A serious truck accident in Houston can change your life in an instant. Whether it happened on I-45, the 610 Loop, or Highway 290, you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, missed work, and constant pressure from insurance companies. It’s a confusing and stressful time—especially when you’re not sure what to do next.
At AP Law Group, our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the truck accident claims process in Houston.
We understand the complexities of commercial vehicle accident claims and are proud to serve injured victims across the Greater Houston area—from Harris County to Katy, Sugar Land, and Pasadena.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the truck accident claim process works in Houston, outline your legal rights under Texas law, and show how a dedicated Houston personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Truck Accident Claims in Texas
A truck accident claim is a legal process where an injured person seeks compensation from the party responsible for the crash. These claims can involve serious injuries or even fatalities due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Complicated Than Car Accidents
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or even a vehicle manufacturer. They also require compliance with federal and state regulations, involve extensive insurance policies, and often result in more severe or permanent injuries than standard car crashes.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks are involved in over 100,000 injury crashes annually in the U.S.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Houston Truck Accident Claims Process
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention After a Truck Accident in Houston
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional. Internal injuries, concussions, or spinal trauma may not be immediately obvious. Medical records serve as essential evidence in your case. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and retain copies of every bill and medical document.
Step 2: Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston Immediately
Before you begin collecting evidence or dealing with insurance adjusters, it’s best to consult a qualified Houston truck accident attorney. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Texas will know how to protect your rights and start building your case immediately.
They can initiate investigations, preserve time-sensitive evidence, and ensure that crucial steps are taken while you focus on recovery. At AP Law Group, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Step 3: Report the Truck Accident to the Authorities in Houston, TX
Under Texas law, you must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call 911 immediately from the scene. Request a police report, which will contain critical information for your claim. If possible, also exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver.
Step 4: Collect Evidence from the Houston Truck Crash Scene with Your Attorney’s Help
With your Houston truck accident lawyer guiding the process, evidence collection becomes far more effective. Your legal team can help you document the scene, gather witness statements, obtain video footage, and secure trucking company records such as black box data and driver logs. You should still save photos of your injuries and damaged vehicle, but let your lawyer handle the technical details.
Who Is Legally Liable in a Houston, Texas Truck Accident Claim?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which allows you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Potentially liable parties in a truck accident may include the driver, the trucking company, third-party contractors, parts manufacturers, or cargo loaders. Understanding who is responsible is critical to maximizing your claim.
Recoverable Compensation in Houston Truck Accident Claims
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident, Texas law may allow you to recover truck accident compensation for your medical bills, therapy and rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning ability, pain and suffering, property damage, or wrongful death, as provided in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.001.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline could permanently bar your claim. Some exceptions apply, such as if the victim is a minor or if a government agency is involved. It’s always best to speak with a Houston truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ From Car Accidents in Houston
While all vehicle crashes are traumatic, truck accident claims are far more complex than ordinary car accident cases. Here’s why:
Multiple Liable Parties
In a car accident, you typically deal with one driver and their insurer. In truck crashes, the liable parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and manufacturers of defective parts.
Higher Stakes
Due to the sheer size and force of commercial trucks,—including 18-wheelers and semi-trucks—these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries including spinal damage, brain trauma, or fatalities. That leads to higher medical costs and long-term impacts on your quality of life.
Complex Insurance Policies
Trucking companies carry larger, layered insurance policies. This can lead to more aggressive tactics from adjusters and more complicated negotiations. You need an attorney experienced in uncovering every available policy and maximizing your claim.
Heavier Regulations
Unlike car drivers, truckers and carriers are subject to extensive federal and state laws, such as those from the FMCSA. Proving violations of these laws can give you a stronger foundation for compensation.
Mistakes to Avoid During the Houston Truck Accident Claim Process
Even a minor misstep can seriously damage your case. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when pursuing a Houston truck accident claim:
Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel
They may twist your words or get you to admit partial fault. Always let your attorney handle communications.
Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
Early offers are often far below what your case is worth. Don’t accept anything before reviewing it with your lawyer.
Failing to Get Immediate Medical Treatment
Even if injuries seem minor, delaying care can hurt your health and allow insurers to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
Skipping Follow-Up Medical Appointments
Inconsistent treatment can be used to deny or minimize compensation. Attend all appointments and keep detailed records.
Posting About the Crash on Social Media
Insurance companies may monitor your posts. A casual photo or comment could be taken out of context and used against you.
Not Preserving Evidence
Failing to document the scene, get witness statements, or save damaged property can make it harder to prove liability later.
Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney
Trucking companies move quickly to protect themselves. You should too. The sooner you contact a Houston truck accident lawyer, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong claim.
Why You Should Hire AP Law Group as Your Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
At AP Law Group, we provide personalized service tailored to your situation. From your first call, you will work directly with our experienced team of Houston personal injury lawyers who take the time to understand your unique needs.
Our local attorneys know Houston’s roads, traffic patterns, court systems, and legal landscape, which helps us build stronger cases. We prepare every claim as though it may go to trial, and we’re not afraid to stand up to large trucking companies or national insurance providers.
Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you only pay us if we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims in Houston, TX
Do I Need to Speak With the Trucking Company’s Insurance After a Truck Accident in Houston?
No, you should not speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster directly. Let your Houston truck accident attorney handle all communications to avoid saying anything that could hurt your claim. Insurance representatives are trained to minimize payouts, and even seemingly harmless statements can be used against you later.
Can I Still File a Truck Accident Injury Claim in Texas If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, you can still pursue compensation for a truck accident in Houston even if you were partly at fault. Under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, you may recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the crash.
However, your final compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
Is a Trucking Company Still Liable If the Driver Was an Independent Contractor?
Possibly. Even if the truck driver involved in your Houston accident was classified as an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be held legally responsible. If the company controlled aspects of the driver’s job—like training, scheduling, or equipment—it could still share liability.
A skilled Houston personal injury attorney can investigate the relationship and hold all negligent parties accountable.
What Factors Determine the Value of a Truck Accident Case in Houston?
The potential settlement or verdict for your truck accident injury claim in Houston depends on several key factors. These include your medical expenses, lost income, future rehabilitation needs, pain and suffering, and how the accident impacts your long-term earning ability.
An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer can provide the most accurate estimate of your case’s value after thoroughly reviewing all the details.
Will I Have to Go to Court for My Houston Truck Accident Case?
Not necessarily. Most Houston truck accident claims are resolved through out-of-court settlements. However, having a trial-ready attorney gives you a stronger bargaining position during negotiations.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to fight for the full amount you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Houston Truck Accident Attorney?
You can afford a truck accident lawyer in Houston—even if you’re struggling financially. At AP Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to get high-quality legal help with no financial risk.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of your truck accident in Texas to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
Certain exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with a Houston truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and preserve key evidence.
Contact AP Law Group Today: Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX
A serious truck accident can leave you overwhelmed, injured, and unsure where to turn—but you don’t have to face this battle alone.
At AP Law Group, we’ve built a reputation for aggressive advocacy, personal attention, and proven results for truck accident victims throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.
Our Houston truck accident attorneys understand the tactics trucking companies and insurers use to minimize payouts—and we know how to push back. We’ll handle every step of your claim, from investigating the crash to negotiating your settlement or taking your case to trial if necessary.
Call (713) 913-4627 now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Houston truck accident attorney. You don’t pay us unless we win—so there’s no risk, only support.
Let AP Law Group be your voice, your advocate, and your path to justice after a commercial vehicle accident in Houston.