Top-rated 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney to Protect Your Case
Call for a Free consultation with an 18-wheeler lawyer before you speak with the adjuster. Call 1-866-758-4529.
Our level of expertise in 18-wheeler vehicle accidents is unparalleled, and we are the “go-to” Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
Because the undefeated Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyers at the Baumgartner firm have been winning truck accident lawsuits for over 35 years, we are uniquely positioned to protect your financial future after an 18-wheeler collision.
Houston has a very high number of serious injury and wrongful death truck accidents every year, mainly due to the sheer number of trucks on our highways. Truck accident victims are numerous in Texas.
Given the explosive growth that Houston has experienced in the last 40 years, our traffic congestion, coupled with the high number of 18- 18-wheelers and semi-trucks traveling through and around Houston, leads to many semi-truck wrecks, and as a result, many Houston families are torn apart.
Our Houston truck accident attorneys have handled numerous fatal truck accident cases in the Houston area, particularly 18-wheeler accidents occurring on US 290, Interstate 45, Interstate 59, and Interstate 10.
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident or a family member has been killed, call the truck wreck lawyers based in Houston, Texas, at 1-866-758-4529 or contact our Houston truck accident attorneys by e-mail today for a no-obligation consultation. Put our 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers near Houston to work for you and your family.
Experience Matters with 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuits
Usually, in a very serious semi-truck accident, the authorities will investigate the cause of the truck accident and will usually write an official police report. The results of the police report may or may not be admissible in a lawsuit against the trucking company.
Many of the injury truck accident reports are not fully admissible because the officer conducting the investigation did not do a formal accident reconstruction or is otherwise not qualified to render expert opinions according to Texas law.
You can be assured that the trucking company and its insurance companies will be working hard to shift responsibility from the truck driver or the trucking company to the victim or someone else to try to escape responsibility for the truck accident.
Trucking accident lawsuits can be very complicated because the vehicles have different components than passenger cars, and different regulations apply to truck companies and truck drivers. We have been handling Houston 18-wheeler truck accident cases for over three decades and know the rules and regulations applicable to truck drivers and motor carriers forward and backward.
Not only do we have command of the rules and regulations for trucking companies, but we also utilize a quick response 18-wheeler accident team to put victims on an even footing with the insurance companies.
Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney Greg Baumgartner has an undefeated track record in representing victims in 18-wheeler truck accidents. Our truck accident attorneys have also been successful in representing truck drivers who have been in injury accidents as well.
Defense Attorneys Recommend our Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer to Their Friends and Family!
Our Texas truck accident lawyers have been honored to have been recommended by numerous defense lawyers in the Houston area and across Texas for the representation of their family and friends who have been involved in a serious injury or death from a truck accident.
Founding 18-wheeler accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner is recognized as “Preeminent” by Martindale Hubbell and has earned many awards in truck accident litigation and personal injury, Including Super Lawyers, Top 100 Truck Accident Lawyers, Newsweek, and numerous other awards and has an unparalleled track record of success in high-profile Houston 18-wheeler accident cases.
Call us today toll-free at 1 (866) 758-4529 for a no-obligation consultation on your big rig accident. We charge no fee or expense upfront and only get paid if we recover money for you.
Speak with the Top-Rated Houston Semi Truck Crash Lawyers 1-866-758-4529
18-wheeler accidents can devastate victims and their families because of the wide-reaching damage and severe injuries that usually result. 18-wheeler accidents remain challenging to all parties involved because of their complex nature, and victims of 18-wheeler accidents generally have a long recovery time.
With increased damages, multiple parties, and large insurance policies, 18-wheeler accident cases require the skills and expertise of a Houston truck accident attorney who knows how to win your case.
If you have been injured in a truck accident or have lost a family member, contact the truck accident lawyers in Houston at (281) 893-0760 for a free consultation and tell us about the details of your case.
Let a top-rated Houston truck accident lawyer start to work on your case as quickly as possible before the Texas statute of limitations runs out.
About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
The Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) estimated that Truck-trailers/semi-trailers accounted for over 26,000 crashes on Texas roads in 2019. Over 3,500 of the crashes resulted in injuries, some debilitating, and 452 caused one or more fatalities.
These unnerving statistics only paint a small picture of trucking accidents on Texas roads. Currently, Texas is experiencing significant growth and a growing economy, and this means the number of trucking and other accidents can increase from year to year.
The dangers posed on Texas highways are a reality for all those who must share the road with semi-trucks. Houston has more fatal truck crashes than any other city in Texas. Houston truck accident lawyers see the devastation a negligent truck driver can cause.
Why Get the Best Semi-Accident Attorneys?
The truth is you need the best Houston truck accident attorneys you can find for your truck accident. Experience matters and so do results. We have been winning huge multi-$ $1,000,000 settlements for decades. Our Houston truck accident lawyers have received many awards and accolades through hard work and winning. For over thirty-five years, our Houston truck accident lawyer has been undefeated in 18-wheeler and big rig accidents.
For over three decades, Houston truck accident attorney Greg Baumgartner has been trusted to protect the financial future of victims. Put our award-winning personal injury team on your side. Let our next victory be yours—call (281) 893-0760 for a consultation about your rights and options. There is no charge for the consultation with a leading personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas! You will not find a Houston personal injury attorney with more experience in commercial truck cases. Our attorney also handles Houston car accidents.
Why Are 18-Wheeler Accidents Different?
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Due to the size of 18-wheelers, the impact of an accident with one can cause far more damaging injuries. Over 15 million trucks are operating in the United States; of this figure, over 2 million are tractor-trailers. 18-wheelers pose a significant threat to passenger vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
Even when truck drivers are cautious on the highway, other vehicles are no match for 18-wheelers. 18-wheelers can also carry hazardous materials that can be flammable and toxic in nature. The design of 18-wheelers does not allow for swift maneuvers and stopping quickly. An experienced personal injury attorney knows victims in Houston, Texas, have little chance when a truck driver is negligent.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Truck drivers must go through an extensive amount of training, and they must adhere to strict procedures and regulations. Unfortunately, many drivers and truck companies do not follow the safety rules because they prioritize profits ahead of safety.
Truck drivers who prioritize profits ahead of safety can threaten the well-being of other drivers on the road. When 18-wheelers are sharing the road with other motorists, there will always be safety concerns, such as the following:
Trucks that have exceeded the weight requirements
Driver fatigue
Truck collisions
Driving under the influence
Following too closely
Distracted driving
Truck accident lawyers know to use safety regulations to help prove fault. Get a Houston truck accident lawyer who knows the rules by heart and has never lost a lawsuit against a trucking company. We will retain the best expert witness to help build a strong case. Call the best Texas truck accident lawyers and get a free consultation.
Types of 18-Wheeler Crashes
Different crashes will result in different injuries. The weight of the trucks and the speed at which they are being operated both play a major factor in the injuries motorists can sustain from being involved in an 18-wheeler accident.
The accident type can also indicate who may be the at-fault party in the accident. Examples of different types of truck accidents include:
As mentioned previously, the weight and size of an 18-wheeler can lead to some of the most debilitating injuries. Many of the injuries caused by big trucks will have long recovery periods and a major impact on one’s quality of life moving forward.
The consequences of truck accidents can be permanent injuries, life-long injuries, or death. At Texas Truck Accident Lawyer, we will work with your doctors and medical specialists to document a claim to cover the following:
Past and future medical needs
Economic impact
Pain and suffering
Emotional damages
Regardless of how significant you think your injuries are, a seasoned Houston truck accident attorney will immediately recommend that you seek needed medical treatment. Injuries from an 18-wheeler crash can remain dormant for days, weeks, months, or years. When you seek immediate medical attention, it will become difficult for the insurance company to deny that you did sustain those injuries from the accident.
But if you wait, you can expect the delay in getting treatment to be front and center in your case.
The most common injuries one can sustain from an 18-wheeler accident include the following:
Broken bones
Chest injuries
Head and brain injuries
Neck and back injuries
Spinal injuries
Burns
Muscles, tendon, and ligament injuries
Types of Accidents Our 18-Wheeler Law Firm Handles
The truck accident lawyer you depend on to handle your case should be familiar with the Texas state laws, as well as the requirements that the trucking companies in Texas have established. While some personal injury lawyers will attempt to convince you, that they have experience in handling 18-wheeler accident cases, the number of personal injury lawyers who have represented clients in a trucking accident case is not substantial.
Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer from Baumgartner Law Firm if you have suffered any personal injuries from an accident with:
It is essential to partner with a law firm in Houston, Texas, as soon as possible after a trucking accident or key evidence can be lost for good. Even drivers who have substantial experience and are safety-conscious can become engaged in driving behaviors that could lead to a dangerous or deadly accident. 18-wheeler accident lawyers find trucking companies negligent in the following:
Driver education training
Truck maintenance and repairs
Routine maintenance and repairs
Violations of the safety laws
Who is Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
When an employee is serving as an agent for a company, the company will generally be held responsible for the actions of the employee. What can this mean for a company with one vehicle involved in an accident? When a company vehicle is involved in an accident, the company and the driver can be held liable.
If the driver was negligent, he or she can be held responsible. The trucking company can be held liable for the following:
Hiring practices that were deemed negligent
Failing to supervise
Failure to verify certification or licensing
Failing to provide the proper education and training for their drivers
Failing to maintain the trucks or perform needed repairs
The Actions of their employee Driver
Other parties that may be liable for truck accident injuries and damages include the following:
The broker
The truck’s mechanics
The manufacturer of the truck
The shipping companies
Why Are 18-Wheeler Accidents More Complicated?
When it comes to commercial vehicle accidents, many people are under the impression that all accidents will be handled in the same manner. This is not the case. Truck accident claims are more complicated than a car collision. Why?
Catastrophic injuries
Truck accidents generally result in more catastrophic injuries due to the size, weight, and speed of 18-wheelers. When a person is involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, severe and catastrophic injuries can mean a lifetime of medical treatment even after the accident claim has been resolved.
The involvement of multiple parties
The trucking industry consists of a variety of truck drivers and trucking companies. Any party can be responsible for a truck accident. It is not uncommon for multiple parties to share liability after a truck accident. The possible involvement of more than one party makes it even more critical to closely and thoroughly investigate the accident to determine liability.
Local, State, and Federal Regulations
In the trucking industry, there are state and federal motor carrier safety regulations that need to be always followed. Regulations and guidelines in the trucking industry are in place to govern various things, including the size and weight of a semi-truck and the cargo that is being transported.
Trucking companies are responsible for documenting their compliance with all regulations. Trucking company records and driver records can be used to show that there was a lack of compliance with regulations that led to the accident.
What Type of Evidence May Be Used for an 18-Wheeler Lawsuit?
Given the long list of local, state, and federal regulations and the complicated nature of truck accident claims a truck accident lawyer will need to be familiar with trucking regulations and local and state laws to determine who is liable in the truck accident case adequately.
The evidence obtained in a truck accident claim will help your lawyer determine who was at fault, why it happened, and how it happened.
Evidence that may be obtained during the investigation can include the following:
Accident report
Statements from eyewitnesses
Records from the trucking company and the driver
Photographs from the accident scene
Medical records
The download of the truck event data recorder (speed, braking, and other evidence)
Scene surveys
Search for video
Investigation of the trucking company and driver
Seeking Compensation in 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
If you have been involved in a truck collision and sustained injuries, the laws in Texas allow you to sue for maximum compensation to recover any loss related to the accident and your injuries. A free consultation with a Houston personal injury attorney is only a phone call away!
Settlements and court awards will vary based on how severe the injuries are and the economic and non-economic impacts. Here are some common damages that trucking accident victims involved in the crash may be able to recover:
Will I Need a Lawyer After My 18-Wheeler Accident?
If an accident in Houston is caused by the negligent acts of the truck driver and/or the trucking company, the trucking company’s insurance company will do its best to avoid being held liable for injuries and damages or wrongful death.
If you are trying to determine if you need to speak with an experienced lawyer in Houston, TX, to help ensure the responsible parties are held liable, there are questions you should answer:
Did your injuries require medical attention and medical treatment?
Did your doctor refer you to one or more specialists to treat your injuries?
Are you in constant pain?
Are you unable to work due to the injuries you sustained?
Has your daily routine changed due to the injuries?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you need to speak with an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer.
Filing A Personal Injury Lawsuit
In Texas, there is a general two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, the court may dismiss your lawsuit. If your suit is dismissed because you missed the statute of limitations window, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Therefore, it is critical to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
How Much Will My 18-Wheeler Claim Be Worth?
It is not easy to say how much your truck accident claim will be worth because your claim will not be the same as someone else’s. Your case’s value will depend on the injuries you sustained, the medical care you received, the evidence that was obtained, physical impairment, and various other factors.
We know that trucking companies and their insurance companies will do their best to avoid paying you what your claim is worth. You deserve to have the best truck accident law firm on your side that will get you the results you deserve. We have been holding trucking companies accountable for decades.
Why Hire Attorney Greg Baumgartner After Getting Hit By an 18-Wheeler?
We hold trucking companies responsible for paying for injuries, damages, and death in an accident that involves one of their trucks. It is important to remember that not every car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer will be an effective truck accident lawyer. Trucking accidents and the way they are handled legally are not the same as handling a car accident.
A Texas 18-wheeler accident will require the specialized knowledge of a Texas truck accident lawyer. We can help you hold the driver accountable for the injuries you or your family have suffered. Our law firm has been nationally recognized for excellence in trucking accidents.
We bring over 35 years of experience and the resources needed to handle even the most complex truck accident cases. Our three decades of working primarily in large truck accidents help us build the strongest cases for our clients. We are undefeated in truck accident injury and wrongful death cases.
We can give you and your family the attention and effort your case deserves. We will always be prepared to discuss the progress of your case and answer any questions you may have. Get your free case evaluation today to determine the best path forward for your case.
Schedule your free, no-obligation evaluation today by calling (866) 758-4529 or by completing our online form. You will learn about your legal rights and options for pursuing financial compensation. Let our next victory be yours!
Do I Need a Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer?
Significant truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries to drivers and occupants of passenger vehicles. Our firm fights for the victims of these accidents across the country to recover the compensation they deserve.
Have You Suffered Serious Injuries in an Accident?
When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger car or another truck, serious injury or death is likely to occur. More than 400,000 accidents involving large trucks occur each year in the United States, including commercial trailers and truck-trailer combinations.
Many attribute this situation to unsafe hours of service (HOS) regulations and tired drivers on the roads. Despite the great gains made to make large commercial trucks safer and encourage safe driving among drivers, there is still a long way to go. Catastrophic accidents and even fatal accidents still occur every day in Texas, the Gulf Coast, and throughout the United States.
Regardless of whether the victim is a professional truck driver or a passenger vehicle occupant, a truck accident attorney can help.
Why Does Early Investigation Matter with a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
The initial investigation and study is the most significant stage of any truck accident case. This is where the evidence is compiled that shows how the accident occurred and who is responsible for the injuries or death of a family member.
We work hard to filter information that we may collect at the scene of the accident and from the truck itself, including combining logbooks and trucking company records and downloading data from onboard electronic records (EOBRs) that are quickly becoming an industry standard.
The following may be responsible for your accident:
Truck Driver: Failure to perform proper pre-trip inspections, driving too fast for weather or road conditions, making illegal or unsafe turns or movements, failing to brake, driving drowsy, carrying unsafe loads, texting, using the telephone cell phone behind the wheel, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are examples of reckless and negligent driving by drivers of heavy vehicles.
Transportation Company: Suppliers expose their drivers, other drivers, and pedestrians on the road to the risk of injury by failing to adopt and implement proper safety plans, motivating drivers to dangerous driving behaviors, or by hiring drivers without conducting a proper background check, which would reveal safety, criminal, and health history, as well as potential intoxicated driving problems. Transportation companies can also be held liable for failing to inspect and maintain the vehicles in their fleet, including equipping them with safety and emergency tools.
Vehicle Manufacturer: Even the most cautious driver or fleet operator can be in a crash if the truck and its components are defective, including tires, brakes, gear, hydraulics, and lights.
18-Wheeler Accident Injury Compensation
Truck accidents can be complicated because they involve issues of causation, multiple parties, and insurance disputes. Transportation providers and insurance companies will also do their best not to be held liable.
Our firm takes an aggressive approach to every case we handle. It means that we investigate and develop the case as if it were going to court. It helps us have a strong position at the negotiating table and allows us to be ready when we are called to court to advocate for our clients. Our clients deserve full and fair compensation. We will not settle for less.
Just a few of the different topics we can help you with include the following:
Causes of Heavy Vehicle Accidents
Employer Negligence
Injured Motorist
Injured Trailer Driver
Trailer Rollover Accidents
Cargo Truck Accident Investigation
Cargo Truck Regulations
Underrun Accidents
Texas Representation for Victims of Large Vehicle Accidents
You can lose your right to recover damages from a trucking accident if you wait too long to pursue legal action. That’s why it’s important to contact a highly-rated truck accident attorney today. If you suffered a serious injury, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to properly investigate and handle your cargo truck accident claim.
Because a semi-truck accident investigation can be complex, you need an attorney with the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate and build a strong case to hold those at fault. We have the experience you need, and we will fight to protect your rights.
Talk with an 18-wheeler Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX, with over Three Decades of Experience.
If you have been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, call a leading attorney for a Texas 18-wheeler collision for a free consultation on your rights, options, and next steps. There is no obligation for the consultation! Call (281) 893-0760 or click here for an online form.