Texas Truck Accident Lawyers

A truck accident causes far greater devastation to victims. The massive size and weight of these vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries in a truck crash. If you or someone you love had an accident with a truck, it is highly likely you will face permanent damage from your injuries.

The injuries that come from truck accidents will have you in the hospital for a while, racking up high medical bills and expenses. You may be unable to work or enjoy the things you once loved doing ever again, all as you sink into financial despair.

You should not be saddled with expenses because of a negligent truck driver or trucking company. This is why you need the Texas truck accident lawyers at Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm.

We are committed to helping all victims in truck accident cases protect their rights. Recognized as one of the top three personal injury law firms in Houston, if you have a truck accident claim, we can help.

If you or someone you love were hurt in a truck accident, you need a Texas truck accident lawyer to guide you through this complicated legal process. Our Texas truck accident attorneys can help ease your stress and burdens while working to get you maximum compensation. Contact our semi-truck accident attorneys today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.

Types of Texas Truck Accident Cases We Represent

Our truck accident firm represents truck accident victims in all types of truck accidents. We will represent you in the following types of truck accident cases:

• Large truck accidents
• Fatal truck crashes
• 18-wheeler accident
• Commercial truck accidents
• Trailer accidents
• Override accidents
• Underride accidents
• Tanker truck accidents
• Jackknife accidents
• Runaway truck accidents
• Wide turn accidents
• Hazardous truck accidents
• Rollover accidents

Whether you were in a trucking accident with a garbage truck, flatbed, dump truck, semi-truck, moving truck, tanker, cement mixer, or any other type of large commercial truck, contact the Texas truck accident lawyers at Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm for legal representation.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

A truck accident case is always more complex than those involving car accidents. In a minor car accident, you may be able to handle your personal injury claim on your own. For trucking accidents, there are many more factors that complicate the scenario.

Multiple Involved Parties

One of the things that makes truck accident cases more complex is that they tend to involve multiple parties. In truck accidents, the truck driver, the commercial trucking company, the truck owner, the manufacturer of the freight, the cargo loading company, the truck manufacturer, and the truck parts manufacturer may all share some liability.

Additionally, the driver of another passenger vehicle may also be involved. The more parties linked to your truck accident, the greater your need for an experienced truck accident lawyer.

You Will Face Aggressive Defense from Trucking Companies and the Insurance Company

When you are in a car crash with one other party, you only need to deal with their insurance company. With truck accidents, there will be many insurance companies covering each involved party. None of them will be in a rush to offer you a fair settlement.

The insurance company for the trucking company will be working to minimize the financial fallout following this truck accident. They will try everything they can to blame you based on partial information. Only an experienced truck accident attorney will see through these tactics and fight back aggressively to get you the money you deserve for their negligent acts.

Complicated State and Federal Trucking Regulations

Commercial trucking companies and truck drivers must abide by all federal regulations. These are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and detail everything from the hours of service that truck drivers are permitted to drive daily to how cargo must be secured.

The regulations extensively cover all operations for trucking companies, including driver qualifications, truck operations, maintenance requirements, trucking company insurance requirements, accident investigations, inspections, repairs, weight distribution, and much more.

In addition to these federal mandates, Texas has regulations for the operations of trucks within the state. It takes a deep understanding of all regulations on the state and federal level, along with an in-depth investigation to handle a truck accident case. It goes beyond what a personal injury lawyer would know and requires experienced truck accident lawyers from Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm to fight for your fair compensation.

Common Truck Accident Injuries That Happen in Texas Truck Accidents

If you are hurt in a truck wreck, the truck driver, the trucking company, and other parties may be liable. Texas has the most truck accident injuries in the country. Every year, thousands of people are injured in truck accidents. In 2022, 76,189 people were hurt in this type of crash. The graph below shows that 71% of the injuries are to those who are in other vehicles.

Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries our truck accident law firm has seen with commercial vehicle accident victims.

Head Injuries

Head injuries may include a mild concussion that improves in a few days to severe cases of traumatic brain injuries. With traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can alter your behavior and your cognitive ability.

Broken Bones

In a truck accident case, broken bones are a common result of the force of such a heavy vehicle coming into contact with a smaller, lighter passenger vehicle. Some bones may be completely shattered from the weight of commercial trucks, which may lead to permanent impacts.

Amputations

Many truck accident lawsuits involve amputations of extremities. The force of the crash may mean that injuries sustained result in severing of the arms, legs, hands, or feet.

Burns

Burns are more common in commercial vehicle accident cases than other types of accidents. Trucks have larger fuel tanks with a greater risk of rupturing in a serious collision. Additionally, some of these trucks must transport hazardous materials, and when they get into a trucking accident, it can also lead to catastrophe. Burns leave behind painful injuries and disfigurement.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Truck accident victims are far more likely to suffer spinal cord injuries, which may lead to temporary, partial, or full paralysis. Even if you are expected to recover after these devastating injuries, the pain is often unbearable. You will also experience psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a spinal cord injury. It will require rehabilitation and dramatic modifications to your home, all of which are incredibly expensive. Our truck accident lawyers will hold the trucker and trucking company accountable for your injuries and damages.

Neck and Back Injuries

Neck and back injuries are common in trucking accidents due to the heavy impact of the crash. These intricate parts of your body are prone to injuries when this type of force is exerted upon them, and even with treatment, may leave you in debilitating pain. The damage you’ve suffered may never heal and can cause you chronic pain. You’ll want to discuss these injuries with an experienced truck accident attorney from our law firm.

Internal Injuries

A truck accident lawyer can tell you that when truck accident victims suffer internal injuries, it is incredibly serious. These injuries aren’t visible on the surface, giving the false impression that you’ve somehow been spared. You must seek medical treatment following an 18-wheeler accident because the blunt force trauma of this crash can injure your kidneys, liver, bladder, spleen, or pancreas.

Torso and Rib Injuries

Like internal injuries, torso and rib injuries from an 18-wheeler accident are dangerous, though you will likely be certain something is wrong. The pain will be insurmountable, and prompt treatment is urged. Broken ribs can even puncture your lungs or other internal organs, leading to emergency life-saving surgery.

Cuts and Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations may seem minor compared to all the other potential injuries in truck accident cases. However, these can still lead to permanent scars and disfigurement. In some truck accident claims, truck accident victims have had infections in these cuts that have caused them serious illnesses.

Seatbelt and Airbag Injuries

Seatbelts and airbags can certainly save lives in the event of an 18-wheeler accident or a crash involving other commercial vehicles. However, they can also strike you in the chest and contribute to serious and painful injuries.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, fatal truck accidents are prevalent. Losing a loved one to a deadly truck accident can shatter your entire world. When your spouse or immediate family member is taken from you in this sudden way, you have the right to file a wrongful death truck accident lawsuit. Speak with an experienced trucking accident attorney from Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm to get the compassionate legal representation you need while you grieve.

This will help keep your Texas truck accident case strong and allow our semi-truck accident lawyers to have a greater chance of recovering maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Is the Most Common Cause for a Truck Accident in Texas?

There are many common causes that can result in commercial vehicle accidents. Most of the time, it is due to negligent commercial truck drivers and trucking company negligence.

Here are the reasons behind most commercial vehicle accidents.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers break the rules just as often as drivers of passenger vehicles when it comes to distracted driving. However, when a truck accident arises from distractions, the results can be deadly. A truck driver must make tight deadlines and may try to multitask behind the wheel. Some truck drivers use their phones, eat, drink, or do other distracting things.

Federal regulations forbid this, and while many truck drivers adhere to the rules, it only takes one truck driver to break them. To strengthen your truck accident claim, our semi-truck accident attorneys will look for evidence that the trucker was distracted while driving.

Improper Truck Maintenance

Every trucking company must ensure that the trucks in its fleet are safe for the roads. Trucking companies must make sure these vehicles pass their safety inspections. However, not everyone plays by the rules, and when trucking companies let their semi-trucks out on the road with worn brakes or bald tires, it often has deadly consequences. Our truck accident lawyers will gather evidence of lack of maintenance and use it to hold the trucking company liable for your truck wreck.

Bad Weather

Truck drivers need to battle all kinds of weather conditions in order to transport their shipments. Through rain, sleet, snow, ice, and fog, they have to travel Texas roads to deliver their goods. While no truck driver can control the weather, they must practice safe driving and slow down, even if that means the shipment will be delayed. Reduced visibility can also impact how well truck drivers can see further down the road, leading to a truck accident.

Improper Cargo Loading

Trucking accident claims that involve improperly loaded cargo are usually incredibly serious. Cargo can fall out onto the road while a semi-truck is traveling along a highway. It can shift on the interior and cause the truck to roll over. When the materials are hazardous or flammable, the results tend to be deadly. In trucking accident litigation, the trucking company and the third-party cargo loader will often be to blame. While truck drivers don’t often load the cargo themselves, they have regulations requiring them to check their cargo at certain intervals while in transit.

Road Hazards

Hazards in the roadways can cause even the most cautious truck driver to get into a truck accident. Potholes, debris, and poor signage are the most common road hazards that will cause truck drivers to make last-minute maneuvers. As they swerve to avoid catastrophe, it may result in a roll over or jackknife accident.

Lack of Training

The commercial trucking industry is growing exponentially due to the high demand for food and other household goods. This has dramatically strained the commercial trucking industry as trucking companies struggle to get drivers in place. However, trucking companies must ensure their truckers have been appropriately trained. Some trucking companies will put anyone behind the wheel of these big rigs even if they haven’t taken all the proper tests or passed certifications.

Commercial trucks require intensive training to learn how to drive, and when truckers aren’t given proper training, it can lead to a truck accident. If an inexperienced truck driver caused your accident, a truck accident attorney from our firm will find the evidence to hold the trucking company accountable.

Impaired Drivers

Driving under the influence is dangerous when anyone does it, though when that driver is operating a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, it’s deadly. Many truckers will use stimulants to stay awake during these long haul drives while others take prescription painkillers for back pain and other health problems. Some truckers may drink and drive as well and if they have, our semi-truck accident lawyers will stand behind you in your truck accident lawsuit.

Driver Fatigue

A drowsy trucker is as dangerous as one who is under the influence. Exhaustion can slow reflexes and response times in a trucking accident. Some drivers may even fall asleep behind the wheel despite federal laws mandating regular rest breaks. When trucking companies offer premiums to their drivers for faster delivery and it results in a truck accident, a truck accident attorney will be sure to push for maximum compensation.

Reckless Driving

When reckless driving is the cause of an 18-wheeler accident, this type of negligence cannot be tolerated. Trucks are enormous in size and weight, and when truckers speed, run red lights, or drive aggressively, it can result in a truck accident lawsuit.

The insurance company representing the trucking entity and driver will try everything possible to dispute their liability. If you were injured in a truck accident, let the truck accident lawyers from Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm fight for your fair compensation.

Proving Negligence and Liability in Texas Truck Accident Lawsuits

In truck accident claims, negligence is the factor a plaintiff must prove to have a valid case. This is shown by proving that the trucker and all involved trucking entities had a duty of care that they breached, which caused the accident that left you injured and with financial losses.

Demonstrating proof of fault in a truck wreck requires an experienced attorney, preferably a truck accident lawyer who fully understands this industry’s regulations. The insurance company will want proof that their policyholders are at fault before they dole out settlements. This process is already challenging enough when you are severely injured. With all the rules in the trucking industry, it can be incredibly confusing without the aid of a truck accident attorney.

There is too much at stake when you need to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, future medical costs, and pain and suffering. With our truck accident lawyers on your side, you will have the compassionate and aggressive legal representation it takes to stand up to these entities.

We will immediately begin investigating your 18-wheeler accident and look for evidence to strengthen your claim. With the help of a truck accident attorney, you will have someone who can access the police report along with photos of the accident scene, traffic surveillance videos, witness testimony, medical records, and much more. Our goal is to maximize your potential for recovery. Let our truck accident lawyers take over your case today.

What Do Truck Accident Attorneys Do?

A truck accident lawyer can be instrumental in helping you prove negligence and getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Here is what you can expect when a truck accident attorney from our law firm represents you.

Negotiating for Your Fair Settlement

Truck accident lawyers will negotiate with the insurance company and all involved parties. Only a truck accident lawyer will be adept in protecting you from the blame the at-fault parties will cast upon you to reduce their financial loss. Our truck accident attorneys will not back down.

 Recruiting Expert Witnesses

A truck accident lawyer for an injured victim carries the burden of proof to show liability based on the evidence. We find experts such as accident reconstructionists and medical experts to present evidence that supports your case.

Finding Federal Trucking Violations

In a commercial vehicle or 18-wheeler accident, many violations can often be uncovered. Failing to follow these federal guidelines is deemed a negligent act. Our truck accident lawyers will review the history of electronic logging devices (ELDs) to find proof that these laws were violated.

Gathering Evidence

A trucking accident lawyer will look for all evidence available that can prove liability. The most vital evidence is likely something that only accident attorneys can access, such as black box data from the truck and blood alcohol concentration test results. These are just a few examples of why accident victims in truck crashes need an experienced attorney to take the reins after an 18-wheeler accident.

Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Texas Commercial Vehicle Accident

With the help of a truck accident lawyer, you can seek economic damages and non-economic damages after an 18-wheeler accident. Economic damages are the financial losses you’ve incurred that can be calculated to the exact dollar amount through bills and receipts.

Economic damages will include all costs associated with your medical care, property damage, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages can additionally be factored in, though these are more challenging to prove without an attorney. You can seek compensation for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.

What to Do After a Texas Truck Accident

The damage is bound to be severe after an accident with a commercial vehicle. You may be in shock, but you must know how to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Call 911

Texas law enforcement requires you to call 911 to report any accident with $1,000 worth of damages or more, or when the crash involves injuries or fatalities. The police will create a police report and have emergency medical services respond to your injuries.

It is essential to accept medical treatment as you will most likely have internal injuries. Let the paramedics assess your condition, and if they urge you to get X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI, listen to them. These are the only ways to spot life-threatening injuries, and when you get immediate care, these medical professionals can save your life.

Get Information and Evidence

When you are involved in an accident with a truck, you will need to exchange contact and insurance information with the trucker. Documenting this incident is important too, and can be done with photos and videos from your phone. Get the contact information from any witnesses as well since they may have relevant details of what they saw as the accident occurred.

If your injuries are too severe or you’ve awoken in the hospital, do not worry. This information should be on the police report the responding officer will have created on the scene. Our attorneys will get to work gathering this evidence and information for your case.

Notify Your Insurer

Since Texas is an at-fault insurance state, the trucker’s insurance should pay for your injuries and damages if they caused the crash. Despite this, you must still let your insurer know about the accident. If a representative from the trucking entity tries to contact your insurer, they will already be aware of this incident. According to your policy, you will need to report any type of accident, no matter who was at fault.

Turn to a Lawyer

Large trucks can cause devastating damage when there is an accident. You will have massive medical bills from your hospital stay, surgeries, physical therapy, X-rays, and much more. You will most likely be out of work for quite some time, and depending on your profession, your injuries may render you unable to return to your job or any other type of job.

You may be anxious, depressed, and fearful in the days, weeks, and months following your truck accident. The things that once brought you joy may no longer be something you can participate in, further taxing your mental health. For all these reasons and many more, you must seek representation from truck accident attorneys who will stand up for you and get you the compensation you deserve.

When you are in an accident with a truck, you will have much more than property damage. Your injuries may make it difficult to follow all of these steps. Many of our clients are taken to the hospital immediately following a truck accident. We step in to collect evidence before it disappears and summon the necessary experts to help make a strong claim. This is why you need Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm to advocate for your legal rights.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations in a Truck Accident in Texas

Texas law has a statute of limitations for lawsuits involving personal injuries. You have two years from the date of your accident to file your case.

You and your family deserve compensation for the damages you’ve suffered due to the negligence of the trucker, the company they work for, and other involved parties. It is critical to work with an attorney as blame may be complicated.

This may drastically reduce the amount you’d receive, and when you are falsely assigned more fault than you deserve, you should put up a fight. Why should the insurance companies benefit from your injuries?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. It must be found that negligence was a factor, such as intoxicated driving and other hazardous behaviors. This requires extensive proof, but if these factors were involved, our truck accident lawyers would present all evidence that holds them accountable.

How a Truck Accident Attorney from Our Law Firm Can Help

When you have been in an accident involving a truck, whether the trucker was drunk, fatigued, or driving recklessly, you must get legal representation. Severe injuries will mean you have a lengthy road of recovery ahead, one that may even have no end. You may be stuck with permanent impacts from this event.

You’ll also be stuck with medical bills and other expenses you should not have to pay yourself. Turn to our attorneys in Houston at Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm.

We have the experience you need to prove negligence and liability in a truck accident. Our top-rated firm uses a contingency fee model for payments, which allows us to start working for you with no upfront cost. You won’t have to pay anything unless we win your case.

Let us fight for you as we have done for our other clients and help you move forward in the right direction. Learn more about filing personal injury lawsuits and how our firm can serve in your time of need.