Houston Truck Accident Attorney

Houston Trucking Accidents: Overview

We are advocates for the severely injured.

The Houston truck accident attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP have extensive experience in large truck accidents in Texas. If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in an accident with a truck, our law firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at (832) 772-4771 for a free consultation.

If you’re considering hiring a Houston truck accident lawyer, here are a few things you should know about our law firm:

• You are first. We commit to our client’s best interests regardless of how difficult the pursuit is.
• Your mind is at ease. We’re acutely aware of the mental, emotional, and financial consequences that often follow a catastrophic injury.
• We don’t charge you a fee unless we win.
• Your right to a trial. We will invest the time and resources necessary to show the other side that we insist on nothing less than full and fair compensation for our client’s damages.
• We focus on what matters. We work every day to ensure our clients get the help they need, even if they cannot afford it.

Our Houston truck accident lawyers will help you with your case, we focus on getting results for our clients after an accident with a big rig, or, a commercial truck accident in Houston. We help those that were injured by a truck accident in Houston but also help those throughout The Lone Star State with trucking accidents. Our focus is on outcomes regarding your case and we will work with you throughout the entire legal process.

We recommend you visit our results page to understand the types of cases we have experience dealing with. Collisions with 18-wheelers in Texas are increasing every year with often devastating results and life-changing injuries for automobile passengers that absorb the impact of the larger trucks. Common causes of 18-wheeler collisions range from driver negligence, including fatigue and inattention, to the trucking company’s failure to properly maintain or load the 18-wheeler. Our Houston trucking accident attorney will be on your side throughout the entire process.

Our Trucking Accident Attorneys will Help Determine Who’s at Fault

The law provides that employers are responsible for the negligent acts that their employees performed within the course and scope of the employee’s duties. Companies will sometimes try to avoid responsibility by claiming that the driver of the truck was an “independent contractor” rather than an employee.

Fortunately, what the company calls its driver is not as important as the company’s actual control over the details of the driver’s work. Our Houston-based truck accident attorneys will help you figure out the details. Houston truck accidents can be much more complex than car accidents in Houston, which is why it’s important to trust a lawyer with experience dealing with accidents with a semi-truck. Factors dealing with the person’s employment can determine the outcome of the truck accident.

Is the person employed by the truck company or considered an independent contractor?

There are several factors that the courts use to determine whether someone is considered an employee of a contractor. Here are some of them:

• Level of instruction given to the worker
• Whether the company provides training
• Whether the company merges the worker’s services into the company’s overall operation
• Whether the worker renders the services for the company personally or can substitute others to do the work for them
• The way the company pays the worker
• The length of the worker’s relationship with the company
• Whether the worker works for the company full-time
• The location where the worker performs the services
• Whether the worker has to submit reports to the company
• Whether the company reimburses the expenses of the worker
• Whether the worker has to invest in the business
• Whether the company gives the worker a profit for the work performed beyond the regular pay
• Whether the worker can lose money while working for the company
• Whether the worker can quit at any time

An experienced Houston truck accident attorney at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP knows where to look for evidence that–regardless of what the company says–its workers are employees. Contact a Houston truck accident attorney today for your free consultation and case evaluation. You only pay us if we win.

When Should You Consult a Truck Accident Attorney?

You must consult an Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP truck accident attorney as soon as possible, especially if there are injuries or significant damages. Your lawyer must investigate the accident immediately before critical evidence disappears. A lawyer can also navigate complex trucking regulations and protect your rights against insurance companies and trucking companies.

How Much Do Truck Accident Attorneys Cost?

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we’ll only receive money when we win your case. Typically, this fee is a percentage of the settlement or award you receive, allowing you to pursue legal action without upfront costs. You can let your lawyer handle all the legal complexities without worrying about paying anything out of pocket.

Is There a Time Limit for a Truck Accident Claim?

Yes, there is a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a truck accident claim. The statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the accident date. Please consult with a truck accident attorney promptly to ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve your right to compensation. If the statute expires in your case, it’s very likely you won’t be eligible to pursue the money you deserve.

How Much Can I Get for a Truck Accident?

The amount you can receive for a truck accident depends on various factors, including the following:

• Your injury’s severity.
• The amount of your medical bills.
• Your lost wages.
• The pain and suffering you’ve experienced, as well as emotional trauma.
• Property damage.

A skilled truck accident attorney can assess your case’s value based on these factors, negotiate with truck insurance companies, or pursue litigation to secure maximum compensation.

“Every challenge is an opportunity for us to make a difference. Let’s work together to turn your personal injury journey into a successful path forward. ”

Scott Armstrong

Partner

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What Should I Do After a Truck Crash?

After a truck crash, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention. Please see a doctor immediately, even if you don’t think your injury is significant. Even a minor injury can quickly turn severe if you don’t get medical help. You should also contact an Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP attorney immediately so they can get to work building the strongest case possible. The faster you get legal help, the better your chances of achieving a positive result.

It’s also essential that you don’t discuss the case with anyone but your lawyer. The at-fault party’s insurance company will use anything you say against you. Please don’t discuss the details or post anything on your social media feeds.

How Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Analyze Your Case?

Laws require drivers to fill out inspection reports before and after their trips. These reports are critical to helping us understand the conditions of the truck at the time of your accident. Our lawyers know how to analyze these reports and quickly locate the evidence needed to prove your case.

Facts About Houston Trucking Accidents

1. Trucking accidents are one of the leading causes of death on Texas roads.
2. In 2017, there were almost 4,000 trucking accidents in Texas alone.
3. Of those 4,000 accidents, almost 700 resulted in fatalities.
4. Houston is one of the most dangerous cities for trucking accidents, due to its high volume of traffic.
5. Trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis, amputation, and brain damage.
6. The average cost of a trucking accident injury can be upwards of $1 million.
7. Most trucking accidents are caused by driver error, such as fatigue, distraction, or intoxication.
8. Trucking companies are often liable for accidents caused by their drivers, due to negligence in hiring or training.

Most Dangerous Highways in the United States

The following analysis is based on fatality data gathered on the U.S.-numbered interstate highway systems over a four-year period.

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, please contact our trucking accident lawyers in Houston, Texas, to hold those responsible accountable and pursue fair compensation. Call 832.402.6637 for a free consultation.

What Causes Truck Drivers to Cause Accidents?

Once an accident occurs, one of the most important questions is what caused this accident? The answer to this question is important because a party can only be held liable if the causes are identified and proven to be the cause or causes of the innocent driver’s injuries. Although there may be multiple causes of a truck accident, they usually include one or a dangerous combination of the following:

Houston Truck Driver Error that May Lead to Trucking Accidents

Although it would be expected that a driver of an 18-wheeler would be more attentive due to the size and speed of their truck, the reality is that the drivers work long hours and are tired and put those around them in danger.

• Fatigue from Working Long Hours and Not Sleeping

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates hours of service, mandating rest breaks and maximum driving hours to combat fatigue. However, pressure from employers or the drivers’ desire to maximize earnings can lead to violations of these regulations. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced attention, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. 

• Aggressive Driving and Speeding

  Truck drivers may speed to make up for lost time or meet delivery schedules, ignoring speed limits and road conditions. Speeding increases stopping distances and reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, such as traffic slowdowns or obstacles. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, and road rage, can create dangerous situations for other road users.

• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

  Despite strict regulations and mandatory testing for commercial drivers, some may still engage in substance abuse. The consequences of such behavior are often catastrophic, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. 

• Improper Wide Turns or Erroneous Driving, Such as Failing to Pay Attention to No-Zone Areas

  Wide turns require significant space, and misjudging the required distance can result in the truck striking other vehicles, pedestrians, or infrastructure. No-zones are blind spots around the truck where smaller vehicles disappear from the driver’s view. Failure to check these areas before changing lanes or turning can cause collisions. 

• Failing to Signal

  When truck drivers neglect to use signals, other road users are left unaware of their actions, increasing the risk of collisions. This is particularly dangerous for smaller vehicles and motorcycles that may be in the truck’s blind spots. 

• Driving During Adverse Conditions, Such as Rain or Snow

  Truck drivers must adjust to bad weather by reducing speed, increasing following distances, and using headlights. Failure to adapt can result in loss of control, jackknifing, or collisions. 

Company Negligence

• Failure to Follow Company Procedures

  Companies must implement and enforce safety protocols, conduct regular training, and ensure compliance with regulations. When companies neglect these responsibilities, drivers may not adhere to critical safety practices, leading to accidents. 

• Overloaded Freight

  Excessive weight can compromise a truck’s handling, braking, and stability, making it more difficult to control. Overloaded trucks are likelier to experience tire blowouts, brake failures, and rollovers. Regular inspections and adherence to loading protocols are crucial to prevent accidents caused by overloading.

• Poor Maintenance

  Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that all vehicle components, such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems, function correctly. Companies must implement rigorous maintenance schedules and conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential issues before accidents occur.

• Poor Training

  Companies must thoroughly train drivers to operate their vehicles, understand safety protocols, and handle emergency situations. Poor training can leave drivers ill-prepared to navigate complex road conditions or respond to hazards. 

• Retaining a Dangerous Worker

  Companies must vet their employees thoroughly and address any behavior or performance issues that could compromise safety. Retaining drivers with a history of reckless driving, substance abuse, or repeated safety violations puts other road users at risk. Companies must implement strict hiring practices, conduct regular evaluations, and take corrective actions, including termination, when necessary to ensure a safe workforce.

Learn more about the factors that go into the average settlement amount for a truck accident in Texas.

Company Negligence

Sometimes, the trucking company may be held liable for its own negligence in causing or contributing to the accident, including:

• Failure to follow company procedures
• Overloaded freight
• Poor maintenance
• Poor training
• Retaining a dangerous worker

Improper Wide Turns

Commercial truck drivers should follow the Texas and federal laws that outline the standards when executing turns. Unfortunately, many poorly trained and supervised truck drivers do not execute turns in the safest ways.

Semi-trucks are larger, and heavier, and take up more space than passenger cars, meaning that the drivers of such vehicles should exercise more consideration and care. Trucks making right-hand turns sometimes initially swing to the left, causing other drivers to attempt to pass on the right because they do not recognize the truck is going to make a right-hand turn. This can result in side-impact collisions or collisions with the trailer.

These kinds of “squeeze play” accidents can cause the car to be squeezed between the trailer of the truck and the curb, potentially leading to serious damage to the vehicle and possibly serious injuries to the passengers of a car. Collisions with semi-trucks are dangerous to all those involved, but in the majority of accidents, the damage will disproportionately be done to the passenger car involved in the crash. Cars are just not capable of withstanding the force of an impact caused by a moving semi that weighs tons.

We are a local Houston-based trucking accident attorney at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. Our extensive experience helps us every day as we fight for our client’s rights. We offer a free consultation to all injury victims. There is no obligation on the part of the victim to take advantage of our free consultation.

Improperly Secured Cargo

Involving improperly secured cargo can cause some of the most serious and devastating driving collisions. Both commercial and noncommercial vehicles can cause serious injuries or deaths with improperly secured cargo. Trucking safety regulations require that “no person shall drive a commercial motor vehicle . . . unless [t]he commercial motor vehicle’s cargo is properly distributed and adequately secured.”

Truck drivers and companies loading commercial trailers have obligations to properly secure and inspect the load before it gets onto public streets and highways. Sometimes, cargo falls off of a truck or other vehicle, causing unexpected dangers on the roadway. Other drivers have to react quickly when cargo falls off a vehicle.

Sometimes it is impossible for other drivers to avoid an accident when cargo falls off a vehicle in front of them. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can cause multiple-car collisions and can have devastating results. Other types of improperly secured cargo accidents include when cargo shifts within a trailer. Thousands of pounds of cargo contained within a trailer can unexpectedly move when improperly tied down.

A shift of cargo can cause the driver of the tractor-trailer rig to lose control and have a serious collision. Serious injuries and deaths also occur when cargo extends out from the trailer. This is why the State of Texas and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have outlined requirements on how to properly secure cargo.

Any collision involving cargo extending beyond the edge of a trailer should be evaluated by an experienced truck accident attorney to determine what state and potential federal regulations may be implicated. The Houston truck accident lawyer at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP has experience handling cases involving improperly secured loads. We understand the dramatic and devastating injuries that can result from other drivers’ failure to take basic safety precautions and follow the rules of the road.

Contact our Houston trucking accident attorneys today for a free evaluation of your case. As always, you never pay anything out of pocket, and you only pay us a fee if we win.

No-Zone Areas

Due to their size, big rigs have many large blind spots, typically known in the industry as no-zone areas. In these blind spots, a motorist is basically non-existent to a truck driver. A truck driver has a duty to operate the truck in a manner that takes into account the fact that motorists may be driving in these blind spots, which include:

• Front: The area within a few car lengths from the front of the truck
• Sides: On the left side of the truck, one to two car lengths, and on the right side, four to five car lengths
• Back: Varies from three to five car lengths

Victims of 18-wheeler accidents may suffer from serious physical injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, and require time off of work. Our trucking accident attorneys have significant experience helping victims recover from their injuries. As a result, we help remove stress from our clients’ lives so that they can focus on healing.

It’s important to know what to do after an 18-wheeler trucking accident. Contact an 18-wheeler truck accident attorney in Houston, Texas to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your case.

Call Our Houston Trucking Accident Attorney Today

Call our Houston trucking accident attorney today. Our truck accident lawyers have helped hundreds of victims and we have the experience and professionalism to help you. Contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP today for your free consultation. Our attorneys have the expertise, experience, and compassion to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, contact us today to schedule a time convenient to you to discuss your case.

Other Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle:

• Car Accidents
• Auto Defects
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Railroad Accidents
• Rideshare Accidents
• DoorDash Accidents
• Uber Eats Accidents
• Bus Accidents

Types Of Truck Injury Cases We Handle

Other Location Our Tuck Accident Lawyers Serve:

• Tyler Truck Accident Attorney
• Fort Worth Truck Accident Attorney
• Dallas Truck Accident Attorney

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

Get in touch with Scott Armstrong now.

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What our clients are saying about us

B. Farmer

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Josh Lee and the rest of the staff are all amazing. They kept me up to date and informed. I was treated like a priority every time I called, Josh even called me back on a Saturday, when the office was closed. They got me way more money than I thought even possible! I am more than satisfied and so grateful that I chose this firm. If you want a very personable, honest attorney who looks out for your best interest and gets results, call them!

Mary G.

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I live roughly eight hours from Armstrong Lee & Baker and communication exceeded my expectations all my needs were met at every level Mr Adam and his wonderful team guided me step by step,I definitely recommend Mr Adam if ever you need a lawyer that will fight very hard for you.He was successful with my injury case got me what I deserve and more,I am forever grateful to Mr Adam and his wonderful team God bless you all

Janet L.

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Recently I had the honor of being represented by The Law firm of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, the actual lawyer who handled my case was Mr. Clint Reed. He was very professional and understanding during this whole process. The communication was great, if I had any questions he would answer them. His knowledge of the law and his persistence to find out every detail that he could really in my opinion, went above and beyond any expectations I had. If I could give him a 10 star review I would.

Tommy N.

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Armstrong, Lee & Baker did an absolutely wonderful job with my case. The resolution of my case was above and beyond what I expected! Shruti, the associate who handled my case showed great professionalism and I could not be more satisfied with the outcome. Thank you all!

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