18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Practice Areas
Every year, countless lives are changed in an instant by devastating 18-wheeler accidents on Houston’s busy highways. These collisions are more than just serious. They can be life-altering, with intricate legal challenges and powerful trucking companies working to protect their interests.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Houston stands as a vital hub for commerce and transportation, with its extensive network of highways and proximity to the Port of Houston facilitating a continuous flow of goods.
However, this bustling activity also contributes to a significant number of 18-wheeler accidents, posing serious risks to motorists and pedestrians alike. At Bradford N. Oesch, P.C., our 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Houston, Texas, has extensive experience advocating for truck wreck victims and their families.
With a deep understanding of both state and federal trucking regulations, we fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable. Contact my law firm today to schedule a consultation for your 18-wheeler accident case.
Seek Fair Compensation
Why Are 18-Wheeler Accidents So Dangerous?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an 18-wheeler, also known as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. When compared to a standard passenger vehicle, the size and weight disparity make any collision potentially devastating.
Victims of these accidents often suffer severe injuries, extensive property damage, and in the worst cases, fatalities. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver fatigue
Distracted driving
Speeding or aggressive driving
Improperly loaded cargo
Mechanical failures
Poor weather conditions
Lack of proper driver training
These accidents require thorough investigation and skilled legal handling due to the intricacies involved, including federal trucking regulations and multi-party liability.
Additional Contributing Factors to High Accident Rates
Several additional elements contribute to the elevated incidence of 18-wheeler accidents in Houston:
Traffic congestion: Houston's expanding population and economic activities lead to congested roadways, increasing the likelihood of collisions involving large trucks.
Industrial and port activities: The city's prominence in the oil and gas sector, coupled with operations at the Port of Houston, results in a substantial volume of commercial truck traffic transporting essential goods and materials.
Extensive highway network: Houston's location along major interstate highways, such as I-10, I-45, and I-69, serves as a critical transportation corridor but also elevates the risk of accidents due to the high density of commercial vehicles.
The confluence of factors such as traffic congestion, industrial and port activities, and an extensive highway network significantly contributes to the high rate of 18-wheeler accidents in Houston. These conditions create a unique set of challenges that demand heightened awareness and comprehensive solutions from all stakeholders to mitigate the risks.
Determining Liability
Determining liability in 18-wheeler accidents can be complicated because they involve multiple parties:
Truck drivers: May be held accountable for negligent actions like distracted driving, fatigue, or substance abuse.
Trucking companies: Can be liable for inadequate training, poor maintenance practices, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations.
Manufacturers: Held responsible if a vehicle defect contributes to the accident.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if a victim is found partially at fault, their compensation is reduced proportionally. However, if found more than 50% at fault, they can’t recover damages.
Steps to Take Following an 18-Wheeler Accident
If involved in an 18-wheeler accident, consider the following steps:
Verify safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
Call emergency services: Report the accident to law enforcement and seek medical attention, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
Document the scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals.Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved, including witnesses.
Avoid admitting fault: Limit discussions about the accident and refrain from admitting liability.
Consult a personal injury attorney: Engage an attorney experienced in 18-wheeler accidents to advocate on your behalf.
If you find yourself involved in an 18-wheeler accident, remember to prioritize safety, seek medical attention, and document the scene. Avoid admitting fault and consult a qualified personal injury attorney. By taking these steps, you protect your interests and rights during a challenging time.
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Because of the force involved, injuries in these accidents are often severe. Some common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Burns and disfigurement
Broken bones and fractures
Internal organ damage
Amputations
Wrongful death
These injuries can require long-term or even lifelong care. Victims often face lost wages, ongoing medical expenses, and reduced quality of life. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Houston will fight to make sure all these damages are compensated.
What Evidence Can Be Collected in These Cases?
Winning a truck accident case requires strong evidence. Your lawyer will seek to preserve and analyze:
Truck’s black box data
Driver’s logbooks
Dashcam footage (if available)
Eyewitness statements
Police reports
Maintenance and inspection records
Cell phone records (to determine if distracted driving played a role)
Subpoenas for company safety records or prior violations
This evidence is often time-sensitive. That’s why it’s critical to contact a Houston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Texas, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Economic damages: Medical bills (past and future), rehabilitation and therapy, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, property damage
Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages: Awards intended to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct in cases of gross negligence or willful actions, such as drunk driving or falsifying driver logs
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Preventive Measures and Safety Initiatives
To reduce the frequency and severity of 18-wheeler accidents, several measures can be implemented:
Enhanced driver training: Rigorous training programs verify that drivers are well-versed in safety protocols and defensive driving techniques.
Regular vehicle maintenance: Routine inspections and maintenance prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.Technological advancements: Utilizing collision avoidance systems, telematics, and electronic logging devices can enhance safety and compliance with regulations.
Regulatory compliance: Strict adherence to federal and state regulations governing hours of service, weight restrictions, and maintenance standards is essential.
Public awareness campaigns: Educating the public and trucking industry stakeholders about the dangers of fatigued and distracted driving can promote safer behaviors.
The high incidence of 18-wheeler accidents in Houston underscores the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, trucking companies, drivers, and the public, to enhance road safety. Understanding the contributing factors, legal implications, and preventive measures is vital for reducing these accidents.
Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Today
If you've been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, we're here to stand by your side. Based in Houston, our firm—Bradford N. Oesch, P.C.—has the experience and dedication to help you pursue the compensation you need. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and take the first step forward.