Truck accidents in Texas can involve complex litigation, as there may be multiple parties that can be held liable. It is essential to speak with an experienced Sugar Land truck accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies rarely have your best interest at heart and will often try to get you to settle quickly for the least amount of money possible.
Get in touch with the Sugar Land truck accident attorneys at The Karam Law Office today to discuss your legal options after a truck accident. Contact us online or call today at (281) 302-5272.
Understanding Your Rights After a Truck Accident in Texas
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Texas, it’s important to know your rights and the steps available to pursue compensation. Because truck collisions often involve commercial carriers, logistics companies, and insurers, determining liability can be confusing.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Texas?
Determining liability requires investigation into the cause of the accident. Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
- A government agency responsible for maintaining the roads
A trucking company can be held liable in a truck accident if it is found that the company failed to properly maintain the truck, failed to properly train the driver, or failed to properly supervise the driver.
Additionally, if the company encouraged or allowed the driver to engage in illegal or unsafe driving practices, such as driving for extended periods without rest, the company may also be held liable. The company’s compliance with federal trucking regulations can also be a factor in determining liability.
Legal Options for Texas Truck Accident Victims
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may pursue one or more of the following legal actions:
- Filing a personal injury claim against the driver, trucking company, or another liable party
- Bringing a wrongful death claim if the crash resulted in the loss of a loved one
- Negotiating a settlement with insurance providers to obtain fair compensation
- Proceeding to trial when liable parties refuse to offer a reasonable settlement
Texas Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
In Texas, most truck accident injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. If the accident resulted in a fatality, eligible family members typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing these legal deadlines can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation.
These strict deadlines highlight the need to speak with an experienced Texas truck accident attorney or wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review your case, ensure all paperwork is filed on time, and protect your family’s right to seek justice.
Sugar Land Truck Accident Victim Compensation and Settlements
Texas allows victims to file claims against all responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and other liable entities. Compensation can cover immediate medical expenses such as emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, and ongoing rehabilitation, as well as long-term costs like physical therapy, prescription medications, and adaptive equipment. Settlements in truck accident cases are designed to address the full scope of your injuries, and having an experienced truck accident injury attorney can ensure that your claim accurately reflects the extent of your losses and maximizes the compensation you receive.
What Damages May Be Available in My Sugar Land Truck Accident Injury Claim?
Victims of truck accidents in Sugar Land may be entitled to various damages, including:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Common Injuries in Sugar Land Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Sugar Land can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Resulting from severe head impacts.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially leading to paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Due to the force of collisions.
- Internal Injuries: Such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Common in rear-end collisions.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Texas regularly ranks as having some of the most dangerous roads in America. As home to some of the largest commercial areas in the nation, it is not surprising that many of these car accidents involve large trucks.
Additionally, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Texas saw a 40% increase in fatal truck accidents per million people between 2010 and 2020.
In truck accidents, there may be several contributing factors that led to the accident. Some of the most common factors include the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Speeding
- Failure to brake in time
- Driver inexperience
- Lack of training
- Unstable cargo load
- Poorly maintained brakes
Even if you believe you are partially at-fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover. No matter what the circumstances of your case, you should always consult an attorney.
At The Karam Law Office, our Sugar Land truck accident lawyers will help you get the most favorable outcome available in your case. We serve clients throughout the Greater Houston area in Sugar Land, Fort Bend, Galveston County, Brazoria County, and beyond.
You will never pay fees unless we recover money on your behalf. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Types of Truck Crashes in Sugar Land & Beyond
There are many types of accidents that can occur involving a large truck (defined as having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds).
Some of the most common, according to the FMCSA, include:
- Collision during transport
- Overturn or rollover
- Explosion/fire
- Jackknife
- Cargo equipment loss or shift
Large truck accidents happen most in rural areas and on Interstate highways, and nearly one-quarter involve injuries or a fatality. You are more likely to be involved in a collision with a large truck, such as an 18-wheeler, at night, and on a weekday. Crashes involving large trucks may involve one other vehicle or several.
Accidents involving large trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and semis are rarely minor. Many involve serious injury or even death. If you are injured in a truck accident, you need to hire a Sugar Land truck accident attorney as quickly as possible.
Where Truck Accidents Happen Most Often in Houston
Houston and Harris County continue to experience some of the highest commercial vehicle crash rates in Texas. In 2023, Houston reported over 4,500 commercial truck crashes, averaging about 12 daily accidents involving large trucks within city limits. Harris County leads the state in these types of crashes, with thousands occurring annually in key locations.
Interstate 10 remains one of the most dangerous highways for commercial vehicle accidents in Houston, maintaining its reputation as the “most dangerous highway” for these crashes.
Since 2017, there have been more than 3,500 commercial vehicle collisions on I-10. The interchange between I-10 and Beltway 8 in Spring Branch also sees a significant number of crashes.
The Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8) ranks second for commercial vehicle accidents, with thousands of collisions reported over the past five years.
Other high-risk areas within Houston and Harris County include:
- Interstate 45 and 610
- 610 near Clinton Drive
- FM 521 and FM 525
Most commercial vehicle accidents occur during weekday rush hours, between 6 AM and 6 PM, correlating with heavy commuter traffic. Recent data also shows an increase in fatal truck crashes, with Houston alone accounting for a worsening toll in traffic deaths, including a 15% rise in fatalities between 2023 and 2024.
Given these trends, being aware of high-risk locations and times can help drivers stay safer, but if you are involved in a truck accident in Houston or Sugar Land, early consultation with a skilled truck accident attorney is critical to protect your rights when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose The Karam Law Office for Your Truck Accident Case
After a serious truck accident, you and your family deserve an experienced legal team fighting for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. At The Karam Law Office, we are proud to help clients just like you recover from life-changing injuries by pursuing the compensation you deserve. Our proven track record shows the results we can achieve:
- $1,800,000 settlement for a client injured in a truck accident requiring back surgery
- $1,700,000 settlement for a truck accident in Ohio resulting in back surgery for our client
- $1,250,000 settlement for client in a truck accident needing neck surgery
These successes aren’t just numbers, they represent real families getting the financial support and peace of mind they need to focus on healing. When you choose The Karam Law Office, you gain a team that is deeply committed to your recovery, ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Get Legal Help After a Truck Accident in Sugar Land & Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured in a large truck accident in Sugar Land, TX, or the Houston area, you deserve experience you can count on. At The Karam Law Office, we are seasoned Sugar Land truck accident attorneys who know what it takes to win cases. We operate with a client-first mentality, always putting you and your family’s interests first.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. We will cover all expenses in your case so that you never pay anything out-of-pocket. We only get paid if you receive a settlement in your case. Call our office at (281) 302-5272.
Texas Truck Accident FAQs
How soon after an accident should I hire a commercial vehicle accident attorney?
It's advisable to consult with a commercial vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Early legal intervention can help preserve crucial evidence, navigate communications with insurance companies, and ensure compliance with Texas's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is generally two years from the accident date.
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance companies after a crash?
It's generally recommended to consult with your attorney before providing any recorded statements to insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may use your statements to minimize payouts, so having legal guidance ensures your rights are protected.
Can I claim compensation if a loved one was killed in a fatal truck accident?
Yes, if a loved one was fatally injured in a truck accident, certain family members might file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
At The Karam Law Office, we understand that after a truck accident, worrying about legal fees is the last thing you need. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. We also start every case with a free consultation, so you can discuss your situation, understand your options, and get professional guidance without any financial risk.
What questions should I ask a truck accident lawyer?
When meeting with a truck accident attorney, consider asking about their experience handling similar cases, their approach to settlements versus trials, estimated timelines, and what documentation or evidence you will need to provide. It’s also important to ask about their past case results to gauge the potential outcomes for your claim.
What are the chances of winning a truck accident lawsuit?
The likelihood of a successful outcome depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of injuries, available evidence, and liability of the parties involved. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategy to increase your chances of a favorable settlement or verdict.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Filing within this time frame is critical, as missing the deadline can prevent you from pursuing any compensation.
