Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a truck accident in Houston, TX? Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help you hold negligent parties accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact our Houston truck accident lawyers at (713) 500-5000 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.

Commercial truck collisions often involve catastrophic injuries, multiple liable parties, and insurance carriers that move quickly to limit their financial exposure. We’ll step in to investigate what happened and preserve critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. Our goal is to pursue the maximum recovery available under Texas law while you focus on healing.

Why Choose Attorney Brian White for Help After a Truck Accident in Houston?

Why Choose Attorney Brian White for Help After a Truck Accident in Houston, Texas?

Truck accident claims demand more than general legal experience — they require proven trial skill, extensive knowledge of commercial liability, and the resources to take on powerful companies. At Attorney Brian White & Associates, P.C., our reputation is built on a proven track record of success, recognition, and a long-standing commitment to our clients.

Here’s what sets our personal injury trial lawyer apart:

  • We have over 45 years of combined experience handling serious injury and accident claims.
  • We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured Texans.
  • We’ve earned more than 1,600 five-star reviews, reflecting consistent client satisfaction and trust.
  • Founding attorney Brian White is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — a distinction achieved by fewer than 3% of Texas attorneys.
  • We were voted among the best law firms in Houston by The Houston Chronicle.
  • We’ve received national recognition, including a 10.0 Avvo rating, membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and honors from Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers.

When the stakes are high, legal skills and credibility matter. Our team has the qualifications, courtroom readiness, and local recognition needed to stand up to trucking companies and fight for meaningful results.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Texas Truck Accident Victims?

What Types of Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?

Truck accident victims in Houston may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages. Generally, these damages fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses tied directly to your injuries and recovery, including:

These damages are intended to help restore you financially after the crash and account for both current and anticipated costs.

Non-economic damages compensate for the personal, non-monetary impact of a truck accident, such as:

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or malicious conduct. Examples include cases involving an intoxicated truck driver or willful safety violations.

Calculating the full value of an injury claim requires a thorough understanding of both the immediate and long-term impact of your injuries. Our law firm can help identify all applicable damages, work with experts when needed, and ensure that no losses are overlooked.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

There is no one-size-fits-all value for a Houston truck accident claim. We’ll need to consider various factors, including: 

  • The severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life
  • Your past and future medical bills – and whether you need ongoing care
  • Your lost income and whether your injuries limit your ability to work
  • Any impairment or disability caused by the crash
  • The pain, suffering, and trauma you’ve endured
  • The parties involved in the commercial vehicle accident case and their degree of fault
  • The applicable insurance policies and coverage limits available
  • Whether you share any responsibility for causing the accident

Some truck accident cases may be worth a few thousand dollars, while others can result in six- or seven-figure recoveries. Claims involving catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death typically carry significantly higher value due to the life-changing impact on the victim and/or their family.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston?

Most Houston truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any money upfront for legal representation. Instead, your lawyer is only paid if they successfully obtain a settlement or verdict for you.

Under a contingency fee arrangement, attorney’s fees are deducted as a percentage of the compensation recovered on your behalf. If your case isn’t successful, you generally do not owe anything.

This payment structure allows victims to pursue a claim without worrying about out-of-pocket costs during an already difficult time. It also helps level the playing field between injured individuals and well-funded trucking companies.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Texas?

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most truck accident lawsuits is two years from the date of the crash. 

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely — even if the trucking company or driver was clearly at fault. While certain exceptions can apply in limited circumstances, they are rare.

Because truck crash cases often require early investigation, waiting too long can also weaken your claim. Speaking with a Texas attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that deadlines are met and critical evidence is preserved.

We Handle All Types of Truck Wreck Cases in Houston, TX

At Attorney Brian White & Associates, P.C., we can assist with any type of big rig accident case. Our practice areas include the following:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings outward at an angle, forming a V-shape with the cab. These crashes often happen when a driver brakes too suddenly, loses traction, or fails to adjust speed for weather or traffic conditions. Our jackknife accident lawyers can investigate to determine the exact cause, establish liability, and pursue maximum compensation.

Rollovers

When a tractor-trailer tips onto its side or roof, the consequences can be devastating for nearby motorists. Sharp turns, excessive speed, and uneven cargo loads all increase the risk. Because large trucks have a high center of gravity, even minor driving errors can cause rollover accidents under the right conditions. These incidents are especially dangerous on highways and ramps, where nearby vehicles can be crushed.

Tire Blowouts

When a truck tire blows out without warning, the driver may lose control of the vehicle in a matter of seconds. Poor maintenance, worn tread, underinflation, and overloaded trailers are common contributing factors. Flying tire debris can also strike other vehicles or create sudden road hazards.

Lost Load Truck Accidents

Lost load accidents involve cargo that shifts or spills onto the roadway during transport. Improper loading practices, inadequate securement, or violations of cargo safety rules are often to blame. Drivers may collide with fallen debris or swerve abruptly to avoid it, leading to secondary crashes.

Blind Spot Accidents

Large commercial trucks have extensive blind spots along their sides, front, and rear. When a trucker changes lanes or turns without seeing a vehicle in these no-zones, a collision can follow. Blind spot crashes are especially dangerous in heavy traffic and at highway speeds.

Underride Truck Accidents

When a smaller vehicle slides beneath the side or rear of a semi-truck, the results are often devastating. These incidents are frequently linked to missing or defective underride guards, poor visibility, or sudden stops. Underride accidents commonly cause severe or fatal injuries because the vehicle’s safety features provide little protection in these scenarios.

Other Kinds of Trucking Collisions

We also handle cases involving: 

Each of these collisions presents unique liability issues that require careful investigation and analysis.

Who Could Be Liable for My Truck Accident Injuries?

Trucking accidents often involve more than one responsible party. Unlike typical car collisions, liability may extend beyond the driver to companies or third parties involved in operating, maintaining, or loading the vehicle.

Depending on the circumstances of the crash, accountable parties may include:

  • The truck driver, for unsafe behaviors behind the wheel
  • The trucking company, for negligent hiring, training, or supervision (or violations of accepted commercial trucking industry standards)
  • The truck owner, if the vehicle was improperly maintained or unsafe to operate
  • A cargo loading company, if shifting or unsecured cargo contributed to the crash
  • A maintenance or repair provider, if faulty repairs or skipped inspections played a role
  • A truck or parts manufacturer, if defective components caused or worsened the accident (product liability)
  • Another motorist, if a third party’s actions triggered or contributed to the collision

Identifying all potentially liable parties is an important step in a truck accident claim, especially when more than one insurance policy may apply. A thorough investigation can help ensure that responsibility is assigned accurately and no source of financial recovery is overlooked.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

The steps you take after a Texas truck accident can affect your health, your safety, and your ability to pursue a legal claim. 

Here are some helpful tips to follow:

  • Call 911 to notify law enforcement. A police report provides an official account of the crash and may include details regarding fault, road conditions, and involved parties.
  • Document the accident scene if it’s safe to do so. Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, traffic conditions, skid marks, cargo, and any visible injuries.
  • Collect identifying information. Get the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance information, license number, and vehicle details, along with contact information for any eyewitnesses.
  • Seek prompt medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can appear hours or days later, and medical records are critical after a crash.
  • Avoid discussing fault. Statements made to other drivers, witnesses, or claims adjusters can be misunderstood or used against you later.
  • Be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives. Trucking insurers may contact you quickly; you shouldn’t give a recorded statement before seeking legal guidance.
  • Preserve all records. Keep medical bills, repair estimates, correspondence, and any documentation related to your injuries or time missed from work.

Taking these steps can help protect both your well-being and your rights. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next, an attorney can ensure that nothing important is overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

There is no set timeline for resolving a truck accident claim. Some cases settle within a few months, while others can take a year or longer. It all depends on the complexity of the crash and the severity of the injuries involved.

Several factors can affect how long a truck accident case takes to resolve, including:

    • The extent of your medical treatment

    • The duration of the accident investigation

    • Whether liability is disputed

    • The number of parties involved

    • The availability of evidence

Claims involving severe injuries, multiple defendants, or commercial insurance policies often require more in-depth assessment and negotiation before a fair resolution is reached.

In some situations, a personal injury case may take longer if it proceeds to litigation or trial. While this can extend the timeline, it may also be necessary to pursue full accountability when insurance companies refuse to offer a reasonable settlement.

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Truck Accident Claim?

If you’re partially to blame for a trucking crash in Texas, you may still be entitled to compensation from an at-fault party. The state follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you can recover damages as long as you aren’t more than 50% responsible for the collision.

However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by that amount. If you’re determined to be more than 50% responsible, you are typically barred from recovering compensation.

Because trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame onto injured victims, fault determinations can be heavily contested. Evidence, witness statements, and accident reconstruction all play a role in determining how responsibility is assigned.

What If I’m Partly At Fault for the Truck Accident?

An experienced truck accident attorney in Houston can manage the legal process while you focus on recovery. We can help by:

    • Investigating the cause of the crash

    • Gathering evidence, such as driver logs, electronic data, maintenance records, and surveillance footage

    • Identifying all liable parties

    • Handling communications with insurance adjusters and protecting you from tactics designed to minimize or deny your claim

    • Calculating the full scope of your damages

    • Working with medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts to support your claim

    • Preparing your case for trial, if litigation becomes necessary to pursue accountability

Having skilled representation can help ensure that deadlines are met and your claim is positioned for the strongest possible outcome.

How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?

Yes. Truck accident cases are rarely simple, so it’s wise to retain a qualified attorney as soon as possible.

Collisions involving trucks and other commercial vehicles often raise unique issues that go beyond ordinary car accident claims, such as:

    • State and federal trucking regulations that do not apply to passenger vehicles

    • Multiple layers of commercial insurance coverage with higher policy limits

    • The involvement of corporate defendants, not just individual drivers

    • Complex liability disputes involving truckers, employers, and third parties

Crash victims may be asked to accept settlements before the full extent of their injuries is known or before all responsible parties are identified. Trucking companies and their insurers typically begin building their defense immediately, which can place unrepresented individuals at a disadvantage early in the process.

A lawyer can help level the playing field by addressing these challenges and protecting your interests at each stage. Even if you are unsure whether you want to move forward with a claim, speaking with an attorney can provide clarity about your options and next steps.

Do I Need a Lawyer in a Truck Accident Case?

Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies operating in Texas must comply with a wide range of state and federal regulations designed to promote roadway safety. Many of these rules are set by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Examples include:

    • Mandatory insurance coverage, including minimum liability limits and federal endorsements (e.g., MCS-90) for interstate commerce

    • Cargo weight and securement rules, which generally cap truck weight at 80,000 pounds and require loads to remain stable

    • Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements, which require trucking companies to regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their fleet and keep detailed maintenance records

    • Driver hiring and training standards, including background checks, ongoing monitoring, and comprehensive training

When a truck driver or company violates these rules, it can significantly strengthen an injury claim by showing that legally required standards were ignored.

Trucking Safety Violations and Negligent Maintenance

Under Texas law, only certain family members are eligible to file a wrongful death case after a fatal truck crash. In most cases, the deceased person’s spouse, children, or parents have the legal right to bring a claim.

If none of these individuals files within a certain period, the executor or personal representative may be able to pursue the case on behalf of the estate.

A wrongful death lawsuit can involve unique issues, including disputes over eligibility, liability, and damages. A Houston personal injury attorney can help surviving family members understand their rights and determine the appropriate path forward during a difficult time.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident?

Trucking accidents can happen anywhere, but certain Houston roadways see a higher volume of 18-wheeler traffic and a greater risk of collisions. As a major hub for shipping, oil and gas, and commercial transportation, Houston’s highways and surface streets are heavily traveled by large trucks every day.

Some of the most dangerous highways in Houston include I-10, I-45, and US-290, three of the busiest freight corridors in the region.

Truck crashes are also more likely to occur on heavily traveled local roads and connectors, including:

    • Airline Drive

    • Antoine Drive

    • Beechnut Rd

    • Bellaire Boulevard

    • Bissonnet Street

    • Clay Rd

    • Cullen Boulevard

    • Fondren Rd

    • Fountain View Drive

    • Fry Rd

    • Garth Rd

    • Highway 6

    • Hillcroft Avenue

    • I-610 (I-610 Loop)

    • Kuykendahl Rd

    • Louetta Rd

    • Main Street

    • North Shepherd Drive

    • State Highway 249

    • South Gessner Rd

    • South Post Oak Rd

    • US-59

    • Veterans Memorial Drive

    • West Little York Road

    • West Tidwell Road

    • Westheimer Road

No matter where a truck accident happens in Houston, understanding the roadway, traffic patterns, and surrounding conditions can be an important part of evaluating what went wrong.

Where Do Most 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Happen in Houston, TX?

When a trucker is involved in an accident, a series of required steps often follows that can differ significantly from a typical car crash. Commercial trucking accidents trigger additional reporting, investigation, and insurance processes that may affect how a claim unfolds.

The following may occur:

    • Law enforcement responds to the scene and creates an official crash report documenting initial observations, statements, and possible violations.

    • The trucking company is notified, often immediately, and may begin its own internal investigation.

    • Insurance carriers for the trucker and trucking company become involved, sometimes dispatching adjusters or investigators to assess potential liability.

    • Driver records may be reviewed, including logbooks, electronic logging device data, and hours-of-service compliance.

    • Vehicle condition and maintenance records may be examined to determine whether mechanical issues played a role.

Because several parties are often involved, the response to a truck collision can move quickly and become complex. Understanding these steps can help explain why these cases require careful handling and thorough documentation from the outset

What Happens When a Trucker Gets Into an Accident?

When Should I Hire a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?

When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

It’s best to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash involving a commercial vehicle. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and prevent mistakes that may affect your claim later.

Hiring a lawyer early may be especially important if:

  • You suffered serious or permanent injuries
  • The truck wreck resulted in a fatality
  • Multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash
  • A trucking company or commercial insurer is already contacting you
  • Fault is disputed or unclear
  • The official accident report is incomplete or doesn’t fully reflect what happened
  • Important evidence may be lost or overwritten

Waiting too long can make it harder to preserve records, identify all liable parties, or meet legal deadlines. Even if you’re unsure whether you want to pursue a claim, an early attorney consultation can help you understand your options and next steps.

How Do I Find a Qualified Truck Accident Attorney?

How Do I Find a Qualified Truck Accident Attorney?

Not all injury attorneys have experience handling truck crash claims. Taking a few deliberate steps can help you narrow your options.

You can begin your search by:

  • Asking family members, friends, or colleagues if they have worked with a lawyer they trust
  • Using search engines to find truck accident attorneys near you
  • Reviewing legal directories, such as Avvo and Justia, to compare attorneys based on experience, ratings, and practice focus
  • Using the Texas Bar’s “Find a Lawyer” tool, which allows you to search by location, practice area, and credentials

Once you’ve identified a few potential attorneys, it’s a good idea to review client feedback, case results, and background information on their websites. Many people also find it helpful to schedule a free consultation to ask questions and get a sense of how the lawyer approaches accident cases.

Taking the time to research and compare attorneys can help you feel more confident in your decision.

How Do I Prove My Truck Accident Case?

How Do I Prove My Truck Accident Case?

To recover fair compensation in a Texas truck accident case, you must generally prove that another party negligently caused the crash and your injuries.

To establish negligence, the following four elements must be shown:

  • Duty of care: The truck driver or trucking company owed a legal duty to operate the vehicle safely and follow applicable laws and regulations.
  • Breach of duty: That duty was breached through careless, reckless, or unlawful conduct, such as speeding, negligent hiring, or safety violations.
  • Causation: The breach directly caused or contributed to the accident.
  • Damages: You suffered injuries or losses as a result.

Proving these elements often requires detailed evidence specific to commercial truck accidents, including:

  • Police crash reports and incident documentation
  • Photographs or video from the scene, including dashcam or surveillance footage
  • Electronic logging device (ELD)/black box data and driver logbooks
  • Truck maintenance, inspection, and repair records
  • Cargo loading and weight documentation
  • Witness testimony
  • Medical records and expert opinions
  • Accident reconstruction analysis

Because truck accident cases frequently involve multiple defendants and large insurance policies, gathering and preserving this evidence is crucial. A thorough approach to proving negligence can make a significant difference in how a claim is resolved.

What Causes Most Truck Accidents?

What Causes Most Truck Accidents?

Truck collisions are often the result of preventable errors, safety violations, or mechanical failures. Because commercial trucks operate under strict regulations, identifying the cause of a crash is an important part of determining liability.

Common causes of truck accidents in Texas include:

Many truck wrecks involve more than one contributing factor, which is why determining fault often requires a detailed investigation. Understanding the cause of a crash can help clarify who may be responsible and how liability should be addressed.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Because commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, collisions often result in serious or life-altering injuries. The force involved in a trucking collision can affect nearly every part of the body, even at lower speeds.

Common truck crash injuries include:

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent at the scene of the motor vehicle accident and can worsen over time. Others may require long-term attention, rehabilitation, or result in permanent disability.

Seeking prompt medical care after a truck crash is critical, both for your health and for documenting the full extent of your injuries. Proper diagnosis and ongoing treatment can play an important role in your recovery and in demonstrating how the crash has affected your life.

Texas Truck Accident Statistics

According to the FMCSA, the state of Texas sees tens of thousands of large truck crashes every year. 

FMCSA data for 2025 shows the following:

  • 17,049 total reported truck accidents
  • 10,153 resulting injuries 
  • 565 fatalities

Based on these figures, over 62% of Texas truck collisions resulted in an injury or death in 2025. This underscores the dangers posed by serious accidents involving large commercial vehicles.

Contact Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers For a Free Case Evaluation

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers For a Free Case Evaluation

If you were hurt in a semi-truck accident in Texas, you don’t have to figure out the legal process alone. Commercial truck crash cases tend to involve complex laws, multiple at-fault parties, and insurance companies that prioritize their own interests. Getting clear information early can help you understand your rights and avoid costly missteps.

Attorney Brian White & Associates, P.C. offers a free initial consultation to review the details of your case and explain your options. There is no obligation, and you won’t pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf. 

Reach out to our Houston truck accident attorneys today to take the first step toward clarity, accountability, and a path forward.