Houston 18 Wheeler Collision FAQs - Top Texas Personal Injury Attorneys

The force of an 18 wheeler can turn what would have been a minor fender-bender into a life-altering accident. If the negligence or carelessness of another, like the truck driver, their employer, a cargo loader, etc. caused your collision in Houston Texas, you shouldn't shoulder the burden of pricey damages and significant injuries on your own.

The top Houston truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for victims of serious 18 wheeler accidents across the Lone Star State. While Texas law holds trucking companies and their drivers accountable for the safety of their vehicles on the road, navigating the justice system without the help of an attorney is challenging. Don’t let the negligence of another leave you with substantial bills. Contact Carabin Shaw to schedule your free initial consultation today!

From dealing with insurance companies to researching legal options and trying to recover from serious injuries, victims are often left with a multitude of questions and concerns regarding their next steps. The FAQ section below is designed as a helpful resource for those injured in an 18 wheeler accident in Houston, but for questions regarding your specific circumstances and potential case, contact a local attorney.

While hiring a Houston 18 wheeler collision lawyer isn’t legally required to file a claim, it’s strongly recommended to reach out to a professional familiar with commercial vehicle law, such as the team at Carabin Shaw. An attorney will be able to investigate the cause of your accident, negotiate with all involved insurance companies, litigate your claim if it goes to court, and explain any and all of your legal options moving forward.

Trucking accident lawsuits, which include vehicles like dump trucks, car carriers, flatbeds and more, necessitate an attorney specializing in personal injury law with experience handling commercial vehicle accident cases. Personal injury law includes cases involving negligence of a person or party leading to the injury of another. It’s important to also search for a legal professional who has experience in commercial vehicles in Texas as these accidents differ from car accidents in significant ways. Lawyers with experience representing victims in these cases know the ins and outs of Texas law as well as how state and federal codes and regulations may impact your case.

The following is a list of common defendants, or accused negligable parties, who are often sued in these big truck accident cases.

• 18 wheeler driver
• Trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, supervision, etc.)
• Owner of the 18 wheeler (if different than the trucking company)
• Truck leasing company
• Parts manufacturer
• Cargo loader
• Other drivers who may have contributed to the accident
• And more

While these are often the culprits of such accidents, various additional parties may be involved given your specific circumstances. A trusted 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Houston TX will investigate your case to determine precisely who is at fault for your collision.

Texas abides by a proportionate responsibility code, which means that those at fault for a personal injury will pay for damages according to their percentage of fault. If you are less than 50% at fault for accident, you are still able to pursue a lawsuit and compensation. Your damages, however, will be impacted accordingly. Let’s say you are awarded 1 million dollars for serious injuries sustained during an 18 wheeler collision. If you were found to be 25% at fault, you will receive $750,000.

The injured party and their lawyer has the burden of proof to establish the opposing party’s negligence using reliable evidence, expert witnesses, testimony, and more. Examples of acceptable forms of evidence include but are not limited to:

• Photographs of the accident, injuries, and property damage
• Police report from the scene of the accident
• Medical records and bills
• Witness testimony
• Vehicle repair estimates or bills
• Communication with insurance companies or between parties
• Traffic camera footage
• Physical evidence from the scene

The Houston personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are well versed in Texas accident claims. We’ve represented victims just like you across the Lone Star State for decades against big corporations and formidable opponents; read over our client reviews to see for yourself.

Call our professionals at 800-862-1260 at any time of day or night to schedule your free initial consultation. Our legal team is standing by to speak with you in English or Spanish.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes
• TX Courts