Texas Truck Accident Lawyers

Texas Truck Accident Statistics

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) tracks every accident involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle across the entire state using police crash report data from the Texas Highway Patrol and other law enforcement divisions.

According to their records, there were 38,621 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes in Texas in 2022. Broken down in terms of severity, these accidents consisted of:

• Fatal crashes:  612 crashes leading to 716 fatally injured people
• Serious injury crashes:  1,293 crashes leading to 1,643 people with suspected serious injuries
• Minor injury crashes:  3,834 crashes leading to 5,339 people with suspected minor injuries
• Possibly injury crashes:  4,678 crashes leading to 7,549 people with possible injuries
• Non-injury crashes:  27,809 crashes leading to 93,281 people without any injuries
• Unknown severity crashes:  395 crashes leading to 4,350 people with unknown injuries

What Cities in Texas Experience the Most Truck Accidents

In 2022, most trucking accidents occurred in the large metropolitan cities in Texas, as you might expect. However, a few smaller cities that experience significant oil and gas traffic or commerce passing through them also made the list of the top 10 cities for truck accidents in Texas.

1. Houston:  1,956 trucking accidents in 2023
2. Dallas:  1,438 trucking accidents
3. San Antonio:  1,258 trucking accidents
4. Laredo:  866 trucking accidents
5. Fort Worth:  772 trucking accidents
6. El Paso:  675 trucking accidents
7. Irving:  229 trucking accidents
8. Beaumont: 212 trucking accidents
9. Austin:  184 trucking accidents
10. Pharr:  169 trucking accidents

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a commercial vehicle accident involving a large truck anywhere in Texas, Thompson Law can help. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Source: Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Involved Crashes and Injuries by County.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Wrecks in Texas

Only five negligent actions of drivers were responsible for 63.3% of truck wrecks in Texas in 2023 . The most common causes of trucking accidents in Texas were, in order of highest incidence:

1. Speeding or unsafe speed:  5,764 trucking crashes were caused by speeding or unsafe speed (21.3% of truck collisions)
2. Changed lane when unsafe:  4,356 truck crashes were caused by unsafe lane changes (16.1% of truck collisions)
3. Driver inattention:  2,980 truck crashes were caused by distracted drivers (11.0% of truck collisions)
4. Failed to drive in single lane:  2,932 truck crashes were caused by driving in multiple lanes (10.8% of truck collisions)
5. Faulty evasive action:  1,118 truck crashes were the result of faulty evasive action (4.1% of truck collisions)

If you are the victim of an accident involving a semi-truck or big rig, call our Texas truck accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Should I Do After a Trucking Accident?

Should you find yourself able to move and stand following a trucking accident, it’s crucial to undertake these steps for your safety and legal protection:

1. Seek Safety:  Immediately move to a secure area off the road to prevent further accidents. Activate your hazard lights to alert passing drivers.
2. Notify the Police:  It’s a legal requirement to report any accidents resulting in injury or property damage (Texas Transportation Code §550.026). Dialing 911 will notify the local police department and EMS, ensuring your safety, facilitating a Texas crash report, and, if necessary, dispatching an ambulance. Provide an account of the accident but refrain from speculative or unnecessary details.
   • Avoid:  Apologizing for the incident, discussing your physical condition, signing any documents from insurance companies, or agreeing to have your statement recorded by insurance adjusters.
3. Document and Exchange Information:  Photograph each vehicle involved to record the extent of damage, as trucking companies might not share their documentation later. When exchanging information with the truck driver, capture photos and note down crucial details like the driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle license plate.
4. Search for Witnesses:  Identify any potential witnesses to the crash. Additionally, check for any video evidence from sources like dash cameras or surrounding business security cameras.
5. Consult a Doctor:  Prompt medical evaluation not only safeguards your health but also formally links any injuries to the accident.
6. Contact Our Texas Truck Accident Lawyers:  Engaging a personal injury lawyer often results in up to three times more compensation compared to handling claims alone. Our attorneys boast a proven success record in securing favorable outcomes for our clients and are prepared to handle your case.

In the aftermath of a truck accident, call our Texas truck accident lawyers for a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION.

Contributing Factors of Negligence in Truck Accidents

Negligence in truck accidents encompasses a variety of behaviors or omissions that fall short of the responsibility to ensure safety on the roads. Whether due to oversight or deliberate misconduct, these elements contribute significantly to the occurrence and severity of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Identifying these factors is crucial in understanding liability and pursuing justice for the victims.

The following list highlights some of the most common contributing factors of negligence in truck accidents:

• Driver Fatigue:  Despite clear regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on hours of service, truck drivers often push beyond their limits, leading to reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.
• Improperly Loaded or Secured Cargo:  Failing to properly load or secure cargo can lead to spills, shifts in weight, or trailer detachments, causing the driver to lose control.
• Lack of Training:  Truck drivers who haven’t received adequate training on vehicle operation, safety protocols, and emergency responses pose a significant risk to all road users. However, a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study found 38% of truckers reported they received inadequate training.
• Maintenance Failures:  Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to critical vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or tire blowouts.
• Driving Under the Influence:  Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications is a dangerous breach of the law and safety standards. However, many trucking companies hire drivers with prior DWIs.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving:  Exceeding speed limits or engaging in reckless driving behavior compromises the driver’s ability to react to road conditions or traffic changes.
• Distracted Driving:  Engaging in activities that divert attention from driving, such as texting (despite FMCSA restrictions on mobile phone use), eating, or using a navigation system, significantly increases the risk of accidents.

Understanding these negligence factors is pivotal for legal professionals and victims alike. It helps in constructing a factual base for legal claims and highlights the need for stringent adherence to safety norms and regulations within the trucking industry.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a truck accident, recognizing these aspects of negligence can be a critical step in seeking rightful compensation. Call our Texas truck accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complex Than Other Crash Types?

Truck accidents are inherently more complex than other types of vehicle crashes for several reasons that impact both the investigation and the legal proceedings that may follow. The complexity arises from:

• Multiple Parties Involved:  Besides the drivers of the involved vehicles, truck accidents often include other parties such as trucking companies, manufacturers, and cargo loaders, which can complicate liability and insurance claims.
• Regulatory Compliance:  The trucking industry is governed by strict regulations, including hours of service, maintenance standards, and load limits. Ensuring compliance with these regulations requires detailed investigations.
• Severe Injuries and Damages:  The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean accidents can cause more significant injuries and damages, leading to complex medical claims and higher compensation demands.
• Evidence Collection:  Gathering evidence in truck accidents is more comprehensive and requires specific knowledge, including logbooks, electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems, and cargo-related documentation.
• Insurance Coverage Complexity:  Truck drivers and trucking companies typically have larger commercial trucking insurance policies than standard vehicle drivers, leading to more challenging negotiations and settlements.

Understanding these complexities is crucial for anyone involved in a truck accident, as they significantly affect the approach to legal claims and settlements.

What Compensation is Available for My Truck Accident Case?

Victims of truck accidents in Texas, and elsewhere, may be entitled to various forms of compensation for their injuries and losses. Understanding the types of personal injury damages available can help establish realistic expectations for your case. Generally, compensation can be categorized into three main types: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic or Special Damages: These are forms compensation for actual financial losses suffered as a result of the accident.

• Medical expenses (past and future) including hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost wages for time missed from work due to injuries.
• Loss of earning capacity if the victim can no longer earn as much as they did before the accident.
• Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic or General Damages: These cover the intangible losses experienced by victims and their families.

• Pain and suffering for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
• Loss of consortium, which compensates a spouse for the loss of companionship and support.
• Emotional distress for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Disability or disfigurement for any permanent physical changes that affect the victim’s quality of life.
• Loss of enjoyment of life to mitigate the loss of engagement in life’s pleasures, such as hobbies and other activities.

Exemplary or Punitive Damages: Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are compensatory, punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. These are not awarded in every case and are subject to specific legal criteria and limitations.

Our Texas truck accident lawyers can help accurately assess the full extent of your damages to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. If you or a loved one were the victim of a commercial trucking accident in Texas, contact us today for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Determining the monetary value of a truck accident claim involves a myriad of factors and is highly individualized to each case. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as the worth depends on the specifics of the accident, the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and other losses incurred. Key considerations include:

• Medical Costs:  Both current and future medical expenses are evaluated, including emergency care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Income Loss:  Compensation may cover wages lost during recovery and potential future earnings if the victim’s ability to work is impacted.
• Pain and Suffering:  This takes into account the physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident.
• Quality of Life:  Adjustments may be made for changes in the victim’s quality of life, including compensation for disabilities, disfigurement, and the inability to engage in previously enjoyed activities.
• Size of the Insurance Policies:  The coverage limits of the involved parties’ insurance policies play a significant role in determining the potential compensation available. This includes the truck driver’s commercial insurance, the trucking company’s liability coverage, and any additional umbrella policies that may come into play.
• Degree of Negligence:  The determination of negligence is pivotal in a truck accident claim, focusing on whether the involved parties failed to exercise reasonable care. This assessment influences liability and the division of fault among the parties, impacting the compensation that may be awarded.

Our Texas Truck Accident Lawyers Charge NO UPFRONT FEES

Let Our Texas Truck Accident Lawyers Help!

At Thompson Law, your dedicated Texas truck accident lawyer operates on a contingency fee basis. This means our services are at no cost to you unless we win your case. Our compensation comes from a percentage of the settlement you receive, ensuring our goals align with yours.

Our mission is to help you recover and get back on your feet. With a bilingual team available around the clock, we offer unwavering support 24/7, every day of the year. From the moment you suffer an injury until you secure a settlement, our Texas truck accident lawyers are here to represent you.

If you’re in need of a skilled Texas truck accident lawyer, reach out to us. While we hope you’ll never need our services for a truck wreck, keeping our contact information in your phone can save you the hassle of searching for “the best 18-wheeler accident lawyer near me” in times of urgency. Regardless of whether you’re a Texas resident or were merely visiting Texas when the accident occurred, we’re equipped to assist you.

Remember, the Texas statute of limitations generally allows only two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Call a Texas truck accident lawyer at Thompson Law today for a complimentary case evaluation and take the first step towards safeguarding your right to fair compensation.