Trucking accidents in Houston are among the most devastating and complex motor vehicle collisions. The size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents particularly dangerous, often leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and life-altering consequences for victims.
At The Gibson Law Firm, we understand the catastrophic impact a truck accident can have on your life. Our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston truck accident, our legal team is ready to help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Understanding the Severity of Truck Accidents in Texas
Texas consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for trucking accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):
- In 2022, Texas recorded 4,481 traffic fatalities, a significant portion of which involved commercial trucks.
- There were over 38,000 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas that year.
- Houston and Harris County reported some of the highest numbers of trucking accidents in the state.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also report that driver fatigue, improper truck maintenance, and distracted driving contribute significantly to these accidents.
What Should I Do After a Houston 18-Wheeler Accident?
If you've been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, taking the right steps can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
- Call 911 and Report the Accident: Request emergency responders and ensure a police report is filed.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if you don’t feel injured, serious conditions like concussions and internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away.
- Exchange Information: Get the truck driver's name, contact information, trucking company name, and insurance details.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and any visible truck defects.
- Obtain the Accident Report: The police report will provide critical details for your claim.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and insurers will try to minimize your claim. Never accept a quick settlement without legal advice.
- Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer: Having legal representation ensures your rights are protected and strengthens your truck accident lawsuit.
What Causes 18-Wheeler Accidents?
Understanding the root causes of truck accidents is essential for legal accountability. Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple contributing factors, making them more complex and deadlier. Below are some of the most common causes of Houston truck accidents, including how they happen, the dangers they present, and the legal implications involved.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are often required to drive for long hours, sometimes covering hundreds of miles per day to meet tight deadlines. While federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limit truckers to 11 hours of driving per shift, many drivers ignore these restrictions due to pressure from trucking companies or financial incentives.
Why Is Driver Fatigue So Dangerous?
- Fatigue impairs reaction times similarly to drunk driving.
- Slower decision-making increases the risk of failing to respond to sudden traffic stops, road hazards, or lane changes.
- Microsleeps (brief, involuntary lapses in consciousness) can cause a driver to lose control of an 80,000-pound truck in just seconds.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 30-40% of all heavy truck accidents are directly linked to driver fatigue. Despite strict FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) rules, many trucking companies incentivize drivers to break these laws, pushing them beyond their physical limits.
Distracted Driving
Distractions are dangerous for all drivers, but for truck drivers, even a split-second lapse in attention can result in massive destruction.
What Distracts Truck Drivers?
- Cell Phone Use: Despite strict federal laws, some truckers still text or browse their phones while driving.
- Using GPS or Dispatch Systems: Adjusting route navigation can take a trucker’s eyes off the road for critical seconds.
- Eating and Drinking: Many truckers eat meals while driving, creating a serious distraction.
- Daydreaming or Cognitive Distractions: Long, monotonous hours on highways can lead to a lack of focus, making it harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
The Danger of Distracted Truck Drivers
- At 55 mph, looking at a phone for just 5 seconds means a truck travels the length of a football field without the driver looking at the road.
- Truck drivers are 23 times more likely to crash when texting while driving, according to FMCSA data.
Impaired Driving (DUI/DWI)
Operating any vehicle while impaired is dangerous, but for truck drivers, it can be catastrophic. While federal regulations set strict standards for drug and alcohol use, violations still occur.
Why Is Impaired Driving in Trucking So Dangerous?
- Alcohol and drugs affect reaction time, judgment, and coordination, making it harder for truckers to control their vehicles.
- Some truck drivers take stimulants or amphetamines to stay awake on long hauls, leading to reckless driving behaviors.
- Even legally prescribed medications can impair a driver’s abilities, causing slower reflexes and drowsiness.
Federal Regulations on Impaired Truck Driving
- The FMCSA sets a stricter 0.04% BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) limit for commercial truck drivers, compared to 0.08% for regular drivers.
- Trucking companies must conduct random drug and alcohol testing, but some fail to enforce these policies.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Truck drivers often speed to meet delivery deadlines, but speeding makes an already dangerous vehicle even deadlier.
Why Is Speeding So Dangerous for Trucks?
- Braking distance is significantly longer: A fully loaded truck needs up to 525 feet to stop when traveling at highway speeds.
- Speed magnifies the impact force, increasing the severity of injuries and fatalities.
- Loss of vehicle control: At high speeds, trucks are more likely to jackknife or roll over.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies are legally required to perform routine inspections and repairs. However, some companies cut costs by skipping maintenance, leading to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
Common Truck Maintenance Errors Leading to Accidents
- Brake Failures: Responsible for roughly 30% of all truck crashes.
- Tire Blowouts: Worn-out tires can cause rollovers, jackknife crashes, or loss of control.
- Steering System Malfunctions: Loss of steering can cause trucks to veer into other lanes.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Improperly loaded cargo is a hidden but deadly danger in truck accidents. If cargo is unbalanced or unsecured, it can cause a loss of vehicle control.
How Cargo Issues Cause Truck Accidents
- Cargo Shifts Unexpectedly: When cargo moves inside the trailer, the truck can jackknife or tip over.
- Overloaded Trucks Strain Components: Excess weight can cause brake failures and tire blowouts.
- Loose Cargo Spills onto Highways: This creates deadly obstacles for other drivers.
What Are the Different Types of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can occur in different ways, including:
- Jackknife Accidents: When the truck’s cab and trailer fold at an acute angle, blocking lanes and causing multi-car crashes.
- Rollover Accidents: Often caused by driver error or excessive speed, these accidents are extremely dangerous for nearby vehicles.
- Underride Accidents: Smaller passenger vehicles can slide under a big rig, often resulting in fatal injuries.
- Rear-End Collisions: Due to their long braking distances, commercial trucks can cause severe damage in a rear-end crash.
- T-Bone Accidents: Occur when a truck crashes into the side of a vehicle, often at intersections.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Because of their massive size and weight, tractor-trailers cause catastrophic injuries when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles. Unlike typical car crashes, truck accidents often result in severe, long-term, or fatal injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care. Below are the most common injuries suffered in truck accidents, their medical implications, and how victims can seek compensation for their suffering.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head suffers a violent impact due to a collision. TBIs are one of the most severe injuries sustained in truck accidents and can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
Common Causes of TBI in Truck Accidents
- Blunt-force trauma: The victim’s head strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or window.
- Whiplash motion: Rapid acceleration and deceleration cause the brain to slam against the skull.
- Flying debris: Loose objects inside the vehicle can penetrate the skull or cause concussions.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
- Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating
- Severe headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision
- Loss of coordination or impaired motor function
- Personality changes, mood swings, and depression
- Seizures, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound
Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
The spinal cord is a delicate structure responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and body. When it is damaged in a truck accident, the results can be catastrophic and life-changing.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: The victim retains some movement and sensation below the injury site.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: The victim experiences total paralysis below the injury site, often resulting in paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis from the neck down).
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Loss of movement and sensation in the limbs
- Severe pain or pressure in the back or neck
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Difficulty breathing or maintaining balance
What is the Legal Process for Truck Accident Claims?
Pursuing a truck accident lawsuit involves several stages:
- Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence, including logbooks, black box data, and accident reports.
- Identifying Liable Parties: Potential responsible parties include the trucker, trucking company, manufacturers, or third-party contractors.
- Filing a Truck Accident Claim: A personal injury claim is submitted, detailing the damages suffered.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Many cases settle before trial, but an initial settlement offer is often lower than what victims deserve.
- Mediation & Settlement Talks: Attorneys will negotiate a fair compensation package covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Trial: If negotiations fail, your Houston truck accident attorney will take the case to court.
- Post-Settlement & Recovery – Once compensation is awarded, your lawyer ensures proper disbursement of funds.
Why Choose The Gibson Law Firm?
At The Gibson Law Firm, we bring years of experience fighting for truck accident victims across Houston and Texas. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Proven Success: We’ve recovered millions in fair settlements for injured victims.
- Aggressive Representation: We hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable.
- Personalized Legal Support: Our team provides dedicated attention to every client.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Gibson Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free case evaluation or fill out our online consultation form to discuss your case with an experienced truck accident attorney.