Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston

For a variety of reasons, Texas is one of the deadliest states as regards to truck accidents—over 643 truck accident deaths occurred in 2020 alone. The tragic fact is that anyone in Houston can suffer life-changing injuries due to the careless mistake of a negligent truck driver.

If you or a loved one is a Houston truck accident victim, you need a dedicated truck accident lawyer who'll be dedicated to your case. Our Texas truck accident attorneys at Sloan Firm has over 150 years of combined experience helping Houston drivers hold the truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for their injuries to account.

Give us a call today to get the justice you're owed.

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What Causes Truck Accidents in Houston?

Commercial truck driving is a difficult, oftentimes thankless job. Drivers spend hours a day on both heavily-trafficked roads, like I-10, I-45, I-69, and the Loop; and on long stretches of nearly-empty highways between towns. They work long hours, and with tight shipping deadlines, it's hard to get enough rest to pay attention properly.

With the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a simple mistake can lead to deadly, multi-car accidents involving commuters, families, and others. In truck accidents, the other driver is much more likely to be hurt than the truck driver.

Here are just a few of the factors leading to Houston truck accidents:

Sleep deprivation
Distracted driving
Unfamiliarity with traffic patterns or the road
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Equipment failure caused by poor maintenance or a faulty part
Speeding and other forms of reckless driving
Overweight or improperly-loaded cargo

Why Are Houston Truck Accidents so Dangerous?

In 2020, accidents involving large trucks resulted in fatalities for only 17% of the truck occupants, but 71% of the occupants of the other vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This massive difference in fatality statistics is one reason it's important to drive defensively when around trucks. But why are these wrecks so much more dangerous for passenger cars?

A main factor in the danger inherent to big truck wrecks is the differences in weight and size. 18-wheelers weigh on average 16 times more than a passenger car, as well as much longer and wider. They are harder to control, take longer to stop, and collide with much more force.

As a result, an accident that might be avoidable between two smaller vehicles can be inevitable when a truck is involved. When accidents happen, a truck will hit the other vehicle with much more force, leading to more damaging and even life-threatening injuries.

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Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Wrecks

Passengers in smaller vehicles like cars or SUVs are much more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries and even wrongful death.

While the severity of a victim's injuries will depend greatly on the circumstances of their accident, our Houston personal injury attorneys commonly work with clients suffering from the following injuries:

Traumatic Amputations

Losing a limb is extremely traumatic, whether it's during the accident itself or surgically due to another injury.

An amputee will experience a complete change to their life and may be left unable to work, in severe pain, or experiencing mental anguish.
Amputations also require months or years of rehabilitation and costly prosthetics.

Head Injuries

Injuries to the head, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are some of the most common injuries suffered during truck wrecks.

Victims are often disabled or otherwise impacted for the rest of their lives, suffering mental health problems, personality changes, memory loss, and other issues.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are fairly common in car accidents as a whole, but they're generally much more severe if inflicted with a truck.

Depending on what kind of break the victim experiences, they could be facing casts, physical therapy, or other costly mitigation and treatment measures.
Furthermore, victims may never fully regain the use of their limbs.

Damages to Seek in Your Claim

Truck Accident Lawyer meeting with Client

If you've been victimized in a big truck wreck, you're probably looking at spending thousands of dollars for treatment, rehabilitation, and other costs. You might also be left unable to work due to your injuries.

These are all damages that you could be entitled to from the liable party. Other damages you could receive to pay for your recovery include:

Hospital expenses and surgery costs
Insurance bills
Costs of ongoing therapy
Lost wages and a decreased earning capacity
Property damages
and others

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How Does HB 19 Change Texas Truck Accident Claims?

Texas law is constantly changing. Because truck collisions have been on the rise in Texas, the state legislature has introduced House Bill 19 to make our highways and byways safer.

What Is Texas HB 19?

This new legislation lets trucking companies request a two-part trial when facing a lawsuit over an accident involving a company truck, in some instances.

During the first part of the trial, the jury will decide on compensatory damages, such as medical bills and other costs.
The second part of the trial would be reserved for deciding punitive damages, those set in place to punish a company's extreme negligence.

How Does HB 19 Affect My Truck Accident Case?

Splitting the truck accident case into two does not necessarily help the trucking company avoid accountability for your injuries. However, the law could help trucking companies draw out the claims process, forcing victims to fight longer for their compensation, especially for punitive damages.

With this law, it's more important than ever to have a lawyer who knows Texas personal injury law and can help you navigate your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

Call a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston truck accident, call the experienced lawyers at Sloan Firm for a free consultation. We've witnessed firsthand how the trucking companies and their insurance try every trick in the book to weasel their way out of paying what they owe, but that means we know how to hold them to account for their negligence.

When you call our Texas law office, you'll have a free consultation with a dedicated lawyer, who'll start investigating your crash right away. We'll identify the guilty parties in your case, help you sort through paperwork, and help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.

We care about your well-being. Call us today for a lawyer who will handle your case with the care it deserves and works diligently to help you find the justice you seek.

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Injured in a Houston Truck Accident?