The Woodlands Truck Accident Lawyer
We are dedicated to helping those who have been injured or affected by a catastrophic injury. You may contact us 24/7 at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment with us.
Injured in a truck accident in The Woodlands? Don’t settle for less. Call (832) 690-7000 or contact us online today for a free case review.
If you live in The Woodlands, you’ve probably driven alongside massive 18-wheelers on I-45, FM 1488, or SH 242. These big trucks help keep goods moving across Texas, but they can be pretty intimidating when they’re right next to you on the road.
Most of us don’t think twice about sharing the highway with a semi-truck until something goes wrong. When a truck crashes, the damage is usually a lot worse than with regular cars. And too often, they happen because someone wasn’t doing their job safely, whether it’s the truck driver, the company they work for, or someone else cutting corners.
The team at Pierce Skrabanek understands what families in The Woodlands go through after a serious truck accident or car accident. With over 30 years of combined experience, you deserve a legal team that knows the area, knows the roads, and knows how to fight for people like you. Reach out to us online or by calling (832) 690-7000 to learn more about how The Woodlands truck accident attorney from our firm can help you in a no-cost case review today.
“Excellent team, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in explaining and staying in contact throughout the entire process. Highly recommend for anyone needing assistance. Thank you so much to the entire staff. Awesome experience.”
- Albert G. | Client
The Woodlands Truck Accident Statistics
The Woodlands is primarily located in Montgomery County, with portions extending into Harris County. These two counties are among the most active in Texas when it comes to truck-related accidents. Below, we’ll share some truck accident statistics that highlight the problem in this region of Texas.
According to 2022 data from the Texas Department of Transportation, commercial vehicle crashes in Montgomery County, the heart of The Woodlands area, remain a serious concern for drivers who share the road with large trucks:
- Fatal Crashes: 7
- Fatalities: 7
- Suspected Serious Injury Crashes: 29
- Suspected Serious Injuries: 33
- Suspected Minor Injury Crashes: 68
- Suspected Minor Injuries: 92
- Possible Injury Crashes: 95
- Possible Injuries: 138
- Total Crashes: 748
While most of The Woodlands is in Montgomery County, a portion of the community also extends into Harris County, one of the most heavily traveled areas in Texas. In 2022, Harris County saw a significantly higher number of commercial vehicle (CMV) crashes, highlighting the risks local drivers face daily.
- Fatal Crashes: 47
- Fatalities: 48
- Suspected Serious Injury Crashes: 117
- Suspected Serious Injuries: 147
- Suspected Minor Injury Crashes: 457
- Suspected Minor Injuries: 671
- Possible Injury Crashes: 950
- Possible Injuries: 1,543
- Total Crashes: 6,203
An 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer in The Woodlands Shares Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There’s a reason truck drivers need special training and a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate these vehicles. These trucks are massive, powerful machines, and when they’re not handled properly, they can cause serious injuries or even take lives.
These crashes are rarely just “bad luck.” They usually happen because someone made a dangerous choice or failed to follow safety rules. Here are some of the most common reasons we see truck accidents in The Woodlands and across Texas:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often pressured to work long hours and may push themselves to stay on the road even when exhausted. A sleepy driver behind the wheel of a big rig is a serious danger, slowing reaction times and leading to poor decisions that can cause a crash in seconds.
- Intoxicated Driving: A truck driver under the influence should never get behind the wheel.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Trucks take longer to stop and are harder to control compared to cars, especially at high speeds. On dry roads, a loaded semi can take 250 to 310 feet to stop from 60 mph. When a truck driver is speeding, tailgating, or changing lanes too quickly, it can make stopping in time very challenging.
- Poor Maintenance: Semis are built for long hauls, which means they rack up mileage quickly. Because of that, it's recommended they receive maintenance and inspections every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Worn-out brakes, bald tires, and broken lights can turn a big vehicle into a deadly one. If a trucking company skips maintenance to save time or money, it’s putting lives in danger.
- Overloaded Cargo: In Texas, big trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds total. One axle can't carry more than 20,000 pounds, and two axles together (called a tandem axle) can't carry more than 34,000 pounds. When a trailer is overloaded or the cargo isn’t secured properly, it can shift during the drive, resulting in rollovers, brake failures, or spilled loads.
Operating an 18-wheeler is a serious responsibility. These vehicles must be in top working condition and rigorously maintained. Just as important, the driver behind the wheel must be well-rested, alert, and fully trained to handle such a massive machine.
If you were hurt because a trucking company or driver failed to do their job, you have legal rights. Reach out to Pierce Skrabanek today online or by calling (832) 690-7000.
How Will The Woodlands Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Find Out Who’s Responsible for a Trucking Accident?
When a trucking accident happens, the truck driver can be held responsible just like any other reckless driver on the road. If the driver was speeding, distracted by a phone, driving under the influence, or ignoring traffic laws, they can be found at fault.
But the blame doesn’t always stop with the driver. Trucking companies can also be held liable. For example, if they hired an inexperienced driver, failed to train their staff properly, skipped important maintenance on the truck, or forced drivers to work long hours without enough rest, they may share the responsibility.
In many cases, both the driver and the company play a role in the accident.
An experienced The Woodlands truck accident attorney will determine liability by:
- Gathering important evidence, like the police report, dashcam or traffic camera footage, and witness statements.
- Requesting the truck’s “black box” data, which can show things like the truck’s speed, braking, and hours of service before the crash.
- Looking into the trucking company’s records and checking for safety violations, maintenance logs, and the driver’s training history.
A lawyer knows what to look for and how to prove when someone was careless or broke the law, so the right party is held responsible.
Insurance adjusters may come across as friendly and helpful, but their goal is to protect the company’s interests, not yours. They might try to get you to downplay your injuries, twist your words, or suggest that you were at fault. Always speak with a truck accident attorney before talking to them or signing anything.
What Types of Accidents Can The Woodlands Big Rig Accident Attorney Help With?
Just like car crashes, truck accidents can happen in many different ways. However, due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the results are often much more severe.
With over 30 years of combined experience, our The Woodlands trucking accident lawyers have successfully handled a broad range of trucking accidents, including:
- Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an L or V shape.
- Rollover Accidents: When a truck tips onto its side it can crush smaller vehicles nearby.
- Rear-End Collisions: Due to a truck’s long stopping distance, rear-end crashes can be especially common.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, and if a driver fails to check them, other cars on the road could be in danger.
- Lost Cargo Accidents: When cargo isn’t secured properly, it can spill onto the road and cause chain-reaction crashes.
How Much Compensation Can The Woodlands Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Help Me Recover?
There’s no set dollar amount for a truck accident case. Every situation is unique, and the outcome depends on many factors, like how the crash happened, who was at fault, how serious the injuries are, and what kind of long-term impact it has on your life. That’s why no honest attorney will guarantee a specific payout.
That said, truck accidents often cause some of the most devastating injuries on the road. Victims may face months or even years of recovery, and in many cases, life is never the same. Our goal is to help you seek full and fair compensation for what you’ve been through, now and in the future. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: This financial support can help you cover surgeries, hospital stays, rehab, medications, and ongoing care needs that will accumulate over your lifetime.
- Pain & Suffering: This compensation accounts not only for the physical pain, but the emotional anguish of living with trauma and fear.
- Lost Wages: You can recover compensation for the time you’ve already missed from work due to the accident.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: Sometimes your injuries can prevent you from going back to your job at all or earning what you once did. In these cases, your settlement may reflect what you would have made.
- Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, not everyone walks away from a trucking accident. If you suffered the tragedy of losing a loved one, we can help you recover compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, or the lost income they would have contributed.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Shortly after the accident, a trucking company may approach you with a quick settlement offer. It might seem tempting at the moment, but don’t jump at it, as it could cost you thousands.
According to a Martindale-Nolo study, people who negotiated instead of taking the first offer received settlements that were $30,700 higher on average. Waiting and working with The Woodlands truck accident lawyer can make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
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Why Hire The Woodlands Truck Accident Attorney at Pierce Skrabanek
Not every personal injury firm knows how to take on the trucking industry, but we do. At Pierce Skrabanek, we’ve spent decades going head-to-head with trucking companies, insurers, and corporate defense teams.
With over $500 million recovered for our clients and more than 30 years of combined experience, we have the results and reputation you can trust. Our attorneys are proud Texas natives who understand the roads, the laws, and the unique challenges that come with truck crash cases in our state.
If you or a loved one were injured in a trucking accident in The Woodlands, Pierce Skrabanek will be your voice and have your back every step of the way. Reach out to our team online or by calling (832) 690-7000 to schedule a 100% free case review today.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Contact a The Woodlands Big Rig Accident Attorney?
We understand that after a truck accident, you might still be reeling from the shock and physical pain. However, it's important to reach out to an attorney as soon as you can. In Texas, you have only two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, and waiting too long could hurt your case. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can begin gathering important evidence and building a solid case.
Can a The Woodlands Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Still Help Me if I Was Partially to Blame?
Yes, even if you were partially at fault for the truck accident, you may still be able to recover damages. Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that as long as you are not more than 51% at fault, you can still seek compensation. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party. An experienced attorney can help you understand how this works and make sure your case has a fighting chance, even if you share some of the blame.
How Much Will It Cost to Work With The Woodlands Truck Accident Lawyer?
At Pierce Skrabanek, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to you.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in The Woodlands?
After a truck accident, your health and safety should be your first priority. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Be sure to report the accident to the police and save the police report, take photos of the scene, and collect any eyewitness accounts and witness contact information. It’s also a good idea to contact a lawyer early on.
We’re Here for You:
Real Results for Real Challenges
We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.
$270,000 for the Victim of an 18-Wheeler Wide Turn
Summary: The Plaintiff was passing an intersection when an 18-wheeler made a wide turn into him. Paul obtained a $270,000 settlement despite minimal property damage done to his client’s vehicle and no surgeries performed on the Plaintiff.
$565,000 Settlement for 18 Wheeler Victim
Summary: Paul obtained a $565,000 settlement on behalf of Mary Berryman who was involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler in December 2010. The case was settled out of court at a second mediation the week before trial. Berryman filed suit against Jose Peralta and Scorpion Transport in Dallas County Court alleging that Peralta ran a stop sign and caused a collision with her truck. Peralta and Scorpion alleged that Berryman was in the best position to avoid the collision simply by going around him. Ultimately, Berryman, now 62, suffered a back injury that required her to undergo surgery. Peralta and Scorpion contended that the 62-year-old’s condition was related to a prior incident in 2007 where doctor reports showed herniations in her low back and neck. After the first mediation in the case, the mediator issued a mediator’s proposal, which was rejected by both parties. However, at a second mediation, the week before trial, the Defendants and their insurance carrier paid in excess of the first mediator’s proposal. Paul was the lead attorney on the case.
