Houston Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer

Houston Rear-End Truck Accident Attorney

Stevenson & Murray has been successfully representing injured victims in Houston rear-end truck accidents for years. A rear-end collision can be shocking, especially when the other vehicle is a commercial truck. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident involving a big rig, a Houston rear-end truck accident lawyer can help you fight for maximum compensation.

Hire a Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer

The Stevenson & Murray law firm has more than 80 years of collective legal experience. We are a Houston personal injury firm focused on handling complex injury claims and truck accident cases. Our lawyers bring decades of trial experience, detailed industry knowledge, and a track record of excellent results. We have helped injured victims in many states recover the money they need to move on with their lives.

Our firm handles each case with traditional, thorough investigations and dedicated representation while providing caring services for all our clients. Clients choose us because we have the experience, skill, and determination needed to take on even the toughest cases.

How Do Rear-End Truck Accidents Occur and Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Truck rear-end crashes are often caused by preventable mistakes. The truck driver may be liable, but third parties are often to blame as well. Determining how an accident occurred can help identify who is responsible for taking corrective actions and for preventing future incidents. Common issues include:

• Driver distractions or fatigue
• Tailgating or inadequate speed adjustment
• Brake malfunction or improper vehicle maintenance
• Poorly secured or overweight cargo
• Violations of federal trucking safety regulations

In many cases, a trucking company, maintenance facility, freight loading company, or other third parties can be held responsible. Identifying all at-fault parties can help a victim maximize compensation from the truck accident.

Why Are Rear-End Truck Accidents More Likely to Cause Severe Injuries?

Compared to collisions between passenger vehicles, rear-end truck accidents are often more severe. One reason is due to the sheer size of a typical 18-wheeler, as well as the braking distance limitations of commercial vehicles.

Even relatively low-speed rear-end impacts can produce forces capable of severely injuring drivers on Texas’ busiest roadways, such as I-10, I-610, U.S. 290, and the Gulf Freeway. These routes are among the most truck-intensive in the state and carry large trucks every day. As a result, the potential for catastrophic impact exists on these interstates and other major freeways in and around Houston.

Injuries can also be more severe when trucks are involved. Victims can suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and mobility issues that can last a lifetime and interfere with employment and daily activities.

The Texas Department of Transportation says commercial trucking volumes should grow by 22% by 2030. A successful claim can help account for the financial consequences of a truck accident and help cover both immediate and long-term needs.

Evidence That Can Be Used to Establish Fault in a Rear-End Truck Crash

Establishing fault in a rear-end truck accident often requires immediate preservation of evidence. 18-wheelers are equipped with electronic systems that record relevant data, and roadway evidence may be lost or destroyed if recovery is delayed. Documentation can help establish variables such as speed, following distance, and visibility, as well as the behavior of the truck driver at the time of impact.

Useful evidence can include braking and speed data, driver dash-cam videos, witness testimony, vehicle maintenance and inspection records, and Hours-of-Service logs that can show whether fatigue played a role. Cellphone data can show if the driver was distracted by their phone, and other evidence can help establish the point of impact and movements of each vehicle.

These items can clarify whether the truck driver took evasive action or was following too closely and was unable to stop in time. The strength of this evidence can make or break rear-end truck accident cases.

FAQs

How Do Rear-End Truck Accident Claims Differ From Typical Rear-End Car Claims?

Federal safety regulations, company policies, and commercial insurance standards can impact the claims process in rear-end truck accidents. Drivers and their employers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards, and evidence of safety violations may affect liability and damages. These claims also frequently involve multiple parties, such as the driver, company, and maintenance providers, which requires more investigation and negotiation before resolution.

Will I Be Able to Get Compensation for Future Medical Care?

Long-term or repeat medical care is common with rear-end truck accident injuries. Texas law permits injured people to seek compensation for reasonably expected future medical costs when supported by medical testimony. This can include rehabilitation, diagnostic testing, surgeries, or assistive devices. By having your long-term needs documented from the start, you can have peace of mind knowing that your financial recovery is meant to cover all of your treatment, not just what you’ve received so far.

How Quickly Should Evidence Be Preserved After a Truck Accident?

Evidence in truck accidents can disappear within days or weeks, making early preservation essential. Electronic logging devices, ECM data, and driver qualification files can be altered or overwritten without a timely request.

Witness memories also fade quickly. Sending a preservation letter as soon as possible helps ensure the records needed to understand how and why the crash occurred are preserved. Prompt action often strengthens the claim and reduces disputes over fault later.

How Often Do Rear-End Truck Accidents Result in Serious Injuries?

Serious injuries are frequent with rear-end truck accidents because of the size difference between these vehicles. According to FMCSA data, 5,472 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2023. The size and weight of these vehicles put occupants of smaller passenger cars at risk even at moderate speeds. As a result, victims often require more medical care and may experience long-term physical and financial impacts.

Contact a Houston Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer

When a rear-end truck accident in Houston leaves you seriously injured, you may want help pursuing fair compensation and answers. At Stevenson & Murray, we represent victims of rear-end truck accidents. When you hire a rear-end truck accident lawyer from our team, we can review your case and options for moving forward. Book a consultation today.