Injured by an 18-Wheeler? What Victims Need to Know About Truck Accident Claims in Texas
Getting hit by an 18-wheeler on a Texas highway is nothing like a fender bender. The force of a commercial truck can crush smaller vehicles, leaving victims with broken bones, head injuries, or worse. If this happened to you or someone you love in Spring, Texas, you’re likely dealing with more than just hospital bills—you’re facing a long recovery and a complicated claims process. Talking to an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Spring, TX may be your next step, especially if you’re unsure who to hold responsible or what kind of compensation you’re entitled to.
Truck Accidents Are Rarely Simple
These cases usually involve more than just two drivers swapping insurance information. Commercial trucks are regulated at both the state and federal level. That means the trucking company, their insurance provider, and sometimes a third-party contractor are all involved—and all looking to limit their own liability.
In many Texas truck crash lawsuits, you’re not just proving the driver was careless. You’re also showing that a company failed to maintain its vehicles, ignored hours-of-service rules, or cut corners with safety checks. That’s a lot to unpack while you’re still healing from your injuries.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents often trace back to preventable errors. These crashes don’t just happen out of nowhere. They usually involve someone ignoring safety standards, cutting corners, or pushing too hard against the clock.
In Texas, many 18-wheeler crashes happen because of one or more of the following:
- Driver fatigue from long shifts or skipped rest breaks
- Mechanical failures like worn-out brakes, bald tires, or engine problems
- Improperly secured cargo that shifts or spills during transport
Sometimes, the driver makes a mistake. Other times, the company might fail to inspect its fleet, enforce proper scheduling, or train its staff well enough. In cases where cargo loaders are involved, they may not have followed basic safety procedures—putting the driver and others on the road at risk.
These are just a few reasons why victims often file a commercial vehicle injury claim after a wreck. The cause may seem obvious at first, but liability can spread across multiple parties once the facts come out.
What You Should Do After a Truck Accident in Texas
After an 18-wheeler crash, most people are in shock. But once the immediate danger passes, what you do next can affect both your health and your chances of getting fair compensation.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Getting checked early helps both your recovery and your claim.
- Call the police and file a report. This creates an official record and may include important details about who was at fault.
- Document the scene. Take photos, note road conditions, and get contact details from witnesses if you’re able.
In the days that follow, save all paperwork—hospital records, receipts, time off work, and any insurance letters. These will all help support your trucking accident legal help claim if you decide to move forward.
Time Limits You Need to Know
In Texas, the deadline to file a lawsuit after a truck crash is usually two years from the date of the accident. That may sound like plenty of time—but evidence can disappear fast. Dashcam footage gets erased. Truck logs are only kept for a limited time. And some companies act quickly to reduce their own exposure.
If the truck was owned or operated by a government agency, there’s an extra step: you must give written notice of your claim within six months of the incident, as required by Texas law. This applies to city, county, or state-operated vehicles. Missing this deadline could cause your entire claim to be thrown out, even if you’re still within the two-year period to sue.
Who Could Be Held Liable?
One reason these claims get complicated is that there isn’t always one person or company to blame. Depending on the facts, liability might fall on:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A company that loaded the cargo
- A mechanic or service provider
- A manufacturer of a defective truck part
Each party could have its own insurance and legal team. That’s why evidence matters—and why it’s smart to act quickly before any of it disappears.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Economic Damages
After a trucking accident, many of the losses you face are financial. These are known as economic damages. They include the cost of your medical care—such as emergency treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care if needed. If you missed work due to your injuries, you can also recover the income you lost. In more serious cases, where your ability to work has been permanently affected, you may also claim future lost earnings.
All of these damages are typically supported by records like medical bills, pay stubs, and employment letters.
Non-Economic and Punitive Damages
Not all harm can be measured in money. That’s where non-economic damages come in. These cover the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, the emotional impact of the crash, and how the accident has affected your ability to enjoy daily life. Though harder to quantify, they’re still an important part of many trucking accident claims.
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are meant to punish a trucking company or driver for extremely reckless behavior—such as knowingly operating an unsafe vehicle or violating safety laws. While not available in every case, they can apply when the conduct involved was especially dangerous or irresponsible.
Why Trucking Cases Are Different From Car Crashes
Trucking companies are backed by large insurers and defense teams trained to reduce payouts. You may be offered a settlement quickly—but it likely won’t cover all your costs, especially if your injuries lead to long-term care or missed work.
Also, the rules are different. Commercial drivers have stricter safety requirements under FMCSA rules. That includes limits on driving hours, maintenance logs, and alcohol or drug testing. A violation of these rules could support your claim, but only if the violation is documented and preserved.
We Can Help You Move Forward
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crash involving a large truck, we’re here to help you make sense of your options. Whether you’re filing a commercial vehicle injury claim, pursuing a Texas truck crash lawsuit, or just need honest trucking accident legal help, we’ll guide you through each step.At JB Law, PLLC, we also handle personal injury, criminal defense, civil rights violation, and unbundled legal services. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Contact our legal team in Spring, Texas to get clear, practical help built around your needs.
