If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck crash in Houston, you need an experienced legal team on your side. Commercial truck accidents are often more severe than typical car crashes and can involve complicated legal issues, strict federal regulations, and powerful insurance companies. Commercial truck accidents are high-stakes cases. They can result in life-changing injuries, long-term disability, and overwhelming medical bills. Unlike ordinary car accidents, these cases often involve corporate defendants and large insurance policies.
At Tracey Fox & Walters, our commercial truck accident attorneys fight aggressively for victims injured in semi-truck, delivery truck, company vehicle, and fleet truck accidents. Our Houston personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of holding trucking companies accountable and helping victims recover full compensation.
What Counts as a Commercial Truck in Houston?
Commercial trucks are vehicles used for business purposes. They range from small delivery vans to massive eighteen-wheelers and tractor-trailers. Understanding what constitutes a commercial truck is important because Texas law treats these vehicles differently from private passenger cars in accidents.
Examples of Commercial Vehicles
Commercial trucks include semi-trucks, box trucks, cargo vans, refrigerated trucks, and vehicles operated by companies such as FedEx, UPS, and local delivery services.
These vehicles are designed to transport goods or equipment and are usually subject to stricter regulations than personal vehicles. Even large pickup trucks used for business purposes may be considered commercial vehicles if they meet certain criteria under Texas law.
How Texas Law Defines Commercial Trucks
Texas defines commercial vehicles based on weight, use, and purpose. Vehicles that transport goods for hire or exceed a certain weight threshold are generally classified as commercial. This distinction matters in accident claims because commercial vehicle crashes often involve higher damages and more complex liability questions.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. They often involve a combination of driver error, mechanical failure, and corporate oversight. Understanding common causes can help victims identify potential parties responsible for the crash.
Violations of Hours-of-Service Rules
Truck drivers are subject to federal limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue. Violating hours-of-service rules can lead to serious accidents. We carefully examine logbooks and electronic records to determine whether a driver exceeded legal limits before the crash.
The Role of Maintenance Logs
Negligent maintenance is another frequent cause of commercial truck crashes. Broken brakes, worn tires, and other mechanical issues can contribute to accidents. Investigating maintenance records allows us to determine if the trucking company failed to keep its vehicles safe.
Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads
Improperly secured cargo can shift or spill, causing the driver to lose control or other vehicles to swerve and crash. These cases often involve additional liability for the company responsible for loading and securing the freight.
Who’s Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Crash?
Determining liability in a commercial truck accident is complex. Responsibility may extend beyond the truck driver to employers, cargo companies, and even manufacturers.
Employer vs. Employee Truck Driver Liability
Truck drivers often work for larger companies, meaning the employer can be held liable for negligent driving under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Understanding the chain of command and employer responsibilities is essential in building a strong claim.
How Cargo Companies and Shippers Can Be Liable
Companies that ship goods may also share liability if they contributed to unsafe conditions. For example, overloading a truck or failing to properly train drivers can result in corporate responsibility for the accident.
Why These Cases Are Different from Car Accidents
Unlike car accidents, commercial truck crashes involve multiple layers of legal challenges. Insurance policies are larger, and insurance adjusters are highly skilled in minimizing payouts. Trucking companies are heavily regulated by federal agencies and often maintain strict documentation to protect themselves.
FMCSA vs. DOT: What’s the Difference?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking nationwide. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces safety rules, including vehicle inspections and driver qualifications. Understanding these regulations helps our lawyers identify violations that support your claim.
FMCSA Regulations and Compliance Issues
FMCSA regulations cover everything from driving hours and rest periods to vehicle maintenance and cargo safety. Violations of these rules are often strong evidence in commercial truck accident cases.
Truck Driver Negligence and Employer Responsibility
Truck driver negligence can take many forms, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and failure to follow traffic laws. Employers may be held responsible if they failed to supervise, train, or enforce safety policies. Proving both driver and employer negligence is key to securing full compensation.
Employer Training Requirements
Trucking companies are required to provide proper training to their drivers. Failure to do so can be evidence of negligence. We investigate training records and company policies to hold employers accountable.
Evidence We Use to Build a Strong Case
Strong evidence is crucial in commercial truck accident claims. Our lawyers rely on a variety of sources to demonstrate liability and the extent of damages.
Importance of Early Investigation
Investigating a crash immediately ensures that critical evidence is preserved. Photographs, witness statements, and on-site inspections can make or break a case.
How Surveillance Video Can Help
Traffic cameras, security footage, and dashcam videos can provide clear evidence of how an accident occurred. We obtain and analyze these recordings to strengthen your claim.
When a Truck Defect is Involved
If a mechanical failure contributed to the crash, we work with experts to identify defects and hold manufacturers accountable. Defective parts or design flaws can add a layer of liability to your case.
Why Black Box Data Can Make or Break Your Claim
Modern trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices and black boxes that record speed, braking, and other driving behaviors. This data is invaluable in proving negligence and countering insurance company defenses. Our team knows how to interpret and use black box information to support your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Crash?
Victims of commercial truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. Recovery can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. In some cases, punitive damages may apply if the trucking company’s conduct was especially reckless.
Recovering Lost Wages and Future Medical Costs
Serious truck accidents often prevent victims from returning to work for months or years. Compensation may cover both past and future lost income, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Injuries Common in Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations.
These injuries can lead to lifelong disability and require significant medical treatment.
Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Crash
Texas law provides a strict two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims from the date of death, urging families to act quickly after a fatal truck crash.
Families can file wrongful death claims after a fatal truck accident to recover for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003. Houston attorneys help navigate these claims, but missing the two-year deadline from the death date bars recovery permanently.
How We Hold Trucking Companies Accountable
Trucking companies often fight claims aggressively. They may use legal tactics to shift blame onto the driver or minimize damages. Our lawyers counter these strategies through thorough investigation, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of corporate liability. See our case results to understand how we have helped clients recover substantial settlements.
Why Insurance Companies Fight These Claims Hard
Insurance companies for commercial fleets aim to reduce payouts. They may pressure victims to accept low settlements or deny claims entirely. Experienced attorneys ensure that victims are not intimidated and receive the compensation they deserve.
Our Track Record in Truck Accident Cases in Houston, Texas
At Tracey Fox & Walters, we have a long history of successful commercial truck accident claims. Our team has recovered millions in damages for victims of semi-truck and company vehicle crashes, helping families and injured individuals get the financial support they need to move forward. We understand the unique challenges that come with commercial truck accidents, including complex liability issues, federal regulations, and aggressive insurance companies. We combine compassionate client service with aggressive legal advocacy to maximize results. Our approach includes:
- Thorough investigation of every crash scene to preserve critical evidence.
- Analysis of black box and electronic logging device data to prove driver and company negligence.
- Examination of truck maintenance records and corporate safety policies.
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals.
- Negotiation with powerful insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
- Litigation experience in high-stakes cases when settlement offers are insufficient.
- Personalized support for clients navigating medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
- Guidance for families pursuing wrongful death claims after a fatal truck accident.
By combining these strategies, our Houston commercial truck accident lawyers ensure that each client receives a comprehensive approach tailored to the specifics of their case. We are committed to holding trucking companies accountable and obtaining the compensation our clients deserve.
Call a Houston Commercial Truck Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, time is critical. Evidence can disappear, and legal deadlines are strict.
Contact us at (713) 495-2333 to schedule a free case review. Our Houston commercial truck accident lawyers will evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight to hold trucking companies accountable. You deserve a legal team that understands these cases and is committed to securing justice on your behalf.
