Top Truck Crash & 18-Wheeler Accident FAQs
What should I do after being hit by an 18-wheeler or commercial truck?
Call 911, get medical attention, and make sure a police report is filed. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, debris, and skid marks, and collect witness contact information. Do not talk to the trucking company’s attorneys or insurance adjuster before speaking with a Texas truck crash lawyer who can protect your rights and evidence.
Who can be held responsible for a truck crash?
More than one party may share fault, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or motor carrier
- Cargo loaders or shippers
- Maintenance contractors
- Manufacturers of defective tires or brakes
A thorough investigation often reveals layers of negligence hidden behind corporate paperwork.
What are the most common causes of 18-wheeler crashes?
Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Improperly secured or overloaded cargo
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance or brake failure
- Hiring unqualified or untrained drivers
Each of these violations can be proven through data downloads, driver logs, and company safety records.
What injuries are common in truck crashes?
Truck collisions often cause life-changing injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Severe burns or fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, even low-speed impacts can cause catastrophic harm.
What compensation can I recover after a truck accident?
You may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Punitive damages when the company acted recklessly
A Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer can calculate the full value of your losses with the help of medical and economic experts.
How are truck crashes different from car accidents?
Truck crashes involve federal safety regulations, corporate defendants, and commercial insurance policies that often exceed millions of dollars. These cases require fast action to secure the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance files before they are altered or destroyed.
What federal regulations apply to trucking companies?
Trucking companies must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), which cover driver qualifications, rest breaks, vehicle inspections, and cargo loading. Violating these rules can establish negligence and strengthen your case in court.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file suit. However, evidence like electronic logs and dash-cam video can be erased within weeks. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to send a spoliation notice and preserve the evidence.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
If the crash happened in Texas, you can usually file your case here even if the driver or trucking company is based elsewhere. Our firm regularly handles interstate and out-of-state trucking litigation in Texas courts.
What if my family member was killed in a truck crash?
Families can pursue wrongful death and survival claims to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. These cases also help expose unsafe trucking practices that endanger the public.
How much does it cost to hire a truck crash lawyer?
You do not pay anything upfront. Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers handles trucking cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our fee comes only from a successful settlement or verdict. You owe nothing unless we win.
Why choose Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers for an 18-wheeler crash case?
We have taken on some of the largest motor carriers and industrial companies in the country, including cases involving JB Hunt, Ben E. Keith, Oncor, and Schlumberger. Our trademarked litigation approach uncovers safety violations, forces disclosure of corporate records, and builds pressure from discovery to trial. When trucking companies cut corners, we strike back.
What is the first step in starting a truck crash claim?
Call 832-583-3471 or email [email protected] for a free consultation. We will review the crash report, black box data, and medical records to begin building your case right away.
