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Last Modified on Dec 14, 2025
Rollover accidents can cause a great deal of damage across multiple lanes. Passenger vehicles are at a strong disadvantage when a semi-truck causes a rollover accident. If you have experienced a rollover accident on Beltway 8, you may wonder, “Who is liable for a truck rollover accident on Beltway 8 in Houston?”
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
After a rollover accident, you need time to recover. You should not have to deal with shady tactics from commercial carriers and insurance companies without the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
When you hire a truck accident lawyer from Stevenson & Murray, you benefit from our eight decades of experience with Texas truck accident laws. Our Houston truck accident attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Truck Accidents on Beltway 8 in Houston
Beltway 8 is one of the most dangerous roads in Houston. Heavy congestion, especially during rush hour; a large number of commercial vehicles; and challenges caused by complex interchanges make truck accidents and rollover accidents more likely.
Some of the most dangerous cross streets on Beltway 8 include:
- Bissonnet Street
- Bellaire Boulevard
- Gessner Road
- Westheimer Road
- Highway 6
Houston TranStar Reporting has examined heavy truck traffic accidents on Beltway 8. During 2025, there were a total of 296 accidents involving heavy trucks. Of those accidents:
Following a rollover truck accident, you may have to file a civil claim before you receive fair compensation for the damages caused by the accident. A Houston truck accident attorney can help you prepare your claim for court.
Houston residents can file civil claims with the Harris County District Clerk’s Civil Courts, located at the Harris County Civil Courthouse. Small claims are heard at Civil County Courts at Law, and large claims are heard at Civil District Courts.
Liability Determination in a Rollover Accident
Truck accident claims are more difficult and time-consuming than passenger vehicle claims because there are often multiple people, companies, and insurance agencies that could be held liable for the accident. Liability could fall on:
- The truck driver, if they are found to be negligent or if they fail to follow required local, state, and federal regulations
- The trucking company, if it fails to properly screen applicants, provide adequate training, or discipline dangerous drivers. Improper maintenance of commercial vehicles by the trucking company can also result in liability.
- A leasing company could be held responsible if it leased the truck involved in the accident but failed to conduct regular maintenance on the vehicle.
- Parts manufacturers could be held liable when a faulty part is found to be responsible for causing an accident.
- The freight company could be held liable if the cargo is loaded improperly. When cargo is improperly secured, balanced, or overloaded, it can make a semi-truck more prone to tipping. A trailer in need of maintenance can also cause an accident.
- A local, state, or federal government agency could be held liable if the accident was caused by an unsafe road condition, a poorly designed roadway, or roadway construction.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can happen to any vehicle, but tall or narrow vehicles are more susceptible due to their higher center of gravity. Commercial vehicles are particularly prone to rollover accidents due to their large size and heavy loads. There are three types of rollover accidents:
- Tripped rollovers happen when a vehicle hits a tripping hazard, such as a low curb or pothole.
- Untripped rollovers occur due to steering maneuvers without an outside force.
- Defective rollovers can be caused by a defective car part.
Some common causes of rollover accidents include:
- Excessive speeding, especially around curves
- Driver impairment
- Driver distraction
- Aggressive driving
- Unfavorable road conditions or weather
- Faulty breaks
- Improperly loaded cargo
FAQs
If the Trucking Company Calls Me After a Truck Rollover Accident, Do I Have to Speak with Them?
No, you are not required to communicate with the trucking company or any other company associated with the truck driver following a truck accident. If the trucking company calls you, they could use any information you provide to justify denying your claim.
There is also a chance that the trucking company could use information you provide out of context to claim you are partially at fault for the accident.
Is Texas a No-Fault State for Rollover Truck Accidents?
No, Texas is a fault-based state when it comes to truck accidents. Under a fault-based system, the driver who is at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating the other drivers.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance is not adequate to cover the damages caused by the accident, the other driver involved can file a civil claim against the at-fault driver for damages.
What Is Truck Driver Negligence?
Truck driver negligence occurs when a truck driver fails to use reasonable care when driving a commercial vehicle, resulting in an accident. Negligence has to be proven by demonstrating that the driver had a duty, breached that duty, caused an accident, and damage resulted.
Common forms of truck driver negligence include driving while distracted, impaired, or fatigued; driving recklessly; improperly maintaining a truck; or failing to obey traffic signs.
Can I Seek Punitive Damages After a Rollover Accident in Texas?
You can seek punitive damages after a rollover accident in Texas, but only under specific circumstances. Punitive damages are designed as a punishment for the at-fault driver and are not automatically awarded.
When seeking punitive damages, you have to prove that the at-fault driver acted in a malicious, fraudulent, or grossly negligent manner. Punitive damages could be awarded in cases where the driver was intoxicated, falsified records, or was unqualified to drive a commercial vehicle.
Contact Stevenson & Murray, Attorneys at Law
Truck accident claims can be complicated, involving multiple companies and sources of liability. With over 80 years of combined experience, our attorneys know how to get you a fair settlement under Texas law. Contact Stevenson & Murray today to schedule your initial consultation.
