Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Why clients trust Calderon Law Firm for truck accident cases

When you're facing the aftermath of a devastating truck accident, you need more than just any lawyer — you need a team that understands the unique challenges of trucking cases and fights as hard for your family as you would yourself. Here's why injured Houstonians choose Calderon Law Firm for their truck accident cases:

1. We know federal trucking laws inside and out. Truck accidents aren't just bigger car accidents — they're governed by complex federal regulations that most attorneys never encounter. Our team understands FMCSA rules, hours-of-service violations, and maintenance requirements that can make or break your case.

2. You get a dedicated team, not a case number. From day one, you're supported by a dedicated case manager, paralegals, and an attorney who fights for you like it's personal. Because at Calderon Law Firm, it is personal.

3. We act fast to preserve essential evidence. Trucking companies send response teams to accident scenes within hours to protect their interests. We build your case just as aggressively, getting black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records before they disappear. Time is everything in truck accident cases, and we never waste a moment.

4. We are trial ready. Insurance companies don't intimidate us because they know we're prepared to take every case to court if necessary. We prepare like every case will go to trial, which is why we consistently secure better settlements for our clients. When they know you're serious about fighting, they take your claim seriously.

5. We take on corporate legal teams. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize what you receive. We level the playing field by bringing the same intensity and resources to your case. Our track record speaks for itself — we consistently go toe-to-toe with corporate legal teams and come out on top for our clients.

6. Support in English or Spanish. Our bilingual staff makes sure you fully understand your rights and options, regardless of which language you're most comfortable speaking. Legal matters are complicated enough without language barriers getting in the way of getting the help you need.

You'll always know what's happening with your case, and you'll never feel left in the dark. No legal jargon, no runarounds — just straight talk about where your case stands and what to expect next. We’ve helped hundreds of victims recover — now we’re here for you.

Types of trucking accidents

Commercial truck accidents come in many forms, and while each type presents its own unique set of challenges and circumstances for your claim, they’re all incredibly dangerous. The type of truck accident you’ve been involved in is often the jumping-off point for determining liability and developing a strong case. 

• Jackknife accidents occur when a truck's trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents typically happen during sudden braking or when road conditions are poor.

• Rollover accidents are particularly devastating given the size and weight of commercial trucks. When trucks tip over, they can crush smaller vehicles and cause multi-vehicle pileups.

• Rear-end collisions involving trucks are especially dangerous due to the massive weight difference between commercial vehicles and passenger cars. The force of impact can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

• Blind spot accidents happen when trucks change lanes or turn without seeing smaller vehicles in their extensive blind spots, also known as "no zones.”  When"When a truck driver fails to properly check these blind spots before changing lanes, merging or turning, nearby cars can be sideswiped, forced off the road or crushed.  These accidents can often lead to catastrophic injuries.

• Underride accidents are among the most fatal, occurring when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck's trailer. These accidents often result in severe head and neck injuries.

• T-Bone Accidents can be some of the most catastrophic truck crashes, often happening at intersections when a truck driver runs a red light or fails to yield.  Because the full force of an 18-wheeler strikes the side of a smaller vehicle, these crashes frequently cause severe or even fatal injuries.

Common causes of truck accidents

Commercial truck accidents rarely happen by chance. Most result from preventable factors that stem from negligence by drivers, trucking companies, or other parties. Who is responsible for your truck accident often determines the strategy of your case, what compensation will be available, and more. 

• Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, some drivers push beyond safe limits to meet delivery deadlines — and some trucking companies encourage it. Fatigue slows reaction time and is one of the leading causes of truck crashes.

• Distracted driving has become increasingly common with the prevalence of smartphones and GPS devices. Truck drivers texting, making calls, or using electronic devices while driving put everyone on the road at risk.

• Inadequate training of commercial drivers can lead to accidents when drivers don't know how to handle emergency situations or properly operate their vehicles in various conditions.

• Poor vehicle maintenance causes accidents when trucking companies cut corners on inspections, brake maintenance, or tire replacements. Mechanical failures at highway speeds can be catastrophic.

• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, tip over, or lose their loads onto the roadway.

• Aggressive driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or improper lane changes are particularly dangerous when committed by drivers operating 80,000-pound vehicles.

At Calderon Law Firm, we know how to uncover the truth, whether it’s a driver who broke federal safety rules, a company that ignored maintenance, or an insurer trying to hide liability.  No matter who or what caused your commercial vehicle accident, our Houston truck accident lawyers are here to protect your health, family and your future.

Common truck accident injuries

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that accidents involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles often result in severe, life-changing injuries. Knowing the scope of your potential injuries can help you and your family prepare for the long road ahead.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating consequences of truck accidents. The tremendous force involved in these collisions can damage the delicate spinal cord, potentially causing:

• Complete or partial paralysis

• Loss of sensation below the injury site

• Chronic pain and muscle spasms

• Respiratory difficulties

Victims with spinal cord injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and lifelong medical care. A Houston catastrophic injury lawyer can help ensure compensation for both immediate and long-term needs.

Head injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are frighteningly common in truck accidents due to the violent forces involved. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that permanently alters a person's life. Head injuries from truck accidents may cause:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment

• Personality changes and mood disorders

• Speech and communication difficulties

• Loss of motor skills and coordination

• Seizures and chronic headaches

Even seemingly minor head injuries can have lasting effects that don't become apparent until weeks or months after the accident — this is why immediate medical attention after an accident is always essential, even if you feel fine initially.

Other common truck accident injuries

Beyond spinal cord and head injuries, truck accidents frequently cause a wide range of other serious injuries:

• Bone breaks and fractures requiring surgical intervention and lengthy recovery periods

• Internal organ damage or internal bleeding that may not appear right awaybe immediately apparent

• Severe burns from fuel fires or chemical spills

• Amputation injuries requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation

• Chest pain after a car accident could indicate serious internal injuries

• Crushing injuries to limbs and extremities

• Severe lacerations and soft tissue damage that may result in permanent scarring

Dealing with serious injuries is overwhelming enough without worrying about communication barriers. At Calderon Law Firm, our bilingual staff ensures you fully understand your rights, your case, and your options every step of the way.

How the trucking company will fight your truck accident claim

Trucking companies throw everything they have at minimizing their liability and reducing settlements. It’s essential that you hire an attorney who is prepared to match the aggression and resource spending of the insurance companies if you want to get what you deserve. 

Insurance company involvement adds another layer of complexity, as insurers use their own tactics to delay or deny legitimate claims to protect their bottom line. If you're facing unreasonable delays or unfair denials, you and your attorney may need to pivot to suing the insurance company for bad faith practices.

At Calderon Law Firm, we know how these corporations operate because we have gone toe-to-toe with them, and won.  Schedule your FREE Case Review today to learn your rights, protect critical evidence and start fighting back for the compensation you and your family deserve.

How to find an injury lawyer in Houston for your trucking accident

After being involved in a truck accident, it’s essential that you don’t hire just any lawyer. While time is of the essence and you need to start your medical care immediately, hiring a trusted attorney for truck and commercial vehicle accidents can make all the difference in your case, your settlement, and, ultimately, your recovery. 

1. Make sure they have experience handling truck accident cases. A lawyer with a track record of handling truck accident cases will be more likely to have the knowledge and resources to win a tough case. 
2. Look at their reviews. What their previous clients say matters. Take a look at an attorney's reviews to make sure that people leave happy and ready to recommend the attorney to their friends and loved ones.
3. Check their credentials. Credentials shouldn’t take precedence over experience, but reviewing an attorney's awards and selections can tell you a lot about whether they’re respected within the industry, which can tell you a lot about their quality of representation. Bonus points for Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, and other superlatives. 

Jose Calderon has been selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star every year since 2020, an honor held by less than 2.5% of all the attorneys in Texas. He was also selected to The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 list in just his second year of practice. 

You can look at our reviews here: 

Personal Injury Lawyer Reviews

How long does a truck accident lawsuit take in Texas?

The timeline for a truck accident lawsuit in Texas will vary based on a number of things. In general, cases will take longer the more complex they are, the more severe the injuries are, and the more third parties are involved. Here’s a very general breakdown of the timeline:

1. Investigation and claim filing. After your lawyer investigates and gathers evidence, they will file a claim. This step can take several weeks to months.
2. Discovery. During this phase, both sides gather and exchange evidence, which may take a few months.
3. Negotiations. Our goal is often to settle before going to trial, but if a fair agreement isn’t reached, we will proceed to court to get you what you need. 
4. Trial. If your case goes to trial, it’s likely because settlement negotiations broke down, and it can mean months or years before finally getting the compensation you deserve.

We know that it may be dispiriting knowing that truck accident lawsuits can take so much time, but you should always get started as soon as possible. Once you have an attorney and begin the process of filing your claim, you will have access to the medical care and time you need to recover as much as you can. 

Although resolution of your claim may take a while, with the help of a Houston truck accident lawyer, you can begin the healing process and start moving past your accident sooner.

Continue reading: How long do accident settlements take?

Why fighting truck accidents requires a specialized truck injury law firm

Truck accidents are very different from car accidents, and it takes a specific kind of law firm to successfully handle them. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Insurance issues. Trucking companies and their insurers often have powerful legal teams whose job it is to reduce their liability and cut you a smaller check — if they cut one at all. An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to go head-to-head with these legal teams and counter their strategies.
2. Trucking regulations. Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets standards on driving hours, truck weight, and maintenance. It takes a lawyer with very specific knowledge to identify problems based on these regulations and use them to your advantage. 
3. Potential for fatalities. Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death lawsuits. Because the stakes in truck accident cases are often so much higher, they require attorneys who know how to pursue maximum compensation.

Who is at fault in trucking accidents?

The issue of fault in trucking accidents is one of the reasons that truck accident claims are more difficult to resolve than normal car accidents. The presence of trucking companies, employed drivers, and large manufacturing companies means that liability can be a tangled web. A few parties that may be responsible in a trucking accident include:

• Truck drivers. If driver errors like fatigue, substance abuse, or reckless driving can be proved, the driver may be held liable. 
• Trucking companies. Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, training them properly, ensuring tenable schedules and adequate vehicle maintenance. If these things don’t happen, the companies may be held liable for accidents. 
• Manufacturers. If a faulty part or corners cut in production cause an accident, manufacturers can share blame. 
• Other third parties. Liability can extend to the city because they are responsible for keeping up the quality of road conditions or other drivers who might have been involved but were not driving the truck. 

Because Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, you can recover damages for the accident as long as these companies are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident. This can add to the complexity of determining fault and damages in trucking accidents and is another example of why who you choose to represent you in your truck accident claim matters. 

How much are most truck accident settlements?

Truck accident settlements also vary widely based on injury severity, complexity of the case, and parties found to be at fault. Truck accident settlements in Texas, especially if they go to court, can often be millions of dollars. This isn’t to say that they are all worth that much, but you can expect to recover money for:

• Medical bills. These can include hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, medication, and all future medical expenses related to your injuries. 
• Property damage. Your car, any items in it, or anything else damaged or destroyed during the accident. 
• Lost wages. After serious accidents it is common to miss significant time from work. Compensation for past and future lost wages from trucking accidents is always on the table. 
• Pain and suffering. Damages for pain and suffering can be difficult to calculate, but your attorney should ensure that you’re compensated for any physical pain or emotional distress that you suffered because of the accident. 

Every case is different, but these are generally the damages that will make up your truck accident settlement. The more severely your life has been impacted, the more you are likely to get. 

How much does a lawyer get from a car accident settlement in Texas?

Personal injury lawyers in Texas work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if they win your case. Most contingency fees are a percentage of the total settlement that you receive once your case is over — they usually range from 33% to 40%.

You may be wondering how much Houston car accident lawyers cost. The question is often on the minds of people after accidents in Texas, who are concerned that hiring an injury lawyer might just take money away from their settlement, money that would otherwise be theirs — but this is not the case. 

The truth is that you are unlikely to get anywhere near what you deserve without a personal injury lawyer at your side. You can make an insurance claim, but the adjusters will likely give you a lowball offer that will hardly cover the cost of your initial hospital visit. Why? They know that without a real truck accident lawyer on the case there is no threat of a lawsuit, and therefore they can keep stringing you along. 

With a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer from Calderon, you can get a settlement that reflects what you actually deserve, one that helps you recover and move past your accident.

Houston truck accident lawyer FAQ

Do I need truck accident attorneys for my truck accident case?

While not every car accident requires an attorney, truck accident cases are different. The complexity and intensity of truck accident cases often make hiring an attorney a necessity. You should definitely consider hiring truck accident attorneys if:

• Your injuries are severe or will require ongoing medical treatment

• The trucking company has denied fault or offered an inadequate settlement

• Multiple parties may be liable for the accident

• You're facing significant medical bills and lost wages

• The insurance company is delaying your claim or acting in bad faith

The stakes in truck accident cases are typically much higher than standard car accidents, and trucking companies have experienced legal teams working to minimize their liability. It’s this simple: having a good truck accident lawyer levels the playing field and significantly improves your chances of fair compensation.

How long do you have to file a truck accident claim?

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations, and missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.

There are, however, some exceptions and considerations to keep in mind:

• Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines

• If the victim was a minor, different rules may apply

• If you were hit by a truck and the driver fled the scene, the timeline may be affected

Although you usually have a two-year window, you should still contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, witness memories fade, and early action often leads to better outcomes for victims.

Do truck accident lawsuits settle before trial?

The majority of truck accident cases do settle before reaching trial, often because both sides recognize the costs and uncertainties associated with litigation. The factors that most commonly influence whether or not a case settles include:

Your attorney will negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, but they should also be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to get you what you deserve. Preparing for litigation will often yield better results, as insurance companies and trucking companies often want to avoid costly trials. 

Is a commercial truck the same thing as an 18-wheeler?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some distinctions. An 18-wheeler specifically refers to a truck with 18 wheels (typically a tractor-trailer combination), while "commercial truck" is a broader category that includes:

• 18-wheelers and other tractor-trailers

• Delivery trucks

• Box trucks

• Garbage trucks

• Construction vehicles

• Any truck used for commercial purposes

From a legal standpoint, what matters most is that the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes, as this typically means higher insurance requirements and different regulatory standards. By this logic, an Uber or a Lyft is also a commercial vehicle, and rideshare cases* actually have a lot in common with truck accident cases. Whether you were injured by an 18-wheeler specifically or another type of commercial truck, similar legal principles often apply.

Continue reading: What to do if your Uber crashes

What are the types of truck accident damages?

Truck accident damages are often much more extensive than those available in standard car accidents. Getting what you truly deserve for your injuries is often reliant on you hiring an attorney who can calculate and argue for maximum compensation, but some of the damages available to you might include:

The Texas truck accident lawyers at Calderon Law Firm are here for your family

Calderon Law Firm understands the physical, financial, and emotional toll a truck accident can take on you and your family, and we are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. If you need a Houston truck accident lawyer, we’re standing by to give you the exceptional representation and quality care that you need to recover. 

Whether you’re looking for an Uber accident lawyer in Houston or need an attorney for work injuries, Calderon is dedicated to defending your rights and helping you get what you need. Call us at (346) 999-5673 or contact us online today for quality care and unbeatable results. Our bilingual team serves all of Houston — whether you prefer English or Spanish, we're here to help you through this difficult time.