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Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
Protecting the Rights of Truck Crash Victims Across Texas
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. The Houston truck accident lawyers at Joel A. Gordon & Associates are here to help you put your life back together. With decades of experience fighting for injured Texans, our team blends professionalism with genuine compassion – we understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress that a sudden truck crash can inflict on victims and their families. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on healing, while we pursue the compensation for truck accident victims that you deserve.
Houston Truck Accident Lawyer | Joel A Gordon and Associates
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can legally weigh up to 80,000 lbs (40 tons), significantly outweighing a standard car. This size disparity means collisions with big rigs often unleash tremendous force, leading to devastating damage and injuries. Commercial truck accidents are far more likely to cause catastrophic harm than ordinary car crashes. Texas consistently leads the nation in large truck crashes – with over 20,000 truck accidents a year statewide – and hundreds of people lose their lives in these crashes annually. The sheer severity of 18-wheeler and semi-truck wrecks, combined with the complex web of state and federal trucking regulations, makes pursuing a big rig crash claim very challenging for victims. Our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers have the specialized knowledge to navigate these complexities. We fight to protect the rights of truck crash victims across Texas, holding negligent truck drivers and companies accountable and helping families rebuild after tragedy.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Houston and across Texas happen for many reasons, often involving a mix of human error and regulatory failures. Understanding the common causes of 18-wheeler and commercial truck crashes can shed light on who may be at fault and what went wrong. Some of the top causes of devastating truck accidents include:
Driver Fatigue
Fatigued driving is a leading cause of commercial truck wrecks. Long-haul truckers often drive grueling hours to meet tight delivery deadlines, sometimes in violation of federal Hours of Service rules. Spending too many hours on the road without rest can lead to drowsiness or even falling asleep at the wheel. In fact, an FMCSA study found that 13% of truck crashes involve fatigued drivers. A tired truck driver can have slowed reaction times or may drift between lanes, causing horrific crashes. Fatigue-related accidents are exactly why there are strict regulations on driving hours – unfortunately, not all drivers or their companies follow these rules.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed dramatically increases the danger of any collision, and this is especially true for big rigs. Large trucks require a much longer distance to slow down or stop. When an 18-wheeler is barreling down I-45 or I-10 above the speed limit, the driver may not be able to brake in time to avoid a crash. Speeding, tailgating smaller vehicles, making aggressive lane changes, or other reckless driving behaviors by truckers can easily result in a deadly accident. A heavy semi-truck traveling at high speed generates enormous force on impact, so crashes caused by speeding often lead to especially severe injuries.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Strict weight limits and loading protocols exist for commercial trucks for good reason. An overloaded truck or one with improperly secured cargo is a recipe for disaster. When trucking companies or shippers load a trailer beyond legal weight limits, it puts tremendous strain on the truck’s brakes and tires. Overloading can cause tire blowouts or brake failures, and it raises the risk of rollover accidents due to a higher center of gravity. Likewise, cargo that isn’t secured or balanced correctly inside a trailer can shift in transit – leading to the truck jackknifing or the driver losing control. These dangers are preventable by following regulations, but sadly, some companies cut corners, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Brake Failure and Mechanical Problems
Mechanical failures on big trucks are another major factor in many crashes. Commercial trucks log tens of thousands of miles and require rigorous maintenance. If critical systems like brakes, steering, or tires fail at the wrong moment, the results can be catastrophic. Defective or poorly maintained brakes are particularly dangerous – studies have found that about 29% of large truck crashes involve brake issues or failures. For example, worn brake pads or improperly adjusted brakes can prevent a fully-loaded semi from stopping in time to avoid a collision. Other mechanical problems that often lead to accidents include engine or transmission failures, coupling device malfunctions, and lighting or signal defects. Trucking companies and maintenance crews are required to inspect and repair their fleets regularly. When they neglect proper maintenance or use faulty parts, they put lives in jeopardy.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving isn’t just a problem for car drivers – truck operators can also fall prey to distractions, with even more dire consequences due to their vehicle’s massive size. A momentary lapse in attention by an 18-wheeler driver can cause a disaster. Common distractions include texting or looking at a dispatch device, talking on a cellphone or CB radio, eating or drinking, adjusting a GPS, or even just daydreaming on a long drive. Any activity that takes a truck driver’s eyes off the road or hands off the wheel is extremely risky. Given the weight and momentum of a semi-truck, distracted driving can easily lead to a violent multi-vehicle wreck. Professional drivers are held to high standards, but when those standards are ignored, innocent people can pay the price.
FMCSA Regulation Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict regulations on commercial trucking for safety – covering everything from driver hours and rest breaks to truck maintenance, cargo weight, and driver qualifications. These rules exist to protect the public. Unfortunately, some trucking companies and drivers violate regulations in pursuit of profit or convenience, and those violations often contribute to accidents. Examples include drivers exceeding the allowed hours on duty (leading to fatigue), skipping mandatory vehicle inspections, overloading trailers beyond weight limits, or hiring unqualified drivers without proper commercial licenses. Violating FMCSA safety standards is not only illegal but also strong evidence of negligence if a violation causes a crash. Our Houston truck accident lawyers know how to investigate trucking regulation breaches. When a trucker or company cuts corners and an accident happens as a result, we work to hold them accountable for those safety failures.
Client Testimonial: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. Joel Gordon was never hard to reach and always had an answer to any question. He did a good job at keeping you updated with anything that went on. He goes out of his way to make sure his client is satisfied. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who has been in an accident.
– Kimberly Colindres
Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Collisions
Because of the enormous size and force of large trucks, crashes often result in life-altering injuries or even fatalities for those in smaller vehicles. In fact, the vast majority of people killed in big truck crashes are occupants of passenger vehicles, not the truck drivers. Victims who survive a collision with an 18-wheeler may suffer catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and have permanent effects on their quality of life. Some of the most serious truck accident injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The impact of a tractor-trailer crash can cause severe head injuries. Victims might experience concussions, brain contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries. A traumatic brain injury can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood changes, and other life-changing effects that often require ongoing therapy or care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A high-speed truck collision can crush or sever the spinal cord, resulting in partial or total paralysis. Victims may suffer paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs), depending on where the spine is injured. Spinal cord damage is irreversible, and patients face a lifetime of medical needs, assistive devices, and adjusted living accommodations.
Amputations
The violent forces in a truck wreck can cause traumatic amputation of limbs, or injuries so severe that a surgical amputation is necessary later. Losing an arm, leg, or other limb is physically and emotionally devastating. Amputation victims must adjust to prosthetics and a new way of life, and they often cannot return to the same work or activities as before.
Severe Burns
If a tanker or tractor-trailer is carrying flammable cargo (like fuel or chemicals), a crash can lead to explosions or fires. Occupants of vehicles involved may suffer severe burns. Third-degree burns can cause nerve damage, disfigurement, and dangerous infections. Burn survivors typically endure multiple surgeries such as skin grafts, along with significant pain and scarring.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many truck accidents in Texas are fatal. Families who lose a loved one in a truck collision face unspeakable grief, as well as financial hardships from medical bills and lost income. While no amount of money can replace a life, a wrongful death claim can provide justice and compensation to help a family secure their future after such a preventable loss.
When catastrophic injuries occur, the stakes are incredibly high. You deserve an attorney who understands how to document the full extent of your losses – from emergency care and hospital bills to rehabilitation, lost earnings, and the pain and suffering you have endured. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we have helped many seriously injured clients and families after devastating 18-wheeler accidents. We know that these cases are about more than money; they’re about making sure you have the resources to rebuild your life.
Give our team a call today at 877-213-5004
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a commercial truck accident is often more complex than in a typical car crash. There may be multiple at-fault parties. Our job as your Houston truck accident lawyers is to investigate every angle of the crash and identify who can be held liable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility for a truck accident could lie with one or more of the following:
The Truck Driver
In many cases, the truck driver’s negligence is a primary cause of the accident. A trucker can be held liable if they were driving unsafely – for example, speeding or driving recklessly, driving longer than legally allowed (fatigued driving), getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, or driving while distracted by a phone or GPS. Truck drivers are professional operators with a special duty to drive safely. If a driver’s careless or unlawful actions (such as running a red light or failing to check blind spots) led to your crash, they can be held accountable for the damages.
The Trucking Company (Employer)
Trucking companies may be liable both directly and indirectly for accidents involving their trucks. Employers are responsible for the actions of their employees (this is called vicarious liability), so the company that hired the truck driver can often be sued when the driver is at fault. In addition, a trucking company can be directly negligent. Some companies encourage or pressure drivers to ignore safety regulations – for instance, pushing them to exceed Hours-of-Service limits or meet unrealistic schedules. A company might also cut corners in hiring and training (for example, employing unqualified drivers or failing to properly train them). If a trucking company failed to maintain the truck or deliberately violated safety laws (like weight limits or required rest breaks), those are negligent acts on the company’s part. In short, if the company’s policies or lack of oversight contributed to the crash, the company can be held liable along with the driver.
Maintenance Providers
Some trucking firms outsource maintenance to third-party mechanics or service companies. If a maintenance provider did a shoddy job and the truck’s equipment failed as a result, that company could share liability. For example, if a mechanic overlooked dangerously worn brake pads or failed to fix a known steering issue, and that failure led to an accident, the maintenance contractor can be held responsible. Proper truck maintenance is critical for safety – when repairs are neglected or done improperly, multiple parties (the truck owner and the maintenance crew) may be on the legal hook for any resulting crash.
Parts Manufacturers
Occasionally, a truck accident is caused not by driver error or poor upkeep, but by a defective part on the vehicle. Faulty truck components – such as defective brakes, tires, or couplings – can trigger a loss of control. In these cases, the truck or parts manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. For instance, if an 18-wheeler’s brakes had a design flaw or manufacturing defect that caused them to fail at a critical moment, the brake manufacturer (and other companies in the distribution chain) could be held legally responsible for the accident. Our legal team will evaluate whether any vehicle defects played a role in your crash and pursue claims against the manufacturer if appropriate.
Determining fault in a trucking accident often requires extensive investigation. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we work diligently to preserve evidence and get to the truth. We will obtain driver logbooks, the truck’s “black box” data recorder, maintenance logs, employment records, and more to build a clear picture of how the accident happened and who was responsible.
Reasons to choose us
How Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Pursuing a claim after a serious truck accident is a complex undertaking – but you don’t have to fight that battle by yourself. Our Houston truck accident lawyers know what it takes to hold trucking companies accountable and win results for our clients. Here’s how Joel A. Gordon & Associates can help if you decide to hire our team.
Importantly, you pay nothing upfront to hire us. Joel A. Gordon & Associates works on a contingency fee basis for truck accident cases – that means we only collect a fee if and when we recover money for you. There are no legal fees unless you are compensated for your claim. This arrangement allows you to get high-quality legal representation immediately, without worrying about costs. It also means our interests are aligned with yours – we have every incentive to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Throughout the process, we strive to provide compassionate, personalized service. From day one, you’ll speak directly with caring attorneys (not just assistants) who truly understand what you’re going through and are committed to helping you. We know that dealing with a serious injury or the loss of a loved one is incredibly challenging – our mission is to alleviate as much of your burden as possible and guide you through the legal maze to a brighter future.
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We will launch an in-depth investigation into your truck crash. Our Houston truck accident lawyers and professional investigators gather crucial evidence that others might overlook. This includes obtaining the police accident report, interviewing witnesses, and visiting the crash site to photograph or video the scene. We dig into the trucking company’s records – securing the driver’s logs, the truck’s black box data (which can reveal speed, braking, and hours of service), maintenance and inspection reports, cargo records, and more. By piecing together all of this information, we identify exactly what happened and who was at fault. Trucking companies and their insurers often send their own teams out immediately to control evidence; you need a legal team on your side doing the same to protect your interests.
One of the challenges in truck accident cases is that multiple parties may share blame. Our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers will analyze every potential avenue of liability. We determine if the truck driver was negligent, and also consider the role of the employer, maintenance contractors, the loading company, or manufacturers of any defective parts. By finding all possible defendants – and their insurance policies – we help ensure that you can recover the maximum compensation available. We will also examine whether any FMCSA violations or safety law breaches occurred, since violations can strengthen your case for negligence. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned in holding the correct parties accountable.
After a truck wreck, you’ll likely be up against powerful insurance companies and corporate legal teams representing the trucking firm. Their adjusters might pressure you to settle quickly or deny liability altogether. We take over all communication and negotiation with the insurers so you don’t have to. Our Houston truck accident lawyers are skilled at dealing with trucking insurers – we know the tactics they use and how to counter them. We will handle the paperwork, phone calls, and legal filings, preventing the insurer from taking advantage of you. If they try to blame you for the accident or downplay your injuries, we push back with solid evidence and legal arguments. Having a lawyer levels the playing field when facing big insurance companies.
While many accident claims settle out of court, we prepare every truck accident case as if it will go to trial. If the insurance company will not offer a fair settlement voluntarily, we are fully prepared to file a semi-truck injury lawsuit on your behalf and present a strong case to a Texas jury. Our trial attorneys have extensive experience litigating complex accident cases. We will handle all aspects of the lawsuit – drafting pleadings, conducting depositions of the truck driver and company management, hiring expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists, and representing you zealously in court. Trucking companies have aggressive lawyers; you need an advocate who will fight just as hard for your rights. We don’t back down because we know your future is on the line.
A serious truck accident can leave you with overwhelming medical bills, a long road to recovery, and financial strain from lost income. We understand the stakes and will work tirelessly to pursue the full compensation for truck accident victims that you deserve. This includes compensation for all of your medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, etc.), future medical care or therapy you may need, your lost wages and loss of earning capacity if you can’t return to work, property damage to your vehicle, and an appropriate amount for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life. In a wrongful death case, we seek damages for the family’s loss of support and companionship. Our Houston truck accident lawyers will calculate the true value of your case – often with the help of economists or medical experts – so that no component of damage is overlooked. We refuse to let insurance adjusters shortchange you. Whether through a negotiated settlement or a verdict at trial, our objective is to secure maximum compensation to help you move forward after a tragedy.
Truck Accident FAQs
Houston Truck Accident Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
It doesn’t matter where the truck driver is from – if the accident happened in Texas, Texas law will typically govern your claim. You absolutely can pursue a case in Houston (or the Texas location of the crash) even if the truck driver or trucking company is based elsewhere. Interstate trucking companies do business nationwide and must carry insurance that covers them in any state. Our Houston truck accident lawyers frequently handle cases involving out-of-state trucking firms. We will determine the proper jurisdiction and venue for your lawsuit. In many instances, we can file the lawsuit right here in Texas, and the fact that the driver has an out-of-state license or the company is headquartered elsewhere won’t prevent you from seeking justice. These cases can introduce some extra procedural steps (for example, serving out-of-state defendants), but an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer will know how to handle them. The bottom line: you shouldn’t hesitate to call a Houston truck accident lawyer just because the trucker wasn’t local – we can still hold them accountable through the Texas legal system.
Yes, and in many truck accident cases, suing the trucking company (in addition to the driver) is crucial to obtaining full compensation. Trucking companies can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (employer responsibility). If the truck driver was on the job when he caused the crash, the company that owns the truck or employs the driver is likely financially responsible as well. Moreover, a trucking company may have been negligent in its own right – for instance by hiring an unqualified driver, failing to train or supervise them, not maintaining the truck properly, or encouraging unsafe practices. In such cases, you can sue the company for direct negligence on those grounds. Trucking companies are required to carry much larger insurance policies than individual drivers carry, because crashes involving big rigs tend to cause extensive harm. This means the trucking company’s insurance is often the main source of recovery for victims. Our Houston truck accident lawyers will typically include the trucking company as a defendant in any truck accident lawsuit. This not only improves the chances of a fair recovery but also sends a message that companies must prioritize safety or be held accountable.
Accidents with large trucks can quickly turn into multi-vehicle pileups, especially on busy highways. If multiple cars were involved in your truck accident, determining fault can be more complicated – but you still have the right to recover damages as long as you were not primarily at fault. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% bar rule): you can recover compensation even if you were partly responsible, as long as you are not 51% or more at fault for the accident. Each party’s percentage of fault will be evaluated based on the evidence. For example, a crash might be 80% the truck’s fault and 20% another car’s fault; in that case, you could pursue claims against both the trucking company and the other driver for their respective shares of liability. When multiple defendants are involved, their insurance companies often point fingers at each other (or at you). This is where having a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer really helps – we will investigate thoroughly to establish the chain of events and each party’s negligence. We may hire accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly how the multi-vehicle crash unfolded. Our firm will ensure that fault is properly assigned and that all liable parties are brought into the claim. The goal is to maximize your recovery by accessing all available insurance coverage. Don’t be discouraged by a complicated accident scene – we handle complex cases with multiple vehicles regularly. Focus on your recovery, and let us handle the battle of sorting out liability.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases – including truck accident injuries – is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years or you lose the right to seek compensation through the courts. If a family member was tragically killed in a truck crash, you likewise have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. There are very few exceptions to these deadlines. While two years may sound like plenty of time, it can pass quickly as you are recovering from injuries, and important evidence could be lost if you wait too long. It’s wise to contact an attorney well before the deadline so they can promptly investigate and file the necessary paperwork. Warning: If you miss the two-year window, your claim will likely be dismissed, no matter how strong it is. There are some narrow exceptions (for example, if the victim was a minor, or in rare cases involving a government defendant), but you should never assume an exception applies. To be safe, treat that two-year limit as firm. When you hire Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we make sure all filings happen on time. We will keep your case on track and ensure that you don’t lose your rights due to a procedural deadline.
Speak With a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston Today
Joel A. Gordon & Associates will help you understand your rights and what alternatives you have in proceeding with a case
A collision with a commercial truck can upend your life. You may be facing severe injuries, pain and uncertainty about the future – but you don’t have to go through it alone. Speak with a Houston truck accident lawyer today to understand your rights and take the first step toward justice. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we have been standing up for accident victims since 1993. Let our experienced legal team put our knowledge, skill, and compassion to work for you.
Don’t wait – the sooner you get qualified legal help, the better we can preserve evidence and build a strong case for you. Important deadlines may be approaching, so contact us now. We offer a FREE consultation and you pay absolutely nothing upfront. In fact, you pay no fee unless we win compensation for you. Our firm is based in Houston, and we proudly serve clients across Texas who have been injured by negligent truck drivers and companies.
Your recovery is our priority. We are available 24/7 to take your call, and we can even come to you at your home or hospital if needed. To get started, call 281-943-5555 or send us a message through our online contact form. Take action today to protect your future. When you hire Joel A. Gordon & Associates, you can trust that a dedicated Houston truck accident lawyer will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation and justice you deserve. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing – we’re ready to help you seek the relief and peace of mind you need after a truck accident.