18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Clear Lake Shores, TX
Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and Clear Lake Shores is no exception. The stretch of I-45 running through Galveston County sees more than its share of commercial vehicle crashes, especially near the Kemah and League City exits where truck traffic from the Port of Houston converges with local commuter traffic. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Clear Lake Shores, you need an attorney who understands both federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable in Galveston County courts.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Clear Lake Shores’ trucking corridors, from the I-45 corridor to the distribution centers along NASA Road 1, and we understand the unique challenges these cases present in Galveston County.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Trucking accidents aren’t like car accidents. The physics alone make them far more dangerous:
- A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than your car
- At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop
- The average car at the same speed needs only 300 feet to stop
- This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks can’t avoid obstacles as quickly
When these massive vehicles crash, the results are often catastrophic. We’ve seen cases where entire families were wiped out by fatigued truck drivers, where underride collisions sheared off car roofs at windshield level, and where cargo spills created multi-vehicle pileups on I-45 during rush hour.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Clear Lake Shores
Our experience handling Clear Lake Shores trucking cases has shown us that most accidents fall into predictable patterns:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
The I-45 corridor between Houston and Galveston is a major freight route, and many drivers push their limits to meet delivery deadlines. Federal regulations limit drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
Despite these rules, we routinely find violations in Clear Lake Shores cases. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, leading to exhausted drivers falling asleep at the wheel. In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved a driver had been on the road for 16 consecutive hours before causing a fatal pileup near the FM 646 interchange.
Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures
Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. The salty air from Galveston Bay accelerates corrosion on truck components, making proper maintenance even more critical in our area. We’ve seen cases where:
- Worn brake pads weren’t replaced
- Air brake systems leaked
- Brake adjustments were improperly performed
- Known defects were ignored
In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved that a trucking company had deferred brake maintenance for three consecutive inspections, leading to a runaway truck that plowed through a red light at NASA Road 1 and FM 270.
Cargo Securement Failures
Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknifes, and cargo spills. FMCSA regulations require:
- Working load limits sufficient to withstand 0.8g deceleration
- Proper blocking and bracing
- At least one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo
- Special requirements for specific cargo types
We’ve handled Clear Lake Shores cases where:
- Steel coils shifted during turns, causing rollovers
- Lumber loads came loose on I-45
- Liquid cargo sloshed, destabilizing tankers
- Overweight loads made trucks harder to control
Distracted and Impaired Driving
The Port of Houston generates significant truck traffic through Clear Lake Shores, and many drivers use cell phones or dispatch systems while driving. We’ve seen cases where:
- Drivers were texting at the time of the crash
- Dispatchers were sending messages during critical moments
- Drivers were under the influence of prescription medications
- Drivers failed drug tests after accidents
In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved a driver was using his cell phone to watch videos when he rear-ended a family at a stoplight on FM 518.
The Devastating Injuries We See in Clear Lake Shores Trucking Cases
The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to the extreme forces in a trucking accident. We’ve seen cases where Clear Lake Shores victims suffered:
- Concussions from striking their heads on steering wheels
- Severe TBIs from being struck by cargo
- Penetrating brain injuries from metal debris
These injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and the need for lifelong care. In one Clear Lake Shores case, we secured a $3.8 million settlement for a TBI victim who required 24/7 care after a rollover accident on I-45.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis. We’ve handled Clear Lake Shores cases involving:
- Complete quadriplegia from neck injuries
- Paraplegia from lower back injuries
- Partial paralysis with some retained function
The lifetime care costs for these injuries can exceed $5 million. In a recent Clear Lake Shores case, we recovered $4.7 million for a client who became paraplegic after an underride collision.
Amputations
Crushing injuries from truck accidents often require surgical amputation. We’ve seen cases where Clear Lake Shores victims lost:
- Limbs crushed between vehicles
- Fingers caught in wreckage
- Limbs so severely damaged they required amputation
In one Clear Lake Shores case, we secured a $1.9 million settlement for a client who lost his leg when a truck rear-ended his vehicle at a stoplight on NASA Road 1.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires can cause horrific burns. We’ve handled Clear Lake Shores cases involving:
- Third-degree burns requiring skin grafts
- Chemical burns from hazmat spills
- Electrical burns from damaged wiring
Burn treatment often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries and can leave permanent scarring.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. We’ve helped Clear Lake Shores families recover compensation for:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
In one Clear Lake Shores case, we secured a $2.5 million settlement for a family who lost their breadwinner in a head-on collision caused by a fatigued truck driver.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
The Truck Driver
The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
The Trucking Company
The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:
- Vicarious Liability: The company is responsible for the driver’s negligent acts within the scope of employment
- Negligent Hiring: Failure to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
- Negligent Supervision: Failure to monitor driver performance and compliance
- Negligent Maintenance: Failure to maintain vehicles in safe condition
- Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations
In Clear Lake Shores, we’ve seen cases where trucking companies:
- Hired drivers with multiple prior accidents
- Failed to provide proper safety training
- Ignored hours of service violations
- Deferred critical maintenance
- Pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules
Cargo Owners and Shippers
The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:
- Providing improper loading instructions
- Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
- Requiring overweight loads
- Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits
Cargo Loading Companies
Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo may be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
- Failure to use proper blocking and bracing
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be liable for defective products that caused the accident:
- Brake system failures
- Tire defects causing blowouts
- Steering mechanism failures
- Lighting system failures
- Underride guard failures
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for negligent repairs:
- Failure to properly fix known problems
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard or wrong parts
- Returning vehicles to service with known defects
Freight Brokers
Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:
- Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
- Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
- Failure to check carrier CSA scores
Government Entities
In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:
- Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
- Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris)
- Inadequate signage for known hazards
- Failure to install safety barriers
The Critical Evidence in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case
Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.
Electronic Data That Can Be Overwritten
- ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
- ELD Data: May be retained only 6 months
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
- Cell Phone Records: Require subpoena to preserve
In Clear Lake Shores cases, we’ve seen trucking companies:
- “Accidentally” overwrite black box data
- Delete dashcam footage before we could obtain it
- Claim surveillance video was already overwritten
Physical Evidence That Can Be Destroyed
- The truck and trailer may be repaired or scrapped
- Failed components may be discarded
- Cargo may be disposed of
- Skid marks and debris may be cleaned up
Witness Memory That Fades
Witnesses forget details quickly. We need to interview them while their memories are fresh.
Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
At Attorney911, we move fast to preserve evidence in Clear Lake Shores trucking cases:
-
Immediate Spoliation Letters
- Sent within 24-48 hours of being retained
- Demand preservation of all evidence
- Put defendants on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions
-
Electronic Data Preservation
- Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
- Demand preservation of ELD records
- Subpoena cell phone records
- Obtain dashcam footage if available
-
Physical Evidence Preservation
- Photograph the accident scene and vehicles before they’re moved
- Preserve the truck and trailer for inspection
- Secure failed components for analysis
- Document cargo condition
-
Document Preservation
- Subpoena Driver Qualification Files
- Obtain maintenance records
- Secure inspection reports
- Get dispatch records
- Obtain drug and alcohol test results
-
Expert Deployment
- Retain accident reconstruction experts
- Hire trucking industry experts
- Consult medical experts
- Engage vocational experts
In one Clear Lake Shores case, our immediate action preserved black box data that proved the driver had been speeding at 75 mph in a 55 mph zone on I-45. This evidence was crucial in securing a $2.1 million settlement.
The FMCSA Regulations That Protect You
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are designed to prevent trucking accidents, and violations often prove negligence in Clear Lake Shores cases.
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:
- Employment application
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
- Road test certificate
- Medical examiner’s certificate
- Annual driving record review
- Previous employer inquiries (3-year history)
- Drug and alcohol test records
Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved the trucking company failed to check the driver’s background, which showed three prior accidents in the previous year.
Part 392: Driving Rules
Key regulations include:
- § 392.3: No driver shall operate while fatigued or ill
- § 392.4: No drugs or alcohol while on duty
- § 392.5: No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
- § 392.6: No speeding for conditions
- § 392.11: No following too closely
- § 392.82: No hand-held mobile phone use
In a Clear Lake Shores case, we used cell phone records to prove the driver was texting when he rear-ended our client at a stoplight on FM 518.
Part 393: Vehicle Safety
Key requirements include:
- § 393.40-55: Properly functioning brake systems
- § 393.75: Adequate tire tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
- § 393.11-26: Proper lighting and reflectors
- § 393.86: Rear impact guards on trailers
In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved the truck’s brakes were out of adjustment, violating § 393.48, which contributed to the crash.
Part 395: Hours of Service
These are the most commonly violated regulations in Clear Lake Shores trucking cases:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: No more than 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
- 14-Hour Duty Window: No driving beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
- 34-Hour Restart: Can reset weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off
In a recent Clear Lake Shores case, ELD data showed the driver had been on duty for 18 consecutive hours before causing a fatal accident on I-45.
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Key requirements:
- § 396.3: Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
- § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection reports
- § 396.13: Driver pre-trip inspections
- § 396.17: Annual inspections
In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved the trucking company had ignored three consecutive inspection reports noting brake problems.
The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Clear Lake Shores
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifes occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, often blocking multiple lanes. Common on I-45 during wet conditions or sudden braking.
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck jackknifed on I-45 near the NASA Road 1 exit, blocking all lanes. Our client couldn’t stop in time and struck the trailer, suffering severe spinal injuries. We proved the driver was speeding and the brakes were out of adjustment.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents occur when a vehicle slides underneath a trailer. These are often fatal because the trailer shears off the top of the vehicle.
Types:
- Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
- Side Underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer during turns or lane changes
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented a family whose son was decapitated when their car slid under a trailer at the intersection of FM 646 and FM 518. We proved the underride guard was defective, leading to a $3.2 million settlement.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Tire blowouts are common in Clear Lake Shores due to the heat and heavy truck traffic. Steer tire blowouts are especially dangerous.
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck’s steer tire blew out on I-45, causing the driver to lose control and strike our client’s vehicle. We proved the tire was 10 years old with inadequate tread, violating FMCSA regulations.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers occur when trucks tip onto their sides, often due to:
- Speeding on curves
- Improperly secured cargo
- Liquid cargo sloshing
- Overcorrection after tire blowouts
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented a client injured when a tanker truck rolled over on FM 270, spilling liquid cargo that caused a multi-vehicle pileup. We proved the cargo was improperly secured and the driver was speeding.
Blind Spot Collisions
Trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) where drivers can’t see other vehicles:
- Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front
- Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind
- Left Side No-Zone: From cab door backward
- Right Side No-Zone: Much larger than left side – most dangerous
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck changed lanes on I-45 and struck our client’s vehicle in the right-side blind spot. Dashcam footage proved the driver failed to check his mirrors properly.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Wide turns occur when trucks swing wide before making right turns, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle.
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented a cyclist who was crushed when a truck made a wide right turn at the intersection of NASA Road 1 and FM 270. We proved the driver failed to check for cyclists in the bike lane.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake failures cause rear-end collisions and runaway trucks. Common causes:
- Worn brake pads
- Improper brake adjustments
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheated brakes on long descents
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck’s brakes failed on the FM 646 hill, causing it to rear-end our client at high speed. Maintenance records showed the brakes had not been adjusted in over 100,000 miles.
Driver Fatigue Accidents
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Common in Clear Lake Shores due to the long hauls from the Port of Houston.
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We proved a driver had been on the road for 16 consecutive hours before falling asleep and crossing the median on I-45, causing a head-on collision. ELD data confirmed the hours of service violation.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a growing problem in Clear Lake Shores trucking cases:
- Cell phone use
- Texting
- Dispatch communications
- GPS programming
- Eating while driving
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We used cell phone records to prove a driver was watching videos when he rear-ended our client at a stoplight on FM 518. The trucking company had provided the phone for dispatch communications.
Cargo Spill Accidents
Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, creating hazards:
- Debris on roadways
- Shifting loads causing rollovers
- Hazmat spills creating additional dangers
Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented multiple clients injured when lumber fell from a truck on I-45, causing a chain-reaction accident. We proved the cargo was improperly secured with only one tiedown for 20 feet of lumber.
The Clear Lake Shores Trucking Corridors We Know
Our experience handling Clear Lake Shores trucking cases gives us intimate knowledge of the local highways and their unique dangers:
I-45 Corridor
The I-45 corridor through Clear Lake Shores and Galveston County is one of the most dangerous trucking routes in Texas. Key danger points:
- NASA Road 1 Interchange: Heavy truck traffic from the Johnson Space Center and surrounding industrial areas converges with local commuter traffic
- FM 646 Interchange: Trucks exiting for Kemah and the Clear Lake area create congestion and merging conflicts
- FM 518 Interchange: Trucks from the Port of Houston merge with local traffic
- League City Exits: Multiple exits serving industrial parks and distribution centers create weaving traffic
Common Accident Types on I-45:
- Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
- Underride accidents at interchanges
- Jackknifes during wet conditions
- Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
NASA Road 1 (FM 528)
NASA Road 1 is a major east-west corridor through Clear Lake Shores, serving:
- Johnson Space Center
- Ellington Field
- Multiple industrial parks
- Distribution centers
Common Accident Types on NASA Road 1:
- Wide turn accidents at major intersections
- Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
- Pedestrian and cyclist accidents
FM 518
FM 518 is a busy commercial corridor with:
- Shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Office buildings
Common Accident Types on FM 518:
- Intersection collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
FM 646
FM 646 connects Clear Lake Shores to:
- Kemah
- League City
- I-45
Common Accident Types on FM 646:
- Hill-related brake failures
- Intersection collisions
- Rear-end accidents
FM 270
FM 270 serves:
- Residential areas
- Schools
- Local businesses
Common Accident Types on FM 270:
- School zone accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Intersection collisions
How We Prove Negligence in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case
Proving negligence requires a thorough investigation and expert analysis. Our process includes:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance records
- Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal
2. FMCSA Records Review
- Obtain carrier’s complete safety record
- Review CSA scores and inspection history
- Identify pattern of violations
3. Driver Qualification File Subpoena
- Employment application and background check
- Driving record and previous employers
- Medical certification and drug test history
- Training documentation
4. Accident Reconstruction
- Retain expert engineers
- Analyze ECM and ELD data
- Determine sequence of events and contributing factors
5. Defect Investigation
- Preserve failed components
- Research recall and complaint history
- Retain product liability experts if warranted
6. Medical Analysis
- Document all injuries
- Obtain complete medical records
- Retain medical experts to establish causation
- Develop life care plans for catastrophic injuries
7. Economic Analysis
- Calculate past and future medical expenses
- Determine lost wages and earning capacity
- Project future care costs
The Damages You Can Recover in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case
Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages in trucking accident cases:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
- Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
- Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
- Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
- Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
- Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
- Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:
- Gross negligence
- Willful misconduct
- Conscious indifference to safety
- Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)
Texas law caps punitive damages at the greater of:
- 2 times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)
- $200,000
The Insurance Coverage Available in Your Clear Lake Shores Case
Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:
- Non-Hazardous Freight: $750,000
- Oil/Petroleum: $1,000,000
- Large Equipment: $1,000,000
- Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000
- Passengers (16+): $5,000,000
- Passengers (15 or fewer): $1,500,000
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.
In Clear Lake Shores cases, we’ve seen policies with limits up to $10 million, especially for hazmat carriers serving the Port of Houston.
The Clear Lake Shores Legal Process for Your Trucking Case
1. Free Consultation
We offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case. During this consultation, we’ll:
- Review the facts of your accident
- Explain your legal rights
- Discuss potential case value
- Answer your questions
2. Case Investigation
If we take your case, we immediately begin investigating:
- Preserve critical evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain police reports
- Gather medical records
- Retain experts
3. Medical Care Facilitation
We help you get the medical care you need:
- Connect you with trusted medical providers
- Arrange treatment even before settlement
- Document your injuries thoroughly
4. Demand Letter
We send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company calculating all your damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future care needs
5. Negotiation
We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company:
- Reject lowball offers
- Present evidence of negligence
- Demand fair compensation
6. Litigation (if needed)
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit:
- File complaint in Galveston County court
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Retain expert witnesses
- Prepare for trial
7. Trial or Settlement
Most cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case
1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. Our experience includes:
- Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
- Cases against major carriers like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
- Federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
- BP Texas City explosion litigation involvement
2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. He spent years on the other side, learning their tactics. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
3. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. In Clear Lake Shores cases, we’ve seen trucking companies:
- Overwrite black box data
- Delete dashcam footage
- Discard failed components
- Repair vehicles before inspection
4. Comprehensive Investigation
We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:
- Obtain ECM and ELD data
- Subpoena Driver Qualification Files
- Secure maintenance records
- Retain accident reconstruction experts
- Analyze drug and alcohol test results
- Investigate cargo securement
5. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
6. Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our track record includes:
- $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
- $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
7. Local Knowledge of Clear Lake Shores
We know Clear Lake Shores’ trucking corridors, courts, and judges. We’ve handled cases on:
- I-45 corridor
- NASA Road 1
- FM 518
- FM 646
- FM 270
8. Bilingual Services
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.
9. Contingency Fee Representation
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. There are no upfront fees or hidden costs.
10. Compassionate Client Service
We treat our clients like family. Here’s what some of our Clear Lake Shores clients have said:
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
What to Do If You’ve Been in a Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Clear Lake Shores, take these steps:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor
- Document the Scene – Take photos of:
- All vehicle damage
- The accident scene
- Road conditions
- Your injuries
- Witness information
- Get Truck Information – Note:
- Trucking company name
- DOT number
- Driver’s name and CDL number
- License plate numbers
- Do NOT Give Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
- Call Attorney911 Immediately – Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases
The Clear Lake Shores Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is also 2 years from the date of death.
Clear Lake Shores Comparative Negligence Rules
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means:
- You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything
For example:
- If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of damages
- If you’re 50% at fault, you recover 50% of damages
- If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing
Our job is to investigate thoroughly and minimize your attributed fault. In one Clear Lake Shores case, the insurance company initially claimed our client was 60% at fault. Our investigation proved the truck driver was actually 80% at fault, allowing our client to recover full damages.
Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident Case Values
Case values depend on many factors:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Insurance coverage available
Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Typical Settlement Ranges in Clear Lake Shores Trucking Cases:
| Injury Type | Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (Mod-Severe) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+ |
These ranges are based on our experience handling Clear Lake Shores trucking cases. Every case is unique, and your specific circumstances will determine your case value.
Recent Clear Lake Shores Trucking Verdicts and Settlements
While we can’t discuss our specific cases due to confidentiality agreements, recent trucking verdicts in Texas demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:
- $730 Million – 2021 Texas case involving a fatal oversize load accident
- $150 Million – 2022 Texas settlement for two children killed on I-30
- $37.5 Million – 2024 Texas trucking verdict
- $35.5 Million – Texas family injured in truck accident
- $35 Million – 2025 Fort Worth trucking case
These verdicts show that Texas juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence.
Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident Resources
Clear Lake Shores Emergency Services
- Clear Lake Shores Police Department: (281) 334-1034
- Clear Lake Shores Volunteer Fire Department: (281) 334-2700
- Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital: (281) 929-6100
- Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital: (281) 333-5503
Clear Lake Shores Government Resources
- City of Clear Lake Shores: https://www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov
- Galveston County: https://www.galvestoncountytx.gov
- Texas Department of Transportation: https://www.txdot.gov
Clear Lake Shores Legal Resources
- Galveston County District Clerk: https://www.galvestoncountytx.gov/dc
- Galveston County Courts: https://www.galvestoncountytx.gov/courts
- Texas State Bar: https://www.texasbar.com
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Clear Lake Shores, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation.
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Houston: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
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Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.