Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Due to their large size and immense weight, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles tend to cause massive amounts of damage when they collide with other, smaller passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs. When these collisions are not fatal, victims are still very likely to sustain catastrophic, life-changing injuries.

Some of the most common types of injuries resulting from truck accidents include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Partial or total paralysis
• Amputations
• Burn injuries
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Broken bones and fractures
• Back and shoulder injuries
• Soft tissue and organ damage

When it comes to representing your case, our goal is simple; we want you to receive the maximum amount of money you deserve.

Our Houston truck accident attorneys carefully review how your injuries have affected your life, as well as the impact they will continue to have on your future. We then aggressively negotiate with the liable party for a fair settlement on your behalf.

If the liable party refuses to offer what we believe you deserve, we are prepared to take your case to court.

The legal team at The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC is passionate about helping injured accident victims, as well as doing what they can to make highways and roads in Houston and across the nation safer. That passion drives everything we do on behalf of our clients.

When you hire one of our attorneys for your truck accident case, they will:

• Investigate Your Accident: We will investigate your accident and preserve evidence, such as accident reports, eyewitness statements, property damage, cellphone records, police reports, truck driver history, trucking company background, and more.
• Consult with Experts: We have access to highly qualified experts who can help us establish the cause of your truck accident, as well as the extent of your damages. Our expert resources include accident reconstructionists, compliance experts, engineers, medical experts, and economists.
• Preserve Evidence: We immediately send notice to all liable parties and let them know that they need to preserve logbooks and other forms of discoverable evidence. If necessary, we will seek a court order to force them to comply if they try to hide anything.
• Seek a Timely Settlement: We are aggressive and unrelenting negotiators. Your attorney will present a solid case to insurers and demand fair compensation, including recovery for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
• Take Your Case to Civil District Court If Necessary: The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC is ready to go to court and present a robust case to the jury using our vast litigation skills and state-of-the-art exhibit. Even during the civil trial, we can continue settlement negotiations.

We work on a contingency basis. This means you pay no court costs or attorneys’ fees unless you receive a settlement or verdict in your favor. The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC will only accept payment for our services by collecting a percentage from the final recovery and reimburse the case costs if we win.

At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, we have extensive experience helping victims move forward with their lives after devastating truck accidents. We fight tirelessly to help our clients achieve their settlement or litigation goals in recovery so that they can overcome the effects of the accident.

While every case is different, our accident lawyers will help you determine if you can recuperate the following awards:

• Current and future healthcare expenses related to your injuries and losses
• Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
• Lost wages/income to compensate you for work time missed
• Lost future earnings and benefits if you can no longer work
• Punitive damages to punish gross acts of negligence or wanton/willful misconduct

If an accident victim lost his or her life in a truck accident, we help surviving family members fight to obtain full and fair compensation through a wrongful death claim. Our lawyers are prepared to help you go after a financial recovery for funeral costs, burial or cremation fees, loss of benefits, and more.

We know that no amount of financial compensation can make up for the incredible losses you have experienced, but a fair settlement or verdict can provide you and your family with the financial resources you need to manage unexpected expenses, as well as the justice you need to heal.

A truck accident refers to any collision or incident involving a commercial truck or large vehicle, typically weighing over 10,000 pounds, and other vehicles, pedestrians, or property. These accidents can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage due to the sheer size and weight of the trucks involved.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. This type of accident can be caused by factors such as distracted driving, following too closely, or sudden braking.
• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions involve the front of a truck colliding with the front of another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. These accidents can occur due to various factors, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, or impaired driving.
• Jackknife accidents: In a jackknife accident, the trailer of the truck swings outward, resembling the angle of a folding jackknife. This typically happens when the truck’s cab and trailer lose synchronization, often due to slippery road conditions, speeding, or sudden maneuvers.
• Wide turn accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, particularly on their right sides. When making wide turns, they may inadvertently collide with vehicles or pedestrians in adjacent lanes.
• Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips onto its side or rolls over completely. These accidents can occur due to factors such as speeding, sharp turns, overloading, or poor road conditions.
• Underride accidents: Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck’s trailer. These accidents are particularly dangerous for occupants of the smaller vehicle, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Side-impact accidents: Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions involve the side of a truck being struck by another vehicle. Intersection accidents and failure to yield right-of-way are common causes of side-impact truck accidents.
• Tire blowouts: When a truck’s tire suddenly bursts or loses air pressure while in motion, it can lead to loss of control and potentially cause an accident. Tire blowouts can occur due to factors such as overloading, poor maintenance, or road hazards.

As America’s fourth-largest city with more than 120,000 businesses, Houston is a major hub for commercial transportation. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the city and its surrounding metropolitan area are home to numerous large truck accidents each year.

In 2020, there were more than 22,000 truck-tractor/semi-trailer accidents in Texas, more than 400 of which were fatal. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reveal that, of the total number of commercial vehicle crashes that occurred statewide in 2020, more than 4,900 happened in Harris County.

If you were injured or if your family member tragically passed away due to a collision with any type of large truck or commercial vehicle, reach out to our team to learn how we can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit and seek the justice you deserve.

In our many years in practice, we have found that there are several main causes behind most large truck accidents. The most common is driver error, a fact that is also confirmed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Some examples of truck driver error and negligence that frequently contribute to serious and even deadly accidents include: 

• Excessive speed
• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield to the right of way
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to keep in the proper lane
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Inexperience
• Failure to obey traffic control devices, such as red lights
• Illegal turns, stops, and lane changes
• Unsafe passing

Although truck driver negligence is one of the most common causes of large truck accidents, it is not the only one. In fact, there are many other instances in which the trucking company, a manufacturer, or some other third party is to blame.

Other common causes of large truck accidents include: 

• Negligent trucking company practices, such as failing to conduct background checks on drivers, failing to discipline drivers who violate company policies, and failing to properly train or supervise truck drivers and other employees
• Improper commercial vehicle inspections, maintenance, and/or repairs whether by the truck driver, the trucking company, or another third party responsible for truck inspections, maintenance, and/or repairs
• Overloaded trucks and/or improperly loaded cargo/freight, which can lead to shifting during transit and loss of vehicle control
• Federal and state hours-of-service rule violations, often due to pressure from trucking companies to meet strict deadlines and/or quotas, which can lead to fatigued driving and drivers dozing off at the wheel
• Defective truck design and/or vehicle defects affecting certain components, such as defective truck tires that “blow out” at certain speeds, missing reflective strips, or braking systems that lock up when traveling downhill

At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, our Houston truck accident lawyers understand the many nuances inherent in these types of incidents. We work with accident experts to determine the root cause of an accident, as well as who is liable for our clients’ damages.

One thing that makes truck accident claims more complicated than most standard car accident cases is the issue of liability. Just like any other type of motor vehicle accident claim, you will need to determine who was responsible for the crash to identify the liable party. However, unlike in other types of accident cases, liability in truck accident claims may not be all that straightforward.

For example, if a truck driver caused an accident through negligence, he or she may not be directly liable. Instead, you may need to bring a claim against the trucking company. This is because most employers are legally responsible for the conduct of their employees while those employees are “on the clock.” But, if the truck driver was classified as an independent contractor, or if they violated company policy, the trucking company may argue that it is not responsible.

Truck drivers, owners, operators, and companies are not the only ones whom our legal team will investigate for negligent behavior. Truck and truck part manufacturers are also responsible for their craftsmanship, meeting the general duty of care ascribed to product liability cases applies in truck accident claims. If there were other contributing factors, you may have a claim against another third party.

In some cases, a government entity is liable for failing to maintain public roadways. You or your loved ones may file a civil claim against the city, county, state, or federal government responsible for your accident-related injuries or your family member’s death. However, the laws that apply to these types of cases may carry shorter deadlines and additional rules, which means you should seek help from an experienced attorney right away.

After a truck accident, navigating the legal landscape can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to understand your rights as a victim and the various legal avenues available to you. At the Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we believe that knowledge is power. That’s why we’re committed to educating our clients about their rights and the steps they can take to secure fair compensation.

Here’s what you should know:

• Right to Compensation: Victims of truck accidents have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Understanding the full extent of your damages is essential for a successful claim.
• Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire an attorney experienced in truck accident cases. Our team is dedicated to advocating for your interests and ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome.
• Right to Gather Evidence: You can collect evidence to support your claim, including photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports. Our attorneys can guide you on what information is critical.
• Right to a Fair Settlement: Insurance companies often attempt to settle quickly for less than you deserve. You have the right to negotiate for a fair settlement, and we can help you navigate this process effectively.

Don’t let the complexities of the legal system deter you from pursuing the justice you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Omar Khawaja today to learn more about your rights and how we can assist you in your recovery journey.

Yes, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51%.