Crashes involving 18-wheelers and commercial trucks are among the most devastating accidents on Texas roads. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — roughly 20 times the weight of the average passenger car. That size disparity means even a moderate-speed impact can cause permanently disabling injuries or death. Our Houston truck accident lawyers have fought for victims of these crashes for over 30 years. Here is what makes these cases uniquely complex — and how we win them.
Multiple Parties May Share Liability
Unlike a standard car accident, 18-wheeler crashes can involve numerous potentially responsible parties:
- The truck driver (negligent operation, fatigue, distraction)
- The trucking company (negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate hours-of-service rules)
- The cargo loading company (unsecured or overloaded freight)
- The truck’s owner, if different from the carrier
- The truck or parts manufacturer (defective brakes, tires, or steering)
- A maintenance company responsible for vehicle upkeep
Federal Regulations Are Central to These Cases
Commercial truckers and carriers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations governing hours of service, weight limits, driver qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle maintenance. Violations of these federal rules are powerful evidence of negligence. Review our frequently asked questions about truck accident cases to learn more about what these violations mean for your claim.
Evidence Must Be Preserved Fast
Trucking companies deploy rapid response teams to accident scenes — often before victims have left the hospital. Time-sensitive evidence that can disappear quickly includes:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data recording driver hours
- Event Data Recorder (black box) data showing speed, braking, and steering inputs
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Driver logs, pre-trip inspection reports, and dispatch records
- Drug and alcohol test results
When you hire Maida Law Firm, we send a legal spoliation letter immediately to prevent this evidence from being altered or destroyed.
When Truck Accidents Turn Fatal
Given the forces involved, truck accidents are disproportionately deadly. If you lost a loved one in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, our fatal car accident attorneys handle these cases with the care and aggression they demand — pursuing every responsible party and every source of compensation available to your family.
Common Causes of Texas Truck Accidents
- Driver fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits
- Distracted driving — phone use, GPS, or dispatch devices
- Improper cargo loading or overweight loads
- Brake failure or mechanical defects from poor maintenance
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Speeding or following too closely in traffic
- Wide-turn squeeze accidents or blind spot collisions
You Need Specialized Representation
Trucking companies carry large insurance policies and equally large legal teams. According to truck accident statistics in Texas, these crashes produce some of the highest severity injuries and damages of any accident type. Going up against a carrier without experienced representation puts you at a serious disadvantage. Call us today for a free consultation — we act fast so evidence is preserved and your rights are protected from day one.