Katy, Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of families in Katy and across Harris County have their lives turned upside down by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. The impact of an 80,000-pound truck colliding with a passenger vehicle is devastating—often resulting in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident on I-10, the Grand Parkway, or any of Katy’s busy highways, you need an attorney who understands the complex web of federal trucking regulations and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

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 and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Katy’s trucking corridors, from the distribution centers near the Grand Parkway to the weigh stations on I-10, and we understand the unique challenges these cases present.

Why Katy Trucking Accidents Are Different

Katy sits at the crossroads of Texas’s most critical freight routes. I-10—the busiest interstate in the nation—runs through Katy, carrying millions of tons of cargo between Houston and San Antonio. The Grand Parkway (SH 99) has become a major trucking corridor connecting Katy to the Port of Houston and the petrochemical plants along the Ship Channel. This high volume of truck traffic means more accidents—and more severe accidents—than in less congested areas.

The trucking corridors serving Katy include:

• I-10 corridor (Houston to San Antonio, connecting to Port of Houston)
• Grand Parkway (SH 99) (major distribution hub connector)
• US-90 corridor (serving Katy’s industrial areas)
• Katy Freeway (I-10) at Grand Parkway interchange (notorious congestion point)
• Distribution centers near Katy Mills and Energy Corridor (high truck traffic zones)

Local trauma centers serving Katy trucking accident victims include:

• Houston Methodist West Hospital (Katy)
• Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital
• Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus (for pediatric injuries)
• Ben Taub Hospital (Level I trauma center for catastrophic injuries)

The Physics of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles make these accidents uniquely dangerous:

• 80,000 lbs vs. 4,000 lbs: A fully loaded 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than your car
• 525 feet to stop: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop
• No crumple zone protection: Trailers sit higher than car roofs, causing underride collisions that often decapitate occupants
• Cargo shift dangers: Improperly secured loads can shift suddenly, causing rollovers or spills
• Blind spots: Trucks have massive “No-Zones” where drivers can’t see smaller vehicles

This physics explains why trucking accidents so often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Katy

Our experience handling Katy trucking cases has revealed these common causes:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely find drivers exceeding these limits, falsifying logbooks, or being pressured by carriers to “make the run.” On I-10 through Katy, drivers often push their limits trying to make delivery deadlines from the Port of Houston to distribution centers across Texas.

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 395.3 (Hours of Service)

2. Distracted Driving

Despite federal bans on hand-held devices, we see drivers:

• Texting while driving
• Using GPS or dispatch devices
• Eating or drinking while operating the truck
• Adjusting radios or climate controls

The Grand Parkway’s multiple lanes and high speeds make distracted driving particularly dangerous.

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.82 (Mobile Phone Use)

3. Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Common issues we find:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

The long descents on I-10 west of Katy can cause brake fade when maintenance is neglected.

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.48 (Brake System Requirements)

4. Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes:

• Rollovers from shifted loads
• Spills that create road hazards
• Overweight loads that stress braking systems

Katy’s distribution centers and warehouses are major cargo loading points where securement violations often originate.

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (Cargo Securement)

5. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks on I-10 and the Grand Parkway often exceed speed limits, especially when:

• Trying to make tight delivery windows
• Under pressure from dispatchers
• Driving in low-traffic overnight hours

The Katy Freeway’s congestion creates stop-and-go conditions where speeding trucks can’t react in time.

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.6 (Speeding for Conditions)

6. Intoxicated or Impaired Driving

Despite strict federal regulations, we still see:

• Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol
• Drivers using illegal drugs
• Drivers misusing prescription medications
• Drivers with undiagnosed sleep apnea

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.4 (Drug Use) / § 392.5 (Alcohol Use)

7. Inadequate Training and Inexperienced Drivers

Many carriers cut corners by:

• Hiring drivers with poor safety records
• Providing minimal training
• Pressuring new drivers to take difficult routes
• Not teaching proper cargo securement

Katy’s complex interchange at I-10 and the Grand Parkway is particularly challenging for inexperienced drivers.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Katy

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On I-10 through Katy, these accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups.

Common causes in Katy:

• Sudden braking on wet roads
• Speeding on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Brake failures
• Improperly secured cargo

Underride Collisions

Among the most deadly trucking accidents, underride collisions happen when a car slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the car’s roof, causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Katy-specific factors:

• Poor lighting at night on I-10
• Sudden stops at Katy’s numerous distribution centers
• Wide turns at intersections
• Missing or defective underride guards

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.86 (Rear Impact Guards)

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when trucks tip onto their sides, often spilling cargo and blocking multiple lanes. The Grand Parkway’s curves and I-10’s long straightaways both create rollover hazards.

Common causes in Katy:

• Speeding on curves (especially Grand Parkway)
• Improperly secured liquid cargo
• Sudden lane changes to avoid congestion
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Top-heavy loads from distribution centers

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause approximately 11,000 truck crashes annually. Katy’s extreme summer heat and heavy truck traffic create perfect conditions for blowouts.

Common causes:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris
• Manufacturing defects

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 (Tire Requirements)

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots (“No-Zones”) where drivers can’t see smaller vehicles. The Katy Freeway’s multiple lanes create frequent blind spot hazards.

The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward—MOST DANGEROUS

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turns occur when trucks swing wide before turning right, creating a gap that smaller vehicles enter. Katy’s numerous intersections and distribution center entrances create frequent wide turn hazards.

Common locations in Katy:

• Katy Freeway at Grand Parkway
• I-10 at Fry Road
• Distribution center entrances
• Shopping center parking lots

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, trucks require much longer stopping distances. Rear-end collisions are common on Katy’s congested highways.

Common causes:

• Following too closely
• Driver distraction
• Fatigue and delayed reaction
• Brake failures
• Speeding for conditions

Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, creating road hazards. Katy’s distribution centers and warehouses are major cargo loading points where securement violations often originate.

Common cargo spill types:

• Debris from unsecured loads
• Hazardous materials spills
• Liquid cargo spills causing slippery roads
• Large objects falling from flatbeds

Who Can Be Held Liable in Katy Trucking Accidents?

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

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, etc.)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits.

Bases for liability:

• Vicarious liability (respondeat superior) for driver’s negligence
• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
• Negligent training of drivers
• Negligent supervision of drivers
• Negligent maintenance of vehicles
• Negligent scheduling that pressures drivers to violate HOS

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 390.3 (General Applicability) / § 391.11 (Driver Qualifications)

3. Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo 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

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (Cargo Securement)

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects in vehicle systems
• Manufacturing defects in components
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

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

7. Maintenance Company

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

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 396.3 (Maintenance Requirements)

8. Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

10. Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

Special considerations in Texas:

• Sovereign immunity limits government liability
• Strict notice requirements (6-month deadline in Texas)
• Must prove actual notice of dangerous condition

Why Evidence Disappears Fast in Katy Trucking Cases

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

Critical Evidence That Can Be Destroyed:

Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

When you call Attorney911 after a Katy trucking accident, here’s what we do immediately:

1. Send Spoliation Letters

   • Within 24-48 hours of being retained
   • Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
   • Sent to trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
   • Creates legal consequences for evidence destruction

2. Demand Electronic Data Preservation

   • ECM/Black Box data (speed, braking, throttle)
   • ELD records (hours of service, GPS location)
   • GPS and telematics data
   • Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
   • Dispatch communications and messaging
   • Cell phone records and text messages

3. Secure Driver Records

   • Complete Driver Qualification File
   • Employment application and background check
   • Driving record and previous employers
   • Medical certification and exam records
   • Drug and alcohol test results
   • Training records and certifications

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. Preserve Physical Evidence

   • The truck and trailer themselves
   • Failed or damaged components
   • Cargo and securement devices
   • Tire remnants if blowout involved

Critical Timing: ECM data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage may be deleted within 7 days. Witness memories fade within weeks. We move fast to preserve evidence before it’s lost.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Katy Trucking Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, 18-wheeler accidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care.

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:

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Common symptoms:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

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:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Level of injury matters:

• C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing
• C5-C8 injuries affect arm and hand function
• T1-T12 injuries affect trunk and legs
• L1-L5 injuries affect legs and hips

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

Common in trucking accidents due to:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

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 trucking 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:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Long-term consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

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

Why dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one:

Texas law allows surviving family members to recover compensation through wrongful death claims.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Texas:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative

Types of claims:

• Wrongful Death Action: Compensation for survivors’ losses
• Survival Action: Compensation for decedent’s pain/suffering before death

Damages available under Texas law:

• Lost future income and employment benefits
• Loss of consortium (spousal companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Texas Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of death to file wrongful death lawsuit

The Multi-Million Dollar Results We Fight For

Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking companies carry minimum liability insurance of $750,000—and often much more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Types of Damages We Pursue:

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):

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 punitive damages cap:
Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) OR $200,000

Recent Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases

The trucking industry is seeing unprecedented jury verdicts. These cases demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:

What these verdicts show:

• Juries are willing to award massive damages when trucking companies act recklessly
• Punitive damages can exceed compensatory damages
• Even defunct carriers can be held accountable
• Underride cases often result in the largest verdicts
• Texas juries are particularly willing to punish gross negligence

Our Katy Trucking Accident Investigation Process

We leave no stone unturned in building your case. Our comprehensive investigation process includes:

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 ECM/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)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Katy Trucking Case?

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. Our firm has handled cases against:

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

2. Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—a critical advantage for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

3. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years on the other side—now he fights against them.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families in trucking and other catastrophic injury cases:

• $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

5. Local Katy Knowledge

We know Katy’s trucking corridors, from I-10 to the Grand Parkway to the distribution centers and weigh stations. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

6. 24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24/7 and move quickly to preserve evidence before it’s lost.

7. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

8. Spanish Language Services

Katy has a significant Hispanic population, including many Spanish-speaking truck drivers. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

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

9. Comprehensive Client Satisfaction

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our clients consistently praise our:

• Personal attention (“Treated like family”)
• Fast resolution (“Solved in months what others couldn’t in years”)
• Maximum recoveries (“Fought for every dime”)
• Spanish language services (“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind”)

“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

What to Do After a Katy 18-Wheeler Accident

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Katy, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911

Critical Warning: Evidence in Katy trucking accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

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

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 and Memorial Hermann Katy 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. 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 an airplane’s black box. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• 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.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working right now to protect their interests. They hope you don’t know your rights. They hope you’ll accept a quick lowball settlement. They hope the evidence disappears before you can prove their negligence.

Don’t let them get away with it.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence. We’ll fight for every dime you deserve.

“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

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