Trust Guss

Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

These commercial vehicles, often referred to as 18-wheelers— a colloquial name for a semitrailer truck with 18 total wheels, and by extension, any large truck—are vital for transporting goods but pose significant road risks. When accidents involving 18-wheelers occur, the consequences can be devastating for those involved. Understanding the common causes of these accidents and knowing what steps to take afterward can help victims seek justice and compensation. No matter where you are, we may be able to help you, so call or contact us now. If you were in a large truck accident, Our Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyers are open for free case evaluations 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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What Are Some Of The Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents?

One of the primary causes of 18-wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, impairing a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. In some cases, trucking companies may push their drivers to meet tight deadlines, contributing to dangerously fatigued driving. Additionally, distracted driving, such as texting or using a GPS, poses a significant risk. Weather conditions like rain, fog, or icy roads also play a crucial role in these accidents, making it harder for 18-wheelers to maintain control.

Another significant factor is the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers. Fully loaded, they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, requiring longer stopping distances. Speeding and poor maintenance, such as failing brakes, increase the risk of accidents. Although driving under the influence is less common, recent data shows 3.6 percent of truck drivers in fatal crashes had alcohol in their system, with 2.5 percent at or above a 0.08 BAC. Be cautious of swerving or erratic drivers, as these may indicate impairment or other hazards.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it’s vital to seek legal counsel immediately. Trust Guss, an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer, can help you navigate the complexities of your case. It’s essential to gather evidence after the accident, including photographs of the scene, witness statements, and police reports, as this information is crucial in establishing fault and determining liability.

Truck Accident Lawyer, Stewart J. Guss

What Makes 18-Wheelers So Dangerous?

18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and their massive size increases blind spots and slows reaction times. Many drivers assume they can outmaneuver these trucks, but this can be dangerous. With over 2.8 million semi-trucks on U.S. roads and a 40% increase in fatal truck accidents recently (according to the FMCSA), it's essential to understand the risks.

Here are some key causes of truck accidents:

Greater Stopping Distance: Semi-trucks take 36% longer than cars to stop at 40 mph, and 66% longer at 65 mph. Their weight and momentum make stopping quickly much harder, increasing the chance of severe accidents.
Wide Right Turns: Trucks need extra space to turn right, often veering outside their lane. This creates a dangerous gap between the cab and trailer where vehicles can be crushed. Never attempt to pass a truck while it's turning.
Blind Spots: 18-wheelers have blind spots up to 30 feet. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirrors, they can't see you. Always maintain a safe distance—30 feet behind and 20 feet in front.
Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles can slide under trucks during collisions, leading to devastating injuries. While underride guards are required at the rear, they aren’t mandated for the sides or front of trucks, increasing risk.

Understanding these dangers can help prevent accidents and save lives.

Common Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

Car accidents, whether minor or severe, can drastically disrupt the lives of victims and their families. Even a “fender bender” can cause lasting pain. If you're in an accident, seek immediate medical treatment, regardless of how you feel. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue damage may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening if untreated. Some of the most common injuries after a truck accident include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can affect every function of your body. They may result from a blow to the head and can present symptoms immediately or days later. Common signs include headaches, dizziness, confusion, mood changes, and memory loss. Swift medical treatment is essential to detect and treat these injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the U.S., with 17,500 new cases annually, according to the Shepard Center. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.

Broken Bones
When a truck hits your car, the force can break bones, including arms, legs, or facial bones. Immediate treatment is necessary, and recovery may involve surgery, medication, or physical therapy.

Soft Tissue Injuries
Common after accidents, soft tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Back and neck injuries are prevalent in rear-end collisions, often resulting in chronic pain that may require long-term management through therapy or medication.

Learn More About Truck Accident Injuries

Americas Lawyer Interview, Stewart J. Guss

Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Stewart J. Guss discusses trucking safety on national news with Mike Papantonio on America’s Lawyer

What Damages Can I Recover From an 18-wheeler Accident?

In Texas, victims of 18-wheeler accidents can recover several types of damages, categorized as economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here's a breakdown:

Economic Damages:

These cover direct financial losses:

Medical expenses: Past, present, and future costs of treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery, and potential future earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work long-term.
Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle or other personal property.
Home modifications: Costs for modifications (e.g., wheelchair ramps) if the injury results in disability.

Non-Economic Damages:

These cover intangible losses:

Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma (e.g., depression, PTSD).
Loss of consortium: Impact on personal relationships due to injury.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation if injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved.

Punitive Damages:

These are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior:

Gross negligence: When the truck driver or company acted with reckless disregard for safety.
Reckless driving: Actions such as excessive speeding, driving under the influence, or violating trucking regulations.
Punishment and deterrence: Designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar future behavior.

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Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Houston

In Houston, 18-wheeler accidents frequently involve serious collisions such as rear-end crashes, jackknife accidents, and rollovers, often caused by the city's heavy traffic and highway congestion. Blind-spot collisions are also prevalent, where truck drivers fail to see smaller vehicles, leading to dangerous sideswipe or merging accidents.

Other common types include T-bone collisions at intersections and underride accidents, where smaller cars become trapped underneath the trailer. Factors such as poor road conditions, driver fatigue, and speeding further contribute to these incidents. As a major logistics hub, Houston sees a significant number of 18-wheeler accidents, making road safety a critical concern.

Learn More About The Types of Truck Accidents

Trust Guss After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident

Act decisively if you find yourself entangled in the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident in Houston. Seek medical attention for your injuries and consult a lawyer to discuss your case immediately. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your rights are protected and you have the best chance of achieving a fair settlement.

Don’t allow the challenges of dealing with insurance companies and legal matters to overwhelm you—partner with a lawyer who will advocate for you and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a free case review. Remember, you won't pay a fee unless you win.

Testimonials

They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision.

Heka

Guss, has a phenomenal Team and has hired great staff that is very caring! They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision. They are also really resourceful! Some of the staff have had real experiences that happened to them and were also taken great care of which prompted them to begin working for such a great law firm. Thank you Guss and Associates.

Stewart J. Guss and his team did an outstanding job handling my case.

James

From start to finish, they were professional, attentive, and incredibly effective. I was thrilled with the results – they secured a settlement that was twice what I expected! Their expertise and dedication truly set them apart. I highly recommend Stewart J. Guss for anyone in need of top-notch legal representation.

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney.

Ben

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney. In a world of attorneys that is very difficult to maneuver these days he stands out from the crowd not only for his expertise but for his integrity. Should you need a personal injury attorney to help you with a case do not hesitate; Run and get his help. You won’t regret it!!

I had the best experience with this firm. I have never gotten in an accident, so I didn’t know the process or what to expect at all.

Sabrina

I worked with Whitney and Kristen and they explained everything thoroughly from start to finish. They were always prompt in responding to any questions or concerns I had, and always kept me updated. My sister had also used them and I didn’t even know, but they said they liked working with them so that put me at ease. They honestly made a really great impression on me. And I would definite...

I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone who seeks hard-working staff.

Amanda

The law office of Stewart J Guss has very friendly staff, and is always accurate and reliable. They got me what I deserved and was fast and on point with the whole case. They keep you up-to-date with your case and return any calls you place to them in a timely manner. They answer your questions and concerns appropriately for all parties involved. I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone...

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm.

Khanh

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm. Especially thanks to Ms Andrea Yoss and Whitzney. They were professional and communicative. Though it took time longer than expected but it was finally settled well. I highly recommended the law firm to anyone whom need help with auto accident cases!

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