According to TxDOT’s 2024 crash data, Texas recorded over 30,000 large truck crashes statewide in 2024. Commercial vehicle accidents resulted in thousands of fatalities and serious injuries, making Texas one of the most dangerous states for truck crashes in the nation.
When involved in a truck accident with an 18-wheeler, you may have to pursue a claim, whether by yourself or with a top rated West Houston 18 wheeler injury attorney. Either way, there are several things to keep in mind when seeking a truck crash lawsuit.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Seek medical treatment immediately after a truck accident and document all your exams and ongoing care. Trucking companies will try to settle for less, so documentation is crucial for your claim.
- Representing yourself in a truck accident lawsuit is difficult, as you must follow strict legal procedures and submit the proper documents to avoid case dismissal.
- Victims with attorneys are more likely to win and secure more compensation than those who go it alone. Even after attorney fees, you’ll end up with more money than if you didn’t have legal representation.
- Many attorneys offer no-fee arrangements, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. This reduces your financial risk and gives you the expert legal help you need.
How Long Do 18-Wheeler Lawsuits Take in Texas?
Unlike a typical fender-bender, an 18-wheeler lawsuit is a high-stakes legal battle. Most cases take between 1 to 2 years to resolve, though catastrophic cases involving multiple victims or disputed tech data can last 3 years or more if they proceed to a jury trial.
Factors that influence your specific timeline include:
- Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): We cannot finalize your claim until we know the full extent of your future medical needs.
- The Discovery Process: We must sift through thousands of pages of “driver qualification files,” digital logs, and maintenance records.
- Defense Tactics: Trucking companies have “Rapid Response Teams” and aggressive lawyers who use every procedural tool to delay or minimize their payout.
- The Trial Docket: Court schedules in Houston and Harris County are often backlogged, which can impact how quickly a trial date is set.
Trucking companies often have teams of attorneys working to minimize their liability. Having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side can help move your case forward while protecting your right to full compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Multiple Defendant 18-Wheeler Case?
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a specialist like Joe Stephens is our ability to identify every source of insurance coverage. In a major crash, liability is rarely limited to the driver alone.
We investigate the following potential defendants:
- The Truck Driver: For “Hours of Service” (fatigue) violations, distracted driving, or reckless maneuvering.
- The Trucking Company (Carrier): Under the doctrine of Respondeat Superior, the company is responsible for its driver. We also look for “Negligent Hiring” if the driver had a history of crashes.
- The Cargo Loader: If the freight was improperly balanced, causing a rollover or a jackknife.
- Maintenance Contractors: If a third-party shop failed to identify worn brake pads or steering defects during an inspection.
- The Manufacturer: If a tire blowout was caused by a manufacturing defect or the “Automatic Emergency Braking” failed to engage.
- Brokers and Shippers: In specific cases, the entity that hired the trucking company may be liable if they knowingly used an unsafe “bottom-tier” carrier.
Joe Stephens investigates every potential source of liability to maximize your recovery. Contact The Stephens Law Firm for a free consultation.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Truck Wreck
When you’re involved in a commercial truck accident, the experience can be harmful physically and emotionally. The first thing you have to do is seek medical treatment and assistance.
Make sure to document any medical exams and ongoing treatment. It will come in handy after a truck wreck when you need to file a claim with the insurance company. Since insurance companies operate to make money for shareholders, they don’t always have your best interests in mind.
Commercial truck insurance companies will pay victims as little as possible. With this in mind, you should be fully prepared to take on the insurance company. You’ll need to prepare evidence and contact witnesses. It is the only way to get the fair settlement you deserve.
Acting as Your Own Attorney May Be Challenging
When it comes to litigation and personal injury law, there are many complexities. For example, if the collision resulted in a truck accident fatality, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Situations of bodily harm could result in a personal injury lawsuit. The factors that determine liability will indicate the type of case you can file.
The complexity is crucial if you intend to represent yourself. You will still need to submit legal documents and follow court procedures the same way an experienced attorney would.
The court system will not cut you slack for being a beginner. Failing to comply with court rules and other statutes can result in sanctions. Even worse, the judge could dismiss your case. As such, it’s often better to hire the best automobile wreck lawyers in West Houston.
From fatigued drivers to poorly maintained rigs, we know what causes these crashes—and how to hold the right people accountable. Joe Stephens can help you fight for your recovery.
Avoid Attorney Fees for Your Truck Accident Case
Understandably, you might want to represent yourself to avoid paying attorney fees. You may have thought lawyer fees would significantly reduce the compensation you receive on your case. However, this is seldom the case.
Victims that hire an attorney for their big rig lawsuits are more likely to win the case and end up with more money than someone without a lawyer. Even with attorney fees factored in, you will still receive more compensation than representing yourself, especially if you have lost someone, you will need to get in touch with an accidental death attorney in West Houston.
Many lawyers offer arrangements where you pay no fees unless they win your case. This way, you will have a much lower risk of losing money in your case.
Best West Houston 18 Wheeler Wreck Attorney
Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in West Houston
It can be challenging to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and present your case in court. We understand, and we don’t want you to leave your case to chance. At the Stephens Law Firm, we can reconstruct your case to get your compensation after a truck wreck. We won’t collect any legal fees until we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been in a big truck accident, call Joe Stephens today!
