Let the Houston truck accident lawyers of Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, help you demand justice after being injured in a truck accident. You deserve financial compensation for your injuries and losses.
Truck collisions can leave you with life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and a mountain of other bills that you can’t afford to pay. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience helping injured accident victims obtain financial compensation from deep-pocketed trucking companies and insurers.
When you choose our legal team to help you after a truck accident, you can expect a full-service approach. We don’t just help you pursue a settlement or a verdict at trial – we are committed to helping you make a complete recovery from the accident. You can read through the verified testimonials of Houston residents or check out our five-star ratings from past clients.
Contact us today at 713-609-1930 or send us a message on our secure and confidential form for a free case evaluation. Our Houston truck accident law firm will go over your legal rights, map out a strategy for pursuing compensation, and explain your next steps. Hablamos español.
Why Choose Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC
At Goldenzweig Law Group, we’re more than just lawyers – we’re your dedicated advocates and extended family. We understand that facing a personal injury can be overwhelming, which is why we take a holistic approach to your case. Our commitment goes beyond the courtroom:
Your Advocate, Your Family
- We listen to your concerns and provide emotional support
- We help you find the right medical care for your recovery
- We check in regularly to understand how your injuries are affecting your daily life
- For car accident victims, we assist with vehicle repair or replacement
You’re not just another case number to us. You’re a valued member of our family, and we treat you with the care and respect you deserve.
The Goldenzweig Difference: Experience That Counts
Stephen Goldenzweig, our founder, brings over a decade of experience fighting for the rights of everyday people. His unique background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us a powerful edge:
- We understand the tactics insurance companies use to devalue your claim
- Our meticulous case preparation ensures we negotiate from a position of strength
Stephen’s aggressive approach in settlement negotiations and court proceedings is driven by an unwavering loyalty to help those in need. “I want the absolute best for my clients,” Stephen says. “I don’t rest until I feel like we have achieved the best possible outcome in their case.”
A Proven Track Record of Success
Stephen’s dedication and expertise have earned him recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for five consecutive years (2020-2024). This accolade reflects our firm’s commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver results for our clients.
When you choose Goldenzweig Law Group, you’re choosing:
- A team that puts your needs first
- Experienced trial lawyers who aren’t afraid to go to court
- A comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of your recovery
- No upfront costs – we only get paid when we win your case
Your Path to Justice Starts Here
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us show you why we are the right choice for your truck accident case. We’re ready to meet you wherever is convenient in Houston or the surrounding areas, or we can arrange a virtual visit.
How Can We Help You In A Truck Accident Lawsuit?
When a truck accident turns your world upside down, you need more than just legal representation – you need a team that truly understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll of such a traumatic event. At Goldenzweig Law Group:
Your Health Comes First
We understand that in the aftermath of a truck accident, your primary concern is your health and recovery. But we also know that the looming specter of medical bills can be overwhelming. That’s where our expertise becomes your lifeline:
- We’ll guide you through the maze of medical care options.
- If you’re struggling to find the right doctor, we’ll help you connect with trusted medical professionals.
- Our team will ensure you understand your treatment plan and its implications for your case.
Unraveling the Complexities of Your Case
Truck accident lawsuits are notoriously complex, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. When you reach out to us:
- We’ll conduct a thorough, free consultation to understand every detail of your accident.
- Our team will meticulously review all evidence, from police reports to witness statements.
- We’ll decipher and explain any communication from insurance companies, arming you with the knowledge to protect your interests.
Comprehensive Support Beyond the Courtroom
At Goldenzweig Law Group, we believe in going the extra mile for our clients:
- Need help getting your vehicle repaired or replaced? We’ve got you covered.
- Worried about handling insurance companies? We’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Feeling overwhelmed by the legal process? We’ll break it down and keep you informed throughout.
Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority
When you choose us, you’re choosing peace of mind. We handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your recovery and your family. Our commitment to you is simple:
- We fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
- We shoulder the legal burden so you can heal.
- We treat you with the compassion and respect you need during this difficult time.
What Should I Do After A Truck Accident?
A truck accident can be a life-altering event, leaving you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. At Goldenzweig Law Group, we understand the overwhelming nature of this situation.
That’s why we’ve compiled these crucial steps following a truck accident in the Greater Houston Area or anywhere in Texas:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your well-being is paramount. Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries may not be immediately apparent. See a doctor as soon as possible to ensure your health and create a medical record of your injuries.
Document Everything: In the aftermath of a truck accident, every piece of paper can become a powerful tool in your quest for justice. Start by safeguarding the police report of the incident – it’s an official account of what happened and can be crucial to your case.
Diligently preserve all medical records and receipts, as they tell the story of your physical recovery and the financial burden you’ve endured. Don’t overlook the importance of pay stubs and tax forms; these documents can clearly demonstrate any lost wages due to your injuries. Finally, gather all vehicle repair estimates, as they provide tangible evidence of the accident’s impact.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your rehabilitation plan. This not only aids your recovery but also strengthens your claim by showing the seriousness of your injuries.
Keep a Pain and Emotional Distress Journal: Your personal account of daily struggles provides powerful evidence of your pain and suffering, giving voice to the invisible toll of the accident.
Stay Off Social Media: In the digital age, your online presence can impact your case. Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries, as these can be used against you.
Don’t Communicate with Insurance Companies Alone: Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Let us handle all communication to protect your interests.
Contact Goldenzweig Law Group Immediately: Time is of the essence in truck accident cases. The sooner you reach out, the quicker we can begin gathering crucial evidence, identifying liable parties, ensuring you receive proper medical care and protecting your right to fair compensation.
About Truck Accidents in Houston
Houston, the crown jewel of Texas, is a city that never sleeps. With its sprawling urban landscape, world-renowned energy sector, and cultural diversity, it’s a place where opportunity knocks on every door.
From the gleaming towers of the Medical Center to the bustling Port of Houston, the city is a testament to human ambition and innovation. But beneath the surface of this metropolis lies a growing concern that touches the lives of its residents: the ever-present risk of truck accidents.
As a gateway to the Gulf Coast and beyond, Houston sees an enormous volume of freight moving through its arteries daily. The Port of Houston alone generates a staggering amount of truck traffic, particularly along the Ship Channel and surrounding highways.
The vast network of interstates and loop highways, including I-10, I-45, and the 610 Loop, are lifelines for both commuters and truckers. This shared space creates a dangerous mix of personal and commercial vehicles.
In the latest report from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were almost 39,000 total crashes of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in the state, with over 500 of them recorded as fatal cases and at least 1,300 with suspected serious injuries.
Texas stands out as being the most dangerous state for truck accidents. It’s also one of the riskiest states for all types of crashes, ranking as the seventh-riskiest state for motorists, according to Forbes Advisor’s car accident research.
Statute of Limitations
Texas law gives you a window of opportunity to file a lawsuit, which is two years from the date of your accident. This may seem like ample time, but in the complex world of truck accident litigation, every day counts.
Building a Strong Case Takes Time: Truck accidents involve multiple parties, intricate regulations, and often, corporate legal teams. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and constructing a bulletproof case requires meticulous effort and expertise.
Your Health Comes First: While you focus on healing, crucial evidence can disappear, and memories can fade. An experienced attorney can work on your behalf, preserving vital information while you recover.
The Stakes Are High: Missing this deadline might give the court a reason to dismiss your case – and with that, you could lose your right to hold those responsible accountable, potentially leaving you with a lifetime of piled-up medical bills and lost wages.
Common Factors Contributing to Truck Crashes
There are many factors that can cause truck accidents, but many of them are related to negligence. Often, the cause of a truck crash is a negligent truck driver, but in some cases, another party’s negligence may lead to a truck crash.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Bad Brakes: Faulty brake systems on trucks or trailers can cause accidents. This could be due to poor maintenance or defective parts.
Defective Roadways: Poor road conditions like potholes, cracked pavement, or insufficient signage can lead to truck accidents. Government entities may be liable in such cases.
Distracted Driving: Truck drivers who engage in activities like texting, adjusting their GPS, or eating while driving can cause accidents. This is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents.
Driver Fatigue: Overworked and exhausted truck drivers may fall asleep at the wheel or have impaired judgment. This often results from pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines.
Failure to Check Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots, and failing to check these before maneuvering can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
Following Too Closely: Tailgating by truck drivers can result in dangerous rear-end collisions, especially given trucks’ longer stopping distances.
Impaired Driving: Truck drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can cause serious accidents due to poor judgment and delayed reactions.
Improperly Secured Loads: Cargo that isn’t properly secured can shift or fall, causing the driver to lose control or endangering other vehicles on the road.
Overloaded Trucks: Trucks carrying loads beyond their weight limit are more prone to accidents like jackknifing or rollovers.
Poor Driver Training: Inadequate training of truck drivers by companies can lead to accidents. Some companies may rush drivers onto the road before they’re fully prepared.
Poor Maintenance: Neglecting proper inspection and maintenance of trucks can result in mechanical failures, leading to accidents.
Speeding and Driving Too Fast for Conditions: Truck drivers rushing to meet deadlines may speed or drive too fast for weather or traffic conditions, increasing accident risk.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident due to another party’s negligence, you could be eligible to recover compensation. Contact our truck accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group today to discuss your case.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can come in many different forms, from small fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. This is because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, which can cause a lot of damage when they are involved in an accident.
The types of truck accidents that occur depend on the circumstances surrounding the crash, such as whether any other vehicles were involved or if there were hazardous weather conditions at the time.
The common types include:
Here’s an alphabetically arranged list of truck accident types, including the ones you provided and a few additional common types:
Head-On Collisions: These occur when a truck collides with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries due to the combined force of impact.
Jackknife Crashes: Caused by sudden braking, forcing the truck’s cab forward while its trailer swings outward, forming an angle resembling a folding knife.
Load Spill Accidents: These happen when a truck’s cargo is improperly secured and spills onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers.
Rear-end Collisions: The most common type of truck accident, often occurring when a large truck hits a smaller vehicle from behind due to long stopping distances and limited visibility.
Rollover Accidents: These can occur due to hazardous road conditions, excessive speed, improper loading, or mechanical failures, causing the truck to tip onto its side or roof.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents: These happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign.
Tire Blowouts: When a truck’s tire suddenly bursts, it can cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to a crash.
Underride Crashes: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Wide Turn Accidents: These happen when a truck swings wide to make a turn, potentially striking or trapping smaller vehicles in adjacent lanes.
All these different kinds of truck accidents have one thing in common – they all carry a serious risk for injury or death due to their destructive force. A skilled Houston truck accident attorney will be able to help you determine who is liable for your injuries after a crash and work with you to obtain full compensation for your damages.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?
As you drive through the busy streets of Houston, it’s crucial to be aware of the areas where truck accidents are most likely to occur. These danger zones are not just statistics – they’re real places where lives can change in an instant.
Major Highways: These expansive roadways are the lifeblood of Houston’s commerce, but they’re also hotbeds for truck accidents due to high traffic volume and the constant flow of commercial vehicles. Interstate 10 (I-10), known as the Katy Freeway, is one of the widest freeways in the world and a prime location for truck-related incidents.
Busy Intersections: The meeting points of major roads create a perfect storm of risk, with vehicles approaching from multiple directions and trucks struggling to maneuver in tight spaces. The intersection of Westheimer Road and Gessner Road in West Houston sees a high volume of both local and commercial traffic, increasing the risk of devastating collisions.
Construction Zones: Ongoing roadwork creates hazardous conditions with lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, and unexpected obstacles. The I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project has turned familiar routes into challenging obstacle courses for trucks and passenger vehicles alike.
Port Areas: The constant flow of trucks entering and leaving port facilities creates a high-risk environment for accidents. The roads surrounding the Port of Houston, especially along Clinton Drive and Navigation Boulevard, are frequent sites of truck-related incidents.
Industrial Parks: These areas concentrate warehouses and distribution centers, leading to a high volume of truck traffic on roads not always designed for such heavy use. The Northwest Houston Industrial Park near Beltway 8 is a hotspot for truck accidents due to its dense commercial activity.
Freeway On-ramps and Off-ramps: These transition zones require trucks to adjust speeds and merge with fast-moving traffic, often leading to sideswipe accidents and rear-end collisions. The I-610 West Loop and US-59 interchange, one of the busiest in Texas, is notorious for truck-related incidents during merges.
Residential Areas: As trucks attempt to make deliveries to homegrown businesses, they often find themselves navigating narrow streets not designed for their size. Bellaire Boulevard in Southwest Houston frequently sees conflicts between large trucks and local traffic, especially near commercial zones.
Common Injuries Suffered In Truck Accidents
Texas truck accidents can leave victims in agonizing pain, as well as have lifelong effects on their ability to move, think, and live a full life. Here are a few of the most common injuries that occur in truck accidents:
Amputation and Disfigurement: Depending on the angle of impact and other factors, truck accident victims may have limbs severed or crushed, resulting in one or more amputations. Their faces and other parts of their bodies can also be disfigured by burns, severe lacerations, and broken bones.
Broken Bones: Broken legs, hips, hands, and wrists are some of the most commonly broken bones in truck accidents.
Burns: Hot metal and road surfaces can lead to burn injuries, especially if someone is ejected from their vehicle in an accident.
Head Injuries: In addition to brain injuries, truck accident victims often sustain damage to the exterior of the head and face. Causes include broken glass, impacts with an airbag, and collisions with flying debris.
Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to critical organs can be fatal if not treated quickly after an accident. In non-fatal cases, damage to a major organ can have extensive health effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The force from a truck accident can put intense pressure on the spinal cord, causing damage to the vertebrae or the discs that support them. In severe cases, an object might penetrate the spinal cord. Any damage to the spinal cord carries the risk of paralysis, including paraplegia (loss of motion from the waist down) or quadriplegia (loss of motion from the neck down, also called tetraplegia).
Traumatic Brain Injuries: An object penetrating the skull or a sharp blow to the head can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Objects that penetrate the skull destroy brain tissue and blood vessels. A hard impact can jostle the brain inside the skull, leading to internal bruising and broken blood vessels. When they aren’t fatal, TBIs often cause cognitive impairment and loss of bodily function. The effects are usually permanent.
Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries: Traumatic orthopedic injuries refer to severe injuries to the body’s musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones and muscles, as well as the tissues that bind them together, like ligaments and tendons. Damaged or torn ligaments may require surgery to repair and extensive physical therapy.
Whiplash: Especially common in rear-end accidents, whiplash refers to the motion that occurs when your body is jerked forward before the seatbelt locks, and your body is jolted back into place. The force from a rear-end accident puts severe pressure on the upper neck and back, causing intense pain and affecting your ability to move your head.
Types of Damages and Compensation From Truck Accidents in Houston, Texas
A serious truck accident can leave you with catastrophic injuries and financial and personal losses. If you’ve been involved in a truck crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for losses, such as:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, medical procedures, prescription pain medication, physical and occupational therapy, and even long-term care, such as home health services;
- Lost income and earning capacity, if you miss time from work while recovering from injuries or if your injuries leave you unable to return to your pre-accident job or level of income;
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life due to physical disabilities or disfigurements, difficulties with daily tasks, or inability to partake in activities;
- Damages for physical and mental pain and suffering.
Our Houston truck accident attorneys fight tirelessly to maximize their clients’ recoveries. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to pursuing every possible avenue of compensation on your behalf.
Texas’ Modified Comparative Negligence System
In the state of Texas, if you are partially at fault for a truck accident, then you are still eligible to receive compensation. This is because of the modified comparative negligence system that exists here in Texas.
The comparative negligence system allows individuals who have been injured in an accident to collect damages even if they were partly responsible for the incident. Under this system, each party involved in an accident will be assigned a percentage of responsibility based on their involvement or contribution to the crash.
The amount of compensation awarded is then reduced by this percentage amount so that those who bear some degree of fault can still recover damages from other parties involved who may have had more liability than them. For example, if someone were found to be 20% liable for their injuries, they would only be able to get 80% of the total damages awarded as opposed to 100%.
In a “modified comparative negligence” system, when one party’s share of responsibility exceeds 50%, they are considered mostly at fault for an accident; that party cannot pursue any type of recovery from other parties involved in the accident.
Therefore, it is critical that you have an experienced Houston truck accident attorney on your side to build a strong case and protect you from claims that you hold more responsibility for the crash than you actually do.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
A specialized truck accident attorney can provide legal advice and guidance on how to proceed with your case and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. They will be able to investigate all evidence related to the accident, including eyewitness accounts, physical evidence from the scene, such as skid mark analysis, and medical records that may be beneficial to your case.
Having a lawyer on your side after a truck accident can also help to ensure that the trucking company does not try to change or hide any evidence. If given time, companies have a tendency to lose evidence or destroy evidence due to arbitrary policies about retention of logs.
A skilled truck accident attorney near you can send the proper notices that force these trucking companies to retain and disclose the evidence necessary for your case.
Your attorney will also be able to collect witness testimony in a timely fashion. This is critical because memories fade over time, and witnesses can relocate. Preserving testimony about your case is important and should not be neglected.
Legal Strategies and Client Representation
Truck accident cases tend to be more complex than other kinds of motor vehicle accident claims. The reasons for the complicated nature of truck accident claims include:
- Accident victims suffer more serious injuries. The size (and often the speed) of a commercial truck imposes violent forces on the vehicles and individuals the truck collides with. These forces usually result in more serious injuries for truck accident victims. More serious injuries can mean an accident victim will require ongoing treatment even after his or her claim reaches settlement negotiations or trial. This means that the victim’s financial compensation must include anticipated future expenses and losses. Assessing future losses requires expert analysis and resources.
- Trucking companies have complicated corporate and insurance structures. Trucking companies often have complex business structures, making it difficult to identify the correct legal party that can be held responsible for an accident. Trucking companies also often have layered insurance policies that can hide the true extent of coverage available to compensate an injured accident victim. You need a truck accident attorney who has extensive experience dealing with these types of claims to identify all potential sources of compensation.
- More parties may be involved. Multiple parties and companies may be involved in getting trucks and cargo onto the road and to their destination. Following an accident, each of these parties must be looked at to determine whether they bear some or all of the fault for the crash.
- There is more evidence involved. The complex nature of the trucking industry also generates a lot of documents and information that must be examined following a crash. You need a truck accident lawyer who will work quickly to preserve evidence and determine how the accident occurred.
The Importance of Expertise and Personal Experience
Our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers know how to gather and analyze crucial evidence in these complex cases. Here are the most important pieces of evidence we typically examine:
Driver’s Log: Records on-duty and driving time, revealing potential fatigue issues.
Toxicology Report: Indicates if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Employment and Driving Records: Reveals driver’s training, experience, and safety history.
Electronic Data Recorder: Provides detailed information on the truck’s operation and may include dashcam footage.
Load Manifest: This shows if the truck was overloaded or improperly balanced.
Maintenance Records: Indicates if proper maintenance was performed or neglected.
Our attorneys also review other evidence common to all types of motor vehicle accidents, such as the police accident report, eyewitness statements, accident scene photos, surveillance videos, vehicle damage/repair reports, and medical records from the treatment of your injuries.
Working with a Local Houston Lawyer
A local Houston truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Goldenzweig Law Group, we offer more than just legal expertise – we bring an intimate knowledge of Houston’s landscape and legal system to your case.
This local insight allows us to:
- Accurately reconstruct accidents and identify factors others might miss;
- Leverage our connections with local experts and law enforcement;
- Navigate Houston’s unique legal landscape effectively;
- Provide personalized, accessible service;
- Communicate in your preferred language;
- Fight not just for your compensation, but for safer Houston roads as well.
We’re not just your attorneys; we’re your neighbors and advocates. Choose a local team that looks beyond legal documents to the real human impact. Choose Goldenzweig Law Group.
Navigating Legal Complexities in Truck Accidents
In a typical car accident, liability often lies with one of the drivers. When an accident involves a commercial truck, however, there may be many more parties that bear some or all the liability for the crash:
Truck Driver: For negligent or reckless operation.
Trucking Company: For employer liability or negligent retention/supervision.
Truck Owner: If separate from driver/company, for maintenance-related issues.
Freight Company: For unsafe loading practices.
Mechanic: For negligent maintenance or improper repairs.
Manufacturer: For defects in the truck or parts causing accidents.
Understanding these potential liabilities is crucial for building a comprehensive case and ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable. Our experienced team at Goldenzweig Law Group investigates thoroughly to identify all liable parties in your truck accident claim.
Our firm knows how to evaluate all available evidence to determine how the accident occurred and who is responsible. We are aggressive when it comes to bringing claims against negligent and reckless parties and are prepared to fight tirelessly for you and your full recovery.
Contact A Houston-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Going up against trucking companies and their insurers is a difficult battle, but you don’t have to fight them on your own. While you focus on recovering from your ordeal, we’ll begin gathering evidence and building a case for maximum compensation.
The team at Goldenzweig Law Group will handle all the paperwork and various legal proceedings to make things as painless as possible for you. We’ll fight for a fair settlement, but if the liable parties don’t agree to pay what they should, we’re not afraid to bring your case to trial.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or damage from a truck crash in Houston, contact us on our secure form or call 713-609-1930 now to schedule a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to provide urgent assistance.