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Last Modified on Apr 11, 2026
Jackknife and tractor-trailer accidents on the Galveston Causeway have some of the most dangerous and complex scenarios in all of Texas. Commonly known as a jackknife, when a large truck’s trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, it can hinder traffic in multiple lanes, leading to multiple drivers crashing into the trailer due to little to no time to react. If this has happened to you or someone you love, hire a truck accident lawyer to understand your legal rights.
Decades of Experience in Complex Injury Cases
If another party was responsible for your pain, you may be able to pursue a legal case against them with the help of an attorney at Stevenson & Murray. Our lawyers focus on personal injury law, representing clients who have experienced a broad range of incidents.
We know that every case is different and every client deserves personalized attention when drafting a custom legal strategy for their case. We value giving our clients knowledge about state laws so they can feel in control of their case and confident about their future well-being.
The Reality of Jackknife Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Connecting Galveston Island to the mainland, the Galveston Causeway is a two-mile stretch of Interstate 45. This stretch of highway sees thousands of daily drivers who share the six main lanes with truck drivers carrying large cargo.
In 2024, 251,977 people in Texas were injured during a motor vehicle crash. That same year, 42,146 accidents in Texas involved a trailer. Texas drivers may find themselves in a jackknife accident along the Galveston Causeway. These accidents are often caused by faulty equipment, poor road conditions, and improper braking.
In 2024, the most common reasons for motor vehicle accidents in urban areas included:
- Speeding, with 96,275 crashes
- Distracted driving, with 60,903 crashes
- A vehicle changing lanes when it was unsafe to do so, with 40,247 crashes
These incidents tend to involve multiple drivers and can cause significant injuries and casualties. Understanding how to act after a crash can save your life and preserve your future legal case.
What to Do After an Accident on the Galveston Causeway
After the initial crash has occurred, you need to:
- Move to safety, if possible. While it’s important to stay at the scene of the incident and wait for law enforcement and paramedics, move out of the way of traffic and the vehicles involved, especially if there’s a chance of fire.
- Call 911 to report the incident to the Galveston Police Department. They can send out officers to block off the scene to preserve the incident and write an incident report on what everyone experienced.
- Ask for medical help from the 911 dispatcher. Even if you feel okay, you may have injuries and not realize it. Plus, the other people involved in the crash may be hurt and need help.
- Collect the contact and insurance information from the other drivers involved in the incident. You should also get any witnesses’ contact information, even if they weren’t directly involved in it. Your attorney can track them down later to preserve their official testimony about what they saw.
- Take photos and videos. This includes the damage to the vehicles involved, their positioning, their license plate numbers, skid marks, property damage caused by the accident, your visible injuries, and damage to your clothing and other personal items. This evidence, along with eyewitness testimony, professional testimony, and surveillance footage of the crash, can be pivotal during your future case to prove your innocence and show who was to blame.
- Stay calm and quiet at the scene until you can go home. If you argue with the other drivers or admit fault, it can be used against you later on. Then, hire an attorney to help you during the next steps of your case.
FAQs
Who Is Liable During a Jackknife Accident Case in Texas?
In Texas, liability during a jackknife accident case depends on the evidence provided by all involved parties. The courts assign everyone a percentage of fault to determine who pays for the victim’s compensation and how much they have to pay. If the victim is over 50% at fault for the incident, they cannot recover compensation. Any compensation granted to them is reduced by their percentage of fault.
What Damages Can I Request in My Tractor-Trailer Accident Case?
The damages you can request in your tractor-trailer accident case depend on the losses you’ve suffered. You can request economic damages to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, income lost due to your injuries, and damage to your vehicle and other personal items, such as your cell phone or clothing. You can also request non-economic damages for your pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Can I Recover Exemplary Damages in My Galveston Causeway Accident Case?
You may be eligible to collect exemplary damages in your Galveston Causeway accident case if the wrongdoer operated using extreme negligence or malice. For instance, if the driver responsible for the crash was operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs, the court may make them pay extra compensation as further punishment and as a deterrent from similar actions in the future.
Where Do I File My Tractor-Trailer Accident Case in Galveston?
You can file your tractor-trailer accident case at the Galveston County Justice Center, located at 600 59th Street. Filing as early as possible is important. Victims of truck accidents generally have two years from the date of the crash to file. This deadline is long, but if you wait and don’t file within that time, you cannot pursue compensation. Preserving evidence becomes more difficult the longer you wait, and your losses may continue to increase.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer to Advocate on Your Behalf
Don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Starting your personal injury case as soon as possible is key to increasing your chances of a successful outcome. Contact Stevenson & Murray today to schedule a confidential consultation at our Houston office to discuss the details of your unique situation.
