TODD E. WEBB, ESQ.
18-Wheeler Truck Wreck Lawyer in Harris County, Texas | Todd E. Webb, Esq
Harris County is one of the busiest commercial trucking hubs in Texas. With thousands of 18-wheelers traveling through Houston and surrounding communities every day, serious truck wrecks are an unfortunate reality. Because commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, collisions involving these vehicles frequently result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or fatal outcomes.
If you or a loved one was injured in an 18-wheeler truck wreck in Harris County, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the driver, trucking company, or other liable parties.
Harris County’s economy depends heavily on commercial transportation. The county is home to:
- The Port of Houston, one of the busiest ports in the United States.
- Major freight corridors connecting Houston to Dallas, San Antonio, and Louisiana.
- Extensive industrial, petrochemical, and warehouse districts.
Why 18-Wheeler Truck Wrecks Are So Common in Harris County
The extreme size and weight of an 18-wheeler create forces far beyond those seen in standard vehicle crashes. Passenger vehicles weighing 3,500–4,500 pounds offer little protection when struck by a commercial truck.
Truck wreck cases are also legally complex. Liability may involve multiple parties, including:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company or motor carrier.
- Freight brokers and cargo loading companies.
- Vehicle maintenance contractors.
- Truck or component manufacturers.
- Trailer owners or leasing companies.
These cases require careful investigation, including review of driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and shipping documentation.
Why 18-Wheeler Truck Wrecks Are Different
The extreme size and weight of an 18-wheeler create forces far beyond those seen in standard vehicle crashes. Passenger vehicles weighing 3,500–4,500 pounds offer little protection when struck by a commercial truck.
Truck wreck cases are also legally complex. Liability may involve multiple parties, including:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company or motor carrier.
- Freight brokers and cargo loading companies.
- Vehicle maintenance contractors.
- Truck or component manufacturers.
- Trailer owners or leasing companies.
These cases require careful investigation, including review of driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and shipping documentation.
Common Causes of Harris County 18-Wheeler Truck Wrecks
Truck wrecks throughout Houston and Harris County frequently result from:
Driver Negligence
- Speeding in congested corridors like I-10 or I-45.
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use and GPS adjustments.
- Fatigued driving due to tight delivery schedules.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Unsafe lane changes in high-traffic areas such as Beltway 8 or U.S. 59.
FMCSA Regulation Violations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules require:
- No more than 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Compliance with the 14-hour on-duty limit.
- Drug and alcohol testing programs.
- Routine vehicle inspections and maintenance.
- Proper cargo securement.
Violations of these regulations can serve as strong evidence of negligence.
Poor Maintenance
Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering defects, and lighting problems are common in heavy truck wrecks. Trucking companies operating in Harris County are required to maintain vehicles under federal and Texas law, and failure to do so can result in liability.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloaded or improperly balanced cargo—common in port-related freight—can cause rollovers or jackknife wrecks. Cargo loading companies may be held responsible when improper loading contributes to a crash.
Defective Truck Parts
Manufacturers may be liable when defective components such as brakes, tires, or coupling systems contribute to a wreck.
Liability for 18-Wheeler Truck Wrecks in Harris County
Texas follows an at-fault system, meaning the party responsible for causing the wreck is liable for resulting damages.
When a truck driver or motor carrier violates FMCSA regulations or Texas Transportation Code requirements, those violations may support a claim of negligence per se.
Texas also applies a modified comparative negligence rule (50% rule). An injured person may recover damages as long as they are 50% or less at fault, with compensation reduced proportionally.
Compensation Available After a Harris County Truck Wreck
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic damages
- Emergency care, hospitalization, and future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and long-term therapy
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage and transportation costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Emergency care, hospitalization, and future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and long-term therapy
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage and transportation costs
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence, such as knowingly ignoring safety violations or placing unsafe trucks on Harris County roads.
Filing Deadlines in Harris County Truck Wreck Cases
Under Texas law, most truck wreck claims must be filed within two years of the date of the wreck.
If a government vehicle or public entity is involved—such as a municipal or county-owned truck—additional notice requirements may apply, often within 180 days.
Truck wreck lawsuits in Harris County are typically filed in Harris County District Courts, depending on the amount in controversy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HARRIS COUNTY TRUCK WRECK CASES
-
What if my truck wreck happened on I-10, I-45, or Beltway 8?
These corridors see heavy commercial traffic, and wrecks there often involve interstate carriers subject to federal regulations. Evidence such as driver logs and inspection records can be critical. -
Can the trucking company be held liable if the driver caused the wreck?
Yes. Trucking companies may be liable under respondeat superior and for their own negligence in hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance. -
What if the wreck involved a Port of Houston truck?
Port-related truck wrecks often involve cargo loading issues and additional regulatory oversight, which can strengthen a claim. -
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. -
Are punitive damages available in Harris County truck wreck
Yes, when gross negligence or reckless conduct is proven.
Find Legal Representation – Contact a Harris County 18-Wheeler Truck Wreck Lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb
Truck wreck cases move quickly, especially in a major commercial hub like Houston. Trucking companies and insurers often deploy rapid response teams within hours of a wreck. An experienced Harris County 18-wheeler truck wreck lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb understands the local roads, courts, and enforcement agencies involved. We work aggressively to preserve evidence, identify all liable parties, and pursue full compensation for our clients.
CALL 832-529-4410 OR COMPLETE OUR ONLINE FORM.
WE ARE LOCATED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS.