Defining Trucks Under Texas Law: What You Need to Know
The Texas Transportation Code defines a “truck” as a motor vehicle “designed, used, or maintained primarily to transport property.” Thus, trucks meet the state’s definition of a “commercial motor vehicle,” which is any self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport passengers or cargo that meets at least one of the following criteria:
- The vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating exceeding 26,000 pounds;
- The vehicle is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or
- The vehicle transports hazardous materials that require placarding by regulations under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. A farm vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of less than 48,000 pounds does not fall under this definition.
Examples of Commercial Trucks Involved in Accidents
- Semi-trailer trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Box trucks
- Car haulers
- Tanker trucks
- Refrigerator trucks
- Tow trucks
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Concrete mixers
- Fire trucks
- Crane trucks
- Logging trucks
- Livestock trucks
- Amazon trucks
- Utility trucks
- Food trucks
- Street sweepers
- Moving trucks
- School buses
- Public transit buses
- Shuttle buses
- Hazardous material trucks
- Bucket trucks
- Mobile crane trucks
- Cherry picker trucks
- Beverage trucks
- Armored trucks
- 18-Wheeler trucks
What Compensation Can a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Help You Recover?
When you file a truck accident claim, you could be entitled to compensation for the losses you incurred in the crash, including the following:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Future costs related to injuries
- Lost income
- Lost lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
In addition, if a truck accident becomes a fatal one, the surviving family may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Deadlines to File a Lawsuit with a Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Under the Texas statute of limitations, a plaintiff has two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, including a suit for a truck accident. The two-year window starts from the date of the accident that injured you. If you miss the two-year deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation in civil court.
While this deadline doesn’t apply to insurance claims, you might have a shorter deadline for filing claims depending on specific insurance policies. Furthermore, the ability to sue can be a powerful bargaining chip during settlement negotiations with insurers. Because of these reasons, it is crucial to keep the statute of limitations in mind if you seek compensation through a lawsuit or an insurance claim.
An attorney can help you determine which deadlines apply to your case and ensure the necessary legal paperwork is filed promptly and correctly.
Frequent Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Various types of truck accidents can occur due to the size, weight, and characteristics of 18-wheeler trucks. The more common types of truck accidents in Texas include the following:
Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions.
Why Is Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs the Right Truck Accident Law Firm for You?
The law firm you select after a truck accident in Houston can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. When you need a team that stands unwaveringly beside you, understands the stakes, and pushes relentlessly for your recovery, you need Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs. Here’s why we’re the firm to trust when you need a Houston truck accident lawyer:
- Decades of Dedicated Experience – Our team brings together over 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We are deeply familiar with the legal landscape in Houston and throughout Texas, which allows us to provide knowledgeable and effective representation.
- Proven Track Record of Success – With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we believe our results speak for themselves. Our history of substantial verdicts and settlements demonstrates our ability to handle your case with the attention and diligence it deserves.
- Board-Certified Attorneys – Our legal team includes attorneys with Board Certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in civil trial and personal injury trial law. These certifications are a testament to our ability to handle even the most complex cases with precision and care.
- Client-Centered Approach – At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we place your needs and concerns at the forefront of our legal strategy. We prioritize consistent communication and develop personalized strategies tailored to the specifics of your case.
- No Fees Unless We Win – We believe in making top-tier legal representation accessible, so you will not need to worry about paying any attorney fees or expenses until we win your case. We are confident in our ability to bring you justice.
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer in a Truck Accident Case?
If you got hurt in a crash with a commercial truck, you should talk to a lawyer right away. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers respond swiftly after accidents to start building defense strategies. You deserve someone who can act just as quickly on your side.
A Houston truck accident attorney can handle all your claim paperwork, deal with insurance adjusters for you, and protect your right to secure full compensation for your losses. Legal representation is even more important if you suffered serious injuries, missed work, or got stuck with large medical bills due to the collision.
Trucking accident cases involve more rules and regulations than regular car accidents, and more than one party could be at fault. That includes the driver, the company, the shipper, or even the truck’s repair shop. If you’re not sure what to do next, there’s no need to guess. One conversation with an attorney can help you understand where you stand.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we know how to take on the toughest trucking cases, and we’re ready to hear your story. Contact us now for your free, fully confidential consultation and discover your legal options for your truck accident case.
What Evidence Do Our Lawyers Look for in a Truck Accident?
A strong truck accident claim takes more than just pointing fingers. It takes solid evidence. At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we know how to uncover and present the kinds of evidence that insurance companies, judges, and juries take seriously. Our firm has spent decades representing injury victims across Texas, and several of our Houston truck accident attorneys are Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in trial law. That level of courtroom-tested experience means we know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to proving truck accident cases.
The following are some of the key types of evidence we may use in your case:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data – Data from a truck’s electronic logs can show how long the driver was on the road, which can indicate violations of hours-of-service rules or driver fatigue.
- Driver Qualification Files – We review trucking company records to see whether the driver had proper training, licensing, and a clean safety history.
- Dash Cam or Surveillance Footage – If we can locate video footage from the truck, nearby businesses, or traffic cameras, we can use it to identify details that others might miss.
- Photos of the Crash Scene – We study images of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and impact points to create a clear picture of how the crash occurred.
- Black Box Data – Truck event data recorders often store information about speed, brake use, steering inputs, and other critical facts from the seconds leading up to the crash.
- Maintenance and Inspection Records – These records can reveal worn brakes, tire issues, or skipped inspections, and they allow us to show that poor maintenance played a role in the crash.
- Eyewitness Accounts – We talk to people who witnessed the crash and ask the right questions to gather useful details that support your version of events.
- Medical Records and Expert Opinions – We work with experts who can explain how the crash happened, how it caused your injuries, and how those injuries affect your daily life.
