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Last Modified on May 12, 2026
Driving along Houston’s chaotic and often congested roadways can be difficult, especially if you are sharing the road with rental trucks driven by inexperienced drivers. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, even a simple rear-end accident can cause devastating damage.
Whether you were driving along I-45 or heading downtown on Harrisburg Boulevard, it is important to know how fault is determined in a Houston rear-end truck accident involving rental trucks.
Common Causes of Houston Rear-End Rental Truck Accidents
Every day across the United States, more and more rental trucks are present on our roadways. On a global scale, the rental truck market was valued at $1.47 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $2.20 billion by 2033. In a recent study of relocating Americans, 21% said they would rent a truck and drive it themselves rather than hiring a moving company.
While this is a perfectly legal action to take, these individuals are likely inexperienced with being behind the wheel of a larger vehicle, and there are several ways in which they can easily cause a rear-end accident. Determining liability in these cases, however, hinges on the exact cause of the accident. At Stevenson & Murray, this is what our team will focus on pinpointing first: cause. Common causes of rear-end rental truck accidents in Houston can include:
- Driver inexperience. In most cases, rental truck companies do not require drivers to have a CDL. Unlike a professional, commercial truck driver, individuals who rent trucks typically do not have any experience handling these larger vehicles. This inexperience can cause a driver to make certain errors regarding control of the vehicle and make it easier for them to cause a rear-end accident.
- Driver fatigue. Drowsy or fatigued driving causes around 30-40% of all trucking accidents in the U.S. every year. Individuals who rent large trucks are often driving long distances to haul cargo or move house. This can easily lead to driver fatigue, which can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities almost as much as alcohol or drugs.
- Mechanical failure. When a rental truck company fails to stay on top of the maintenance required for these vehicles, mechanical failures can easily lead to a rear-end accident. Common issues can include brake failures, steering system failures, or tire blowouts.
- Driver distraction or negligence. When an individual drives distracted or negligently, it can lead to serious accidents. The most common forms of driver distraction or negligence include texting and driving, eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, ignoring traffic laws, or speeding.
- Improper loading. When a rental truck is not properly loaded, the truck can become unbalanced. This can cause a loss of control over the vehicle and increase the risk of rear-end accidents.
Determining Fault and Liability in a Rental Truck Collision in Houston
Once the precise cause of a rear-end accident has been established, your Houston truck accident attorney can work to pinpoint the liable party, or parties, in a rental truck accident. Most often, these parties include the following:
- The driver of the rental truck. When an individual rents a truck, they are expected to drive with caution and operate the vehicle in a safe manner. If they do not follow traffic laws, speed, drink behind the wheel, or drive distracted, any number of these actions can result in serious accidents, and the driver themselves can be held liable for the resulting harm and injury.
- The rental truck company. The companies that own rental trucks are required to keep their vehicles up-to-date and safely maintained. If an accident takes place due to a mechanical failure, then the rental company may be held liable for any damages and injuries that occur.
- A third party. In certain cases, the actions of another driver or other external factors are to blame for a rental truck accident. In these situations, liability might belong to a third party, depending on their role in the accident.
In order to fully understand and determine liability, your attorney from Stevenson & Murray can conduct an investigation into the rear-end accident. Our goal will be to uncover evidence that proves the liable party breached their duty of care by causing the accident through an act of negligence, and show that, as a result, you suffered severe injuries.
FAQs
What Should I Do After a Rental Truck Accident in Houston?
Following a rental truck accident, it is essential that you check yourself over for injuries and call 911 for any emergency medical assistance you might need. You should also contact the police, who can create an official crash report, and use your phone to take videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The worth of a truck accident claim will vary depending on a number of different factors. These factors include the severity of the injuries and damage you have sustained, the insurance policy limits of all parties involved in the accident, and the extent and duration of the medical treatment your injuries require.
How Long Do I Have to File My Legal Claim?
In Texas, you typically will have two years from the date of your accident to file your personal injury claim to recover damages. This time frame is known, legally, as a “statute of limitations.” Should this deadline pass before you file your claim, then your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover any damages.
What Damages Can I Recover Following a Rental Truck Accident?
In a rental truck accident, depending on the extent of your injuries and other damages, there are a number of damages you may be able to recover. The most common include damages related to all medical costs needed to treat your injury, lost wages or loss of future earning ability, pain and suffering damages, and physical repairs to your vehicle.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
When the time comes to hire a truck accident lawyer in Houston, look no further than the team at Stevenson & Murray. Since 1987, our firm has stood as a beacon of hope for injured individuals and their families. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can protect your right to compensation.
