Houston Truck Rollover Accident Lawyer

Houston Truck Rollover Accident Attorney

18-wheeler rollover accidents can result in massive destruction and severe injuries to occupants and drivers in adjacent vehicles. If an 18-wheeler loses its balance and falls on its side or roof, other drivers may have no time or space to react. A Houston truck rollover accident lawyer from Stevenson & Murray can help you and your family understand your legal rights and fight for the maximum compensation available to you under Texas law.

Hire a Truck Rollover Accident Lawyer

The lawyers at Stevenson & Murray have over 80 years of combined legal experience. We represent victims in complex trucking injury claims, and we have a deep understanding of the transportation industry, the local courts, and the detailed investigation required to dispute the tactics of commercial carriers and insurance companies.

At our firm, every truck rollover case is prepared with care. We review the facts and evidence and provide each client with the support and individualized attention they deserve. Our clients know they can count on our experience, resolve, and well-planned strategies to protect their interests in high-exposure truck litigation.

Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents and Legal Responsibility

Many truck rollover crashes start with a loss of balance and stability. A tractor-trailer can fall if it tips too far in one direction or the other. Since tractor-trailers have a high center of gravity, even a small sideways shift can lead to a rollover. Drivers, trucking companies, cargo handlers, and truck manufacturers can all be liable for rollover accidents. Common causes include:

• Driving too fast on a curve or exit ramp
• Negligent cargo loading or high-center-of-gravity cargo
• Tire blowout or other mechanical issues
• Driver negligence or distraction
• Failure to train drivers in handling high-center-of-gravity trucks

Liability may also fall on maintenance contractors, driver supervisors, and the driver themselves. To maximize the chances of full financial recovery, our lawyers hold each responsible party accountable for their actions.

Why Rollover Truck Accidents Cause Severe Harm in Houston

Truck rollovers are catastrophic crashes where the vehicle tips onto its side or roof, creating a massive debris field or blocking multiple lanes. When a truck overturns, it can crush other vehicles, scatter cargo, or slide across lanes. High-traffic corridors with limited maneuvering space, such as I-45, the Katy Freeway, U.S. 59, and Beltway 8, are especially dangerous if a truck loses balance and tips.

Rollover crashes are also a concern on roads where heavy commercial traffic competes with cars and buses. Many of these routes experience frequent congestion, which can exacerbate a rollover.

Rollovers often result in traumatic brain injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and long-term mobility impairments. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 5,472 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes nationwide in 2023. An effective claim can cover medical treatment, lost income, and the long-term consequences of a rollover accident.

Evidence to Build a Truck Rollover Claim

Rollover investigations require gathering evidence quickly, as physical evidence may be cleared or contaminated soon after the crash. Truck electronic data, cargo records, and roadway evidence can help determine how the vehicle overturned. Key evidence should focus on vehicle dynamics, safety compliance, and driver conduct. Evidence may include:

• Electronic Control Module (black box) data
• Cargo weight records and loading diagrams
• Driver logbooks and rest-period compliance records
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dash-cam or traffic-camera footage
• Tire and brake components analysis
• Crash reconstruction reports, including vehicle angle and rollover path

A professional evaluation may be needed to interpret vehicle dynamics or cargo loading techniques. These records help determine if driver behavior, mechanical malfunction, or cargo shifts led to a truck rollover. A comprehensive evidence file adds credibility to an injury claim.

The team at Stevenson & Murray has helped many clients facing situations similar to yours in Houston and the surrounding area. We are ready to assist you, too.

FAQs

What Is Different About a Truck Rollover Case From Other Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

Truck rollover accidents are different because the vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo or blocking multiple lanes. Unlike other crashes, rollovers involve sudden shifts of weight that can cause a truck to overturn. The investigation usually considers weight distribution, cargo-securement methods, and the truck’s steering dynamics. Investigators look at how the force moved inside the trailer and how the driver tried to regain control.

Who May Be Liable for a Houston Truck Rollover Accident?

There can be multiple responsible parties since several elements impact a vehicle’s stability. A trucking company could be accountable for negligent training or maintenance. A loading team may be investigated if the cargo was uneven or not secured correctly. Drivers can also be responsible for operating too fast or braking improperly. Liability analysis can involve an assessment of operational practices, inspection records, and adherence to federal safety standards.

How Common Are Rollovers Among all Large Truck Crashes?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that rollovers involving large trucks made up 4% of all fatal truck crashes in 2022. While this may seem like a small number, the frequency of rollovers is high enough that any rollover-specific factors should be considered in any victims’ legal claim.

Can a Rollover Claim Include Anyone Other Than the Truck Driver?

In the majority of rollover cases, liability often arises from driver error. Other entities may also be at fault and should be examined by an experienced attorney.

Cargo loaders are responsible for ensuring freight is properly secured and distributed during transport. Maintenance contractors can also be liable if they inadequately service tires, suspension, or brakes. Trucking companies may be at fault due to inadequate training or inspection practices. Seek counsel if you have questions.

Contact a Houston Truck Rollover Accident Attorney

A rollover truck accident can cause victims to face significant physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Stevenson & Murray represent those injured in these complex crashes and can help you understand your legal options. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your next steps forward. Hire a truck rollover accident lawyer today.