented, the commercial driver is considered to be negligent. Keep in mind that with commercial truck accidents, there are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to making the final determination of negligence.

Who pays for my medical bills when I’m involved in an 18-wheeler collision?

If the accident was not your fault, the driver or the trucking company may be held responsible for your medical bills. In this case, their insurance company may have to pay for them when a truck accident settlement is reached.

Keep in mind that it may take some time to reach a settlement, and this means that your medical expenses are not usually covered immediately. You may have to pay out of your pocket or use your own insurance to cover the costs at the time they are incurred. If your medical insurance is used to cover your medical expenses, your insurance company may require reimbursement upon settling your 18-wheeler accident case.

Why are injuries more serious with 18-wheeler collisions than in an accident with smaller vehicles?

Mainly because of the size of semi-trucks and their loads. Regular vehicles don’t weigh as much and they’re not always designed to withstand the impact of an 18-wheeler. Trucks driving at higher speeds also cause the most damage seen in truck accidents today.

Contact Your Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Today!

Contact personal injury lawyer Jerome O. Fjeld, PC for your free case evaluation today. There is no fee or money out of your pocket unless we win. Give us a call at 713-572-6446 to schedule your appointment with our experienced trial lawyers. If you need an Austin Car Accident Attorney or Austin truck accident attorney call our Austin office. If you have suffered a serious injury, get the legal advice and compensation you deserve from an experienced trial lawyer. You may also fill out the contact form below.

The personal injury law firm of Jerome O. Fjeld, PLLC has served injury victims in Texas for nearly two decades. Our firm’s primary office is in Houston, TX with offices in Austin and Victoria. Our firm’s focus is personal injury and we help victims when someone is injured by the negligence or carelessness of another in the following types of cases:

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