Houston Truck Accident Lawyers

Houston Has the Most 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas

Houston is “ground zero” for big truck crashes in Texas.

Big truck wrecks include accidents with 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, all forms of tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles like delivery vans, dump trucks, box trucks, and more.

Recent data confirms the alarming scope of the problem. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 6,203 commercial motor vehicle crashes were recorded in Harris County (Houston) in a single year (2022) – by far the highest of any county in Texas.

That means one out of every six truck accidents in the entire state happens in the Houston area.

Tragically, a significant number of these semi-truck wrecks result in injuries or death. In 2022 alone, 18-wheeler accidents in Houston caused over 1,500 injuries and claimed 48 lives – that’s the highest annual death toll from truck crashes in nearly two decades.

In other words, Houston averaged almost one fatal semi-truck wreck every week that year.

Let’s put this into perspective:

6,203 large truck crashes in Harris County in 2022 (most in Texas).
950 of those crashes caused 1,543 reported injuries (possible injuries).
117 were serious injury crashes, causing 147 severe injuries.
47 were fatal crashes, resulting in 48 deaths.

These alarming numbers highlight how urgent the problem is. Every number above represents victims and families whose lives were upended. Houston’s combination of dense traffic and big 18-wheelers creates the perfect storm for disaster on the roads.

Case Spotlight: $26 Million Semi-Truck Accident Settlement

Two young women were driving home from work together along a rural highway. It was rainy, and ahead of them, a massive 18-wheeler was approaching from the opposite direction. But that semi-truck was traveling near its maximum speed despite the bad weather, and when it suddenly hydroplaned, it crossed into oncoming traffic without warning.

The resulting collision obliterated the young women’s SUV, killing them both instantly. The devoted husbands and school-age children they both left behind now share this terrible tragedy in common, but each survivor must now personally grapple with their own unimaginable loss.

The Verdict: $26,000,000

Why Is Houston So Dangerous for Semi-Truck Accidents?

Several factors converge here in Houston to make 18-wheeler accidents more likely and more dangerous:

Major trucking hub: As the heart of the nation’s petrochemical industry and a major port city, Houston sees an enormous volume of semi-truck and 18-wheeler traffic. Hundreds of freight trucks haul goods to and from the Port of Houston, oil refineries, and industrial parks every day. In fact, Houston has more big rigs on the road than almost any other city in Texas.

Extensive highway network: Houston is crisscrossed by interstates I-10, I-45, I-69, I-610 and other major highways that carry heavy truck traffic. The sheer number of semi-trucks sharing our freeways, coupled with high speeds and congestion, increases the chances of catastrophic crashes. Long stretches of Texas highway around Houston can also contribute to driver fatigue on long-haul routes.

High population and vehicle volume: As the 4th largest city in the U.S., Houston has millions of drivers on the road. More vehicles overall mean more opportunities for collisions with large semi-trucks. Harris County consistently leads the state in traffic accidents of all kinds, and truck crashes are a big part of that dangerous mix.

Severe consequences: When big rigs crash, the impact on victims is often worse than a normal car accident. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20 to 30 times heavier than a passenger car. That huge mass means semi-truck crashes tend to be far more destructive, causing multi-vehicle pileups, catastrophic injuries, or multiple fatalities. The statistics above bear this out: many Houston semi-truck wrecks result in serious or fatal outcomes, not just fender-benders.

Given this high risk environment, it’s critical for Houston drivers to know their rights after a truck accident. If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, you’re up against a serious threat to your health and livelihood. The sooner you involve a trusted Houston truck accident lawyer, the better – because the trucking companies are already gearing up to defend themselves (more on that below).

What Makes Truck Accident Claims Different from Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases aren’t like ordinary car accident claims – they’re far more complex. If you’ve been injured by a commercial truck, you’ll quickly find there are extra layers of difficulty in pursuing compensation. Here’s why truck accident claims present unique challenges:

Multiple liable parties: In a typical car crash, you’re usually dealing with one at-fault driver. In a truck accident, liability may involve several parties beyond just the semi-truck driver. The trucking company (the driver’s employer) is often legally responsible under “respondeat superior.” There may also be other companies involved – the truck’s owner (if different from the carrier), a maintenance contractor, a cargo loading company, or even the manufacturer of a faulty truck part. Identifying all the liable parties requires thorough investigation (we dive deeper into potential defendants in the next section).
Federal and state regulations: The trucking industry is governed by a complex web of federal safety rules and Texas state laws that don’t apply in normal auto accidents. Truck drivers and companies must follow strict regulations on hours of service, vehicle maintenance, safety inspections, licensing, and more. Determining if any of these rules were violated (such as a driver exceeding the maximum driving hours or a company failing to maintain brakes) is crucial to a truck accident case. These regulatory issues add complexity – but they can also provide powerful evidence of negligence if rules were broken. For example, if a trucker violated an FMCSA safety regulation and caused a crash, that violation can be used to prove negligence per se (negligence as a matter of law).
Aggressive insurance defense teams: Trucking companies and their insurers fight tooth and nail to avoid liability. The stakes are high – 18-wheeler accidents often cause life-altering injuries and fatalities, leading to insurance claims well into the millions. Big trucking carriers typically have rapid-response teams that rush to the accident scene to gather evidence to their advantage. They start building a defense from day one, sometimes attempting to shift blame to the victim or downplay the severity of injuries. It’s not unusual for a trucking company representative to show up at the hospital or crash site, trying to obtain statements or get the victim to sign something before they can talk to a lawyer. Simply put, the trucking industry has extensive legal resources aimed at minimizing or denying your claim – you need a legal team that can counter them immediately.

Complex evidence and reconstruction: Piecing together what happened in a truck crash can require specialized evidence that isn’t part of a normal car accident case. For instance, most big rigs have “black box” data recorders that capture information about the truck’s speed, braking and engine use before a crash. There are driver logbooks or electronic logging device (ELD) records showing hours driven and rest breaks. Freight bills and weigh station tickets can show if a truck was overloaded. Maintenance and inspection records might reveal if the truck had faulty brakes or tires. Accident reconstruction experts are often needed to analyze the crash dynamics.

Greater injuries and damages: As mentioned, the sheer size of commercial trucks means accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, or death. The medical care and financial losses in these cases are enormous, often far beyond a typical car accident. This means the value of a truck accident claim can be very high, which in turn leads insurance companies to fight even harder. High-value cases tend to be vigorously contested, sometimes requiring litigation and trials to secure fair compensation. Additionally, calculating damages can be complex – you may need experts to project future medical needs, rehabilitation costs, and lost earning capacity if you’ve been disabled by the crash.

Federal & Texas Trucking Laws

Successfully handling a semi-truck accident case means being able to steer through a host of specialized laws and regulations. Here’s a closer look at the legal landscape governing trucking in the U.S. and Houston, Texas:

Federal Trucking Regulations (FMCSA Rules)

Interstate trucking companies and drivers must comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). These comprehensive rules, enforced by the FMCSA, cover nearly every aspect of truck operations. Some of the key federal regulations that often play a role in accident cases include:

Hours of Service (HOS) Limits: To combat driver fatigue (a major cause of crashes), federal law limits how long truckers can drive without rest. Generally, truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty and cannot exceed 14 hours of on-duty time in a day. They also must take days off after reaching weekly limits (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days). Driving beyond the allowed hours or falsifying logbooks is not only illegal – it’s powerful evidence of negligence if it contributed to the crash.
Vehicle Maintenance & Inspections: The FMCSA requires regular inspections, maintenance, and repair of all commercial trucks. Trucking companies must keep their fleets in safe operating condition, fixing brake issues, tires, lights, and other critical equipment. Drivers are required to do pre-trip inspections and note any defects. When a mechanical failure (like brake failure or a tire blowout) causes a wreck, maintenance records and inspection reports often tell the story. If the company skipped required maintenance or a driver ignored a safety issue, that’s a violation of federal law and evidence of negligence.
Driver Qualifications & Training: Truck drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet certain qualifications (age, health exams, etc.). They are subject to random drug and alcohol testing under federal law. Trucking companies also have a duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained and to pull unsafe drivers off the road. If a trucker was unqualified, had a history of crashes, or was under the influence, there may be regulatory violations (like failing to conduct required drug tests) that strengthen the injury victim’s case.
Loading and Securement: Federal rules regulate how cargo must be loaded and secured on commercial trucks (to prevent shifting or spillage) and limit the weight of trucks on highways (usually 80,000 lbs gross). Improper loading can cause dangerous weight imbalances or falling cargo. If an accident was caused by a shifted load or an overloaded truck, it could point to violations of cargo securement standards.

Texas State Trucking Laws

In addition to federal rules, Texas has its own laws that impact truck accident cases:

Texas Traffic Laws for Trucks: The Texas Transportation Code includes provisions specific to commercial vehicles. For example, trucks must obey lower speed limits on certain roads, and they’re often required to travel in designated lanes in city limits. Failure to follow any state traffic law (such as running a red light or speeding in a heavy truck) can be negligence. Texas also requires trucks carrying hazardous materials to adhere to routing rules. If a truck was somewhere it shouldn’t have been or violating a traffic control, that could assign fault.
Intrastate Trucking Regulations: Texas has largely adopted federal safety regulations for intrastate trucking (trucks that operate only within Texas), with some minor differences. For instance, intrastate drivers might have slightly different hours-of-service limits if they stay within a certain air-mile radius.
Texas House Bill 19 (2021): A recent change in Texas law has added new complexity to truck accident lawsuits. In 2021, Texas passed HB 19, which gives trucking companies some additional legal shields in court. This law allows for a bifurcated (two-part) trial in truck accident cases.

In the first phase, only the truck driver’s negligence is considered – the trucking company can’t even be mentioned to the jury. Only if the driver is found negligent does the case move to a second phase where the company’s direct negligence (e.g., negligent hiring or maintenance) is addressed.
HB 19 also limits the evidence a victim can introduce of a trucking company’s safety violations – such evidence must be directly related to the crash to be admissible. These changes were pushed by the trucking industry to curb large verdicts.
What does this mean for you? It’s more important than ever to have a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer who knows how to navigate these new hurdles.

In summary, trucking regulations can be a double-edged sword: they make cases more complex, but they also provide tools to prove negligence.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

One of the first questions after a semi-truck crash is: Who is legally responsible for the harm done?

When it comes to Houston truck accidents, the answer is often more than one person or company. Part of a truck accident attorney’s job is to investigate all potential avenues of liability. Here are the possible defendants in a Houston truck accident claim:

The Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent (speeding, distracted, drowsy, intoxicated, etc.), they can be held liable for the crash. In almost every case, the driver’s actions are a primary factor. For example, a trucker who ran a red light or fell asleep at the wheel would clearly bear responsibility.
The Trucking Company (Carrier/Employer): The trucking company that hired the driver is often the most important defendant. Under Texas law, employers are generally liable for the negligent actions of their employees on the job (this is called respondeat superior liability). So, if a trucker caused a wreck while driving for a trucking company, the company can be held financially responsible. Trucking companies can also be directly negligent in ways that contribute to accidents – for instance, by hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train or supervise them, pressuring drivers to violate safety rules, or not maintaining the trucks properly.
Cargo Loaders or Shippers: Sometimes the entity that loaded the truck’s cargo or the company that shipped the goods can be liable – particularly if improper loading played a role. For example, if a third-party loading company in the Port of Houston overloaded a trailer or failed to secure the cargo and that caused the truck to tip over or lose its load, that company could share fault. Cargo falling onto the roadway can cause devastating secondary accidents.
Truck Owner or Leasing Company: The truck or trailer might be owned by a company different from the motor carrier or driver (trucking is full of independent owner-operators and leased equipment). The owner of the truck/trailer has a duty to ensure the vehicle is safe. If a mechanical failure due to poor maintenance caused the crash, the owner or a maintenance contractor could be liable for negligent maintenance.
Maintenance Providers: Relatedly, if the trucking company outsources maintenance or inspections to a third-party service company, and a lapse by that company led to the truck’s failure, they can be on the hook. An example is a repair shop that improperly serviced the truck’s steering or a tire shop that installed the wrong tires.
Manufacturer of Truck or Parts: Some truck accidents happen not from driver error but from a defect in the truck or one of its parts. Perhaps the brakes were defectively designed, the trailer hitch was faulty, or a tire had a manufacturing defect that caused it to blow out. In such cases, the maker of the defective product (truck or part) could be liable under product liability law. These cases require technical expert analysis.
Other Motorists: We also consider whether another car or truck on the road (besides the 18-wheeler) contributed to the accident. Multi-vehicle chain reaction crashes are common in big truck accidents. Another driver might have cut off the truck, causing it to swerve, for example. While the focus is usually on the truck and its company, any negligent party involved should be held accountable. Texas’s comparative fault rules ensure each party is responsible for their portion of fault.

As you can see, liability can extend well beyond the truck driver. Each truck crash is unique, so a Houston truck accident lawyer will conduct a meticulous investigation to identify every potentially liable party.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are involved in all kinds of accidents, each with their own causes and legal implications. Here are some of the many types of truck wrecks we’ve seen:

Rollover Accidents: Large commercial trucks have a high center of gravity, which makes them prone to tipping over. Rollover crashes often happen if a trucker swerves suddenly to avoid a collision or curve, or if a trailer is unevenly loaded. These wrecks can be catastrophic, blocking multiple lanes and colliding with nearby vehicles. Rollover accidents may indicate driver error (speeding, overcorrection) or improper loading, and they frequently lead to serious injuries for both the truck driver and others on the road.
Jackknife Accidents: A “jackknife” occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold in on each other at a sharp angle, resembling a folding pocket knife. This typically happens when the drive axle brakes lock up, causing the trailer to skid and swing out of alignment. Jackknifes can happen on slick roads or during sudden braking. When a big rig jackknifes across a highway, it can sweep up nearby cars into a wreck or lead to a multi-vehicle pileup. Many jackknife incidents in Houston involve trucks that braked hard on wet freeways (like I-610 in the rain), leading to massive traffic snarls and crash scenes. Legally, jackknifes often point to possible driver negligence (e.g., following too closely or braking improperly) or maintenance issues (defective brakes).
Underride Collisions: Underride accidents are among the most horrific. This is when a smaller vehicle goes underneath the trailer of a truck, often shearing off the top of the car. Rear-underride can happen if a truck stops suddenly and a car behind can’t brake in time, or if a truck doesn’t have proper rear guards. Side-underride can happen if a car slides under a trailer from the side (often at night when side visibility is low). Underride crashes almost always cause severe or fatal injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle due to the intrusion into the passenger compartment. Trucking companies are supposed to have underride guards and reflective markings to prevent these, so if those are missing or inadequate, that’s a major safety violation.
Rear-End Collisions: Because big trucks require a much longer distance to stop, a common accident type is the truck plowing into the rear of slower traffic. An 18-wheeler that is speeding or following too closely can crash into cars that have stopped or slowed ahead. These high-impact rear-end collisions by trucks often have devastating results (e.g., a truck rear-ends a car at 65 mph on I-45, resulting in fatalities). If a trucker wasn’t paying attention to traffic or couldn’t stop in time, liability is clear. We often find that driver fatigue or distraction plays a role here – the trucker simply didn’t react. Evidence like brake distances, dash cam footage, or electronic logs can be used to prove the truck driver’s fault in rear-end crashes.
Head-On Collisions: Although less frequent, head-on crashes involving trucks are usually deadly. This can occur if a truck crosses the center line or median (perhaps due to a tire blowout or driver medical emergency) and strikes oncoming traffic head-first. We’ve seen cases of head-on 18-wheeler collisions on rural highways outside Houston and even on two-lane roads. These crashes raise questions about truck maintenance (tire or brake failures), driver health (heart attack, falling asleep), or even road design issues.
T-Bone and Intersection Accidents: Big rigs can cause deadly T-bone crashes if they run red lights or stop signs. An 18-wheeler barreling through an intersection can broadside a car crossing on green, with disastrous force. We handle cases where trucks failed to yield, made illegal turns, or tried to beat a light, causing side-impact collisions.
Lost Load and Cargo Spills: Sometimes it’s not the truck colliding with you, but what the truck was carrying. If cargo isn’t secured, it can spill onto the roadway – causing cars to crash while trying to avoid debris or directly hitting objects. Houston’s freeways have seen incidents of pipes, steel coils, or equipment falling off flatbed trailers. Additionally, tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials can leak or spill in a crash, causing fires, explosions, or toxic exposure. These cases involve issues of cargo securement and hazardous material handling.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups: A large truck wreck can set off a chain reaction, especially on congested highways. We’ve handled cases where one truck’s negligence led to a pileup of numerous vehicles – for example, a truck jackknifes and multiple cars following behind crash into it and each other. Determining liability in multi-vehicle accidents can be complex, but rest assured we will sort it out. Often the origin is the truck’s actions, and that driver/company will bear the brunt of responsibility.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen for a lot of reasons, but most are due to some kind of negligence or rule breaking. Here are some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler crashes in Houston:

Driver Fatigue: Exhausted truck drivers are extremely dangerous. Long hours on the road can lead to microsleeps or delayed reaction times. Despite federal Hours-of-Service rules, driver fatigue remains a leading cause of truck wrecks. Tight delivery schedules and pressure from dispatchers can push truckers to drive longer than they should.
Distracted Driving: A trucker taking his eyes off the road for even a few seconds (to text, adjust GPS, eat, etc.) can miss a hazard and cause a crash.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding is a factor in many big rig crashes. Truckers on tight deadlines sometimes exceed speed limits, greatly increasing stopping distance and crash energy.
Impaired Driving (DUI/DWI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is obviously illegal for anyone, and truck drivers are held to an even stricter standard (lower legal BAC limit of 0.04 for commercial drivers). If a trucker was drunk or high and caused a wreck, it’s a clear case of egregious negligence.
Poor Maintenance or Equipment Failure: Some crashes happen because the truck itself failed – blown tires, brake failures, engine or steering malfunctions. It’s the trucking company’s duty to maintain its fleet in safe condition.
Improper Loading: A poorly loaded trailer can cause accidents by shifting weight or dropping cargo. If a load shifts, it can throw the trailer off balance and lead to a jackknife or rollover. Unsecured cargo can spill and directly strike other vehicles.
Violation of Traffic Rules: This is broad, but any time a truck driver breaks a traffic law and causes a crash – running a red light, illegal turn, failure to yield, following too closely, etc. – it’s a straightforward cause.

Proving the cause isn’t just about winning a legal case – it’s about accountability. When your attorney shows that a trucking company’s unsafe practices (like pushing fatigued drivers or neglecting maintenance) led directly to your injuries, they’re not only helping you recover damages, but also sending a message that such conduct won’t be tolerated on Houston’s roads. That creates pressure for safer operations industry-wide, hopefully preventing future crashes.

Types of Compensation Available in Truck Accident Cases

Victims of semi-truck accidents are entitled to full compensation for all losses resulting from the crash. Given the severe nature of many 18-wheeler collisions, the damages in these cases can be extensive. While each case is unique, here are the main types of compensation (damages) a truck accident lawyer typically fights for in a claim:

1. Medical Expenses: You can recover the cost of all medical care related to your injuries. This includes past and future medical bills.

2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: After a serious injury, you may miss work for an extended period or even be unable to return to your previous job at all. We pursue compensation for all the income you lost during recovery, as well as the loss of future earning capacity if your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.

3. Pain and Suffering: This falls under non-economic damages – the intangible but very real suffering you’ve endured. Truck accidents often cause severe physical pain, long recovery periods, and permanent impairments. You can recover damages for the physical pain you experienced and will continue to experience, as well as for mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

4. Disability and Disfigurement: If the crash left you with a permanent disability (such as paralysis, amputation, or loss of function) or visible disfigurement (extensive scarring, burns, etc.), you deserve additional compensation for that life-altering outcome. These damages recognize the long-term impact on your quality of life and daily challenges you’ll face.

5. Property Damage: Truck accidents often result in totaled vehicles. You’re entitled to reimbursement for the damage to your vehicle and any other personal property (e.g., items in the car that were destroyed).

6. Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Sadly, many truck crashes in Houston are fatal. In Texas, eligible family members (spouse, children, parents) can recover damages for the loss of their loved one’s companionship, emotional support, and guidance, as well as for financial losses like lost future income and funeral/burial expenses. Additionally, the decedent’s estate can recover for their pain and suffering before death, and other losses. No amount of money can fill the void left by such a tragedy, but holding the wrongdoers financially accountable can ease the economic burdens and deliver a sense of justice.

7. Punitive Damages: In cases of especially gross negligence or recklessness, Texas law allows exemplary (punitive) damages to punish the wrongdoer. This might apply if, for example, a truck company knowingly violated safety regulations repeatedly or a truck driver was extremely reckless (such as drunk driving an 80,000-lb rig). Punitive damages are not guaranteed – they require clear and convincing proof of egregious conduct.

Insurance companies love to save money by offering lowball settlements, especially in truck accident cases where the stakes are high. They might try to quickly offer you a sum that sounds large but nowhere near what you need to cover all of your expenses.

Do not let the insurance company shortchange you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
A: In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases – including truck accidents – is two years from the date of the accident. This means you typically have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from pursuing compensation entirely. There are some exceptions that could alter this timeframe (for example, if the victim is a minor, the clock might not start until they turn 18, or if a government entity is a defendant, a notice deadline might apply). However, you should never wait until a deadline is near to take action. Important evidence can disappear within weeks or even days after a truck crash. It’s critical to consult with a lawyer and begin the legal process as soon as possible.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Can I still recover damages?
A: Yes, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault – as long as you were not more at fault than the other party (or parties). Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (proportionate responsibility). In practice, this means: if you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you would be barred from recovery. For example, suppose a jury finds the trucking company 80% at fault and you 20% at fault (perhaps you were speeding slightly). In that case, you could still recover damages, but the amount would be 20% less than your total proven losses. An attorney’s goal is to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Q: The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is contacting me – what should I do?
A: If the trucking company’s insurer (or their lawyers or investigators) reach out to you, do not give them any detailed statement or sign anything before consulting with an attorney. It’s very likely they are looking to minimize their payout or even find ways to pin blame on you. You can politely decline to discuss the accident at that time. Tell them that the matter is under investigation or that you will have your attorney contact them. Do not agree to a recorded statement – insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that might get you to say something they can later use against you (sometimes twisting your words or taking them out of context). Also, do not accept any quick settlement offer or sign any release of claims. Early offers are usually lowball amounts aiming to close the case cheaply before you realize the full extent of your injuries and rights. Remember: you are not obligated to speak to the other side’s insurance company at all. If you hire an attorney, they will handle all communication with them.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Jim Adler & Associates for my truck accident case?
A: For most car accident attorneys, it costs nothing upfront to hire them. Most accident lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis for truck accident cases. That means the fee is a percentage of the money an attorney recovers for you. If they don’t win, you don’t owe a penny in attorney’s fees. This arrangement allows everyone, regardless of financial status, to afford top-quality legal representation.

Q: What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
A: In the immediate aftermath of a truck crash, your top priority is safety and health. If you are able, call 911 to get police and EMS on the scene. Seek medical attention right away, even if you think you’re “okay” – adrenaline can mask injuries, and documentation is important. If you can do so safely, try to gather some evidence at the scene: take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries. Get contact info for any witnesses and the truck driver’s name, employer, and insurance info. However, do not put yourself in danger to do this – if the scene is hazardous, wait for help. When police arrive, give them an accurate report of what happened, but avoid speculating or admitting any fault. Once the immediate scene is handled, one of the most important things is to contact a truck accident attorney quickly. Critical evidence like the truck’s electronic data or surveillance videos can be lost if not preserved. Also, report the accident to your own insurance (you likely have a duty to notify them promptly), but again, do not give a detailed statement to any insurance adjuster until you have legal counsel. Keep records of everything – medical visits, symptoms, days of work missed. And certainly, do not sign anything from the trucking company or their insurer (such as a settlement or medical release) without legal advice. In summary: get medical help, involve the police, document what you can, and call Jim Adler & Associates as soon as possible.

Have other questions? We know you likely have many concerns specific to your situation. Feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions.

Why Choose Jim Adler as Your Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?

When you’re hurt in a truck accident, choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. So what sets Jim Adler & Associates apart? Here are a few reasons Houston truck accident victims have trusted us for decades:

🚨 50+ Years of Experience in Texas: Jim Adler has been a champion for injured Texans for over five decades. Our firm isn’t new to this – we’ve been fighting (and winning) against tough opponents since the 1970s. We know Texas law inside and out, and we especially know the Houston area and its courts. Over the years, we’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases, including countless truck and 18-wheeler accidents. This depth of experience means we’ve seen every tactic in the book – and we’ve honed effective counter-tactics. There’s no learning curve when you hire us; we can hit the ground running.
💪 The Texas Hammer® Reputation: Jim Adler is widely known by the nickname “The Texas Hammer,” and it’s not just a slogan – it’s how we approach every case. We hit the opposition hard and relentlessly. Insurance companies and defense lawyers know Jim Adler & Associates means business. Our reputation as aggressive litigators who won’t back down often leads to better and faster results for our clients. We leverage that reputation in negotiations – the other side knows we’re willing to take the case to trial if they don’t offer a fair settlement. Simply put, when you have The Texas Hammer in your corner, you are taken seriously.
🏆 Track Record of Success: We have a proven record of winning for truck accident victims. Our case results include multiple multi-million dollar recoveries for clients injured or killed in truck crashes. For example, we’ve won verdicts and settlements like $3,000,000 for a pedestrian hit by an 18-wheeler and $3,500,000 for a Good Samaritan killed by a negligent trucking company. We’ve recovered billions of dollars in compensation overall for our clients over the years. While every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our history of big wins demonstrates that we know how to get results in truck accident cases. Insurance companies are aware of our victories – and that reputational factor can make them more inclined to pay what you deserve.
🔍 Resources and Experts: Taking on trucking companies requires substantial resources – and we have them. Our firm can advance the costs for top-notch experts, accident reconstructions, and any litigation expenses necessary to build your case. We have in-house investigators and a network of professionals to call upon. No case is too complex or large for us. We’re not a one-lawyer shop trying to scrape by; Jim Adler & Associates is a fully equipped legal force. This means your case will never be underprepared or lacking in necessary evidence due to resource constraints. We prepare every case for the long haul, including trial. The trucking companies have powerful defense teams – we make sure you have an even more powerful offense.
❤️ Compassionate Client Service: While we are fierce with the opposition, we are friendly and supportive with our clients. We truly care about you and your family’s well-being. From the moment you call us, you’ll be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We keep you informed about your case’s progress and make ourselves available to answer questions. Our attorneys and staff speak both English and Spanish (se habla Español) to better serve Houston’s diverse community. We know that injuries from a truck crash can put you in a vulnerable place – physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team goes above and beyond to help, whether that means assisting in finding medical providers, explaining paperwork, or just listening to your concerns. At Jim Adler & Associates, clients are family. Many of our former clients stay in touch and refer their friends and relatives to us – a testament to the trust and care we build.
🕒 24/7 Availability & Quick Action: Accidents don’t just happen 9 to 5, and neither do we. We have 24/7 availability – you can call us anytime, day or night, and get a response. We’re prepared to launch an investigation immediately. If needed, we’ll send our team out to a crash scene at a moment’s notice. This prompt response can be crucial in truck cases (where evidence can be whisked away by the trucking company). When you hire us, we move fast to protect your rights. You won’t be left waiting or wondering about the next steps.
🤝 No Fee Unless We Win – Guaranteed: Hiring Jim Adler is risk-free for you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and absolutely no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing. This contingency arrangement aligns our interests with yours – we’re motivated to get you the maximum compensation possible, because our fee is a percentage of the recovery. And we have the confidence to invest in your case because we believe in our ability to win. Our motto: “You won’t pay a dime out of pocket. We only get paid when you get paid.”

Choosing a lawyer after a serious truck accident is a big decision. We encourage you to do your research, ask questions, and compare. We’re confident that Jim Adler & Associates stands out as the premier Houston truck accident law firm to handle your case. From our experience and results to our dedication and resources, we provide everything you need to take on the trucking industry and win.

When the stakes are high, you need a lawyer who will treat your case as if it’s their own family on the line. We combine the muscle of a large firm with the heart of a family business founded right here in Texas. Our mission is to get justice for the “little guy” against even the biggest corporations – and a negligent trucking company is no exception. We’ve built our reputation on it.

Remember, the law limits the time you have to file a claim (in Texas, generally two years from the accident in most cases), so don’t delay. The sooner you have The Texas Hammer fighting for you, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Let us turn your worries into action and your pain into a plan for recovery.