Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Information
Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on Houston roads and highways. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler accidents and big rig collisions in the United States each year with a substantial number of 18-wheeler truck accidents occurring in Houston, Texas, every day. Due to the high population and highly congested traffic throughout Houston’s sprawling metropolis, the city of Houston unfortunately has its fair share of big rig truck accidents. In 2009, the U.S. Census estimated Houston’s population to be at 2.3 million people within an area of 579 square miles. With Houston being the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest city in the State of Texas, 18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on Houston highways are inevitable.
Houston’s freeway system, which is made up of 739.3 miles of freeways and expressways in a ten-county metropolitan area, uses a hub-and-spoke freeway structure serviced by multiple loops. The innermost loop is Interstate 610, which encircles Houston’s downtown, the medical center, and many core neighborhoods with about a 10-mile diameter. The automobile is still the most common form of transportation in Houston, with approximately 71.7% of its residents driving to work alone each day.
Houston Semi Truck Accident Attorney
Due to the sheer weight difference of a car versus the weight of an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer, accidents that involve commercial vehicles often times result in severe injuries or even death. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, one can easily see how much more dangerous commercial vehicles like an 18 wheeler can be. That is why if you are injured by a semi truck or commercial vehicle in Houston, it is important that you choose an experienced Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows the truck regulations and laws both nationally and for the State of Texas.
Commercial vehicles go by different names such as:
- Stake Trucks
- 18 Wheeler
- Tractor Trailer
- Straight Truck
- Dump Trucks
Houston truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on Houston streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Houston happen along the major Houston highways, which include the I-10, I-45, I-610, SH 99, and I-69.
Types of Trucks
The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:
- Bob-Tail Trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Refrigerated trucks
- Flat bed trucks
- Logging trucks
Buses are also considered commercial vehicles as well, but as a rule do not haul cargo. Instead a bus is a transportation vehicle that carries children or adults such as a school bus or commercial bus like Greyhound. School bus accidents or commercial bus accidents are common on Houston roads and freeways. The causes may vary, but often times the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions or driver negligence.
It is essential to hire a Houston bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:
- Houston city buses;
- transportation buses such as Greyhound;
- shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as George Bush Intercontinental Airport or Hobby Airport; and/or,
- casino bus accidents that occur running back and forth from Lake Charles.
The ways Houston truck accidents happen occur are too numerous to list. Blind spots, rear-ends, sideswipes, head-ons, load overturns, jack-knifes are all possible and can result in fatal wrongful death truck accidents.
If you live in Houston and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in one of these courts:
Harris County 269th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6370
Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2
(713) 755-6796
The Harris County Civil Courthouse is located at:
201 Caroline Street, Floors 8 through 14, Houston, TX 77002
Semi Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Houston and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.
Houston 18-wheeler accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Types of Trucks
What is Board Certified in Civil Trial or Personal Injury Trial Law & What are the Requirements?
In the State of Texas there are over 70,000 lawyers and in the city of Houston there are over 14,000 lawyers. Of course, not all lawyers practice personal injury trial work.
Some states offer Board Certification programs and others do not. The State of Texas does have a Board Certification process. This is managed by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and one of the areas of practice is called "Personal Injury Trial law." This specialty started in 1978.
According to the TBLS, the specialty of Personal Injury Trial Law is defined as: "litigation based on an individual's injury from automobile accidents, professional malpractice, defective products or negligence by another."
The TBLS requirements to become Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law are:
TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
STANDARDS FOR ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION
PART II
SPECIFIC AREA REQUIREMENTS
SECTION VI
PERSONAL INJURY TRIAL LAW
A. DEFINITION. Personal injury trial law is the practice of law dealing with litigation of claims involving trauma or disability, physical or mental, to a person. It includes, by way of definition, and not limitation, litigation involving personal injury aspects of:
- automobile and other vehicular accident reparations;
- governmental claims;
- professional malpractice claims;
- products liability claims;
- statutory claims;
- insurance contract claims; or
- any negligent or intentional tort claims.
B. SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT. Applicant must show substantial involvement and special competence in Texas personal injury trial law practice by providing such information as may be required by TBLS.
1. Certification.
a. Percentage of Practice Requirement. Applicant must have devoted a minimum of 25% of his or her time practicing personal injury trial law in Texas during each year of the 3 years immediately preceding application as defined in Section VI, A of the Specific Area Requirements for Personal Injury Trial Law.
b. Task Requirements. Applicant must provide information as required by TBLS concerning specific tasks he or she has performed in Texas personal injury trial law. In evaluating experience, TBLS may take into consideration the nature, complexity, and duration of the tasks handled by applicant.
(1) Applicant must have tried during his or her entire practice, as lead counsel, at least 10 contested civil cases which were submitted to the trier of fact in a court of record in Texas. Five of the required 10 cases must have been personal injury jury trials.
2. Recertification. Applicant must have devoted a minimum of 25% of his or her time practicing personal injury trial law in Texas during each year of the 5 year period of certification as defined in Section VI, A of the Specific Area Requirements for Personal Injury Trial Law except as provided for in Part I–General Requirements, Section VI, C,1(b).
C. REFERENCE REQUIREMENTS. Applicant must submit a minimum of 5 names and addresses of persons to be contacted as references to attest to his or her competence in personal injury trial law. These persons must be substantially involved in personal injury trial law, and be familiar with applicant’s personal injury trial law practice.
1. Certification. Applicant must submit names of persons with whom he or she has had dealings involving personal injury trial law matters within the 3 years immediately preceding application.
2. Recertification. Applicant must submit names of persons with whom he or she has had dealings involving personal injury trial law matters since certification or the most recent recertification.
3. Reference Types. Applicant must submit the following types of references:
a. Four Texas attorneys who are substantially involved in personal injury trial law. Applicant must have tried a personal injury trial law matter with or against one of these attorneys.
b. One judge of any court of record in Texas whom applicant has appeared before as an advocate in a personal injury trial law matter.
Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyers serve clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.
Hiring a Houston Straight Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in Houston, Texas, it is recommended that you hire a qualified Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and Texas state laws regarding trucking regulations. Houston, located in Harris County, is the largest city in Texas with extensive roadways and congested freeways due to its high population. Therefore, it is not uncommon for truck collisions, wrecks, crashes and injuries to occur due to the high amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Southeast Texas truck accident, contact a qualified Houston semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.
Houston & Texas Professional Associations
In addition to selecting a qualified Houston accident & injury lawyer that regularly handles Houston big rig truck accident cases, you should also check out the attorney’s credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Houston Bar Association, or the Texas Trial Lawyers Association? All lawyers that practice Houston truck accident litigation must be active members of the State Bar of Texas. They may also join other professional organizations, such as:
- Houston Trial Lawyers Association
- Houston Bar Association
- Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association of Justice
The Houston Bar Association (HBA) is a nonprofit professional association of lawyers with nearly 12,000 members. It is the fifth largest bar association in the nation. The Houston Bar Association provides educational and professional development services for both the legal profession and the Houston community.
Big Rig Accidents Can Be Devastating
When a negligent truck driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their semi tractor-trailer, any driver traveling near them is at risk for serious injury or death. The consequences of an 18-wheeler truck a crash along a Houston intersection, avenue, or freeway can be devastating, often resulting in very serious injuries that can even lead to death. The sheer force of a speeding 18-wheeler truck is a dangerous weapon that can forever change your life. Under the law if you are involved in such a wreck or an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Houston, TX or Harris County, it is in your best interest to contact a Houston big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.
Houston Flat Bed Truck Accident Attorneys File in Harris County, TX
When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is subsequently filed, the decision of where to file it is called “choice of venue.” The venue chosen can have legal consequences that affect the outcome of your case. Generally, venue in a truck accident case is proper in any of the following locations:
- the county wherein the accident occurred;
- the county wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
- the county wherein the defendant truck driver resides.
Even though your accident may have occurred in Houston, the truck company and truck driver will often be from a different state. This is because trucking companies frequently operate in states other than where they are registered. In these cases, the venue where the lawsuit may be filed could be the state where the truck accident occurred, the state where the trucking company is located, or even the state where the trucking company regularly does business, if different. For example, the accident may have occurred in Houston, Texas, therefore making venue proper in Harris County, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced Houston tractor trailer lawyer to decide what the best venue would be in a case like this that crosses state lines.
Some of the courts in the Houston, Harris County, Texas, areas include:
Harris County 334th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6500
Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4
(713) 368-6680
The Harris County Civil Courthouse is located at:
201 Caroline Street, Floors 8 through 14, Houston, TX 77002
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Houston and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.
Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck collision. Contact a big rig accident lawyer today to ensure you receive expert representation from an attorney who knows how to handle your case.
Types of Trucks on Houston Highways
There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around Houston, Texas. Trucking companies in Houston offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some Houston trucking companies deal with courier and small package delivery as well. Some companies offer bicycle couriers for downtown Metro areas and will also use an assortment of vehicles ranging from cars, vans and pick-up trucks to large tractor-trailers and bobtail trucks.
Types of Trucks Used By Houston Trucking Companies:
- 18 Wheeler
- Semi Truck
- Tractor Trailer
- Big Rig
- Semi Trailer
- Box Truck
- Straight Truck
- Flatbed Truck
- Stake Truck
- Bobtail Truck
Be sure to insist on the highest levels of safety by selecting a reputable Houston trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.
When to Hire a Houston Semi Truck Accident Lawyer
In many cases, Houston 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways a Houston tractor trailer injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious box truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need a Houston truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Houston truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Houston tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.
Houston Trucking Companies
Following is a list of trucking companies based in Houston, Texas. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.
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Amerimex-Land Transportation
Amex Transport
Bee-Line Delivery Service, Inc.
C. McNeil Hot Shot Transport
Canal Cartage Company
Dream Weaver, Limited
Dynamo Express
East End Transfer & Storage
Empire Truck Lines
Excargo Services
Flex Trucking Co., LLC
Gulf Coast Delivery Service
Gulf Winds International, Inc.
JA Harris Trucking, Inc.
Jetco Delivery
Keytran Couriers & Transporters
Logistics Group International |
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Marko Express
Mission Petroleum Carriers, Inc.
Momentum Freight
Nationwide Movers
Patriot Transportation, Inc.
Roadrunner Moving & Storage, Inc.
Rowland Trucking Co.
Safeway Trucking
San Isidro Xpress, Inc.
Satellite Logistics
Southwest Freight, Inc.
Torch Transport
Transport Specialists, Inc.
Tri Star Freight System, Inc.
Unicorn Express, LLC
Venture Transport Logistics, LLC |
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Some companies deal with the transport of import and export containers through the Port of Houston, which is located nearby. |
Stake Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Houston and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.
Houston truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Houston truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Houston Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyers Represent Injured Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of Houston such as the I-10, I-45 or I-610, can become injured when a major commercial vehicle collision occurs. Truckers often say, “Ride with me for just one day and you will see what it is like ‘out there’…it’s not always the trucker’s fault…”
It is not uncommon to see a big rig wreck, semi crash or major accident involving semi truck drivers in Houston, TX. Houston's freeway system, which is made up of 739.3 miles of freeways and expressways in a ten-county metropolitan area, uses a hub-and-spoke freeway structure which is serviced by multiple loops. The danger of an 18-wheeler truck accident is not just confined to injured people in automobiles, but can end up injuring the truck driver affecting their livelihood and family's livelihood as well as the automobile driver. So, when a Houston 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is contacted, be it by an automobile driver who has been injured or a truck driver that has been injured at the dangerous hands of another, you will need an expert Houston truck injury lawyer to fight for your rights.
The Box Truck Driver is Not Always at Fault
When an 18-wheeler is moving down a Houston road or highway, such as the I-10, I-45, I-610, SH 99, Hwy 59, Beltway 8, Hardy Toll Road, or I-69 at high speeds, it is nearly unstoppable and can easily turn a motorist's everyday commute into a lethal situation. Although a passenger car is lightweight, in comparison, and can easily maneuver in and out of lanes on Houston highways, it is no match for a big rig truck. If the two vehicles are unable to avoid a collision, wreck or crash, the driver of the passenger car will be lucky to escape with their life.
A driver of a passenger vehicle could easily be killed as a result of veering out of his lane and then smashing into a tractor trailer truck let's say on the U.S. 59 Southwest Freeway which is just under the beltway in Houston. If the trucker tried to avoid hitting the passenger car but was unable to avoid the wreck or crash, then this would be a case where the accident was caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle and therefore the trucker would not be at fault.
Truck Driver Facts
- Two of your fellow truck drivers die each day in accidents
- 33,000 people driving large trucks are injured each year
- 6.3% of U.S truck drivers are injured each year.
Injured Truckers Need Legal Representation
A qualified Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney should offer a free case review. If they decide to take on your legal matter, they should not require an up-front fee. Truckers with a trucking injury claim are generally taken on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your Houston truck accident attorney is only paid if you receive compensation for your injuries.
Injured Truckers Need to Know Their Rights
As a trucker, you have rights you need to be aware of. It is not uncommon for aggressive insurance companies to contact you shortly after the accident in an effort to try to get you to settle quickly and convince you that you want the matter to go away. In many cases, injuries are not so quick to heal. Many times the injuries can be permanent, long-lasting, and career-threatening. That is why you need a competent Houston truck accident lawyer that is not only prepared to mediate a resolution, but also prepared to take your case to court.
When Negligence Changes a Trucker's Life
Qualified Houston truck accident lawyers know exactly how to provide nationwide representation for truckers injured in trucking accidents caused by a variety of negligent acts and mechanical malfunctions, including:
- Rear-end, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
- Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
- Driver Fatigue
- Unsecured Loads
- Aggressive Driving
- DWI/Drug Use
- Lack of Reflectors and Poor Visibility
Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a semi truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about trucking laws or to schedule an appointment with an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer, contact a truck injury attorney today.
When an 18 Wheeler accident occurs, your Houston truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In Houston, Texas, one of the most well known schools is Houston Community College 555 Community College Dr., Houston, TX 77013, although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.
Resources for Truck Drivers |
Trucking Schools (earn your CDL):
Class A C-D-L Services
CDL Express
North Harris College |
Occupational Health Care Facilities
1st Accurate Home Healthcare Corporation
Prestige Care Health Services, Inc.
Niche Home Health Services, Inc. |
Companies that provide towing services for big rigs: |
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All American Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery
Humble Towing
AR&W Truck & Trailer Repair |
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Hidden Valley Wrecker Service
Apple Towing
Alca Towing |
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Contact a Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for a free initial consultation. |
Truck Accident Attorneys for Injured Truckers Serve Houston and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.
Houston truck accident attorneys for injured truckers are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.