Trust Guss

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Name: Truck Accidents
Brand: Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers
Rating: 4.8 (645 reviews)

Truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences for those involved in the crash and their families. As large vehicles that carry significant weight, trucks present unique risks on the road. When accidents occur, the injuries sustained can be severe, often resulting in long-term medical care or even fatalities. Understanding the complexities of truck accident cases is crucial for victims seeking justice and compensation. At Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, our team of dedicated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers are available 24/7 to helping accident victims navigate the legal process, ensuring they receive the support and compensation they deserve.

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Truck Accident Lawyer, Stewart J. Guss

Americas Attorney Interview, Stewart J. Guss

When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Truck Accident?

Accidents involving commercial trucks are often complex, with multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, and maintenance providers potentially involved. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help navigate these complexities and protect your interests.

Here are key situations where legal assistance is crucial:

Severe injuries: If you've sustained serious injuries requiring extensive medical care, a lawyer can help secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Disputed liability: If there's uncertainty about who caused the accident, a lawyer can gather and analyze evidence—such as witness statements and accident reports—to build your case.
Settlement pressure: If the trucking company or their insurer pressures you to accept a settlement, having a lawyer ensures any offer fully covers your losses.
Denial of responsibility: Trucking companies and insurers may attempt to minimize their liability, but a lawyer can help level the playing field and safeguard your rights.

In short, consulting a truck accident lawyer can offer essential support, ensuring you pursue the compensation you deserve and navigate the legal process effectively.

How Much Is My Houston Truck Accident Case Worth?

Truck accidents in Houston can result in significant losses for victims. Here are some common examples of the damages that can be included in your claim:

Medical Bills

Severe injuries can result in extensive treatments and high medical expenses, including emergency transportation, trauma care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitative therapies, medications, and more.

Lost Income and Earning Potential

Many individuals involved in a commercial truck wreck miss work due to hospitalization or recovery, resulting in lost wages and diminished future earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Truck accident injuries can cause physical and emotional distress, leading to lasting pain, permanent impairments, or disabilities that disrupt daily life.

Future Losses

Ongoing medical treatment or future lost income due to long-term disability incurred from the truck accident can be calculated as part of the claim.

Wrongful Death

If a loved one dies in a truck accident, families may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial consortium and loss of financial support. Texas law also allows recovery for mental anguish and loss of companionship experienced due to the loss of loved ones in fatal truck crashes.

Property Damage

In addition to personal injuries, truck accidents often result in significant damage to vehicles and personal property. Compensation can cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property.

If you’ve been in a truck accident in Houston, professional legal support can help you prove fault and ensure you receive the full value of your claim. Our team of experienced truck wreck attorneys represent you and secure the highest possible compensation for your claim.

Statistics To Know on Houston Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are a significant public safety concern, with alarming statistics highlighting their prevalence and impact. According to various reports, these accidents result in a high number of fatalities and injuries, particularly due to the size and weight of large trucks compared to passenger vehicles.

In 2020, there were approximately 4,842 fatal truck crashes in the United States (NHTSA).
Truck crashes accounted for about 10% of all traffic fatalities in 2020 (NHTSA).
Over 150,000 individuals are injured annually in truck-related accidents (FMCSA).
Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, significantly increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities in collisions.

What Are The Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Houston?

Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which stem from the unique challenges of operating large vehicles. Driver fatigue, impaired decision-making, and distracted driving, such as texting, are leading causes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that Texas has led the nation in fatal commercial vehicle accidents for over a decade. Poor truck maintenance, including brake malfunctions, and hazardous weather conditions also contribute to accidents. Additionally, inadequate training, poor road conditions, and improperly loaded cargo increase risks. Specific causes of truck accidents include:

Speeding: Truck drivers should never rush, as semi trucks require more distance to come to a complete stop.
Multitasking and distracted driving: Long routes and tight deadlines may tempt truck drivers to engage in activities like snacking, taking calls, or using mobile devices, diverting their attention from the road. Texting truck drivers are 23 times more likely to cause a crash and face fines of up to $2,750 and potential loss of their commercial driver’s license.
Drunk driving or drug use: Alcohol contributed to almost 1,600 crashes in a single year, injuring as many as 708 people. Truck drivers are held to a stricter blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .04%.
Poor road conditions: Missing signage, road work crews, poor design, or improper road maintenance can all contribute to truck accidents.

Improper cargo loading: Cargo securement rules are crucial for managing the weight of fully loaded semi trucks, as failure to follow these rules and weight limits can lead to unbalanced or unwieldy trucks.
Blind spots: Larger vehicles have bigger blind spots, impairing the visibility of truck drivers. It's important to avoid driving parallel to a truck unless absolutely necessary and to change lanes or drive behind them if possible.
Defective truck parts: Thorough inspections of commercial trucks are essential to prevent accidents caused by faulty equipment.
Fatigue: Some drivers attempt to work longer hours than legally allowed, which can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of accidents.

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Different Types of Houston Truck Collisions

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, even at lower speeds, due to the size and weight of semi-trucks. There are various types of truck accidents, each with the potential for life-changing injuries. For example:

Jackknife Accidents: In these accidents, the trailer swings out to the side while the cab remains straight, resembling a folding pocket knife. This can lead to the truck crossing multiple lanes and colliding with other vehicles.
Rollover Accidents: Trucks, with their high center of gravity, are prone to rollovers, especially when taking sharp turns too quickly or in slick conditions. Rollovers are dangerous as the driver loses control and can crash into other vehicles.
Rear-end Accidents: When a truck rear-ends another vehicle, the impact can be severe, often leading to override or underride crashes, both of which can be deadly. These accidents are frequently caused by tired, aggressive, or distracted driving.
Head-on Collisions: These occur when a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic and hits another vehicle head-on, often due to driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
Tire Blowouts: Trucking companies sometimes use re-treaded tires to save costs despite their poor safety record. When these tires blow out due to wear or insufficient pressure, the truck driver can lose control, leading to severe accidents.

Each of these accidents highlights the dangers of trucking and the importance of safety.

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Steward J. Guss - an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Rely on Trust Guss for Your Truck Accident Injury Claims

Suffering from a truck accident injury can be overwhelming, but having a knowledgeable advocate can affect the compensation you receive. At Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, we are well-versed in the intricacies of truck accident cases and dedicate ourselves to safeguarding your rights. Our team is committed to gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance providers, and navigating the legal landscape to construct a robust case on your behalf.

You can entrust your case to experienced professionals, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery. Meanwhile, we work hard to pursue the highest compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. Contact us today at (281) 317-0883 or connect with us online to arrange a consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

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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What Are The Common Types Injuries from Collisions with Big Rigs?

Collisions between smaller vehicles and big rigs often result in severe injuries due to the significant weight differential. Common injuries sustained in these accidents include:

Soft Tissue Tears, Sprains, or Strains: These injuries can cause stiffness and limit your range of motion in various parts of your body, and the pain can worsen in the days following the accident, making it difficult to work or complete everyday tasks.
Neck and Back Injuries: Injuries to the neck and back can have a significant impact on your ability to work, exercise, or perform everyday activities, often requiring a long course of physical therapy.
Facial Injuries: Facial fractures can not only alter a person’s appearance but also cause issues with breathing, eating, drinking, seeing, and hearing.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Blows to the head can result in traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions with severe symptoms to more severe injuries with permanent disabilities.
Dislocations/Fractures: Dislocated joints can be excruciating and may require immobilization for a period to heal. Fractures can be extremely painful and may require intensive medical treatment, including surgery and traction, and can lead to chronic problems and permanently weakened bones.
Spinal Cord Injury: These injuries can lead to numbness, muscle weakness, pain, loss of range of motion, and even complete paralysis, and are typically permanent and devastating.
Internal Organ Damage: Truck accident victims may suffer damage to vital organs, requiring emergency trauma care and often immediate surgical repair.
Internal Bleeding: This serious condition can occur without the victim's awareness and may require surgical intervention to release dangerous pressure in the skull cavity.

Understanding the types of injuries that can occur emphasizes the need for legal representation to secure appropriate compensation for victims facing long-term recovery challenges.

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Where Do Truck Accidents Frequently Occur in Houston?

Harris County is home to four major interstate highways that experience heavy traffic from semi-trucks, big rigs, and 18-wheelers traveling through Houston and across the nation. Houston also has several major highways and bypasses that are frequently used by large vehicles, with some routes being particularly prone to 18-wheeler accidents.

Some of the most dangerous roads in Houston for 18-wheeler truck accidents include:

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

Trucking Industry Laws & Liability

Trucking accidents are governed by specific laws and regulations distinct from standard car accidents. Commercial truck drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and trucking companies are responsible for background checks and proper driver training. Failure to ensure adequate training violates their duty of care to other drivers. Additionally, trucking companies must maintain detailed vehicle service logs, while drivers must log their hours of service and rest periods to prevent fatigue.

During accident investigations, attorneys can access critical evidence such as vehicle logs, GPS records, black box data, and cell phone information to support your case.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations

The FMCSA enforces rules for all commercial vehicles on U.S. interstates, including:

Mandatory breaks for drivers
Limits on hours of service
Size and weight restrictions for trucks
Hazardous material transport guidelines
Licensing and registration requirements
Inspection, repair, and maintenance protocols
Accident reporting procedures
Prohibition of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

In Texas, the DPS ensures compliance with FMCSA regulations and state laws. Key responsibilities include:

Enforcing state and local traffic laws, such as preventing speeding and unsafe lane changes
Monitoring intoxicated driving and other criminal violations
Ensuring compliance with size, weight, and service log regulations
Conducting roadside inspections of commercial vehicles for safety standards