Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
Advocacy for 18-Wheeler Truck Injury Victims in Texas
Houston is the energy capital of the world and a central hub for international trade. This means our highways—from the sprawling Katy Freeway to the congested 610 Loop—are constantly packed with 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and industrial haulers. While these vehicles are essential to our economy, their massive size and weight make them lethal when involved in collisions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. Founded in 2005 by David P. Matthews — Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a trial lawyer with more than 150 civil verdicts to his name — Matthews & Associatesunderstands the complexities of federal trucking regulations (FMCSA) and the aggressive tactics used by trucking insurers. With verdicts including $73 million against Boston Scientific and $34 million against Rex Medical, we bring the same trial-tested resolve to every truck accident case we take on.
If you were injured in a truck accident, our Houston attorneys can fight to hold all liable parties accountable. Call (888) 923-7001 to schedule a free consultation.
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention. This boutique-level service, combined with our national litigation powerhouse capabilities, ensures you receive both personalized care and the resources necessary to take on the largest corporations and manufacturers.
Where Do Truck Crashes Often Happen in Houston?
Houston’s infrastructure is a labyrinth of major Interstates and State Highways. While an accident can happen anywhere, certain "hotspots" see a disproportionate number of commercial vehicle wrecks:
- I-10 (Katy Freeway): As one of the widest highways in the world, the sheer volume of traffic and merging lanes make it a prime location for side-swipe and rear-end truck accidents.
- I-45 (North Freeway/Gulf Freeway): Frequently ranked as one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the United States.
- The 610 Loop: The constant merging and heavy industrial traffic heading toward the Port of Houston create high-risk zones.
- US-59/I-69 (Eastex/Southwest Freeway): Narrower lanes and heavy congestion lead to frequent "stop-and-go" collisions involving big rigs.
- Busy Intersections: Congested intersections increase the risk of collisions involving large vehicles.
- Industrial Areas: Locations near shipping centers, ports, and warehouses often experience increased truck activity.
- Construction Zones: Narrow lanes and changing traffic patterns can create hazardous conditions.
- Urban Streets: Trucks navigating tight city roads can pose risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians.
Knowing where accidents frequently occur can help build a stronger claim and demonstrate patterns of negligence.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Because of their unique dimensions and mechanical design, large trucks are susceptible to specific types of accidents that rarely involve standard passenger cars.
- Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when a truck's drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle. A jackknifed truck can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, hitting everything in its path.
- Underride Collisions: These are among the most fatal types of crashes. They happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a high-clearance trailer, often shearing off the top of the passenger car.
- Rollovers: Large trucks have a high center of gravity. Sudden maneuvers, high winds, or improperly loaded cargo can cause the vehicle to tip over, creating a massive obstruction on the roadway.
- Blind Spot (No-Zone) Crashes: Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If a trucker changes lanes without ensuring the "No-Zone" is clear, they can easily crush a smaller vehicle.
- Tire Blowouts: A shredded tire on an 18-wheeler can cause the driver to lose control instantly or send heavy debris flying into the windshields of following drivers.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, leading to various injuries. Sadly, many truck accidents result from negligence, causing preventable harm to drivers and passengers alike.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
Why Trucking Companies Take Notice When We're Involved
Trucking companies and their insurers maintain large legal teams specifically because most injury claims are far smaller than a full truck accident case — and most firms settle quickly rather than prepare for trial. That calculus changes when the firm on the other side has a track record of taking cases to verdict.
- Founder David P. Matthews has tried more than 150 civil cases to verdict
- He is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, a credential held by fewer than 3% of Texas attorneys
- Our attorneys have served in court-appointed leadership roles on Plaintiffs' Steering and Executive Committees in major litigation
- We've secured verdicts of $73 million and $34 million in cases against corporate defendants
Because trucking companies and their insurers know this history, they treat our claims differently from the outset — which often translates into faster, fairer settlement offers for our clients.
Truck Accident FAQs
Who is liable for my truck accident?
Liability in trucking accidents is unique because multiple parties can be held responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loaders, or the manufacturer of a defective truck part.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not a company employee?
Trucking companies often try to avoid liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. In many cases, however, the company still exercised enough control over the driver's routes, schedule, or equipment to be held legally responsible. Our attorneys investigate the real working relationship, not just the paperwork.
How is a truck accident claim different from a car accident claim?
Trucking claims involve federal regulations (FMCSA), much larger insurance policies, and "black box" data (Electronic Logging Devices) that require immediate preservation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault.
What is a spoliation letter and why is it vital in a truck accident case?
A spoliation letter is a formal legal demand instructing the trucking company and its insurer to preserve all evidence related to the crash. This includes black box ECM data, ELD drive logs, dashcam footage, inspection reports, and driver qualification files before they are destroyed or routinely overwritten.
What should I do immediately after a crash?
Call 911, seek medical attention (even if you feel fine), take photos of the scene, and do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before speaking to a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, evidence like driver logs can disappear much sooner, so acting quickly is vital.
We're Ready to Fight For You!
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“Always available & answers questions promptly.”
I've been working with Matthews & Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.- Kweli Y. -
“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
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“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
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“They are so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.”
I love these guys! They are so helpful, kind, knowledgeable, smart, and good with people. They answer all your questions and if they don't know the answer, it doesn't take them long to get you the answer! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!- Genie S. -
“Matthews & Associates is one of a kind.”
Matthews & Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Bilingual service is always available.- Sorangel T. -
“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
Protecting the Wrongfully Injured Since 2005
Our seasoned Houston 18-wheeler accident attorneys fight for justice on behalf of wronged parties in Texas. Get national experience on your side by partnering with Matthews & Associates. With millions recovered for our clients, we can deliver the comprehensive representation you need to take back your life and pursue justice. While our proven track record of results speaks for itself, our firm also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to each and every client we serve, ensuring your rights are protected from start to finish.
Matthews & Associates has over 25 years of nationwide experience seeking compensation for the wrongfully injured. Contact us online to discuss your case or call (888) 923-7001.
