TRUCK ACCIDENTS - PASADENA, TX

Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer

In 2020, the TXDoT reported over 22,000 tractor trailer accidents causing 5,952 injuries. In many cases, the injuries suffered from a truck crash can be life-changing. These trucks can weigh anywhere from 35,000 to 80,000 pounds, which means truck crashes often lead to debilitating injuries.

I-45, I-10, 225 and 610 are just a few of the heavily traveled highways in the Houston area. Unfortunately, wrecks occur frequently on these busy roads and many of these accidents involve heavy trucks and tractor-trailers.

One of the most important things to do when you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer is contact a Pasadena truck accident lawyer who can begin investigating and reconstructing the accident. Typically, drivers of tractor trailers are instructed to contact an emergency response team which usually includes someone from their liability insurance. Re-constructionists and engineers are sent to the scene immediately in the hopes clearing the company of any liability.

Not only is it important to examine the scene of an accident but it is equally important to examine the tractor trailer. Most modern trucks have sophisticated electronic devices, much the same as “black boxes” in airplanes. These devices contain numerous bits of data including speed, time, braking forces, etc. The trucking companies are not required by any law to hold onto this data for a specific period of time. Contacting a trained Pasadena truck wreck attorney from West & West Law as soon as possible will help ensure this data is secured and available for your case.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

When prosecuting a trucking accident in Texas our lawyers will look into all aspects of the companies employment practices. The FMCSR govern the hiring process and requirements, annual safety reviews on the drivers, Inspection and Maintenance requirements for the tractors and trailers, 1) the number of hours the driver can safely drive, 2) alcohol and drug use testing, 3) what safety equipment and procedures to use in the event of a break down and 4) how long the trucking company must retain their records.

If the company is in violation of the federal regulations it could significantly improve the chances of successful litigation, especially in disputed cases. An examination of each requirement is the best practice for a Texas tractor trailer attorney.

I. The Hiring Process:

Under Section 391.21 A trucking company is required to maintain a document called a driver qualification file. Each employer is required by law to inquire into each prospective employees:
a) prior driver’s licenses;
b) the applicant’s experience;
c) A list of all crashes in the prior three years and any injuries it caused;
d) A list of all traffic tickets for the past 3 years;
e) A explanation of prior license suspension;
f) A list of the prior employers for the last three years including the reason for leaving;
The company has to contact prior employers to verify whether the driver had safety or substance abuse issues. Further the company is required to send a request to the department of motor vehicles for a three year prior driving history and this request has to be refreshed every year on the anniversary of the driver’s hiring.

The trucking company is required to give the truck driver a medical exam. This is to ensure that the prospective drivers health does not pose an unnecessary risk to the public at large.

II. Annual Safety Reviews

Under §391.25, a trucking company is required to make an annual review the trucker’s record including:
(a) Request the driving record from the DMV for each driver, specifically looking for motor vehicle accidents;
(b) The company must conduct a review with each driver going over their driving record;

III. Inspection and Maintenance

§396.3, states that “…every motor carrier shall systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles…” The findings of any inspection must be recorded and maintained for at least one year.
Prior to the operation of any tractor trailer the driver is tasked with a pre-trip inspection. Further §396.11 requires the Driver to prepare a report in writing at the completion of each day’s work on each vehicle operated. The report must cover any issue with the brakes, lighting, reflectors, steering, tires, wipers, mirrors, and emergency equipment:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (pdf) – the federal agency responsible for tracking highway collision data – 5,005 people were killed in the United States in 2019 in large truck crashes, and 159,000 people were injured. There are four terms commonly associated with tractor trailer accidents on Texas roadways are:

- No-Zones: These are blind spots commonly found with large trucks or tractor trailers. These blind spots are located at different points including the front, back and sides of the truck. If, at any time, a vehicle enters into the No-Zone the driver of the tractor trailer would be unable to see it.

- Squeeze Play: We have all seen when a tractor trailer makes a right turn they have to first enter the left hand lane. The problem occurs when tractor trailer drivers are unable to see cars directly behind them or to their immediate left.

- Stopping Distance: Because of their size and weight tractor trailers have different stopping distances than typical passenger vehicles. When traveling at high speeds the stopping distance increases significantly.

- “Off-Track”: Off-track describes when a tractor trailer makes a right hand turn at a higher speed than safe and turns into the left hand lane.

How Truck Accidents Claims Are Handled in Pasadena, Texas

When truck collisions occur, trucking companies involved in the accident often send representatives to the accident scene. These agents work to handle everything at the scene of the truck crash so that they can limit or mitigate their company’s liability.

These companies’ representatives know that the ideal time to confront an accident victim is immediately following the event. Don’t talk to them.

It’s important to reach experienced truck accident attorneys

If you have been involved in a truck wreck, contact our experienced Pasadena truck wreck attorneys. We can advise you about your rights and represent your best interests.

Contact Our Pasadena Truck Accident Attorney Today

Truck crashes are often more complicated than typical car accidents due to the more severe injuries and a potentially large number of defendants whose interest is in keeping the payout low. The Pasadena truck accident lawyers at West & West Law are not afraid to take on trucking companies and their insurance companies while advocating the rights of our clients.



Our team of trucking collision attorneys has the right combination of in-depth knowledge of trucking industry regulations and expertise in victims’ rights to structure the most successful claims for our clients.

Let our Pasadena Truck Wreck Law Firm Assist You

Our Pasadena truck accident law firm can help you receive monetary compensation for medical costs, lost income, expenses, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured because of a large truck crash.

Whether we’re gathering evidence by preserving driver and truck records, consulting with you on legal strategies, or representing you in negotiations with insurance adjusters, our truck accident lawyers are always working with experience, integrity and personal attention to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available to help in your recovery.

Call the experienced Pasadena truck wreck lawyers at West & West Law at 713-222-9378 now or fill out our online contact form.