18-Wheeler Accidents in Harris County: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, thousands of families in Harris County face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking collision, you need to understand your rights and the complex legal landscape that follows these catastrophic events.

Why Harris County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Harris County isn’t just another Texas county—it’s a national trucking hub. With the Port of Houston handling more foreign tonnage than any other U.S. port, I-10 serving as a critical east-west freight corridor, and I-45 connecting to the heart of Texas, our roads see some of the heaviest truck traffic in America. This means:

• Higher accident rates on our major highways
• More complex liability issues with multiple potentially responsible parties
• Specialized local knowledge required for maximum compensation
• Unique weather challenges that affect truck safety

Our team at Attorney911 has been fighting for Harris County truck accident victims for over 25 years. We understand the local trucking corridors, the courts that handle these cases, and the specific challenges our community faces when dealing with commercial vehicle accidents.

The Physics of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Understanding why these accidents are so devastating starts with basic physics:

• Weight Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20-25 times more than your average passenger car
• Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, a truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop (nearly two football fields)
• Force of Impact: The kinetic energy of an 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds is approximately 80 times that of a passenger vehicle

This isn’t just a bigger vehicle—it’s a fundamentally different threat on our roads. When these massive machines collide with passenger vehicles, the results are often catastrophic.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Harris County

Jackknife Accidents: The Multi-Lane Threat

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. On Harris County’s congested highways, these accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups.

Common Causes in Harris County:

• Sudden braking on wet roads (common during our frequent thunderstorms)
• Speeding on curves like the I-10 interchange with I-610
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more common around distribution centers)
• Brake system failures (especially in our extreme heat)
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

Evidence We Gather:

• Skid mark analysis showing trailer angle
• Brake inspection and maintenance records
• Weather conditions at the time of accident
• ELD data showing speed before braking
• ECM data for brake application timing

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Crash Type

Underride collisions are among the most fatal 18-wheeler accidents. When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer, the trailer often shears off the top of the passenger vehicle at windshield level.

Harris County-Specific Factors:

• High-speed collisions on I-10 and I-45
• Low visibility conditions on the Gulf Freeway
• Missing or inadequate underride guards (especially on older trailers)
• Wide turns at intersections near distribution centers

Critical Evidence:

• Underride guard inspection and maintenance records
• Rear lighting compliance documentation
• Crash dynamics showing underride depth
• Guard installation and certification records

Rollover Accidents: The Cargo Shift Danger

Rollover accidents are particularly common in Harris County due to our numerous distribution centers and the high volume of cargo being transported.

Local Risk Factors:

• Sharp turns at major interchanges (I-10/I-610, I-45/I-69)
• Improperly secured cargo from local distribution centers
• Liquid cargo “slosh” from chemical plants along the Ship Channel
• Speeding on ramps connecting to the Port of Houston

Evidence We Pursue:

• ECM data for speed through curves
• Cargo manifest and securement documentation
• Load distribution records
• Driver training records on rollover prevention

Rear-End Collisions: The Stopping Distance Problem

With the high volume of truck traffic on our highways, rear-end collisions are unfortunately common.

Harris County-Specific Issues:

• Sudden traffic slowdowns on the Katy Freeway (I-10)
• Following too closely near weigh stations
• Brake failures on long descents (though we don’t have mountains, some overpasses create similar challenges)
• Driver distraction from dispatch communications

Critical Evidence:

• ECM data showing following distance and speed
• ELD data for driver fatigue analysis
• Cell phone records for distraction evidence
• Brake inspection and maintenance records

The Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors in Harris County

Our experience handling trucking cases across Harris County has identified these particularly dangerous areas:

1. I-10 Corridor (Katy Freeway)

   • Heavy truck traffic from Port of Houston
   • Multiple distribution centers along the route
   • Frequent congestion and sudden slowdowns
   • High volume of hazmat shipments

2. I-45 Corridor (North Freeway/Gulf Freeway)

   • Major north-south freight route
   • Heavy truck traffic to/from Dallas and Galveston
   • Sharp curves near downtown interchange
   • High volume of oversize loads

3. I-69/US-59 Corridor

   • Connects to Mexico via Laredo
   • NAFTA corridor with high truck volume
   • Sharp curves near downtown interchange
   • Heavy commuter traffic mixing with trucks

4. Port of Houston Area

   • High concentration of truck traffic
   • Frequent drayage operations
   • Complex roadway system with multiple exits
   • High volume of container shipments

5. Distribution Center Zones

   • Multiple large distribution centers (Amazon, Walmart, etc.)
   • High volume of truck traffic in concentrated areas
   • Frequent loading/unloading operations
   • Congestion from multiple trucks maneuvering

Who’s Really Responsible? The Web of Liability in Trucking Accidents

One of the most complex aspects of 18-wheeler accident cases is determining who’s actually responsible. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the 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
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety.

Vicarious Liability:
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:
We also pursue direct claims against trucking companies for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
• Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance and ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

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 loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defects in:

• Brake systems
• Steering components
• Tires
• Underride guards
• Electronic stability control systems
• Other safety equipment

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks 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
• Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

What Evidence Is at Risk?

Our Immediate Action Protocol

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we take these critical steps:

1. Send Spoliation Letters

   • Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
   • Sent to trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
   • Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed

2. Demand Electronic Data Preservation

   • ECM/Black Box data download
   • ELD records
   • GPS and telematics data
   • Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
   • Dispatch communications and messaging

3. Secure Driver Records

   • Complete Driver Qualification File
   • Employment application and background check
   • Driving record and previous employers
   • Medical certification and drug test history

4. Preserve Vehicle Evidence

   • Maintenance and repair records
   • Inspection reports
   • The physical truck and trailer
   • Failed or damaged components

The FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are your most powerful tool for proving negligence.

Hours of Service Violations: The Fatigue Factor

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate to prevent fatigue-related accidents:

Why This Matters: Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

Driver Qualification Standards

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Motor Vehicle Record from state licensing authority
• Road Test Certificate or equivalent
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (valid for max 2 years)
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
• Drug and alcohol test records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements

FMCSA requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles:

• Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers must inspect vehicles before every trip
• Post-Trip Reports: Drivers must prepare written reports on vehicle condition
• Annual Inspections: Comprehensive inspection covering 16+ systems
• Maintenance Records: Must be retained for 1 year

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes.

Cargo Securement Rules

Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent:

• Leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle
• Shifting that affects vehicle stability or maneuverability
• Blocking the driver’s view or interfering with operation

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What It Is: TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

What It Is: Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputation

Types of Amputation:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

How Burns Occur in 18-Wheeler Accidents:

• Fuel tank rupture and fire
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

Internal Organ Damage

Common Internal Injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

The Insurance Battle: What You’re Really Up Against

FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

Why This Matters: Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have at least $750,000 available—and often much more. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage.

The Insurance Company Playbook

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate. Here’s what they’re trained to do:

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• 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 (Quality of Life):

• 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 (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Nuclear Verdicts: What’s Possible When Trucking Companies Are Held Accountable

Recent years have seen unprecedented jury verdicts against trucking companies. These “nuclear verdicts” demonstrate what’s possible when companies are held fully accountable.

Recent Major Trucking Verdicts (2024-2025):

Historic Landmark Verdicts:

Why These Verdicts Happen:
Juries award massive verdicts when they find:

• Trucking company knowingly hired dangerous drivers
• Company ignored safety violations for profit
• Evidence was destroyed (spoliation)
• Falsified hours-of-service logs
• Pattern of similar violations
• Corporate culture prioritizing profit over safety
• Egregious disregard for human life

Your Legal Rights in Harris County

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, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system:

• 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

Example: If you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $1,000,000, you would recover $800,000.

Damage Caps in Texas

Texas has specific rules about damage caps:

• Non-Economic Damages: No cap for most personal injury cases
• Punitive Damages: Greater of (2x economic + non-economic capped at $750,000) OR $200,000
• Government Defendants: $250,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Harris County

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • Vehicle damage (all vehicles involved)
   • Skid marks and road conditions
   • Traffic signs and signals
   • Your injuries
   • The accident location
4. Collect Information:
   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Trucking company name and DOT number (on truck door)
   • Witness names and contact information
   • Police officer’s name and badge number
5. Do NOT:
   • Give recorded statements to any insurance company
   • Admit fault or apologize
   • Sign anything without legal advice
6. Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Next Steps (First Week)

1. Follow All Medical Advice – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
2. Document Everything – Keep a journal of:
   • Pain levels
   • Symptoms
   • How injuries affect daily life
   • Missed work
3. Preserve Evidence – Save:
   • Medical records and bills
   • Repair estimates
   • Photos and videos
   • Any communication with insurance companies
4. Contact Attorney911 – We’ll handle everything from here:
   • Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
   • Deal with insurance companies
   • Investigate the accident
   • Build your case

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Harris County Trucking Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve handled cases against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Various commercial trucking companies

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurance companies operate. He spent years on the other side, watching adjusters minimize claims and train their people to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Harris County families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. While every case is unique, our results demonstrate our ability to hold trucking companies accountable:

• $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

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

24/7 Availability for Legal Emergencies

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak with a real person who can help immediately.

Three Harris County Offices

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Harris County residents. We understand the local courts, judges, and trucking corridors that affect your case.

Fluent Spanish Services

Harris County has a large Hispanic community, and we’re proud to serve Spanish-speaking clients. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”

Proven Track Record of Client Satisfaction

We’re proud of our 4.9-star Google rating based on over 250 reviews. Here’s what our clients say:

“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

Frequently Asked Questions About Harris County Trucking Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Harris County?

A: If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Harris County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Q: Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

A: YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Harris County hospitals like Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, and Ben Taub are equipped to identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

Q: What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

A: Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Q: Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

A: NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

Q: How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney?

A: IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Q: What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A: A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Q: Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Harris County?

A: Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Q: Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

A: Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

Q: What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

A: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

Q: What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

A: An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

Q: How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

A: FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

Q: What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

A: Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes but for trucks. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

Q: What is an ELD and why is it important?

A: Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

Q: How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

A: ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

Q: What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

A: We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

Q: Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

A: Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages

Q: What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

A: FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

Q: What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

A: The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

Q: What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

A: FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Q: How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

A: Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

Q: What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Harris County?

A: Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

Q: How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Harris County?

A: 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. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

Q: What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Harris County?

A: Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Q: How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Harris County?

A: The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Q: How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

A: Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

A: Most cases settle before trial, but 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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

A: NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Q: How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

A: Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Q: What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

A: Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

• Motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Q: Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

A: Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Take Action Now: Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Harris County, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Evidence is disappearing every hour, and the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

We offer:

• 24/7 availability
• Free case evaluation
• No fee unless we win
• Immediate evidence preservation
• Aggressive representation against trucking companies

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. You have rights, and we’re here to fight for them.

“When an 80,000-pound truck changes your family’s life forever, you need a lawyer who treats you like family. That’s what we do at Attorney911.”

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)