Stafford Truck Accident Lawyer

The truck driver who caused your accident might have been speeding, exhausted, or distracted. But what if the trucking company knew the driver had been working too many hours? Or sent a truck onto the road despite repeated brake problems?

When an 18-wheeler causes a serious accident, the driver isn't always the only person responsible. The company that hired them, the people responsible for maintaining the truck, and even the business that loaded the cargo could share responsibility for your injuries.

If you're looking for a Stafford truck accident lawyer, Pierce Skrabanek has a team of attorneys experienced in commercial trucking cases. We investigate driver logs, maintenance records, and company decisions to find out what caused the collision and who should be held accountable.

Injured in a truck accident in Stafford? Call (832) 690-7000 or contact Pierce Skrabanek online for a free consultation.

Truck Accidents in Stafford, Texas

Stafford sits between Houston and Sugar Land, where commercial trucks travel I-69/US 59, US 90 Alternate, Murphy Road, and surrounding streets alongside commuters and local traffic. These vehicles range from delivery trucks serving nearby businesses to tractor-trailers transporting freight across Texas.

The difference in weight between a loaded 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle puts occupants of smaller cars at greater risk of severe injuries. Spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and internal injuries can require surgery, months of rehabilitation, and extended time away from work.

Unlike passenger vehicle accident claims, commercial trucking cases often require access to driver qualification files, electronic driving logs, inspection reports, and maintenance histories. Those records can reveal negligence by the driver or failures within the trucking company itself.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks have longer stopping distances, larger blind spots, and wider turning radiuses than passenger vehicles. Their size and configuration contribute to several dangerous collision patterns.

• Rear-end collisions: A truck traveling too fast or following too closely may be unable to stop when traffic slows, causing serious neck, back, and head injuries.
• Jackknife accidents: The trailer swings toward the cab, potentially blocking multiple lanes and hitting surrounding vehicles.
• Rollover accidents: Excessive speed during turns, sudden steering movements, or shifting cargo can cause a tractor-trailer to overturn.
• Underride collisions: A passenger vehicle slides beneath the side or rear of a trailer, putting occupants at risk of catastrophic injuries.
• Blind-spot collisions: Unsafe lane changes and turns can result in sideswipe accidents or force smaller vehicles off the roadway.
• Cargo-related accidents: Improperly secured freight can shift during transit, fall onto the roadway, or destabilize the truck.

What Causes Truck Accidents in Stafford, TX?

Truck drivers must follow traffic laws and federal safety regulations, while commercial carriers are responsible for maintaining safe equipment and employing qualified drivers. Negligence by either party can contribute to a serious collision.

Driver Fatigue and Excessive Driving Hours

Federal hours-of-service regulations restrict driving time and require rest periods. Drivers who exceed those limits risk slower reactions, impaired judgment, and falling asleep behind the wheel.

Electronic driving logs, dispatch communications, and trip records may reveal excessive driving hours or pressure to meet unrealistic delivery schedules.

Speeding and Distracted Driving

A fully loaded tractor-trailer needs significantly more distance to stop than a passenger car. Excessive speed, tailgating, mobile phone use, and distractions from dispatch systems increase the likelihood of a collision.

Inadequate Training

Commercial drivers must be qualified to operate heavy trucks. Poor training in turning, merging, braking, and navigating congested roads can lead to dangerous mistakes.

Mechanical Failures

Carriers must inspect and maintain their vehicles. Worn tires, defective brakes, steering failures, and neglected repairs can leave an unsafe truck operating on public roads.

Improper Cargo Loading

Overloaded trailers and unsecured freight affect braking and stability. Shifting cargo can contribute to rollovers, jackknife accidents, and loss of vehicle control.

In commercial trucking litigation, driver fatigue, defective equipment, and cargo loading failures are among the issues that warrant scrutiny when determining why a collision occurred.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

The truck driver may have caused the collision, but the trucking company and other businesses connected to the vehicle may also bear responsibility.

Commercial transportation often includes separate companies responsible for operating, loading, repairing, and maintaining equipment.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck drivers: For speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or unsafe maneuvers.
• Trucking companies: For negligent hiring, inadequate training, unsafe schedules, poor maintenance, or their employees' negligence.
• Cargo loading companies: For improperly loading or securing freight.
• Maintenance contractors: For negligent inspections or repairs.
• Manufacturers: For defective truck components that contributed to the collision.

A Stafford semi-truck accident lawyer familiar with commercial trucking litigation understands the importance of identifying every responsible business. Driver employment records, maintenance agreements, cargo documents, and insurance policies may establish liability that extends beyond the driver.

The trucking company's insurer may offer a settlement before you know how much your medical treatment and lost income will cost. 

Pierce Skrabanek has recovered millions for people injured in serious commercial truck collisions, including cases where insurers disputed liability and the extent of our clients' injuries.

Before accepting an offer, call (832) 690-7000 or contact our team for a free consultation.

What if the Trucking Company Blames You?

Trucking companies and their insurers frequently dispute fault. They may argue that the injured motorist was speeding, following too closely, or failed to avoid the collision.

Under Texas's comparative fault law, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you're found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.

An insurance company's accusation should be measured against the evidence. Electronic truck data may establish the driver's speed before impact, while witness testimony, vehicle damage, and available recordings can contradict allegations against the injured motorist.

Our attorneys contest unsupported fault allegations and work to establish the responsibility of the driver, carrier, and other parties.

Compensation Available After a Truck Accident

Medical treatment, rehabilitation, missed work, and permanent physical restrictions can leave injured people facing expenses for years. Texas law permits compensation for financial losses and the physical and emotional effects of an accident.

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and anticipated future care.
• Lost income: Wages, overtime, and other earnings lost during recovery.
• Reduced earning capacity: Future income losses when permanent injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or working at the same capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and limitations caused by lasting injuries.
• Wrongful death: Qualifying family members may seek damages for lost financial support, companionship, and mental anguish after a fatal collision.

An early settlement offer may not account for future surgery, ongoing rehabilitation, or permanent restrictions on your ability to work. Medical opinions, treatment records, and employment documentation are essential when calculating the compensation owed.

How Pierce Skrabanek Handles Your Truck Accident Case

Commercial trucking litigation requires knowledge of federal safety regulations, carrier operations, insurance coverage, and the evidence needed to prove negligence.

Pierce Skrabanek brings more than 30 years of combined legal experience to personal injury litigation. Our attorneys have secured significant recoveries in truck accident cases where liability and the severity of injuries were disputed.

Obtaining Trucking Company Records

Driver logs, dispatch communications, maintenance histories, inspection reports, and employment records may reveal safety violations or negligent business practices.

We request relevant documents and electronic data to determine whether the carrier complied with federal trucking regulations.

Proving Liability and Damages

Our attorneys review accident evidence, witness testimony, medical records, and employment information. Qualified professionals provide accident reconstruction findings, medical opinions, or financial assessments when necessary to support the claim.

Negotiating With Insurers and Going to Trial

Commercial trucking insurers have significant resources and experienced claims professionals. Disagreements over fault, medical treatment, and future expenses can delay settlement negotiations.

Pierce Skrabanek negotiates settlements supported by the evidence and takes disputed cases to court when necessary.

As founding partner Michael Pierce explains:

When hiring a Stafford truck accident attorney, experience with commercial carriers, federal safety requirements, and disputed injury claims should be part of the conversation. Our attorneys have litigated cases involving severe injuries, multiple defendants, and disagreements over the cause of a client's medical condition.

Our Truck Accident Case Results

Pierce Skrabanek has recovered over $500 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients. Our truck accident recoveries include:

$2 Million: Commercial Truck Collision

Our client was driving a commercial truck for work when another 18-wheeler rear-ended him. He suffered serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries. Our attorneys secured a $2 million recovery.

$850,000: Two Clients With Serious Back Injuries

Two clients sustained significant back injuries in a collision with an 18-wheeler. Pierce Skrabanek obtained an $850,000 settlement.

$565,000: Truck Driver Ran a Stop Sign

Our client needed surgery after a truck driver ran a stop sign and caused a collision. The defense attributed the injuries to a preexisting back condition. Our attorneys secured $565,000, exceeding the mediator's proposed settlement.

Hear From Our Client, Martin Castiernos

Martin Castiernos was working when an 18-wheeler rear-ended him. His injuries disrupted his daily life and time with his family.

In his testimonial, Martin discusses the collision, his recovery, and his experience working with Pierce Skrabanek.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Your health comes first after a serious collision. Once you've received medical attention, several steps can support your injury claim.

• Continue medical treatment. Attend follow-up appointments, follow your doctor's recommendations, and report new or worsening symptoms. Treatment records document your injuries and recovery.
• Keep accident-related records. Save medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, photographs, and documentation of missed work. Obtain a copy of the police report when available.
• Be cautious with insurance adjusters. The trucking company's insurer may request a recorded statement or offer an early settlement. Before agreeing to resolve the claim, you should understand the extent of your injuries and the treatment you will need.
• Speak with an attorney before signing a release. Accepting a settlement and signing a release usually ends your right to seek additional compensation for the accident.

If you're considering hiring a Stafford truck crash lawyer, Pierce Skrabanek offers a free consultation to discuss the collision, your injuries, and any settlement offer you've received.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?

Under Texas's statute of limitations, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident. Certain exceptions and special notice requirements apply.

Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation through a lawsuit.

Waiting also makes evidence harder to obtain. Electronic truck data may be overwritten, surveillance footage can be lost, and witnesses become harder to locate.

A Stafford semi-truck accident attorney at Pierce Skrabanek can begin obtaining records and evaluating your claim before the filing deadline expires.