This is a question our Houston trucking accident lawyers often hear. 

The value of a truck accident claim in Houston, TX (or anywhere else for that matter) can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. It’s impossible to give a specific amount without knowing the details of a specific case. 

Here are some factors that can impact the value of a claim.

• Severity of Injuries: The severity and nature of the injuries suffered in the accident play a crucial role in determining the claim’s worth. More severe injuries typically lead to higher settlements because they often involve extensive medical treatments and long-term effects that can impact a person’s quality of life.
• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, medical devices, and any future medical expenses that may arise due to the injury.
• Lost Income: If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, you can claim for lost wages. This also includes any potential future loss of income or earning capacity if you’re unable to return to the same line of work.
• Pain and Suffering: These are the non-economic damages that you’ve suffered due to the accident. This could include physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological effects of the accident.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or any other property was damaged in the accident, you can claim the repair or replacement cost.
• The Degree of Fault: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident.

Given the complexity and variability involved, it’s critical to consult with a skilled and experienced Houston truck accident attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case and provide an estimate. 

• Speeding: Due to their massive size and weight, semi trucks require more distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. Speeding can drastically increase this distance, making it harder for truck drivers to avoid collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents across all types of vehicles. In the case of truck drivers, who often have long routes and tight deadlines, distractions can come from eating, using a phone, adjusting the radio, or other tasks that take their focus off the road.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major issue in all types of vehicular accidents. For commercial drivers, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is even lower than it is for other drivers, reflecting the increased responsibility of operating such large vehicles.
• Poor Road Conditions: Factors like missing signage, ongoing road work, poor road design, or improper maintenance can all contribute to truck accidents. This is especially problematic for semi trucks, which are harder to maneuver and control than smaller vehicles.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which can make them difficult to control if the cargo isn’t properly secured. Unbalanced or shifting cargo can lead to accidents.
• Blind Spots: Due to their size, semi trucks have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles. If other drivers aren’t aware of these “no zones,” they could end up in a position where the truck driver can’t see them, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Defective Truck Parts: Defective or poorly maintained equipment can lead to accidents. Commercial trucks need to be thoroughly inspected regularly, but this responsibility is sometimes neglected.

Call a Houston truck accident lawyer now to schedule your free consultation.

Truck accidents can occur anywhere. However, they are particularly prevalent on highways and interstates due to the high speeds and large volume of traffic. In Houston, certain roads and highways see a higher frequency of truck accidents due to their heavy traffic, extensive use by commercial vehicles, and challenging driving conditions. 

Here are some of the most high-risk areas our Houston truck accident lawyers recommend you navigate safely. 

• I-10: This interstate is a major east-west route across the southern U.S., and it sees a high volume of truck traffic.
• I-45: I-45 is a major north-south route that connects Houston with Dallas and other cities, so it’s frequently used by semi-trucks.
• I-69: This interstate, which also incorporates parts of U.S. Route 59, is another frequently used route by trucks.
• I-610/610 Loop: This highway encircles central Houston, and it often sees heavy truck traffic due to its function as a bypass and connector route.
• U.S. Route 59 (US-59): This major north-south route is heavily trafficked by commercial vehicles.
• Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8): This tollway serves as a bypass around Houston and sees a significant amount of truck traffic.
• State Highway 6 (SH-6): This highway is another route commonly used by trucks in the Houston area.
• State Highway 225 (SH-225): This state highway is a major route leading into the Houston metropolitan area.
• U.S. Route 90 Alternate (US-90A): This highway serves as an alternate route to US-90 and can see heavy truck traffic.
• State Highway 288 (SH-288): This highway connects Houston with the southern part of Texas and is often used by commercial vehicles.

Did a negligent driver cause you harm? Contact the Houston trucking accident lawyers at Universal Law Group today!