Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Houston, it’s crucial to take the right steps immediately to protect your safety and preserve your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety First: If you are able to, move to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention immediately. Many truck accident injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical evaluation ensures that your injuries are documented.
3. Call the Police: Report the accident to the police. An official police report is crucial for documenting the details of the crash and assigning fault, which is important for your claim.
4. Collect Evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any damage, tire marks, and the surrounding environment. Collect the names and contact details of any witnesses.
5. Exchange Information: Get the insurance information, license plates, and contact details of all parties involved in the accident, including the truck driver and the trucking company.
6. Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you through the next steps, help you navigate the claims process, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years of the crash if you wish to seek compensation for your injuries, property damage, or other losses.

It’s essential to understand that while the statute of limitations allows for two years, it’s in your best interest to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more challenging it may be to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case. Furthermore, delays may also lead to missing important legal deadlines or evidence that could significantly affect your case.

If a family member has been killed in a truck accident, Texas allows for a wrongful death claim, and the two-year time limit also applies in these cases.

Make sure you act promptly to ensure your legal rights are preserved and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we’re known for taking on trucking companies and winning. Whether it’s a devastating multi-vehicle wreck or a serious collision, we’re the Houston truck accident lawyers the big companies fear.

Our team has earned a reputation for securing record-breaking settlements and verdicts in truck accident cases across Texas. When trucking companies see our name, they know it means business. We fight hard to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

When you’re up against powerful trucking companies and their insurance teams, having an experienced, dedicated attorney by your side can make all the difference. At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we use our deep understanding of trucking laws, industry standards, and aggressive negotiation tactics to hold these companies accountable. Our lawyers are relentless in their pursuit of justice, ensuring that your case gets the attention it deserves and that you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.

Here’s why you can count on us:

• We consistently win top truck accident settlements and verdicts.
• We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for victims of truck accidents.
• Trucking companies know we don’t settle for less—we make them pay what they owe.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Texas, trust us to fight for you. We’ll make sure you get the full financial recovery you deserve.

The legal team at The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja 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.

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 truck collisions are often caused by distracted driving, following too closely, or sudden braking. These can result in serious injuries, especially when the truck involved is a large commercial vehicle.
• Head-on truck collisions are usually caused by fatigue, distracted driving, or impaired driving. The impact of these crashes often results in severe, life-threatening injuries for those involved.
• Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings out at a dangerous angle, often caused by overbraking or slippery conditions. These accidents can lead to deadly pile-ups on highways.
• Wide turn accidents happen when trucks make turns too wide, often colliding with nearby vehicles or pedestrians. These accidents are commonly caused by trucks’ large blind spots and poor visibility.
• Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over due to sharp turns, speeding, or poor road conditions. These accidents can cause serious injuries, especially if the truck is carrying hazardous materials.
• Underride accidents occur when smaller vehicles slide under the back or side of a truck’s trailer, often due to missing or defective underride guards. These accidents can be fatal due to the size difference between the vehicles.
• Side-impact truck accidents happen when a truck’s side collides with another vehicle, usually at intersections. These accidents often result in serious injuries for the occupants of the vehicle struck on the side.
• Tire blowouts on trucks are caused by overloading, poor maintenance, or road debris. These blowouts can result in loss of control, leading to violent crashes or rollovers.

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.

Determining liability in a truck accident claim can be more complex than in standard car accident cases. Unlike typical car accidents, where liability often falls squarely on the driver, truck accidents involve multiple parties, making it more challenging to pinpoint who is at fault.

In many truck accident cases, the truck driver’s negligence may not be the sole factor. Often, the trucking company may also be liable for the accident. This is because most employers are responsible for the actions of their employees while they are working. If the truck driver was on the clock when the accident occurred, the trucking company may share responsibility. However, if the driver is an independent contractor or violated company policies, the company might argue that it is not at fault.

Our team at The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja also investigates other potential parties that could be responsible, such as truck manufacturers or parts suppliers. Defective truck parts or improper maintenance can play a significant role in accidents, and in such cases, you may have grounds for a product liability claim.

Additionally, in certain situations, government entities may be held accountable for poor road conditions or inadequate maintenance of highways. If road design flaws or maintenance failures contributed to the crash, you might be able to pursue a claim against the responsible city, county, or state agency. It’s important to remember that claims against government entities may have stricter deadlines and specific requirements, so it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Determining liability in truck accident cases requires a thorough investigation and understanding of all the contributing factors. At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we will investigate every angle of your case to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

After a Houston 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%.

Filing a truck accident claim involves a series of crucial steps designed to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses. At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we guide you through the entire process, providing the expertise and dedication required to secure a favorable outcome.

1. Investigation and Evidence Collection: The first step is thoroughly investigating the accident to identify all the parties involved and gather critical evidence. This may include obtaining accident reports, witness statements, black box data from the truck, truck driver logs, and vehicle maintenance records. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build a strong case.
2. Determining Liability: Understanding who is liable for the accident is key to a successful claim. While it is often the truck driver, other parties such as the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even vehicle manufacturers may share responsibility. We examine all factors to determine liability and hold the right parties accountable.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Once we have gathered the necessary evidence, our team will begin negotiating with the insurance companies involved. Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for much less than what you deserve. Our goal is to make sure that you are compensated fairly for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other accident-related costs.
4. Litigation, If Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. With our experienced trial attorneys, we can present your case in front of a judge and jury. We use state-of-the-art technology and expert testimony to strengthen your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we are committed to ensuring that your truck accident claim is handled with the utmost care and diligence. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we will fight relentlessly on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you through the claims process.

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.

At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, PLLC, we are committed to helping victims of truck accidents recover and rebuild their lives. With our experience, we fight relentlessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve, whether through settlement or litigation.

Every case is unique, but our attorneys will help you determine if you can recover damages for the following:

• Current and future medical expenses related to your injuries
• Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress
• Lost wages or income due to missed work
• Future earnings and benefits if you’re unable to work
• Punitive damages for gross negligence or willful misconduct

We are dedicated to ensuring you get the financial relief needed to move forward after a traumatic truck accident.