The massive size and weight of commercial trucks, combined with the speeds at which they travel, make accidents involving these vehicles extremely serious.

• Four out of five truck accidents involve more than one vehicle.

• Approximately one-third are head-on collisions.

• Tens of thousands of Americans suffer catastrophic injuries in collisions with big rigs each year.

• Thousands lose their lives annually.

• Texas consistently records more truck-related fatalities than any other state.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2013 alone, 340,000 semi-truck trailers were involved in collisions across the U.S. Roughly 95,000 people were injured in those crashes, and nearly 4,000 lost their lives. In Texas, 493 individuals died in collisions with big rigs that year—the highest total nationwide.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Truck accidents can result from a combination of factors, including driver error, hazardous weather conditions, poor road design, or mechanical failure. Big rig drivers are required to maintain logs documenting the truck’s maintenance and operational condition. Accidents can occur when tires are worn or improperly inflated, or when air brakes are defective—information often documented in the logbook.

Other vehicle-related considerations include:

• Was the truck properly loaded?

• Did the vehicle have mechanical defects?

• Was the driver’s visibility sufficient?

• Were road conditions safe?

• Were road signs present and visible?

At the law offices of Peter Smith, we understand that driver behavior is a critical focus in truck accident lawsuits. Driver training, work schedule, and conduct are all scrutinized. Logbooks may reveal if fatigue played a role in the collision.

Key driver behavior questions include:

• Was the driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

• Was there evidence of aggressive driving?

• Did the driver tailgate or speed?

• Were any logbooks falsified?

Should I File a Police Report After a Big Rig or Semi-Truck Accident?

Yes. A police report is essential to establish the details of the collision. Police investigations help ensure an official record exists, which can be crucial when commercial trucking companies or insurers attempt to deny or downplay claims.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Semi-Truck Crash?

Absolutely. Truck accident cases are often complex, and victims should consult a Houston truck accident lawyer who understands the legal nuances of pursuing a claim against a commercial trucking company. While the laws governing truck accidents are similar to those for standard auto accidents, cases are often more complicated because large companies may self-insure for significant amounts and employ in-house adjusters to scrutinize claims.

A qualified attorney must also verify the employment status of the truck driver, distinguishing between company employees and independent contractors.

Truck Accident Resources

• Fatal Injury

• Jackknife Truck Accidents

• 18-Wheeler/Big Rig Accidents

• T-Bone Truck Accidents

• Trucking Company Liability

• Negligent Hiring and Commercial Trucking Accidents

• Underride Truck Accidents

• Pressures Facing Commercial Truck Drivers

• Road Maintenance and Its Role in Auto Accidents

• Settlements in Truck Accidents

• Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Truck Accident Cases

• Tractor-Trailer Accident Claims in Houston

• Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Drug Use

• Truck Driver Drug Use Accident

Why Choose Peter Smith for Your Truck Accident Claim?

If you or a family member has been involved in a big rig collision, Peter Smith can help. In the first decade of his legal career, Mr. Argento defended trucking companies, giving him insider knowledge of how these corporations may attempt to withhold information or avoid financial liability.

Now, he leverages that experience to secure compensation for his clients. Known for aggressive negotiation and litigation skills, Mr. Argento represents clients in both Texas state and federal courts.

Complex truck accident claims require significant resources and expertise, which can be daunting for most individuals. That’s why we offer a complimentary initial consultation, and we only collect fees if we secure a settlement or judgment on your behalf.

Contact our Houston office at 713-766-4417 to learn how Peter Smith & Associates can help you pursue compensation for injuries from a truck accident. We represent clients in Houston and surrounding areas, including Beaumont, Brownsville, McAllen, Harlingen, the Rio Grande Valley, Orange County, and Brazoria, and our team is fluent in both English and Spanish.