Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Reasons to Hire Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Terry Bryant

You may think all lawyers are the same, but they are not. Hiring the right attorney can make the difference between recovering the bare minimum or receiving the full amount you need as compensation for your bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

Most trucking companies have a team of insurance lawyers dedicated to saving their clients money – at your expense. If you don’t want to be short-changed, you need our tenacious and skilled Houston truck accident attorneys to fight for you every step of the way. You need Terry Bryant and his associates. Here are some reasons why.

• We have helped Texas injury victims since 1985.
• We get results and have recovered more than $1 Billion dollars for our clients.
• We provide great customer service and are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
• Terry Bryant is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
• We have a 98% positive rating from satisfied clients who give testimonials to our service.
• We are recognized in our field – our law firm has received several awards from the Better Business Bureau.
• We offer free initial consultations to get you started.
• We have the resources of a skilled legal team with investigators and expert witnesses to go up against a large trucking or insurance company.
• We offer a No Fee Guarantee, which means you pay us nothing unless you win a financial award.

Why Our Clients Appreciate Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Terry Bryant

Clients throughout Houston consistently express their appreciation for the exceptional legal representation provided by our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, especially in complex truck accident cases. With more than 4 decades in business and a reputation built on integrity, results, and personal service, Terry Bryant and his team have become a trusted resource for individuals and families facing the aftermath of devastating truck collisions.

According to our client testimonials, what sets our Houston truck injury accident law firm apart is our dedication to each client’s recovery – both financial and physical. Clients often mention how our team took the time to explain the legal process clearly, answered questions with patience, and provided regular updates about cases. Clients appreciate that our firm doesn’t just treat cases like numbers but truly listens to each story before going to battle against the insurer for the best possible outcome.

Many clients highlight how our legal team secured compensation when other attorneys had turned them away or when insurance companies offered unfair settlements. Through skillful negotiation and aggressive litigation, our law firm’s results show we’ve recovered millions for truck accident victims – covering medical bills, lost wages, long-term care, and pain and suffering.

Our client testimonials often describe the peace of mind clients felt knowing they had our knowledgeable and determined legal team on their side. They appreciate our responsiveness, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of justice. For many, hiring Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law was the turning point in reclaiming their lives after a traumatic truck accident.

Why the Experience of Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Matters

When it comes to truck accident cases, finding a legal team with experience in cases similar to yours isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. These types of accidents involve serious injuries, multiple parties, and a web of complex regulations from both state and federal agencies. Our seasoned Houston truck accident lawyers know how to navigate these challenges effectively to build a compelling case and fight for maximum compensation.

Our experienced attorneys understand how to thoroughly investigate the accident, often working with accident reconstruction experts and analyzing critical evidence like black box data, driver logs, and dash cam footage.

We know how to identify all liable parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, or even manufacturers. Missing one liable party could mean leaving compensation on the table.

In addition, insurance companies and defense attorneys know our law firm is willing to take a case to trial – which some law firms simply refuse to do. When insurers realize we aren’t afraid to go to trial, it gives us stronger leverage in settlement negotiations.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our decades of experience in Houston truck accident cases give us a deep understanding of the legal system, the tactics used by insurers, and how to present evidence persuasively in court. Our experience often makes the difference between a low settlement and a life-changing financial award.

How Our Houston Truck Accident Injury Attorneys Help You

Here’s what our Houston truck accident lawyers will do to pursue justice for you.

• We thoroughly investigate the truck accident, often in conjunction with law enforcement.
• We thoroughly assess all your damages, including current and future medical bills, all types of lost income, and pain and suffering.
• We demand damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• We negotiate aggressively – and in good faith – for maximum compensation.
• If negotiation isn’t possible, we fight to win full and fair compensation for your injuries in court.

Insurance carriers and trucking companies have armies of attorneys, adjusters, paralegals, accident investigators, expert witnesses, and staffers to protect their bottom lines. Our Houston truck accident lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources to go toe-to-toe with them every step of the way.

Damage Awards Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston Attempt to Recover for You

Commercial trucks must carry substantial insurance, enough to cover the costs of accidents. Our Houston truck accident lawyers seek damages from those insurance policies in a few different areas.

Economic Damages

Economic (or special) damages are for the cost of:

• Medical and rehabilitation bills
• Continuing care
• Lost wages, both current and projected into the future
• Property damages from the accident

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic (or general) damages compensate you for losses that do not have a specific dollar value but negatively affect your life, including:

• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of companionship and quality of life

Punitive Damages

In rare situations where the at-fault party’s actions were wantonly reckless and negligent, you may seek punitive damages. Texas law (CPRC Title 2 Subchapter C Section 41.008) caps the amount of punitive damages. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we will evaluate your case to see if punitive damages are possible.

Financial Amounts You Could Win for Damages

No attorney can guarantee an exact figure you could win in a successful truck accident lawsuit. The amount you receive will depend on the individual circumstances of the case, which include:

• Actual losses and expenses you have
• Extent and permanence of your injuries and whether you will need continuing care
• Lost earnings and whether you will be able to work in the future
• Your age, earning potential, and family situation
• Availability of insurance coverage and assets of the defendants
• Degree of fault of the defendants and the evidence and witnesses available to prove it
• The individual jurisdiction, judge, and jury (if there is a trial)
• The skill and negotiating power of your attorney

In general, more severe injuries that involve permanent damage and require long-term care or that cause death often result in a higher settlement or verdict. Our Houston truck accident lawyers will consider all these factors when determining the amount of compensation to request from the insurance company.

How Much Is a Truck Accident Injury Lawsuit Worth in Houston?

The value of a truck accident injury lawsuit in Houston can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injuries, the extent of financial losses, and the degree of fault involved. Victims may win compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, property damage, and pain and suffering. In severe cases involving long-term disability or permanent impairment, the value of the case can reach millions of dollars.

For example, a case involving minor injuries where the victim recovers fully might settle for a 5- or 6-figure amount. A case involving a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage could reach or exceed 7 figures, especially if future medical care needs and lost earning capacity estimates are significant. If the trucking company or driver was grossly negligent – such as from driving under the influence or violating federal safety regulations – punitive damages may also be possible, increasing the potential compensation.

Every case is different. The best way to understand what your claim might be worth is to consult with our experienced truck accident attorneys in Houston. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we evaluate all factors to determine the compensation amount our clients deserve.

Statistics About Truck Accidents in Houston

Houston’s status as a major commercial and industrial hub contributes to its position as the epicenter of truck accidents in Texas. According to the Texas Dept. of Transportation, Harris County reported 6,203 truck-related crashes in 2022, accounting for 16% of the state’s total.  Key highways, such as Interstate 10, Interstate 45, and Beltway 8, are high-risk areas for truck accidents. These routes are heavily trafficked by large trucks, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

The severity of these incidents is equally concerning. In 2022, Harris County experienced 47 fatal truck accidents, resulting in 48 deaths – the highest number in 2 decades. This alarming trend highlights the critical need for trucking companies to provide extensive training for drivers and maintenance of their vehicles.

Factors contributing to these accidents include driver fatigue, speeding, and inadequate vehicle maintenance, all of which represent systemic issues within the trucking industry. Each of these factors could play a role in proving negligence from the trucking company in the accident where you suffered injuries, helping you win compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions Clients Have for Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers

After a traumatic truck accident, you are certain to have questions and concerns. Our Houston semi-truck accident attorneys can address your specific queries at your free consultation. However, to get you started now, here are answers to questions our clients frequently ask.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Houston?

After a truck accident, seek medical attention and ensure a police report is filed. If you’re able, take photos of the scene and gather contact information from witnesses.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?

Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or even manufacturers. Determining liability often requires a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash.

How is a truck accident case different from a car accident case?

Truck accidents typically involve more severe injuries, complex federal regulations, and larger insurance policies. They often require in-depth investigations from attorneys who have experience dealing with trucking companies and their insurers.

What compensation can I recover after a truck accident?

You may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical expenses. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may be possible.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Texas?

In Texas, you typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. (*Always speak directly to an attorney to learn the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.)

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How do lawyers investigate truck accident cases?

Our lawyers collect police reports, truck driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine what went wrong.

Will my case go to trial?

Most truck accident cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair amount, going to court may be necessary. Our lawyers will prepare you for either outcome.

How much does it cost to hire Houston truck accident lawyers?

Most truck accident attorneys, including our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless you win your case.

Can I sue the trucking company directly?

Yes, if the trucking company’s negligence contributed to the crash, you may have grounds to sue them directly. Our injury attorneys in Houston can help identify all liable parties.

If the costs associated with your injuries are high and you suspect the truck driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, you may have a solid claim for compensation. Ultimately, the best way to determine your chance of success is to contact our Houston accident attorneys.

How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After Suffering Injuries in a Houston Truck Accident?

After being involved in a truck accident with injuries in Houston, you may wonder whether you actually need to hire a lawyer. While some minor accidents involve simple insurance claims, truck accidents are rarely straightforward. These crashes often involve serious injuries, complex liability issues, and powerful trucking companies backed by aggressive insurance providers. These factors make having legal representation not just helpful, but essential.

You should strongly consider hiring our Houston truck crash lawyers if you’ve suffered any type of injury, whether it’s whiplash, broken bones, or something more serious like a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Medical bills, time off work, and long-term recovery can result in substantial financial stress. Our qualified truck accident attorneys can help you calculate the full value of your damages – not just immediate costs, but future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.

When Fault for the Accident Is in Question, Hire Our Lawyers to Help

Another sign you need a lawyer is if liability is unclear or disputed. Trucking companies and their insurers will often try to shift blame onto you as the victim. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation and preserve critical evidence like black box data and driver logs while building a strong case on your behalf.

Simply put, if your accident involved injuries, multiple parties, or potential long-term consequences, consulting our Houston truck accident lawyers is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and work toward the compensation you deserve.

How Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Can Speed Up the Settlement Process

Hiring our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys can significantly speed up the settlement process after a crash. Truck accident cases are often complex, involving multiple parties. We know how to handle these complexities efficiently, avoiding common delays and quickly moving your case forward.

As soon as you hire our truck accident lawyers, we will immediately begin gathering critical evidence – such as black box data, driver logs, and witness statements – to obtain the building blocks of a strong case. We also handle all communication with insurance companies, which helps prevent missteps or delays caused by back-and-forth negotiations on your part. Our experience in calculating an accurate compensation amount reduces the chance of prolonged disputes during negotiations.

Additionally, insurance companies are more likely to respond promptly and offer fairer settlements when they know you have legal representation. If negotiations stall, we can escalate the case toward litigation to maintain pressure on the insurer. By managing every step proactively, our Houston truck accident lawyers streamline the process and maximize your chances of a fast, favorable resolution.

How Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Prove Liability in a Truck Crash With Injuries

To win your case, our truck accident attorneys must be able to show that another party (the defendant in the case) behaved negligently and is liable for your damages. To prove fault legally, we must show the existence of the following elements.

• Duty – The defendant owed you a duty of care to not cause harm.
• Breach – The defendant breached that duty by acting negligently or recklessly.
• Causation – This breach caused an accident that resulted in your injuries.
• Damages – You suffered damages as a result.

We Gather Evidence From Several Sources

It can be difficult to prove liability in any motor vehicle accident, but the challenges ramp up when a commercial 18-wheeler is involved. Our truck accident lawyers will gather evidence from several sources to piece together exactly what happened and determine who bears legal liability for the crash and your injuries.

• We will study the police accident report, photographs, and other documentation of the scene.
• We collect critical pieces of data, such as the vehicular speed and braking data from the semi-truck’s recording device.
• If a special state investigator looked into the possible mechanical failure of the truck, we will study that official’s findings.
• As the victim, you may need to speak with an independent investigator hired by the trucking company. This person almost certainly will attempt to shift liability onto you, but we prepare you for this interview.
• To determine a financial amount to request for your injuries, we will consider your medical expenditures, any missed time from work, pain and emotional suffering, and expenses due to long-term or permanent injuries.

Why Proving Liability in a Truck Accident Is Challenging

Truck accidents are particularly complicated because there may be multiple parties who contributed to the accident. They may include the driver, the trucking company, the truck or freight broker, or the manufacturer of a defective part.

The victims of any motor vehicle accident may pursue compensation for their injuries and losses from the parties responsible. When a commercial vehicle is involved, though, it can affect the handling of the claim. Commercial vehicles must follow operational regulations at both the state and federal levels. They’re subject to significant safety regulations.

More Than One Party Might Be Liable in a Truck Accident Injury Claim

Driver error is the primary cause of most commercial truck crashes in Texas, but driver error does not absolve the carrier. Truckers are often under pressure to deliver their loads under tight deadlines, leading them to ignore federal guidelines that mandate rest breaks and that restrict hours on the road.

If a driver acts with extreme negligence — for example, by operating the vehicle outside of its intended scope without the knowledge or consent of the employer or by driving while fatigued — the driver alone may bear responsibility. But in most cases, even when the driver’s actions caused the crash, the trucking company may share liability.

Some carriers attempt to avoid taking the blame by claiming their employees are independent contractors, but this is becoming harder to do.

Who Is Liable When the Truck Suffered a Mechanical Failure?

Mechanical failure can certainly be a culprit in a big rig crash. Who is liable in a case like this depends on the nature of the breakdown. A trucking company’s poor maintenance system can lead to worn tires, bad brakes, inadequate safety systems, and any number of other malfunctions. The law requires carriers to inspect their vehicles and keep them in good working condition. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable after a crash related to mechanical failures.

If a defective part caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of that part may bear at least some liability.

How We Use Black Box and Dash Cam Evidence to Prove Fault in a Houston Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a truck accident, one of the most critical components for building a strong legal case is proving who was at fault. Fortunately, modern commercial trucks usually have event data recorders (EDRs), commonly referred to as “black boxes.” They often have dash cameras, too. Both these data-gathering tools can serve as vital sources of evidence for accident victims.

Black Boxes Record Significant Amounts of Data

A truck’s black box records a wide range of data, including vehicle speed, braking patterns, steering input, engine hours, and even whether the truck driver was wearing a seatbelt. This information is essential in reconstructing events leading to a crash. For example, if a driver was speeding and failed to brake in time or made a sudden, erratic maneuver, black box data proves these negligent behaviors.

Dash Cam Footage Shows Driver Behavior

Similarly, dash cam footage – especially when cameras face both the road and the driver – can provide visual proof of driver behavior, road conditions, and the moments before impact. Cameras may show driving distracted, running a red light, or failing to maintain lane control. They can also verify witness accounts and contradict inaccurate statements by the trucking company or insurer.

We Prevent Trucking Companies From Destroying This Information

Because trucking companies often try to protect themselves by controlling or destroying evidence, it’s critical to act fast after a crash with injuries in Houston. Our Houston truck accident attorneys send spoliation letters to truckers to force them to preserve black box and dash cam data.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we know how to obtain and interpret this electronic evidence to support your claim and hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. When used properly, this technology can make a powerful difference in proving fault and securing full compensation for accident victims.

How Your Truck Accident Claim May Proceed From Negotiations to Trial

If you suffered injuries in a collision with a commercial truck, you might want to focus on your medical recovery. Calling a lawyer may be the last thing on your mind.

However, it’s important to take this step as soon as possible. Launching an investigation immediately after the incident gives our lawyers the best chance of proving what happened. Additionally, if the statute of limitations passes, you may not be able to recover the money your injuries warrant. Once you hire us, here’s what to expect.

• We will start an investigation into the accident, looking at police reports, witness accounts, and photographs. We consult with experts and gather all possible evidence to determine what happened and who was at fault.
• Once you finish your medical treatment, we will obtain medical and billing records and then analyze your claim, including the calculation of your economic and non-economic losses.
• If we and the insurance companies involved cannot come to a satisfactory agreement through negotiations, we will initiate a lawsuit by filing a petition with the court.
• Once the defendants have been served and have answered, the discovery phase will begin. This includes deposing witnesses, giving the opposing party requested information, and hiring expert witnesses.
• After the discovery process is complete, we will go to trial.
• Just because we file a lawsuit on your behalf, the case still might not end up in the courtroom. Negotiations continue after we file the lawsuit. The two sides may come to an agreement at any time, sometimes through mediation with a neutral third party.

Our commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have a thorough understanding of the specific state and federal laws regulating operation of commercial vehicles. We will make sure every responsible party is held to account and that we fight for all the money you deserve.

What You Should Do After a Truck Accident With Injuries in Houston

After an accident with a commercial vehicle, you should take a few steps in the immediate aftermath.

• Call 911 to alert the authorities. If someone is injured, request emergency medical responders.
• If you are in harm’s way, do whatever is possible to get to safety.
• Gather the name and insurance information of the truck driver.
• Avoid speaking to the truck driver at length and never admit fault without knowing the facts of your case.
• Cooperate with the police officer who responds to the scene of your crash. The officer will use the information you provide in the police accident report.
• If possible, take pictures of the scene with your phone and gather contact information from witnesses.
• If there is even a possibility that you suffered an injury, play it safe and visit a doctor right away to be tested and treated.
• Keep copies of anything you receive related to the crash – medical bills, vehicle damage repair bills, or correspondence from insurance companies.
• Contact our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law for your free and confidential consultation.

Call Our Experienced Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

An accident involving a commercial truck is serious business. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, you need to hire a lawyer experienced with truck claims to ensure you aren’t shortchanged by a lowball insurance offer and to fight for every penny you deserve. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our skilled and compassionate attorneys will fight for you every step of the way — up to and including in the courtroom.

Our compassionate personal injury lawyers are here to take the burden off you. We handle all the legal hurdles involved in getting you the compensation you deserve. Seek help from our Houston truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. It is important to start investigating your accident while evidence is fresh and witnesses are available. In addition, Texas has a statute of limitations, which is a deadline for filing a case. According to the law (Texas CPRC Title 2, Chapter 16, Sec. 16.003), you generally have 2 years after the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court. (*Always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.) If you miss this deadline, the courts are likely to dismiss your case, so do not delay.

Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now for a free and confidential Houston truck accident consultation at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000. Our Houston truck accident lawyers are ready to help you get the justice you deserve.