HOUSTON TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERSMore insurers. More rules. More at stake.
Houston's freeways, refineries and port put heavy truck traffic on the road every day. When an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle causes a crash, the injuries are often severe, and the trucking company and its insurer usually start investigating within hours.
MORE THAN just the driver.
Truck crashes often involve several companies, each with its own insurer and its own reasons to point at someone else.
THE DRIVER
Fatigue, speeding, distraction, impairment or unsafe lane changes.
THE MOTOR CARRIER
Generally responsible for its drivers on the job, and for its own hiring, training, scheduling and safety practices.
THE TRUCK OR TRAILER OWNER
When the tractor or trailer belongs to a different company than the carrier operating it.
THE SHIPPER OR LOADER
Overloaded or poorly secured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknifes and spills.
MAINTENANCE COMPANIES
Brake, tire and lighting failures can trace back to whoever was responsible for keeping the truck safe.
PARTS MANUFACTURERS
A defective tire, brake or other component may support a separate product liability claim.
THE RULES trucking companies have to follow.
Most commercial trucks are governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. A violation can be powerful evidence of fault.
- 01Hours of serviceLimits on how long a driver can drive and be on duty before resting, tracked on electronic logging devices in most trucks.
- 02Driver qualification and testingCarriers must check a driver's license, driving record and medical fitness, and run drug and alcohol testing programs.
- 03Inspection and maintenanceCarriers must systematically inspect, repair and maintain their vehicles and keep records of that work.
- 04Cargo securement and weightLoads must be secured to prevent shifting or falling, and trucks must stay within weight limits.
- 05Minimum insuranceInterstate carriers hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and more for hazardous materials. Different minimums can apply to trucks operating only within Texas.
WHAT TO DO after a truck crash.
The trucking company's investigation starts the day of the crash. Yours should too.
TRUCK ACCIDENT FAQ
How are truck accident cases different from car accident cases?
There are usually more parties and more insurance involved, federal safety regulations apply, and key evidence is held by the trucking company. The injuries also tend to be more serious, so the stakes are higher on both sides.
How much insurance do commercial trucks carry?
Interstate carriers hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, and many carry more. Trucks hauling hazardous materials must carry more. Lower minimums can apply to trucks that operate only within Texas.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most Texas injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. But truck evidence can be lost much sooner, so it's important to act quickly.
The truck driver says I caused the crash. What now?
Texas follows a shared-fault rule. You can recover if you were 50% or less at fault, reduced by your share. Logging data, engine data and video often tell a different story than the driver's account.