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Rear-End Collisions With Commercial Trucks
Speak to a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Today
When operating a commercial truck, the driver must be particularly aware of the overall condition of the vehicle. 18-wheelers, on average, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which causes them to require a massive distance between them and other vehicles to stop safely. When commercial truck drivers do not respect the size and weight of their trucks, they risk causing devastating rear-end collisions.
Have you been hurt in a rear-end collision with a truck? Contact our Houston truck accident lawyers today!
What Are the Causes and Damages of Rear-End Collisions?
Even though truck drivers are in control of vehicles that are unlike most others on the highways, they are people just like everyone else and more than capable of making mistakes or acting negligently. Oftentimes, truckers may resort to speeding to try to get to their destination on time, which in turn makes it nearly impossible for them to stop their semi when an obstacle unexpectedly gets in their path.
Others may ignore trucking regulations and leave the warehouse with intentionally overloaded trailers to try to save a few trips. With the increased mass adding to their momentum, it is easy for them to overestimate their braking capabilities and crash into the back of another motorist.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Rear-End Collison Accidents Involving Trucks?
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents involving Read-End Collisions:
- Permanent whiplash
- Spinal injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
Seeking Compensation for Economic & Non-Economic Damages
If you have suffered injuries in a rear-end collision with a commercial truck, you have the right to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses. Texas law allows victims of truck accidents to recover not only for tangible, out-of-pocket expenses—like current and future medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages—but also for the harder-to-measure impacts these accidents can have on your life.
This means you may be eligible to claim:
- Economic damages: Such as hospital bills, ongoing medical care, lost income, and reduced earning ability if your injuries affect your work.
- Non-economic damages: For the pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life that often accompany serious injuries.
Texas does not generally cap non-economic damages in truck rear-end collision cases, so your total recovery can fully reflect the short- and long-term effects of your injuries—whether those losses are financial or deeply personal.
How Is Negligence Determined in Texas Rear-End Truck Accidents?
Many people believe that the driver in the back is always to blame in a rear-end collision—but that’s not a hard-and-fast rule under Texas law. While the rear driver is most often found at fault, every crash is unique, and the specifics matter. In Texas, negligence is decided by looking carefully at the actions of everyone involved.
In rear-end collisions with commercial trucks, some common scenarios that can lead to a finding of negligence include:
- Following Too Closely: If a truck driver tailgates another vehicle and can’t stop in time when traffic slows, that driver may be liable for not maintaining a safe distance.
- Ignoring Signals: When a driver fails to notice a turn signal or does not react appropriately as the vehicle in front slows down to turn, this carelessness can make them responsible for the crash.
- Sudden Stops: If the lead vehicle stops suddenly without reason, they could share liability—unless there’s a valid emergency. For instance, if a car’s sudden braking was necessary to avoid hitting a dog darting into the road, that changes the analysis.
- Vehicle Defects: Sometimes, the lead vehicle’s brake or tail lights aren’t working. If a driver knew about the malfunction and continued driving, they could be partially or completely at fault if a collision happens as a result.
Texas uses what’s called a modified comparative negligence rule. This means fault isn’t always black and white: a jury (or an insurer) will weigh how much each party contributed to the accident. If the injured person is found to be partly responsible, any compensation they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault. But here’s the key: if you’re more than 50% at fault (specifically, 51% or higher), you can’t recover damages at all.
By carefully examining the evidence—including traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and dashboard data—attorneys work to show how negligence played a role and who holds legal responsibility. Understanding these rules is critical in building a strong case after a rear-end truck collision.
Is the Rear Driver Always at Fault in Texas Rear-End Truck Accidents?
A common misconception about rear-end accidents is that the rear driver is automatically at fault. In reality, Texas law doesn’t make that assumption. While rear drivers are frequently held responsible, liability isn’t a given. Every collision has its own unique circumstances, and fault must be determined based on the evidence of negligence.
For example, if a front driver suddenly stops without warning or their brake lights aren’t working, liability may shift. The job of proving fault always falls to the person bringing the claim, who needs to show that the other driver’s carelessness directly caused the crash.
Ultimately, rear-end collisions—especially those involving massive commercial trucks—demand a careful look at the facts to determine who was truly to blame.
Why Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer Matters After a Truck Rear-End Accident
Following a rear-end accident with a commercial truck, you may find yourself facing piles of paperwork, phone calls from insurance adjusters, and a sense of uncertainty about your next steps. One thing is almost certain: insurance companies are rarely eager to pay you what your claim is truly worth. In many cases, their initial settlement offers are designed to close your case quickly and for the lowest amount possible.
This is where having a knowledgeable personal injury attorney on your side can make all the difference. An experienced lawyer knows how to investigate the specifics of your collision, gather crucial evidence, and push back against lowball tactics from insurers. They’re skilled at accurately valuing your injuries—whether that’s ongoing medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering—and will fight for the compensation you actually deserve.
Additionally, trucking companies often have powerful legal teams representing their interests. A seasoned attorney levels the playing field, giving you an advocate who understands the complexities of trucking regulations, accident reconstruction, and Texas law. By consulting with a personal injury lawyer, you’re taking an important step to protect your rights and give your case the best possible chance for a fair outcome.
Our Teamwork Approach Takes Your Case to the Top
At The Cox Pradia Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we believe that the results our legal team can accomplish when working together are simply unparalleled in the world of litigation. When clients come to our firm with a personal injury case, we put our heads together and approach the issue from all sides, leaving no stone unturned.
It is our passion to deliver excellence to our clients and we know that when you retain our services, you will see why so many in Texas have come to trust us with their most sensitive injury claims.
Aspects of our firm and mission statement that set us apart from other law firms include:
- Jonathan Cox was included in the 2004 & 2005 Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list published by Thomson Reuters
- Substantial sums recovered for clients
- 40+ years of collective legal experience
- We are litigators, first and foremost – every case is prepared for trial
You have suffered enough after being rear-ended by a negligent truck driver and you should not have to worry whether or not you have the funds to fight them in court.
We offer contingency fee agreements to all of our clients, meaning we will not charge you a cent unless we win you a beneficial settlement. We also offer free initial case evaluations so there is no charge upfront, either.
Start taking legal action after you have been rear-ended and injured by a truck in Texas – contact our Houston truck accident attorneys now.
