Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
Victims of truck accidents in Houston, Texas, may have the right to recover compensation for medical treatment, loss of income, and distress associated with the wreck. The Houston truck accident attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm can help you navigate state and federal law as you seek a substantial monetary award from liable parties, which may include negligent truckers, trucking companies, and manufacturers.
Why Hire a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer From the Lanier Law Firm?
How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?
Damages Available to Truck Accident Victims in Houston
What Happens if I’m Partly at Fault for a Truck Accident in Texas?
How Do Truck Accident Lawsuits Work and What Do I Have To Prove?
What Evidence Do I Need To Win My Truck Accident Case?
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Houston?
Understanding Liability in Texas Commercial Truck Accident Cases
We Handle All Types of Truck Accident Cases in Houston, Texas
Houston Truck Accident Statistics
Big Rig Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries and Suffering
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Houston?
How Much Does a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Can I File a Lawsuit if a Family Member Is Killed in a Truck Accident?
When Should I Call a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?
Get a Free Consultation With Our Talented Houston Truck Accident Lawyers
Have you recently been injured or lost a family member in an accident with an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi-truck, or another large commercial vehicle in Houston, Texas? You may be entitled to compensation from a negligent truck driver, trucking company, or another liable party. The experienced Houston truck accident lawyers at The Lanier Law Firm will fight for the full financial recovery you deserve.
Since 1990, our award-winning trial attorneys have been top advocates for truck accident victims and grieving families in Houston and across the state of Texas. Our passion and commitment to our clients are unmatched, and our case results speak for themselves. To date, we’ve won over $20 billion in settlements and verdicts for clients like you.
You deserve every advantage in your truck accident case. That’s why The Lanier Law Firm should be your first call. Don’t hesitate to contact our law office in Houston to arrange a time for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
“Our firm’s handled several cases on West Texas highways against trucking companies, also oil field accidents. The oil field, both as it pertains to large trucks being on the highway, creating a danger for the folks that are on the highway, in addition to the people that work in the oil fields or around the oil fields, it can be a very dangerous profession, both for people inside of it and outside of it. We’ve handled several cases in West Texas, particularly on truck wrecks. When the oil field booms, then the need to move oil, field equipment, water, various things over the Texas highways, increases exponentially. And just the sad fact of our day-to-day life is when you have more of those trucks on the road, you’re going to end up with more accidents. They’re not particularly any different character than any other 18-wheeler case or any large other vehicle accident, which we handle those all over the state and all over the United States. But that is a particular area of our focus and an area of concern. And we have lawyers that have longtime connections to West Texas. I myself practiced in Lubbock for seven years, and many of our lawyers practiced in that area. We know the lawyers, we know the judges out there, and it’s been a very fertile area of our practice in the last 10 years or so.” – Judson Waltman
“You’ve got Interstate 45 as well as Interstate 35 that go through West Texas, and those are the fourth and fifth deadliest highways in the United States. And then you have another smaller road that runs through Pecos, I believe it’s 259, Highway 259, that the locals have called the Death Highway. And as Judd said, you’ve got so much oil activity going on out there, particularly fracking, which requires a lot of water and sand. And so you’ve got those trucks moving on the highway in addition to trucks moving, of course, oil field equipment, in addition to the trucks that normally come through those routes, just on their normal routes throughout the United States.” – Patrice McKinney
Why Hire a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer From the Lanier Law Firm?
“The Lanier Law Firm has a very long and very well-regarded track record. We have been able to get positive results for our clients. We’re a litigation firm, first and foremost. We try cases, first and foremost.
The defendants and the insurance companies on the other side of these cases know we’re a capable trial firm. They know what results we’ve had, and we’re able to leverage that in terms of settlement.
We have experienced teams of lawyers and staff that have years of experience working on these cases. Everyone knows their job. Everyone dives right into it. It’s a team approach all the way from when you first come to the office until we hear the jury knock on the door with a verdict.
The Lanier Law Firm is a full-service law firm when it comes to litigation.” – Judson Waltman
“The attorneys at the Lanier Law Firm are experienced, highly knowledgeable, committed, hardworking, and caring group of lawyers. You can be well assured that they will fight for you. They will fight to get justice for you and stand committed throughout the litigation.
In addition, Lanier has the resources to see the case through litigation as well as through trial and even through the appellate process, if that is necessary.” – Patrice McKinney
This is your one opportunity to recover compensation for your tragic accident and devastating injuries. You need to make the most of it and give yourself every advantage.
Here’s why you’ll want the Houston personal injury lawyers at The Lanier Law Firm standing beside you:
- We are nationally recognized for our hard work, dedication, and results. Notable honors include Trial Lawyer of the Year by National Trial Lawyers, Best Law Firm by U.S. News, Elite Trial Lawyers Award by the National Law Journal, and Texas Super Lawyers.
- Our law firm has achieved some of the highest verdicts and settlements in Texas and across the nation.
- We’ve won over $20 billion (and counting) in life-changing financial awards for our clients.
- Our team boasts decades of combined experience handling challenging legal cases like yours.
- We have the resources to match the most intimidating adversaries, and we’re ready to invest them into your case to get you the results you deserve.
Ultimately, you should hire The Lanier Law Firm after your truck accident because we genuinely care about you and your future. We’re not just here to help you win your personal injury case. We’re here to be a source of support and guidance as you rebuild your life in the wake of an unimaginable tragedy. You’ll never be just another name on a case file — you’ll be family.
Give us a call or connect with us online to discover more about our legal team and how we can help you during this difficult time. Your first consultation is 100 percent free, so contact us to get started today.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?
There’s no standard value for a truck accident case. Every situation is different. Every victim is unique, and so are the circumstances of every wreck.
However, specific factors will be used to determine how much money you might be able to get when your case is resolved.
- What types of injuries have you suffered?
- Are your injuries mild, moderate, or severe?
- Are you expected to make a full physical recovery, or will you struggle with a permanent impairment or disability?
- Has your ability to work or earn an income been affected?
- What are your out-of-pocket expenses?
- What kind of emotional or psychological trauma have you experienced?
- Do you share responsibility for your Houston truck accident?
- Did you take the proper steps to mitigate your injuries?
- How old were you at the time of your trucking accident?
Your choice of attorney can also influence the settlement or verdict you receive. Your attorney’s experience, reputation, and skills can have ripple effects across your case. If you choose wisely, you can increase the odds of a substantial monetary recovery.
The Lanier Law Firm has led clients to over $20 billion in life-changing financial awards for deserving clients just like you. Contact our truck accident attorneys in Houston, Texas, to discover how you can benefit from having our nationally recognized team in your corner today.
“It’s very difficult to put a number on a case whenever we first get it because like individuals, each case is different, and so it’s going to be based on the facts of the case, which of course, we won’t know all of the facts and until we start an investigation and discovery. It’s determined by the seriousness of the injuries. Again, you may not know that for several months if the person is seriously injured, may be undergoing medical treatment for several months or maybe even for a lifetime. All of those factors will need to be taken into consideration before you can actually put value on the case.” – Patrice McKinney
Trucks can travel at higher speeds on these roads, leading to more crashes with more devastating results.
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How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
You may be eligible for the following compensation following a truck accident: special damages like medical expenses and lost earnings, general damages like pain and suffering, and/or exemplary damages in special cases.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Truck Accident Claim?
Common truck accident injuries include neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, TBI, broken bones and damage to internal organs.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Claim?
The time limit or statute of limitations to file a truck accident claim will vary by state. In Texas and California, it is two years from the date of the accident, and in New York, it is three years from the date of the accident.
Organizations like Truckers Against Trafficking aim to equip and prepare truckers to identify potential signs of human trafficking and speak out against them.
Call 1-888-373-7888 or visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline website.
Damages Available to Truck Accident
Victims in Houston
Victims of truck accidents in Texas can generally seek compensatory damages from an insurance company or a liable party.
Compensatory damages fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are awarded for the financial and monetary losses associated with a truck accident, including:
- Medical transportation from the scene, hospitalization, surgery, and other current medical bills
- Medical devices, medical equipment, rehabilitation, ongoing medical treatment, and other future medical expenses
- Lost wages, income, and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Nursing assistance, including in-home care
- Funeral and burial expenses if a truck accident is fatal
Receiving economic damages should put you back in the financial position you were in before your 18-wheeler accident in Houston.
Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for distress, suffering, and changes to your life that don’t have a set financial value.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Embarrassment
Valuing non-economic damages can be challenging, which is why our law firm will bring in experts and specialists to help with the process. The insight they provide gives us a clear picture of the full scope and impact of your injuries and suffering — and how your life may change now and in the future. The more we know, the better prepared we’ll be to negotiate a favorable settlement or win a verdict for you at trial.
In limited cases, punitive damages may be awarded in a Houston truck accident case. Under Texas law, punitive damages, or exemplary damages, are applicable when there’s clear and convincing evidence of fraud, malice, or gross negligence. In other words, there has to be considerable evidence that the defendant acted intentionally or displayed a reckless disregard for your health and safety.
The Lanier Law Firm will fight to ensure that you receive all damages available to you under the law.
What Happens if I’m Partly at Fault for a Truck Accident in Texas?
You can share responsibility for a truck accident in Texas and still recover compensation. You just can’t be mostly at fault.
Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence system with a 51 percent bar to recovery. Once your liability exceeds half, you lose the right to file a claim and secure damages from another negligent party.
Sharing some of the blame may not bar a financial recovery, but it will impact how much money you can receive. Damages are reduced in direct proportion to the degree of fault.
For example: Joe is involved in an accident with a big rig and suffers damages valued at $1,000,000. He’s assigned 10 percent fault for the wreck because he was speeding. His financial award will be reduced to $900,000 when his share of the responsibility is factored into the equation.
Be ready for trucking services, insurance companies, and other parties to point fingers and blame you after an accident. Shifting blame to you can reduce how much they’re ultimately required to pay for your injuries and suffering. You can protect yourself by hiring an experienced truck accident attorney in Houston to represent you. The Lanier Law Firm will be ready to counter these victim-blaming tactics and work to defend you at every turn.
“Texas law accounts for fault and vehicle vehicular accidents for everyone involved. So anyone that may have contributed to the collision or been negligent in some fashion, the jury will have an opportunity to apportion fault to that person. So sometimes we try a case and the jury says, “Well, it’s a hundred percent the fault of the truck driver.” Or sometimes we try a case and they say, “Well, it’s 50% the fault of the truck driver and 50% the fault of the plaintiff.” Plaintiff is the people that we represent, someone who’s been injured in a collision.
And so damages are apportioned accordingly. If the jury awards a certain amount of damage but has put 50% at fault on the plaintiff, then they will recover 50% of their damages. In the event that plaintiffs in Texas are found more than 50% responsible in a collision then they will recover nothing. There are states that have what’s called pure comparative fault, where if you prove someone was 1% at fault, then you’ll recover 1% of your damages. Not so in Texas. In Texas, you will be barred if the jury determines you have more than half the responsibility in a collision.” – Jud Waltman
How Do Truck Accident Lawsuits Work and What Do I Have To Prove?
Unless your case involves a defective truck, vehicle component, or piece of safety equipment, there’s a strong likelihood that it will be based on negligence.
Negligence, at its core, means that someone had a responsibility to act reasonably, failed to do so, and, as a result, caused you to get hurt.
When you pursue compensation on the basis of negligence in your truck accident case, you’ll have to establish four things:
- Duty: the defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., drive safely)
- Breach: the defendant breached the duty of care owed to you (e.g., the driver was speeding, the trucking company failed to inspect its fleet of vehicles, and missed a problem with a truck)
- Causation: the defendant’s act or omission caused your truck accident and injuries
- Damages: you have suffered identifiable damages (e.g., medical bills, a loss of income, emotional distress)
In Texas, you have the burden of proving your case by a preponderance of the evidence. Your argument has to be more likely true than not. You’ll need facts and evidence to meet this burden.
What Evidence Do I Need To Win My Truck Accident Case?
Our Houston truck accident attorneys will dig deep and conduct an exhaustive investigation into your crash.
We’ll work to gather critical pieces of evidence that will allow us to build and support a successful claim for damages, such as:
- Photographs of the wreckage, scene of the crash, damage to property, and physical injuries
- Video footage of the crash
- Pre- and post-inspection reports
- Vehicle maintenance logs and inspection records
- Truck black box data (EDR or ECR recordings)
- Witness statements
- Accident reports completed by the Houston Police Department, Harris County Texas Sheriff's Office, or other responding agency
- Medical records
- Truck company hiring records, procedures, and notes
- Internal company communications relevant to hiring, safety, and FMCSA compliance
- Toxicology reports
If you can, write down your recollection of the accident shortly after it happens. Your notes can shed light on what happened and preserve memories that may fade over time.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
“Statute of limitations in Texas for a personal injury lawsuit is two years. However, I do not recommend by any stretch that a party wait that long because as soon as an accident happens, the other side, the person or parties who are at fault, we’ll be gathering the evidence again, taking witness statements, taking pictures, and so ideally, you want your attorney involved from the very beginning, right after the accident occurs.” – Patrice McKinney
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Houston?
“There are a variety of reasons why there might be a truck collision on the highways of Texas. They generally fall into two broad categories. One would be maintenance of the vehicles themselves. We’ve handled cases where tires have not been properly replaced or brakes have not been checked before. The trucks go out on the road. Faulty brakes lead to an accident or even some structural problems with the truck. I handled a case in West Texas on a big truck where a weld on a lease spring came loose and caused a rollover accident and serious injuries.
The other big category of truck wreck cases are just same as car wrecks, which is someone’s failed to follow the rules of the road. Didn’t stop for a stop sign, disregarded a signal, changed lanes when it wasn’t safe. And the issue with commercial vehicles, large commercial carrier vehicles, or 18-wheelers, is they’re very, very large vehicles, and they generate a lot of energy. And when something goes wrong, and there’s a collision, there’s normally catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, many of the people that we represent have been killed, represent families of people who’ve unfortunately been killed or seriously critically injured in these types of accidents.” – Judson Waltman
Even though thousands of trucks are involved in crashes every year, truck accidents are largely avoidable.
That’s because:
- Truck drivers must pass education, safety, and skills tests to receive a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and necessary endorsements before they can legally operate a rig.
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Texas state trucking laws regulate the trucking industry.
- Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, train them appropriately, monitor trucking operations, maintain fleets of vehicles, and supervise employees.
- Everyone on the road in Houston shares a responsibility to follow posted traffic laws and drive with reasonable care.
Truck accidents are generally a consequence of human error and negligence.
Here’s a look at some of the leading causes of truck accidents in Houston:
The average over-the-road truck driver spends 300 days a year on the road. Many drive at night and travel long, difficult stretches of road. While the FMCSA does have hours of service regulations that require frequent breaks and limit the amount of time a driver can log behind the wheel at one time, not all truckers follow the rules.
Some, facing pressure to make deliveries and hit deadlines, push beyond their limits. Overtired truck drivers are more likely to have difficulty concentrating, can become more easily distracted, and are vulnerable to falling asleep at the wheel.
Alcohol and drugs — whether prescribed or illicit — can significantly impact a truck driver’s ability to navigate a large rig safely. Substances can affect their reaction times, cause blurred vision, increase fatigue, and increase the risk of a collision.
Alone for long stretches of time, it’s easy for a truck driver to get distracted behind the wheel. Whether a driver daydreams, texts and drives, takes a phone call, or eats a meal, these distractions can divert their attention and focus from the important task at hand: driving safely alongside other vehicles.
Speeding or Driving at Unsafe Speeds
Speeding significantly increases the risk of truck accidents, and it’s easy to understand why. Trucks weigh considerably more than other vehicles on the road — up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. They can stretch longer than 50 feet when hauling multiple trailers. They’re difficult to navigate and don’t stop on a dime. Driving at high speeds increases the likelihood that a truck will jackknife, roll over, or crash into vehicles or fixed objects because the driver can’t stop.
Some other common causes of semi-truck accidents in Houston include:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Driving in a truck’s blind spots
- Wide turns
- Improper cargo loads and cargo shifts
- Negligent hiring
- Failing to perform pre- and post-trip inspections
- Failing to perform pre- and post-trip inspections
- Failing to remove a malfunctioning truck from service
- Vehicle defects
- Tire blowouts
Our Houston truck accident attorneys will carefully evaluate your case and work to determine every possible cause. Once we have insight into why your crash happened, our team can determine liability and seek damages from all responsible parties.
Understanding Liability in Texas Commercial Truck Accident Cases
“First of all, in a trucking or car collision case, of course, you have to prove that the party that you were suing was negligent or didn’t exercise care, ordinary care. So in order to do that, of course you have to have evidence and you get that by gathering witness statements, photographs, videos, as much information as you can about the collision. And then once that is done, then of course you present that to the jury. What house Bill 19 did, and this is a bill that was passed by the Texas legislature in 2021, it went into effect in September 1st, 2021. It actually affected the way that plaintiffs can present their case at trial. A defendant, in other words, a person that would be the trucking company or the truck driver or both or multiple defendants that you are suing, can ask for what is called a bifurcated trial, which means a two-part trial.
And so you would be trying the case in two phases and the first part of the trial you would be saying that the truck driver was negligent and asking for what’s called compensatory damages. In other words, those are the damages that you can quantify. For example, lost wages, past and future, your medical expenses, et cetera. So you have to meet that bar in order to move to phase two of the trial, which would be if you’ve alleged gross negligence against a trucking company at that point, because you’ve proved negligence on the driver, you would be able to present evidence against the trucking company. And you’re asking for exemplary or what’s known as punitive damages. So again, House Bill 19 can affect the amount of evidence that you’re allowed to present to the jury, which of course also affects your recovery.” – Patrice McKinney
“House Bill 19 has created some extra work for the lawyers. It put forth more procedural requirements, requires a little more strategic thinking on the part of the lawyers as far as when they’re going to present certain evidence. The cases can be divided in half, essentially into two trials by the defendants under House Bill 19. And the evidence is different under each of those trials. It’s made it a little procedurally more difficult for people that are representing plaintiffs. It shouldn’t discourage someone from bringing claim though. From the practical standpoint of a plaintiff, it won’t make much difference. It does make a difference to us because we need to address it and we need to address it the way we address all claims for our plaintiffs in a way that maximizes their recovery and maximizes their ability to get a positive jury verdict and get a good outcome on their case.” – Judson Waltman
Everyone who directly and indirectly contributes to a truck accident in Texas shares liability.
Our law firm will conduct an exhaustive investigation and may determine that one or more of the following parties are liable for your injuries:
- Negligent truck driver
- Negligent trucking company
- Truck broker
- Property owner
- Freight company
- Truck manufacturer
- Government agency
- Bicyclist or pedestrian
- Shipping company
- Truck maintenance professional
- Negligent third-party motorists, including drivers of passenger vehicles and motorcyclists
We will aggressively pursue damages from anyone who contributed to your wreck. Seeking compensation from multiple parties — especially those with considerable resources — can help you get every cent you deserve.
How Does HB 19 Affect Liability in Texas Truck Accident Cases?
In 2021, Texas passed a new law that changes liability in truck accident cases. Under the new law, known as HB 19, it becomes more challenging to hold a trucking company responsible for an accident in the Lone Star State.
Previously, a trucking company could be liable for a crash even when its driver was not responsible. Under HB 19, trucking companies can be held accountable only if it is first established that their truck driver is primarily responsible for an accident. The truck driver has to be at least 51 percent at fault before the trucking company can become a party to the claim.
We Handle All Types of Truck Accident Cases in
Houston, Texas
No two truck accidents are the same. When choosing legal representation, you need to work with a law firm with experience representing clients injured in different types of truck accidents.
The Lanier Law Firm represents clients who have sustained severe and life-changing injuries as a result of:
- Jackknife truck accidents
- Rollover truck accidents
- Side-impact truck accidents
- Head-on collisions with large trucks
- Rear-end truck accidents
- Lost load truck accidents
- Cargo shift truck accidents
- Wide turn truck accidents
- Runaway trailer truck accidents
- Blind spot truck accidents
- Underride truck accidents
- Fatal truck accidents and more
Do not hesitate to reach out to our compassionate legal team to discuss the specific circumstances of your truck accident case. We’re here to take your call around the clock, so contact us for assistance now.
Houston Truck Accident Statistics
Every year, trucks and large commercial vehicles are involved in tens of thousands of traffic accidents nationwide.
Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration show truck accidents have been increasing. From 2009 to 2015, 97,000 injury crashes were reported in the United States, and this number increased to 119,000 in 2021.
Fatal truck accidents have also increased in recent years. Between 2010 and 2021, fatal crashes involving large trucks surged by 52 percent. In 2021, at least 5,904 commercial trucks were involved in fatal wrecks.
So, how common are truck accidents in Houston? The Texas Department of Transportation reported 38,909 big rig accidents across Texas in 2023. At least 6,113 truck accidents occurred in Houston and surrounding cities in Harris County — 15.7 percent of the state’s total.
That means that roughly one out of every six large truck accidents in Texas unfolds in Harris County.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Happen in Houston?
In terms of population, Houston is the biggest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the nation. Trucking is critical to supporting the local (and fast-growing) economy, so it’s no surprise that accidents involving big rigs, semis, transport vehicles, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles are common here.
Several major interstates and busy highways run through and near Houston, and they tend to be hotspots when it comes to truck accidents. This includes Interstate 20, where nearby Midland-Odessa has an especially high accident rate with trucks driving to and from the Texas oilfields.
I-45 Notrh (Notrh Freeway)
I-45 South (Gulf Freeway)
I-69
I-610 (The Loop)
Big Rig Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries and Suffering
Bystanders and occupants of passenger vehicles are significantly more likely than truck drivers to suffer catastrophic injuries or die in collisions. It makes sense: trucks are bigger, longer, heavier, and have a lot of momentum behind them. They can do a lot of damage, and small passenger cars generally can’t offer a lot of protection to motorists.
At The Lanier Law Firm, we’re here to ensure that you obtain compensation for all of the injuries and trauma you’ve suffered in a Houston truck accident.
Contact us for assistance if you or a loved one has been in a semi-truck accident and suffered:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Burn injury
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Crushing injury
- Chest injury
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Soft tissue injury
- Joint injury
- Broken bones and fractures
- Vision or hearing loss
- Wrongful death of a family member
Always seek medical treatment immediately following a car accident with a large commercial vehicle in Texas. Once your injuries are stabilized, reach out to our award-winning legal team in Houston for support and guidance.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Houston?
Getting into a truck accident can change your life forever. So can the decisions you make in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
Here are the things you should (and shouldn’t) do after you are involved in a large truck crash in Houston:
- Remain at the scene: it can be considered a crime to leave unless you are seeking emergency medical treatment for yourself or another victim.
- Move to safety: stay near the scene, but move to a safe location, if possible, to protect yourself from further harm.
- Call the police: call 911 or the Houston Police Department to report the truck accident and request emergency medical assistance.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize: apologizing can do more harm than good because the things you say can be taken out of context and used against you down the line when you pursue compensation.
- Seek medical treatment: if you’re not transported to the hospital from the scene, make it a priority to seek medical care as soon as you can. Prompt treatment will limit the risk of complications, ensure your injuries are treated, and formally document your trauma.
- Resist the urge to accept an early settlement offer: an insurance company might offer you a check almost right away, but you should resist temptation. Once you accept a deal, you’ll waive the right to seek additional compensation in the future, which could mean that you’re leaving valuable money on the table.
- Don’t provide a recorded statement: an insurance adjuster might seem sympathetic to your situation, but they’re ultimately interested in finding a way to deny your claim or limit your recovery. Offering a recorded statement can be detrimental to your case - wait until you’ve contacted an attorney to provide any details about your case or life to the insurer.
Finally, hire an experienced truck accident lawyer near you in Houston, Texas, as soon as you can after your wreck. Getting an attorney involved early on in the process can have a massive impact on your ability to recover a substantial financial award. Your lawyer will help you navigate the claims process, handle conversations with other parties, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
How Much Does a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Between medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses, the costs of an accident can be significant. The Lanier Law Firm doesn’t want the perceived cost of a lawyer to stand between you and the legal representation you deserve. That’s why our Houston truck accident lawyers work on contingency.
There’s absolutely no upfront cost to hire our law firm. We assume the financial risks of litigation and cover the expenses related to your case. You pay only if we win your case. Our team simply recovers a percentage of your financial recovery, so there’s no out-of-pocket expense to you.
How much it will ultimately cost to hire a Houston truck accident attorney will depend on the fee that’s agreed upon before you sign a contract for legal services. Generally, truck accident attorneys receive between 33 percent and 40 percent of a financial award. However, this varies from firm to firm and from case to case. The Lanier Law Firm is open and transparent about our fees, so please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss representation today.
Can I File a Lawsuit if a Family Member Is Killed in a Truck Accident?
Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, certain surviving family members may have the right to recover compensation after a fatal truck accident in Houston.
Surviving spouses, children, and parents can file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek damages from responsible parties. In a wrongful death claim, damages are awarded to compensate the family for the cost of a funeral, financial losses related to their family member’s untimely death, and the emotional distress they’ve personally experienced because of their loss.
If no surviving family member brings a claim, the victim’s estate reserves the right to pursue damages for other beneficiaries.
Additionally, if a victim survives their injuries for a period of time after a collision involving a large truck, the estate can seek damages in a survival action. In a survival action, the estate can seek compensation that the deceased truck accident victim would have been able to receive had they survived – like money to cover medical bills, lost wages in the time they survived, and pain and suffering they experienced.
When Should I Call a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?
Contact us as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Texas is two years. The clock begins to run the date of the truck accident — and two years can go by quickly.
If you miss the deadline that applies to your truck accident claim, you will lose the ability to assert your legal rights and secure much-needed compensation.
You can secure your rights by taking a simple step: calling The Lanier Law Firm immediately after a large truck crash in Houston, Texas. We can begin to work on your claim — and ensure that it’s filed within the appropriate timeframe — as soon as you hire us.
Get a Free Consultation With Our Talented Houston Truck Accident Lawyers
When you’re facing powerful insurance companies, well-funded trucking services, manufacturers with deep pockets, and savvy defense attorneys, you need to level the playing field. The Lanier Law Firm is a nationally recognized law firm whose attorneys have won over $20 billion handling tough personal injury cases like yours.
Contact our top-rated Houston truck accident attorneys to discuss your case for free. We’re happy to listen to your side of the story, provide some preliminary guidance, and explain how we can help you secure full compensation for your truck accident injuries and suffering.
You’ll have a limited time to act, so please reach out to our law office in Houston to set up a time for your free case evaluation today.
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