Houston Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck Accident Lawsuit Attorneys in Houston, Texas

Have You Been Injured in a Houston Truck Accident?

  • Did you get hit by a semi-truck on the I-10 heading towards Katy?
  • Maybe you suffered an injury in a truck accident on the way home from an Astros Game?
  • Perhaps an Amazon truck side-swiped you while you were parked on W 18th Street?

No matter how your truck accident occurred, you will face an uphill battle fighting the trucking company and insurers. That’s why you need a Houston truck accident attorney in your corner fighting for you.

With more and more commercial trucks on our roads, we see plenty of serious truck accidents caused by trucker and trucking company negligence.

Whether it’s a massive 18-wheeler, a tractor-trailer, or a delivery vehicle like a UPS truck, FedEx truck, or Amazon truck, a truck crash can be devastating to victims and their families.

Our Houston truck accident lawyers are here to help.

Need help NOW? Our truck accident lawyers offer free consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 866-720-7920 and ask about our free virtual consultations, or CLICK HERE to send us a question about your auto accident.

There’s absolutely no cost for a confidential case evaluation from our team of nationally recognized and experienced Houston truck accident attorneys. Plus, if you choose to hire us, you pay nothing upfront and absolutely nothing at all unless we win your truck accident case.

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Since establishing our headquarters in Houston, Texas in 1999, our firm has grown to numerous locations across the country, including hubs in Dallas, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Along the way, we’ve built a trusted network of partners throughout all 50 states who share our values and our commitment to excellence.

**No matter where you’re located, it’s our mission to ensure that you have the finest legal representation for your case.**

2023 Top Lawyer

We have three convenient Houston locations to better serve trucking accident victims. This means that we can be wherever you need us – when you need us.

We offer FREE consultations, so you can get the answers you need to your most pressing questions. We can also meet with you in your home, your office, or even your hospital room if you like.

Reach out now to learn more about how we can help. You deserve to have someone on your side fighting for you. There’s a reason why so many injured truck accident victims consider us the best trucking accident lawyers in Houston. Call 866-720-7920.

Why Choose Our Houston Truck Accident Attorneys?

Stewart Guss Truck Accident Lawyer in Huston
Stewart J. Guss Truck Accident Attorney in Huston

We track a lot of expenses in our line of work, but we know some things are priceless – like the time and trust of each and every person who comes to us for help.

When you call the law firm of Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, you will speak with a legal team you can rely on.

While other attorneys may be trustworthy strategists, we go above and beyond to provide compassionate, client-first care.

We see the shockwaves that even the most minor of accidents can send through someone’s personal and professional life, and we empathize.

We present your options honestly and answer your concerns promptly, guiding you on the path to the compensation you deserve after a traumatizing truck accident. This might mean filing a truck accident lawsuit.

The best 18 wheeler accident attorney is one with a record of successful settlements and comprehensive knowledge of commercial trucking law.

Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience with car and truck accidents, as well as many other catastrophic auto accident cases.

If you’ve been hurt in a Houston truck accident, we’re ready to fight for what you deserve. When you team up with us, we can:

  • connect you to the resources you need, like medical treatment or rental vehicles
  • handle the filing of your truck accident claim and all related paperwork
  • collect important evidence to strengthen your case
  • play hardball with trucking companies and their insurance adjusters
  • keep you informed of your rights – and how to protect them

A Houston trucking accident attorney is the ally you want, and the advocate you deserve.

There’s good news: we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not collect any payment unless we win your case. This ensures all truck accident victims have access to the legal representation they deserve.

To learn more about our experienced truck accident attorneys and how we can help you and your family, call us at 866-720-7920.

If you prefer, you can CLICK HERE and send us an email. We can offer you a FREE case evaluation and help you get the answers you need!

Key Questions for Truck Accident Victims

While you may not know your legal rights or the compensation to which you are entitled, it’s our job to know. We know the bills can pile up fast, and we’ve got you covered. Our investigators piece together the causes of your truck wreck to obtain maximum compensation.

Some questions we typically ask when meeting with our clients:

  • Were there injuries or fatalities?
  • How bad is the property damage?
  • Did you give a statement to the police at the scene?
  • Did the police issue a citation or arrest the truck driver?
  • Are there medical and insurance costs to pay?
  • Do you need ongoing treatment?
  • Did you have to miss work and lose income?
  • Are you dealing with chronic pain or impairment?
  • What do you remember right before the accident?

Even when truck accident victims are certain they weren’t at fault for an accident, it’s tough to seek justice – and compensation – all by yourself.

We dig deep and compile all the info you need to build your case after an accident. If the truck driver or trucking company can be held responsible, we’ll see to it.

Don’t risk missing out on a full recovery just because you didn’t take the legal help that was available to you.


Why Take Chances? Let Us Help You!
Schedule a Free Virtual Visit 866-720-7920 or Send us a Message Today


Houston Truck Accident Statistics

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported the following truck accident statistics for a recent year across the state:

  • More than 19,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles
  • 3,820 serious injuries caused by truck crashes
  • 685 truck accident fatalities

As the largest city in Texas, Houston experiences the highest number of serious and fatal truck accidents, injuring or killing hundreds of people each year.

Where do Truck Accidents Occur in Houston?

There are four interstate highways in Harris County. These interstates are often congested with semi-trucks, big rigs, and 18 wheelers on their way to and from Houston, as well as across the entire country.

Houston also has numerous large highways and bypasses which are a popular route for many 18 wheelers. While an 18 wheeler crash can occur anywhere in Houston, some roads are just more dangerous.

Here are a few of the most dangerous roads in Houston for 18 wheeler truck accidents:

  • I-10
  • I-45
  • I-69
  • I-610/610 Loop
  • U.S. Route 59
  • Beltway (Sam Houston Tollway)
  • Highway 6 (SH-6)
  • Highway 225
  • US-90A
  • State Highway 288

Contact an experienced truck accident attorney at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers to discuss your options for pursuing compensation for the injuries and losses you suffered in a Houston truck accident.

How Much Is My Houston Truck Accident Case Worth?

That is a question we get asked frequently. Fortunately, our Houston truck accident lawyers are here to help answer that question. Simply call us for a FREE case evaluation with an experienced truck accident attorney and we will take over the rest.

While no two truck accident claims in Houston are ever the same, one thing is for certain: truck accidents are expensive.

You’ve already been the victim of a truck accident in Houston; don’t become a victim of the insurance companies too. You’ll need help to prove who was at fault in your truck accident and how much your Texas truck accident case is worth.

Commercial vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, causing extreme damage and injuries when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles.

The following are some examples of the losses victims of truck accidents commonly incur.

  • Medical bills. Severe injuries can require extensive treatments that can result in high medical expenses. Some truck accident victims may require emergency transportation, trauma care, surgeries, hospitalization, time in the intensive care unit, rehabilitative therapies, follow-up visits, medical equipment, medications, home health assistance, and more. Due to high healthcare costs, even minor injuries can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills.
  • Lost income and lost earning potential. After a truck accident, many people experience a disruption to their work schedules. You may miss work to receive the treatment you need, especially if you are hospitalized or have to recover from surgery. Even missing work for a doctor’s appointment can result in lost wages for that shift.
  • Pain and suffering. Also known as intangible losses, truck accident injuries can result in physical and mental pain and suffering, greatly interfering with your life. Furthermore, some catastrophic injuries can result in permanent impairments, disfigurement, or disabilities that can destroy the quality of the rest of your life.
  • Future losses. At the time of your truck accident claim, your medical treatment may still be ongoing or you may not have returned to work yet. A qualified truck accident law firm will know how to calculate all future losses for you in addition to losses already incurred.
  • Wrongful Death. If a truck accident results in the loss of a loved one, the emotional toll on the family can be overwhelming. Beyond the emotional impact, the financial consequences are less obvious but no less significant. In Houston, the deceased's family can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, and the financial support that the deceased would have provided had they lived. Additionally, Texas law allows families to recover from the mental anguish and loss of companionship experienced due to the loss of loved ones in fatal truck crashes (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.001-71.012). A competent truck accident law firm can guide you through the intricacies of wrongful death claims, ensuring that the full scope of your losses is properly represented.

The Houston truck accident lawyers at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers see the big picture. We know a truck accident sends devastating ripples through every area of your life, and we understand how to most effectively represent you and recover the highest amount of compensation possible in your claim.

For over 2 decades, our law firm has helped injured trucking accident victims and their families. We know that your time and energy are better spent on your recovery and on putting your life back together again.

That is why we work tirelessly to take the legal burdens off of your shoulders. We negotiate with insurance companies, fight trucking companies, file truck accident lawsuits, and investigate Texas truck accidents thoroughly to obtain maximum compensation.

There is a reason why so many injured truck accident victims choose our law firm to represent them after a serious accident with an 18-wheeler or big rig.

7 Steps to Take After a Houston Truck Accident

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Stewart J. Guss Attorney At Law

The aftermath of a truck crash can be chaotic and disorienting. You might be in shock or in pain. If you are badly injured, focus on getting yourself the best medical care you can, and then call our law firm and we will do the rest.

Our trucking accident lawyer will investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build your case for you. This enables you to focus on your recovery and on rebuilding your life after a serious Houston truck accident.

If you are not badly injured, there are things you can do at the accident scene to ensure justice is served.

Below are steps to take at the scene of a truck accident, if possible.

1. Move to Safety

If you are able to move from your vehicle, get out of the way of traffic and move away from the truck. After an accident, trucks may catch fire or spill their cargo out onto the highway, creating more hazards for victims, bystanders, and oncoming drivers.

2. Exchange Information

Note the truck’s license plate number and any other markings or identifiers. Ask witnesses for their contact information. Ask the truck driver for their name, phone number, employer, and insurance information.

3. Call 911

Even if you don’t need medical treatment, you will need the police to file an 18 wheeler accident report. You can obtain a copy of the crash report to help strengthen your case. Police can determine if the truck driver violated the law.

They can issue a citation, administer tests to determine whether the truck driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or even arrest the truck driver at the scene for more serious offenses.

4. Take photos

Documenting evidence is a vital step to take after semi truck accidents, and thanks to smartphones, we all have cameras in our pockets these days. Pictures will help your case more than anything else, so while you wait for first responders to arrive, take photos of the damage all vehicles have sustained, especially if they have to be towed away.

Make sure you include close-ups and wide shots. Take photos of the truck in the areas of impact, any cargo that spilled, debris, tire marks on the road, shredded or blown tires, road conditions, nearby signals or signs, and more.

Frequently, truck accidents can destroy highway signs or cause other property damage. Photograph your injuries as well.

5. Speak to the police

Tell them what you remember about how the driver was operating their vehicle before and during the crash. If you believed the truck driver was acting aggressively or erratically, say so and describe their behaviors. Do not confront the driver directly.

6. Get medical treatment.

Even if EMTs don’t whisk you away in an ambulance, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek further medical evaluation. In fact, it is always a good idea to head to urgent care as soon as possible following a crash. A doctor can conduct diagnostic tests to identify injuries you might not even know you have.

If an insurance company challenges the cause of your injuries, your medical records can serve as important proof that the truck accident caused the injuries you’re claiming.

Too many people forgo a medical evaluation or treatment after a crash because they are nervous about the cost. However, if a truck driver or someone else caused the accident, they should cover all of your medical expenses. It’s important to follow your doctor’s orders and get the treatment you need.

7. Contact a Houston truck accident attorney near you

The sooner you call our experienced legal team after a truck accident, the sooner we can start working to protect your rights and build your case.

Don’t let important evidence get lost amidst the chaos.

We know you have a lot on your mind after an accident. While your priority should always be your physical health, why not also have us working on your case? To minimize your stress, we’ll handle every aspect of your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

What Causes Semi Truck Crashes in Houston?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that Texas had the most fatal commercial vehicle accidents of any state each year, for at least 11 years straight. What are the most common causes of truck accidents?

  • Speeding – We all have deadlines to meet at our jobs, but truck drivers should never rush. In fact, they need to be far more cautious than the average driver, as semi trucks require more distance to come to a complete stop.
  • Multitasking and distracted drivers – With such long routes and tight deadlines, truck drivers may be tempted to grab a snack, take a phone call, or fiddle with their radios or mobile devices. But multitasking while driving means the truck driver’s attention is not where it should be: on the road ahead. Due to the drivers not paying attention a small car and a big truck collide, and disaster follows. The FMCSA’s consequences for texting while operating a commercial truck include up to a $2,750 fine and possibly losing their commercial driver’s license. The FMCSA bases this strict ban on texting for truck drivers on research claiming that texting truck drivers are 23 times more likely to cause a crash.
  • Drunk driving or drug use – Alcohol contributed to almost 1,600 crashes in a single year, injuring as many as 708 people, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The FMCSA specifies .04% as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level limit for truck drivers. For other motorists, the limit is .08%. This stricter standard exists because driving a commercial truck is already inherently more dangerous than driving a passenger car.
  • Poor road conditions – And we don’t just mean bad weather. Locals joke that Houston’s road work is everlasting, but missing signage, road work crews, poor design, or improper road maintenance can all contribute to truck accidents.
  • Improper cargo loading – An average car weighs about 4,000 pounds. In contrast, a fully-loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds! The FMCSA specifies cargo securement rules to help manage this weight. If these rules and weight limits are not followed, trucks may become unbalanced or unwieldy. Often, trucking companies use third-party cargo loaders who may be held responsible for a cargo spill.
  • Blind spots – Bigger vehicles have bigger blind spots. The large size of trucks impairs their drivers’ visibility. So how can you ensure that you are not in a trucker’s “no zone” ? Do not drive parallel to a truck unless absolutely necessary. Change lanes or drive behind them if you can.
  • Defective truck parts – Faulty equipment is dangerous equipment. Commercial trucks need to be thoroughly inspected every time they return from a job or depart on one, but sometimes trucking companies neglect this responsibility. A defective truck part could cause a serious accident.

Other factors can cause trucking accidents in Houston as well, and you need a free case review from an experienced truck accident lawyer to learn of your rights and options to pursue compensation.

Trucking Industry Laws & Liability in Houston 

While certain rules of the road apply to all of us, trucking accident laws and federal safety regulations differ from a typical car accident in several ways.

For example, all commercial truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Trucking companies must conduct thorough background checks on their drivers and provide proper training.

Putting improperly trained drivers on the road violates the duty of care trucking companies owe to all the other drivers who may cross their path.

Furthermore, commercial trucking companies must keep maintenance logs for each vehicle in their fleet to ensure they are routinely serviced and safe to drive.

Drivers must also keep logs of their own. A truck driver’s log book should carefully track their hours of service and rest periods. (Fatigued driving is a killer, and there are rules in place to prevent tired truck drivers from getting behind the wheel.)

Thanks to subpoenas, your Houston truck accident attorney can access these log books—as well as a truck’s GPS system records, black box, cell phone records, and more—during the accident investigation. These sources can contribute vital information to your truck accident case, helping you maximize your settlement!

Even with all these safety measures in place, dealing with trucking insurance companies can be a nightmare.

Big trucking companies have their own insurance adjusters and defense attorneys for accidents like yours, and they’ll use every trick in the book to place the blame on you at a time when you’re most vulnerable. They’ll try to limit your payout, dismiss your pain, or deny your claim entirely.

Entering this battle alone could mean you miss out on thousands or even millions of dollars in your truck accident settlement.

Fortunately, our experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Houston are the partners you need. Here at the law office of Stewart Guss, we are thoroughly familiar with commercial trucking regulations and industry standards, which allows us to better help truck accident victims recover.

Remember, do not talk to the trucking company or their insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement and do not sign anything until you speak with a legal team, or else you may forfeit your rights to compensation.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enacts and enforces a wide variety of regulations that apply to all commercial vehicles operating on an interstate basis in the United States. This can include semi-trucks, hazardous materials (hazmat) trucks, tanker trucks, flatbed trucks, buses, and more.

FMCSA regulations include mandatory break periods for truck drivers, limits on hours of service, limits on the size and weight of a truck and its cargo, protocols for the transportation of hazardous material, oil spill prevention and response plans, licensing and registration requirements, when and how to report a semi-truck accident, and guidance for the routine inspection, repair, and maintenance of all fleet vehicles. The FMCSA also prohibits driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Texas State Traffic Laws

To help enforce the FMCSA’s rules for all commercial trucks driving through the state, the Texas Department of Public Safety has its own Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service.

In addition to FMCSA regulations, Texas truck drivers must follow all state and local traffic laws when passing through the Lone Star State. These same laws apply to every other driver, and they prevent many dangerous actions like speeding, tailgating, improper passing, and lane changes, or running a red light or stop sign.

Commercial truck drivers must also refrain from breaking criminal laws in the state of Texas. This means no driving while intoxicated!

Common Types of Houston Truck Collisions

Any time a truck crashes into a smaller vehicle, the results are devastating. Even at slower speeds, the size and weight of a semi-truck can pose a serious risk of damage and injuries.

There are many different ways that trucks can crash and impact other vehicles and motorists. No matter how a crash occurs, however, there is always the potential for life-changing injuries.

Some of the most common types of truck accidents are listed below:

Jackknife Accidents

Many large commercial trucks have two main components: the cab and the trailer. In a jackknife accident, the trailer swings out to the side while the cab remains facing straight ahead, causing the truck to look like a folding pocketknife.

The front wheels of the 18-wheeler lock up, but the rear wheels continue traveling. A swinging trailer can quickly cross over several lanes of traffic, colliding with many cars.

A jackknifed truck can also be very difficult to slow down or stop. Swerving suddenly or driving on rainy or icy roads increases the chances of jackknife accidents. If the truck is traveling fast enough, jackknife accidents can lead to rollover accidents.

Rollover Accidents

Because trucks have such a high center of gravity, they are especially prone to a rollover crash. In a rollover accident, the wheels on one side of the semi-truck lose contact with the ground, causing the vehicle to fall onto its side.

This type of accident is especially common when a truck enters a sharp turn too fast, collides with a guardrail, and tries to overcorrect, or when the roads are slick due to inclement weather. Rollovers are dangerous because the truck driver loses control of their vehicle and can crash into cars in its path.

Rear-end Accidents

When a truck hits the back of another car or vice versa, it's known as a rear-end accident. Unlike rear-end accidents involving two smaller cars, rear-end truck accidents can be particularly severe.

Along with just the sheer impact of an 80,000-pound vehicle hitting them from behind, rear-end truck crashes can cause a truck to drive up and onto the back of a car (called an “override crash”) or a small car may get lodged under the back of the trailer (called an “underride crash”).

Both underride and override accidents can be deadly. These accidents often occur due to fatigued driving, aggressive driving, or distracted driving by a truck driver.

Head-on Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when one vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic and hits another vehicle head-on. This is an especially serious accident, as the impact of the force is fully distributed to the front of the car, closer to where the driver and passengers are seated.

Head-on truck collisions are common when a driver is fatigued and falls asleep at the wheel. This can also happen if the driver is distracted, looking at a cell phone, or checking a map for directions.

Whenever the driver averts their attention from the road, the chances of a dangerous head-on collision increase. Drunk drivers can also swerve out of their lanes and into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on crash.

Tire Blowouts

All drivers have a responsibility to maintain their cars so they're safe to drive on the road. The same goes for owners of commercial trucks. In fact, with trucks, frequent inspection and maintenance are even more important because malfunctions and resulting accidents can be so severe. However, many trucking companies use re-treaded tires to save on costs. Retreads have a horrible safety record and regularly unravel as the truck is traveling down the road.

When a tire blows out because it is overly worn or has insufficient tire pressure, a truck driver can lose complete control of the big rig, which can lead to a serious truck accident.

Common Houston Truck Accident Injuries

Every accident is different. Trucks can crash in many different ways, but one thing is for certain: commercial truck accidents have the potential to cause a range of serious injuries to victims.

Many accident victims require immediate medical treatment for traumatic injuries. A crash can twist, stretch, and jolt your body in unnatural ways, as well as cause you to hit the inside of the car or even get ejected from the vehicle.

You may suffer multiple injuries from the chaotic and violent nature of the impact with a large commercial truck. Some common truck accident injuries include:

Soft Tissue Tears, Sprains, or Strains

The seriousness of soft tissue injuries is often underestimated after a truck accident. This type of injury can cause stiffness and can impede your range of motion in your neck, shoulder, hip, knee, back, or other parts of the body.

Often, the pain worsens in the days following the accident. These injuries can keep you from working or completing everyday tasks.

Neck and Back Injuries

Your neck and back help support large parts of your body, including your head, shoulders, trunk, and more.

When you suffer any musculoskeletal injuries to your neck or back, it can have a serious effect on almost every aspect of your life. You may not be able to work, exercise, or even do household chores or pick up your toddler.

Many neck and back injuries keep you from walking until you’ve undergone a long course of physical therapy.

Dislocations

Your joints are also essential for movement. When a joint dislocates, it can be extremely painful and can cause many other problems.

Connective soft tissue can tear and you can have a much higher chance for more dislocations in the future. Dislocated joints must often be immobilized for a period of time to heal.

 Fractures

Many of us have broken a bone or two at some point in our lives. Fractures can be extremely painful, require intensive medical treatment including surgery and traction, and can even leave victims with chronic problems and permanently weakened bones.

Facial Injuries

Facial fractures can significantly alter a person’s appearance and be extremely physically and psychologically distressing.

Even in cases where reconstructive plastic surgery is able to largely correct cosmetic issues, many people who experience severe facial fractures never look the same as they did prior to their accident.

Additionally, in some cases, facial fractures can result in issues with breathing, eating, drinking, seeing, and hearing.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries can occur when a blow to the head disrupts the way the brain normally functions. The most common form of mild TBI is a concussion, a serious injury that can result in weeks or even months of severe and debilitating symptoms.

More severe traumatic brain injuries can leave victims with permanent physical or cognitive disabilities and may even result in a permanent vegetative state.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries that a person can sustain. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body.

When it is injured, this communication is disrupted. In an incomplete spinal cord injury, there is still some communication that passes through.

Victims can experience issues like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, pain, loss of range of motion, and temporary paralysis. In a complete spinal cord injury, the communication between the brain and body below the site of the injury is completely disrupted, resulting in complete paralysis and loss of sensation. These injuries are typically permanent and devastating.

Internal Organ Damage

Not all injuries are visible from the outside. Sometimes a truck accident victim will suffer serious damage to vital organs, such as a punctured lung, ruptured spleen, gastrointestinal damage, and more.

These are life-threatening injuries and victims should receive emergency trauma care. Often, damaged organs require immediate surgical repair and significant recovery time.

 Internal Bleeding

Another invisible yet highly serious condition is internal bleeding, also known as internal hemorrhaging. Internal bleeding is very dangerous, though many accident victims are unaware it is taking place.

Hemorrhages commonly occur in the abdomen and can put pressure on vital organs and even lead to infection. Hemorrhaging can also occur in your skull cavity, which can result in dangerously high intracranial pressure.

Doctors must often remove part of the skull to release the pressure for hemorrhaging patients.

How Does a Houston Truck Accident Claim Work?

When you hire a personal injury lawyer, your accident claim may go through four phases:

  • Evidence collection – To begin, your attorney gathers data about your crash to strengthen your case. They will access police reports, interview witnesses, consult experts, obtain medical records, and more. If you took any photos of the crash site, vehicle damage, or injuries, be sure to share them with your legal team now!
  • Treatment – While your attorney is working hard, you will undergo whatever medical treatment you need. The treatment process will reveal the scope of the injuries you suffered in the crash and how they might affect you later in life. Typically, the more severe your injuries are, the higher your compensation will be.
  • Negotiation – Next, when treatment is finished and you have an estimate of your total damages, your attorney enters into negotiations. Your attorney will strive to obtain compensation that will cover 100% of your accident-related bills, property damage, and suffering. They’ll square off against the trucking company, their insurance company, and/or their defense attorney. Luckily, most claims are settled out of court during this phase. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, you will move on to the next phase…
  • Litigation – Litigation means taking your case to court. Your truck wreck attorney will explain the details of your case to a judge and jury to prove why you deserve compensation. If they succeed, you will be awarded settlement money.

A truck accident lawyer from Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers can walk you through the specific steps to take involving your claim and help you recover the maximum compensation possible, whether through a settlement or court award.

How Do I Prove Liability in a Houston Truck Accident?

Proving liability in a truck accident involves gathering evidence to establish that the negligence or wrongful actions of the truck driver, trucking company, or another party led to the accident. Working with a truck accident attorney, here are some steps you can take to establish liability for a truck crash:

Preserve Evidence: Ensure that key pieces of evidence are preserved immediately after the accident. This includes photographs of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any relevant road signs or conditions.

Obtain the Police Report: The police report is a valuable document that often includes information about the accident, statements from witnesses, and the officer's assessment of fault. Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it is available.

Collect Witness Statements: Gather statements from any witnesses to the accident. Their observations and accounts of the events leading up to the accident can be crucial in establishing liability.

Review Truck Driver Records: Obtain records related to the truck driver, including their driving history, work hours, and any previous safety violations. This can help determine if the driver was in compliance with federal regulations.

Examine the Truck's Black Box (EDR): Commercial trucks are often equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) that capture information about the vehicle's speed, braking, and other relevant data. This information can provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Check for Maintenance Records: Investigate the maintenance records of the truck to ensure that it was properly serviced and in good working condition at the time of the accident.

Evaluate Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, obtain cell phone records to determine if the truck driver was using a phone at the time of the accident.

Examine Company Policies: Review the policies and procedures of the trucking company to see if they were in compliance with safety regulations. This includes driver training, hiring practices, and maintenance protocols.

Consult Accident Reconstruction Experts: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence and recreate the sequence of events leading to the accident. Their expertise can be valuable in demonstrating how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.

Document Your Injuries: Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, and related expenses. This documentation is crucial for establishing the extent of damages in your claim.

Consult with an Attorney: Proving liability can be complex, and the assistance of an attorney is often crucial in navigating the legal aspects of a truck accident claim. 

A skilled truck accident attorney from Stewart J Guss can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Houston Truck Accident FAQ

Still have questions? We have answers!

How Much Does a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

Our team of Houston truck accident lawyers works on contingency. This means you pay us nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless and until you receive compensation from your claim.

Legal fees will be paid with an agreed-upon percentage of the settlement money you receive.

How Do I Get Medical Treatment Without Health Insurance?

Your well-being is our top priority. When you file an accident claim with a Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney, they may be able to connect you to the medical treatment you need, even if you do not have health insurance.

From surgeons to physical therapists to ongoing mobility assistance, our firm has resources ready for you. Remember, completion of proper medical treatment is a vital part of your accident claim because it helps lawyers on both sides know how serious your injuries are and how they impacted your life.

How Much are Settlements for Commercial Truck Wrecks?

Every accident is unique, but a semi truck accident settlement amount will usually depend on liability, extent of damages, and extent of insurance coverage.

Trucking companies are required to carry commercial insurance policies, which will typically cover your expenses – if you know how to hold them accountable.

What if I’m Partly at Fault for the Truck Accident?

Texas is a proportionate responsibility state. This means even if you are determined to be partly at fault for your truck accident, you can still recover money—as long as you are under 50% at fault. Reach out to us for more information on how our Texas truck accident attorneys can help.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in a Fatal Houston Truck Accident?

If you’ve lost a loved one to a Houston truck accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. The Texas Wrongful Death Act allows the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased to sue for the damages they have suffered due to the loss of their loved one.

These relatives may file the claim individually or together as a group. If they do not file the claim within three months of the victim’s passing, an estate representative may file on their behalf.

All About Houston Truck Accident Attorney Matt Bonilla

Matt Bonilla grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, the youngest of four siblings.

Ever since he was a child, Matt has had a strong desire to help and heal. As other lawyers in his family nurtured his interest in law, he realized being a personal injury attorney was the perfect fit.

After graduating from Southern Methodist University, he went on to obtain his Master of Business Administration from UT Dallas and his Juris Doctorate from the South Texas College of Law.

While there, Matt received the CALI Award for the highest grade in two different classes (“Civil Procedure” and “Legal Research and Writing”) and made the Dean’s List numerous times.

While he has handled auto accidents of all kinds, Matt has extensive experience in Houston truck accidents. Semi-truck accidents and their related catastrophic injury claims can be complex, but after years of focus, Matt now considers them to be his specialty.

Matt believes the key to success is being a great listener. He knows the importance of listening to each client’s story, empathizing with them, and helping them find their way on the road to recovery.

Attorney Bonilla has made life-changing differences for thousands of injured automobile accident victims and is committed to standing up against any challenge that comes their way.

Today, Matt lives right here in Houston with his two dogs, Bella the English bulldog, and Tucker the golden retriever.

In his free time, he enjoys sports, birdwatching, and spending time outdoors in locales such as Houston’s arboretum and Memorial Park.

Don't Wait to Call a Houston Truck Accident Law Firm You Can Trust

The aftermath of a truck accident is never a good experience, but we try our best to make it an easy one. Our hard work enables you to concentrate on what is most important: your health, well-being, and recovery.

That’s why the legal team of Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, is nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years.

Because we take all of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us anything unless and until we win your case.


We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To connect with an 18 wheeler accident lawyer near you and receive a free case review, call 866-720-7920 or contact us now by CLICKING HERE as soon as you can.

Don’t take chances. Let us help you!

Speak with a dedicated Houston truck accident lawyer and get the results – and the money – you deserve.


Trust Guss Injury Lawyers

Address: 12777 Jones Rd # 297,
Houston, TX 77070

Phone: 281-664-6500