The Houston truck accident lawyers at Haun Mena represent individuals in claiming compensation when they are involved in a trucking accident. If you have been in an accident, you deserve to be compensated.
We are experienced personal injury trial attorneys. Let us put our expertise to work on your behalf. Call 713-874-9216 or message us now to consult with a lawyer and start your case.
Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston
Our truck accident lawyers represent injured victims in Houston and throughout Texas. We never represent insurance companies. When you need a positive outcome, we are here to shoulder the burden.
Success in a legal claim involving a semi-truck doesn’t happen by accident. Our lawyers know what things build a strong case and what pitfalls to watch for. Contact us today to learn more about your case and how our legal representation can help you receive justice.
Trucking Accident Compensation
People who are injured in a trucking accident may claim financial compensation from the responsible party. A legal claim is the process of demanding compensation. Types of damages that are commonly claimed include:
- Current medical expenses
- Surgical costs, prescription medication, out-of-pocket medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Long-term healthcare, nursing care
- Mental health treatment
- Lost income and disruption to career path
- Related expenses like travel to medical care
- Property damages
- Loss of limb and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering, emotional anguish
- Punitive damages (special qualifications apply)
Many truck accident victims underestimate the value of their case. Too many victims stop asking for their emergency room bills. But the impact on a victim’s life is so much more than that.
Of course, a trucking accident significantly impacts your life for years to come. Your pain, suffering, and emotional anguish have value under the law. It’s our goal to make sure that your suffering is recognized and that you claim all the compensation that you deserve under the law.
Are truckers liable for accidents?
A trucker may receive a citation for violating a traffic law, but typically, liability for an accident falls to the trucking company. It’s usually the trucking company that pays damages to victims for an accident caused by a trucker.
Parties responsible for a trucking accident
The parties that may be responsible for a trucking accident include:
- Trucking company. The trucking company is a business, is responsible for its operations, and may be liable when they do unsafe things.
- Cargo originator. A company that prepares goods for cargo shipping is responsible for how they package their items. They must ship goods safely and carefully.
- Shipper or loader of cargo. There may be a separate company that handles loading and manages cargo.
- Truck driver. A truck driver must be fit to drive. Alcohol, drugs, or medication may impair their ability to drive.
- Other vehicle drivers. All drivers have a duty to others on the roads. Someone other than a trucking company may be responsible for the accident.
- Vehicle manufacturer. A truck manufacturer may be liable for a design error or manufacturing error that results in harm.
The first party to look at in the event of a truck accident is the trucking company. They are central to the trucking operation. However, there may be parties who are responsible for the accident that are not obvious at first. Even parties behind the scenes, such as a shipping company, may have done things that contributed to the accident before the truck driver even took to the roads.
Determining liability for a trucking accident isn’t always simple. Our lawyers for truck accidents dig deeper to identify all the underlying causes and the parties you may hold responsible.
What a Truck Accident Lawyer Does For You
A truck accident lawyer represents you in a claim for compensation following a motorcycle accident. But what exactly do they do? Here are some important ways a Houston truck accident lawyer can help you.
- Preserving the evidence. They work quickly to save critical evidence.
- Investigating. They gather records, talk to witnesses, and more.
- Questioning witnesses. They know how to handle hostile or uncooperative witnesses.
- Evaluating damages. By understanding each category of damages, they make sure your claim is complete.
- Identifying the issues. They spot things that may be especially important.
- Negotiating. They talk to the insurance company to negotiate your compensation.
- Legal advocacy. When it’s necessary to take your case to court, they lead those efforts.
- Legal procedure. Your lawyer knows the steps to pursue your case.
It is your lawyer’s job to learn about your case and learn about you—that lets us personalize our representation to your needs and goals.
Having a trained professional can make your case more successful and smoother. We invite you to contact us to learn more.
Causes of Houston truck accidents
Common causes of truck accidents in Houston include:
- Speeding
Speeding reduces reaction time and makes a truck take longer to stop. It can make it harder for them to adjust for a hazard on the road. At 65 miles per hour, it can take an 18-wheeler up to 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly the length of two football fields. Even a few miles over the speed limit can be the cause of a truck accident in Houston.
- Driving too fast for the conditions
The Houston area has a mix of freeways, state highways, and local roads. Truck drivers must adjust their speed for the type of road and traffic.
- Working too many hours without a break
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes hours of service regulations for commercial truck drivers. Drivers may operate for up to 11 hours after a 10-hour break, and they must take breaks. Drivers who carry passengers have even stricter rest requirements.
- Improper load handling
The FMCSA has largely adopted the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations. These regulations inform cargo-carrying commercial motor vehicles in cargo securement for interstate commerce. They are detailed, stating what deceleration a cargo securement system must withstand in forward, rearward, and lateral directions. (See 49 C.F.R. § 390.5).
- Distracted driving
A study cited by the FMCSA says that 71% of large truck crashes occur when the truck driver is doing something besides driving the truck. The FMCSA says that driver inattention may be a leading factor in heavy truck crashes.
- Drunk driving/drugged driving
Truck drivers have a lower drunk driving limit than the general population. It’s half at .04% instead of .08%. Drunk driving is especially dangerous when a person is driving a heavy truck that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
- Aggressive driving
Anyone, including a trucker, can be at fault for aggressive driving. Someone may drive aggressively because of an interaction or perceived encounter with another driver. Someone may drive aggressively because they are upset about a personal situation or because they don’t appreciate the dangers of driving.
- Inadequate truck driver training
Commercial truck driving takes skill. A driver who is not adequately trained, or who does not have the proper experience, may pose a risk to others on the road.
- Hiring and retaining unqualified drivers
The trucking company must monitor their drivers and make sure that a driver is qualified to work for them. A hiring process should include reviewing traffic and criminal records along with physical fitness to drive. Once hired, a driver who shows signs that they are not qualified may need retraining or termination before an accident occurs.
- Unfamiliarity with the terrain and roads
A driver who is unfamiliar with the local terrain may make a driving error.
- Vehicle maintenance
A truck must be kept in working condition. Brakes are especially important. A vehicle must be regularly inspected. Improper maintenance can be the underlying cause of a collision.
Causes of accidents and the Texas rules of the road
In Texas, drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road. These rules are stated in Chapter 541(A)(7)(C) of the Texas Transportation Code. Violating a traffic law is strong proof of liability.
However, when it comes to commercial trucking, the company can be liable for things beyond just road violations. An example is pressuring drivers to operate for too many hours without a break. There may be causes of a truck accident that you don’t realize. An important task for your lawyer is investigating the underlying causes and proving fault.
Basis for a truck accident claim in Houston
You may assume that no one has legal fault for an accident. After all, it’s just an accident.
However, Texas law assigns legal fault based on negligence. Negligence doesn’t mean causing an accident on purpose—it is causing an accident by failing to exercise reasonable care.
The roads can be a dangerous place. Everyone involved, from the trucking company to the company responsible for the goods being transferred, must act reasonably. The driver, as the representative of the trucking company, must operate the truck with reasonable care and caution. For truck drivers, the duty is high. After all, trucks are the largest vehicles on the road, and truck drivers are operating for commercial purposes.
The basis for a truck accident claim is negligence. It is an unreasonable action or inaction that leads to a crash. If a driver violates a traffic law, that’s usually negligence. However, a driver doesn’t have to receive a citation for negligence to occur.
Our lawyers for truck accident claims understand the legal definitions and terminology. We investigate to gather evidence and determine the legal basis for your truck accident claim.
Advocating for Commercial Truck Accident Victims
Commercial truck accident claims are different from other types of claims in several ways. The magnitude of the claim is different. Trucks are larger vehicles, injuries may be catastrophic, and the long-term impact can be significant. In addition, the claim involves a business with records and operations, and there are likely commercial insurance policies involved.
Pursuing compensation in a commercial truck accident claim means navigating these issues successfully. Commercial trucking companies typically have large teams of lawyers. Having a Houston truck accident lawyer representing you gives you professionals to handle the unique issues that may arise in a commercial truck accident case.
Vehicle data recorders
Commercial vehicles use Event Data Recorders (EDRs) to track information. The types of data recorded may vary but may include speed, GPS, braking activity, driver hours, and other information. This information may be critical to your case. As your attorney, Haun Mena can assist you. We understand the role of black box data in proving fault in an 18-wheeler accident.
Legal issues in truck accident claims
Succeeding in a truck accident claim means identifying the legal issues that are involved in the case. As lawyers, we understand these issues, and we know how to work through the legal process to represent your interests. Special legal issues in truck accident claims include:
- Serious injuries from the force of impact of a large truck. The claim may involve catastrophic injuries and long-term damages.
- Multiple entities may have legal faults. Proving fault may require a significant investigation into hiring practices, training, driving records, and vehicle use. Records and regulations may be critical to proving the claim.
- A commercial trucking company may operate in many states. There may be extra steps and legal procedures to bring the claim.
- Accident reconstruction is a significant part of determining fault and causation of injuries in trucking accident cases.
Our Houston truck accident lawyers specialize in identifying legal issues and working effectively and efficiently to reach a just result on your behalf.
Houston Truck Claim FAQs
How long do I have to bring a Texas truck accident claim?
The Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code section § 16.003 allows up to two years to file claims for injury, including trucking accident claims.
There are some important exceptions, so don’t assume that it’s too late without talking to our lawyers. If the case is a wrongful death claim, the timeline is measured from the date of the victim’s death.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
At Haun Mena, we believe you should never worry about what a truck accident lawyer costs. We take the financial burden off your shoulders, and that means never charging you for our time. You pay for our services only if we get results for you. Learn more about our contingency fees and how our truck accident lawyers can represent you with no up-front costs or expenses.
What should you look for when choosing a semi-truck accident lawyer?
A semi-truck accident lawyer should be experienced in helping individuals with vehicle accident claims. They should have a strong personal injury practice, courtroom experience, and the resources to meet your needs.
When you work with Haun Mena, you receive partner-level service throughout the case. We listen to your concerns and answer your questions personally. Then, we work to solve your problems and advocate for justice for you efficiently and effectively.
Is there a typical truck accident payment amount?
Compensation for each case depends on the injuries and all the circumstances surrounding the accident. There is no typical truck accident payment amount because each case is determined on its own merits.
The best way to know what your claim is worth is to talk with our lawyers about the facts of your case. We are happy to explain the things that may impact the value of your case and what we can do to ensure that you receive the amounts you deserve.
How long does it take to settle a truck accident claim?
Clients often want to know how long a case will take. After all, they need their compensation. Some cases can be settled in several weeks. However, if you settle a case too quickly, you may miss out on fully exploring the compensation that you deserve. Complex cases can take over a year to settle. When we meet with you, we’ll explain what to expect in your case.
Do most truck accident compensation claims go to trial?
With careful case preparation and skilled negotiations, most truck accident compensation claims do not go to trial. In pre-trial proceedings, the parties work through legal issues and build evidence to work towards a resolution by agreement.
Usually, most truck accident claims reach a settlement in lieu of a trial. However, this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of your lawyers evaluating the legal issues and pursuing your case diligently and strategically.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?
You don’t have to have a lawyer for a truck accident claim. You can bring the claim yourself. But if you were hurt enough to seek medical treatment, you will likely benefit from having an attorney. Truck accident injuries are often serious, and claims may be complex. Economic losses, pain and suffering, and the personal impact of the truck accident may last a lifetime. The compensation you may receive can be helpful for the years to come. A lawyer can ensure you’re doing everything to maximize your compensation. Plus, they handle the legal case so you don’t have the burden and stress while you recover.
Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me
If you have been injured in Houston or anywhere in Texas, we are the truck accident lawyers near you. When you work with us, you get partner-level attorneys. At Haun Mena, our team of experienced lawyers has decades of collective experience working on both sides.
That allows us to anticipate what trucking companies and their insurers will do in your case—because we have been there.
Law firm partner Doug Mena spent eight years working as a lawyer for a trucking company. He knows what tactics they use to rob individuals of compensation they so dearly need. Don’t let that happen to you. Work with Houston truck accident lawyers who know how to fight back and prove your right to compensation.
Free Consultation—Taking New Cases
We invite you to start the conversation with us about your trucking accident claim. Meet with us at our Houston offices, or we can come to you at your home or in the hospital. Learn more about your case and get answers to your questions.
Haun Mena offers a free consultation with our Houston truck accident lawyers. Then, we take all the risk and only charge for our services when we are successful on your behalf. That’s our commitment to shouldering the burden for you when you’re injured in a trucking accident. We’re here to navigate the complex legal world and reach a fair result for your claim.
Contact us today to talk to our lawyers.
