18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Katy, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, thousands of families in Katy and across Texas are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks create deadly conditions when drivers or trucking companies cut corners on safety. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident on I-10, the Grand Parkway, or any of Katy’s busy freight corridors, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, we’ve been protecting Katy families from negligent trucking companies since 1998. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience handling complex trucking accident cases and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for victims of catastrophic injuries. With offices serving Katy and the entire Houston metro area, we offer the local knowledge and legal firepower you need to take on the trucking industry.

Why Katy’s Highways Are So Dangerous for Truck Accidents

Katy sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest trucking routes. The convergence of I-10, the Grand Parkway (SH 99), and the Westpark Tollway creates a perfect storm for commercial vehicle accidents. These highways connect the Port of Houston to distribution centers throughout Texas and beyond, moving millions of tons of cargo annually.

Katy’s Major Trucking Corridors

• I-10 (Katy Freeway): One of the most congested trucking corridors in America, carrying freight between Houston and San Antonio
• Grand Parkway (SH 99): A major bypass route for trucks avoiding Houston traffic, with multiple interchanges that create accident hotspots
• Westpark Tollway: Connects to major distribution centers and business parks in Katy and west Houston
• FM 1463 (Kingsland Blvd): A key route for local truck traffic serving Katy’s growing retail and industrial sectors

The Katy Distribution Center, a massive 1.5 million square foot facility, and numerous other warehouses and logistics hubs generate constant truck traffic throughout the area. This high volume of commercial vehicles, combined with aggressive driving from passenger vehicles trying to navigate around trucks, creates dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Katy

Our attorneys have seen firsthand how trucking companies and their drivers create dangerous conditions on Katy’s roads. These are the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents we investigate:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a 14-hour on-duty window. Despite these rules, fatigue remains a leading cause of trucking accidents in Katy. Drivers and trucking companies often violate these regulations to meet tight delivery deadlines, putting everyone on the road at risk.

How We Prove Fatigue:

• Subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing driving hours
• Analyze dispatch records for unrealistic delivery schedules
• Review driver qualification files for previous violations
• Examine cell phone records for overnight activity
• Check GPS data for unusual driving patterns

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions in the cab:

• Cell phone use (texting, calls, GPS)
• Dispatch communications
• In-cab entertainment systems
• Eating and drinking while driving
• Paperwork and logbook management

FMCSA Violation:
49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving. Violations can prove negligence in your case.

3. Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Trucking companies often defer maintenance to save money, creating dangerous conditions. Common maintenance failures we see in Katy trucking cases include:

• Worn brake pads and shoes
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

Critical Evidence:

• Maintenance records (49 CFR § 396.3 requires 1-year retention)
• Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
• Out-of-service inspection history
• Parts purchase and installation records

4. Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes rollover accidents, jackknifes, and roadway debris hazards. The FMCSA has detailed regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) governing how cargo must be secured based on weight, type, and configuration.

Common Cargo-Related Accidents in Katy:

• Shifting loads causing rollovers on I-10 curves
• Falling construction equipment from flatbeds
• Liquid cargo slosh causing instability
• Overweight loads exceeding bridge weight limits
• Improperly secured containers falling from chassis

5. Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of truck accidents annually. The extreme heat in Katy summers accelerates tire wear, making blowouts more likely. Common causes include:

• Underinflation causing heat buildup
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects

FMCSA Requirements:

• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others
• Pre-trip tire inspections required (49 CFR § 396.13)

6. Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. These are among the deadliest trucking accidents.

Katy’s Underride Risk Factors:

• Missing or damaged rear impact guards
• Poor visibility at night or in fog
• Sudden stops by trucks without adequate warning
• Wide right turns cutting off passenger vehicles
• Inadequate rear lighting or reflectors

7. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making wide right turns often swing left first, creating a gap that passenger vehicles try to enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the “squeeze zone.”

Why This Happens in Katy:

• Tight intersections in older parts of town
• High traffic volume at major intersections
• Inadequate signage warning of wide turns
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking

Catastrophic Injuries from Katy Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm rather than the exception. An 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a 4,000-pound passenger car at the same speed. This energy transfers to the smaller vehicle in a crash, causing devastating injuries.

Common Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

   • Closed head injuries from impact
   • Penetrating injuries from debris
   • Diffuse axonal injury from rapid deceleration
   • Symptoms may include memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and permanent disability

2. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

   • Complete or incomplete spinal cord damage
   • Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
   • Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
   • Lifetime care costs can exceed $5 million

3. Amputations

   • Traumatic amputation at the scene
   • Surgical amputation due to crush injuries
   • Prosthetic limbs cost $5,000-$50,000 each and require replacement throughout life

4. Severe Burns

   • Fuel tank ruptures causing fires
   • Chemical burns from hazmat cargo
   • Electrical burns from damaged wiring
   • Multiple reconstructive surgeries required

5. Internal Organ Damage

   • Liver and spleen lacerations
   • Kidney damage requiring dialysis
   • Lung contusions or collapse
   • Internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery

6. Wrongful Death

   • Families may recover for lost income, loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and punitive damages

Who Is Liable for Your Katy Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Our attorneys investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Potentially Liable Parties

1. The Truck Driver

   • Direct negligence: speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment
   • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
   • Violation of traffic laws

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

   • Vicarious liability for driver’s actions
   • Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
   • Negligent training on safety procedures
   • Negligent supervision and monitoring
   • Negligent maintenance of vehicles
   • Pressure to violate hours of service regulations

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

   • Providing improper loading instructions
   • Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
   • Requiring overweight loads
   • Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

4. The Loading Company

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

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

   • Design defects in brake systems
   • Defective stability control systems
   • Fuel tank placement creating fire hazards
   • Defective underride guards

6. Parts Manufacturers

   • Defective brake components
   • Defective tires causing blowouts
   • Defective steering mechanisms
   • Defective lighting components

7. Maintenance Companies

   • Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
   • Failure to identify critical safety issues
   • Improper brake adjustments
   • Using substandard or wrong parts

8. Freight Brokers

   • Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
   • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
   • Failure to check carrier CSA scores

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

   • Negligent entrustment of vehicle
   • Failure to maintain owned equipment
   • Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

10. Government Entities

    • Dangerous road design contributing to accident
    • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris)
    • Inadequate signage for known hazards
    • Improper work zone setup

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking 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.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly

What We Do in the First 48 Hours

1. Send Spoliation Letters

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

2. Preserve Electronic Data

   • ECM/Black Box data showing speed, braking, throttle
   • ELD records proving hours of service violations
   • GPS and telematics data showing route and speed
   • 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
   • Training documentation

4. Obtain Vehicle Records

   • Maintenance and repair records
   • Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
   • Out-of-service orders and repairs
   • Tire records and replacement history
   • Brake inspection and adjustment records

5. Document the Scene

   • Photograph all vehicle damage
   • Document skid marks and debris patterns
   • Measure road conditions and visibility
   • Collect witness statements
   • Preserve physical evidence (failed components)

How We Build Your Katy Trucking Accident Case

Our attorneys use a comprehensive approach to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept case and send preservation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules
• Secure cargo loading records and securement documentation

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
• Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic experts determine present value of all damages
• Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

Katy-Specific Legal Considerations

Texas Statute of Limitations

• Personal Injury: 2 years from date of accident
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death
• Property Damage: 2 years from date of accident

Important: The statute of limitations is an absolute deadline. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this time, you lose your right to sue forever. However, you should never wait until the deadline approaches. Evidence disappears and witnesses forget details as time passes.

Texas Comparative Negligence Rule

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar rule:

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Example: If you are found 20% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages, you can recover $80,000. If you are found 51% at fault, you recover $0.

Damage Caps in Texas

Texas has complex rules regarding damage caps:

• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering): No cap in most personal injury cases
• Punitive damages: Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000) OR $200,000
• Government entities: $250,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence

Local Courts Serving Katy

Katy accident cases may be filed in:

• Harris County District Courts (for cases over $200,000)
• Harris County Civil Courts at Law (for cases under $200,000)
• Fort Bend County District Courts (if accident occurred in Fort Bend portion of Katy)
• Waller County District Courts (for accidents in Waller County)
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (for interstate trucking cases)

Our attorneys are familiar with the judges, court procedures, and local practices in all courts serving Katy.

What Your Katy Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking accident cases typically have higher values than car accidents because:

• Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
• Injuries are usually more severe due to the size and weight of trucks
• Multiple defendants may be liable, increasing available insurance coverage

Settlement and Verdict Ranges in Texas Trucking Cases

Factors That Increase Case Value

1. Clear Liability: When the truck driver or company is obviously at fault
2. Severe Injuries: Catastrophic injuries command higher compensation
3. Permanent Disability: Injuries that affect ability to work or enjoy life
4. Multiple Liable Parties: More defendants means more insurance coverage
5. Gross Negligence: Reckless behavior may support punitive damages
6. High Medical Expenses: Future medical costs significantly increase value
7. Lost Earning Capacity: Inability to return to previous employment
8. Pain and Suffering: Documented impact on quality of life

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, these recent Texas verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

• $730 Million (2021) – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (Texas): Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman; $480M compensatory + $250M punitive
• $150 Million (2022) – Werner settlement (Texas): Two children killed on I-30; largest 18-wheeler settlement in US history
• $37.5 Million (2024) – Trucking verdict (Texas): Catastrophic injuries from trucking accident
• $35.5 Million (Texas): Family injured in truck accident
• $35 Million (2025) – Fort Worth, TX: Largest verdict in Tarrant County

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Katy Trucking Accident Case

1. Local Knowledge of Katy’s Trucking Corridors

We know Katy’s highways, distribution centers, and trucking patterns. Our attorneys understand:

• The dangerous curves on I-10 near the Grand Parkway interchange
• The high-traffic areas around the Katy Distribution Center
• The trucking routes serving local businesses and warehouses
• The weigh stations and inspection points where violations are caught
• The local courts, judges, and legal procedures

This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case and negotiating with insurance companies who may try to minimize the risks on Katy’s roads.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

How This Helps Your Case:

• Knows every tactic insurance adjusters use against you
• Understands how they calculate claim values
• Recognizes when they’re bluffing in negotiations
• Knows how to counter their arguments
• Understands their claims software (Colossus, etc.)

3. Proven Track Record of Results

Attorney911 has recovered over $50 million for injury victims across Texas. Our trucking accident results include:

• $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

We’ve handled cases against major commercial defendants including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

4. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is critical for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court. Many trucking accident attorneys don’t have this capability.

5. 24/7 Availability for Legal Emergencies

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call Attorney911, you’ll speak with an attorney who can take immediate action to protect your rights.

6. Bilingual Services for Katy’s Hispanic Community

Katy has a large Hispanic population, and many truck drivers and accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. 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.

7. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – 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.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Katy

Immediate Steps (At the Scene)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out immediately
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene from multiple angles
   • Road conditions, skid marks, debris
   • Injuries to yourself and others
   • Street signs, traffic signals, weather conditions
4. Collect Information – Get:
   • Truck and trailer license plates
   • DOT number (on truck door)
   • Trucking company name and logo
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
   • Witness names and phone numbers
   • Responding officer’s name and badge number
5. Do NOT Give Statements – Don’t talk to insurance adjusters or give recorded statements
6. Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Next Steps (First 48 Hours)

1. Follow Up on Medical Treatment – Attend all doctor appointments and follow treatment plans
2. Document Everything – Keep records of:
   • Medical visits and treatments
   • Medications prescribed
   • Pain levels and symptoms
   • Time missed from work
   • Impact on daily activities
3. Preserve Evidence – Save:
   • Clothing and shoes worn during accident
   • Damaged personal items
   • Receipts for accident-related expenses
4. Stay Off Social Media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
5. Don’t Sign Anything – Don’t sign medical authorizations or settlement offers
6. Continue Working with Your Attorney – Provide updates on your condition and treatment

Frequently Asked Questions About Katy Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Katy?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Katy, 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 an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

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

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Katy hospitals like Houston Methodist West Hospital and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Katy?

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

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

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.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Katy?

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.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Katy?

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.

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

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)

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. 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.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. 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 and can prove critical violations like speeding or failure to brake.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

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 and can prove negligence in your case.

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

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.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

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

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

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

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

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.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

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

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

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 and can support punitive damages.

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

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. We subpoena these inspection records in every case.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Katy?

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.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Katy?

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

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

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

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Katy?

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.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

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.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

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.

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

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.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

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.

How do cargo spills create liability?

Improperly secured cargo that falls from a truck creates multiple liability issues:

• The loading company may be liable for improper securement
• The trucking company may be liable for failing to inspect the load
• The cargo owner may be liable for improper packaging
• All parties may share liability under FMCSA regulations

What if a tire blowout caused my accident?

Tire blowouts cause thousands of truck accidents annually. The extreme heat in Katy summers accelerates tire wear. We investigate:

• Tire maintenance records
• Tire age and wear
• Vehicle weight records
• Whether proper tires were used
• Whether pre-trip inspections were conducted

How do brake failures get investigated?

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. We investigate:

• Maintenance records showing brake inspections
• Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
• Out-of-service orders for brake violations
• Parts purchase and installation records
• Whether proper brake components were used

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence in your case. We demand preservation of all video footage and analyze it to determine:

• The truck’s speed before impact
• Whether the driver was distracted
• Whether proper braking occurred
• The sequence of events leading to the crash

Can I get the truck’s GPS data?

Yes, GPS and telematics data can show:

• The truck’s route and speed
• Whether the driver took required breaks
• Whether the driver violated hours of service
• The exact location of the truck at all times

This data can prove critical violations and support your claim.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance company typically remains responsible for paying claims. We identify all available insurance coverage, including:

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

How are future medical expenses calculated?

For catastrophic injuries, we work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate:

• Future medical treatments
• Rehabilitation costs
• Home health care expenses
• Medical equipment needs
• Prescription medications
• Home modifications

These future costs can amount to millions of dollars over a lifetime.

What is loss of consortium?

Loss of consortium refers to the impact of injuries on family relationships. It includes:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of affection
• Loss of sexual relations
• Loss of household services
• Loss of guidance and nurturing for children

Spouses and children may have separate claims for loss of consortium.

When are punitive damages available?

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)

Punitive damages are designed to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Katy, Texas, don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence is disappearing every hour, and insurance companies are already building their defense.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Call Now?

✅ Evidence Preservation – Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
✅ Spoliation Letters – We send immediate legal notices to preserve evidence
✅ Insurance Protection – Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim
✅ Medical Documentation – Immediate treatment links injuries to the accident
✅ Statute of Limitations – Don’t lose your right to sue

What to Expect When You Call

1. Free Consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
2. Immediate Action – We’ll send preservation letters within hours
3. No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win
4. 24/7 Availability – We answer calls day and night
5. Local Knowledge – We know Katy’s roads, courts, and trucking industry

Our Katy Trucking Accident Promise

• We’ll fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
• We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies
• We’ll investigate every possible liable party
• We’ll work with medical experts to document your injuries
• We’ll prepare your case as if going to trial
• We won’t settle for less than you deserve
• You pay nothing unless we win

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.