From 18-wheelers, big trucks, semi-trucks, or oil field trucks, we all know how devastating truck accidents can be. But then, how do you find a qualified and experienced Houston accident lawyer to protect your rights and get you fair compensation?
It can really get confusing when looking for a good truck accident lawyer in Houston, Texas. There are billboards everywhere, running different commercials that only add more fuel to your confusion. Well, you don’t have to worry, as we have compiled a list of the best Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyers that have a track record of success and have established themselves as champions of justice and compensation. We also discuss the importance of hiring one and guidance on what to look out for before you put to pen any agreement.
Causes of semi-truck crashes in Houston
To limit trucks accidents in the United States, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a wide variety of safety regulations that it enforces on hazardous materials (hazmat) trucks, semi-trucks, tanker trucks, and many other commercially operating vehicles on an interstate basis across the United States.
In addition to the FMCSA rules, the Texas Department of Public Safety has its own Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service laws, which all vehicles going through the Lone Star State are to adhere to keep lives and properties safe.
Unfortunately, the state of Texas has had the most fatal commercial vehicle accidents, more than any State across the United States, for at least 11 straight years. So let’s look at some of the most common causes of truck accidents.
1. Alcohol and Drug Use:
The FMCSA regulations strongly prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol on the job. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, alcohol was the primary cause of almost 1,600 crashes in a single year, injuring over 708 people. Commercial truck accidents are deadlier than other motorists, and so the FMCSA specifies 0.4% as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level limit for truck drivers.
2. Overspeeding:
Overspeeding is another major cause of big truck crashes in Houston. Truck drivers should always be in a timely manner to make delivery but keep steady the speed stipulated by the law.
3. Faulty or defective truck:
Commercial trucks usually cover long distances and, thus, need to be thoroughly checked when they return from a job or are about to embark on one. However, some trucking companies fail to perform these inspections. But then, even when these inspections are done, some issues are ignored or tagged as “minor”. Simply put; a faulty truck is a danger to the driver and other road users.
4. Distractions:
A distracted driver is a potential road disaster. Truck drivers are supposed to be professionals at their jobs. Well, that doesn’t always seem to be the case.
Travel routes can be very long, and it can as well be very boring. In Times like that, truck drivers may be tempted to fiddle with their phones or radio or even grab a snack. These minor distractions can get the driver’s attention off the road for just a second — a second is more than enough for an accident to take place.
Research shows that texting truck drivers are 23 times more prone to cause a road truck crash. The FMCSA has a ban on texting for truck drivers, and fines go as high as $2,750, with the possibility of the driver losing their commercial driver’s license.
5. Poor road conditions:
From missing signage to road work crews, poor design and lack of proper road maintenance can all lead to truck accidents.
6. Poor cargo loading:
The FMCSA has in place securement rules that act as a guide in weight management. A regular car can weigh around 4,000 pounds, while a fully loaded truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. When the FMCSA weight limits and protocols are not adhered to, there’s a huge tendency that the truck may become unbalanced and pose a threat to other road users.
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How Can a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
A Houston truck accident attorney can help in several ways. These include:
1. Investigate the accident:
The first thing your lawyer will do is conduct a thorough investigation. This will help determine who is at fault and gather all relevant evidence to support your claim. This includes interviewing witnesses, analysing the truck's black box, and reviewing police reports.
2. Identify all liable parties:
This is one of the significant reasons to get a truck accident lawyer. In most occasions, when a truck crash occurs, the driver isn’t the only party to be held liable; there is the trucking company, the truck or parts manufacturer, or the company tasked with maintenance and repairs. Your lawyer, who is well-versed in this field, will identify and hold all liable parties accountable.
3. Handle all Insurance claims:
4. File a lawsuit:
When all negotiations with the insurance company fail, your lawyer will file for a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
How Does a Houston Truck Accident Claim Work
When you hire a Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer, your accident claim might go through four stages.
1. Evidence collection:
The first thing that your attorney does is gather as much data about your crash as possible to build a compelling case. This includes interviewing witnesses and reviewing police and medical reports. Did you take photos of the crash site, injuries, or damaged vehicle? These will help you in building a solid case.
2. Treatment:
The next step is the medical aspect. How severe are your injuries? The treatment will reveal the gravity of the injuries you suffered during the crash and how they will affect you in the coming days and years. The more severe your injuries, the higher your compensation will likely be.
3. Negotiations:
4. Litigation:
This simply means taking your case to court. In this phase which happens to be the final, your truck accident lawyer will explain to the court the detail of your case and why you deserve compensation. Mind you; the defendants will hire a trucking accident attorney to challenge your claims. If your lawyer(s) succeeds, you will be awarded the settlement money.
But how do you know which Houston semi-truck accident lawyer to get you the compensation you deserve? What are the things to look out for?
How To Choose The Best Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right Houston semi-truck accident lawyer can be very challenging, especially if you are hiring one for the first time. Here are some tips and factors to help you choose the right truck accident lawyer.
1. Level of experience:
Truck crash cases are complex and do require someone with specialised knowledge and expertise in this field. You can’t get a car accident lawyer in this case, but a lawyer with extensive experience handling truck accident cases. Ensure that they are familiar with federal and state trucking laws and have a good track record of winning client cases.
2. Check their reputation:
The lawyer and their firms' reputation is essential in the legal community. You must look for a lawyer who is well-respected by their peers and has a positive legal reputation. Read their reviews online, ask for referrals from friends and relatives, and their ratings on legal directories to see if they possess the quality you seek.
3. Evaluate their communication skills:
A good 18-wheeler lawyer should communicate fluently. If your lawyer can’t convince you, how do you expect them to convince the judge and jury to give into your demand for compensation? Other than that, communication lines between the two of you should be open, and you should be kept informed throughout the whole legal process.
4. Availability:
Building a strong and compelling case that has to do with truck accidents requires a significant amount of time and effort to build. Search for a lawyer willing to devote his time and resources to your case.
5. Discuss the fees:
It is best you discuss this part before putting to pen any agreement. However, most Houston truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This simply means that you won’t pay the attorney any fee unless the case is won in court. This way, you won’t have to spend money unnecessarily even when the case doesn’t come out in your favour. But then, since the attorney’s pay is based on the trial's outcome, they will do their best to ensure that you win the case.
Top Houston Truck Accident Lawyers:
There are many good big truck wreck lawyers in Houston that can squeeze out some form of compensation from the trucking and insurance company. However, you deserve the best form of payment for the injuries, pains and other damages. And only the best Houston truck accident lawyer can get you that.
In this section, we will explore the top 18-wheeler accident lawyers who have established a reputation for their expertise, dedication, and success in advocating for accident victims.
1. Baumgartner Law Firm:
Baumgartner Law Firm has a 38-year track record of success in truck accident litigation. Led by Greg Baumgartner, an attorney who is a graduate of Trial Lawyers College and holds two law degree, Greg is undefeated in truck accident cases.
The law firm has been recognized for excellence in truck accident cases and is a solid choice for families who have lost a loved one in a trucking accident.
2. The Stephen Law Firm:
Led by Jason Stephens, a highly respected attorney with over 22 years of experience, The Stephens Law Firm is one of Houston's most highly respected law firms. They are also known for their unwavering commitment to justice and are among the top 18-wheeler attorneys in Houston.
The Stephens Law Firm has a track record of securing reasonable truck accident settlements and verdicts. They have successfully represented several clients in truck-related accident cases and pride themselves as one of the best firms that ensure clients' rights are protected, and they receive fair compensation.
3. Arnold & Itkin LLP:
Arnold & Itkin LLP is a heavyweight regarding truck accident litigation. When looking for the best Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer, you can’t count three law firms without mentioning Arnold & Itkin LLP. Not only is the firm well-known in Houston, but it has also gained national recognition for its exceptional commitment to advocating for victims involved in truck accidents.
Founded by Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin, the firm’s attorneys are known for their meticulous preparation, aggressive representation, and unwavering dedication to securing the maximum compensation for their clients. The firm strongly focuses on personal injury and wrongful death cases involving truck accidents and has achieved incredible results, including several multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts.
4. Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law:
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has over 30 years of vast experience in truck accident litigation. Over those years, the law firm has represented several truck accident clients in Houston, which has earned them a solid reputation for their legal expertise and client satisfaction.
Led by Terry Bryant, a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer, the law firm ensures every client's unique needs are met by taking a personalised approach to every case they handle. Because of their approach to things, they have achieved significant settlements and verdicts on their client's behalf. So if you want to seek justice for any truck accident victim, Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has one of Houston's best 18-wheeler accident lawyers.
5. Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz:
Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz has an excellent track record of serving truck accident victims in Houston. Their attorneys are experts in truck accident laws. They are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to ensure that truck accident victim receive the recompensation they deserve to help rebuild their lives.
Past truck accident cases show Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz’s successful outcomes. So if you are looking for an 18-wheeler accident law firm that is dedicated to obtaining justice for their client, this should make your list.
6. The Amaro Law Firm:
The Amaro Law Firm is among the few firms that have gained recognition as one of Houston’s leading personal injury firms. Specialising in truck accident cases, the firm has a strong reputation for its client-centred approach and excellent advocacy skills.
Led by Rob Amaro, a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer, their team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to pursuing the maximum compensation for their clients.
Conclusion:
When choosing an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Houston, Texas, the importance of skilled legal representation cannot be overstated. The aforementioned law firms in this article have shown their expertise and success in advocating for victims of 18-wheeler accidents. If you or your loved one find themselves in an unfortunate event involving a truck accident in Houston, please contact any of those law firms.