Victoria 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Victoria sits on major freight routes, including US-59/I-69, US-77 and US-87, so large trucks are part of daily traffic. When an 18-wheeler crashes into a passenger car, the results are often catastrophic. The Daspit Law Firm represents people and families hurt in trucking wrecks. Call (888) 273-1045 for a free consultation.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

A truck crash is not a bigger car crash. Commercial trucking is regulated by federal and state law, and several parties may share responsibility.

Who May Be Liable

•         The truck driver

•         The trucking company that employed or contracted the driver

•         The company that loaded the cargo

•         A maintenance or repair provider

•         A truck or parts manufacturer

•         A broker or shipper in some cases

Why the Trucking Company Often Matters Most

Companies carry larger insurance policies and are responsible for hiring, training, scheduling and maintaining their fleets. Showing that a company cut corners can be central to a claim.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

•         Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations

•         Distracted or impaired driving

•         Speeding and unsafe following distance

•         Improperly loaded or overweight cargo

•         Poor maintenance, including brake and tire failures

•         Inadequate driver training or screening

•         Wide turns, blind spots and unsafe lane changes

Evidence That Can Disappear Fast

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests right away. We act quickly to send preservation letters for evidence such as:

•         Electronic logging device (ELD) and hours-of-service records

•         Black box and engine control data

•         Driver qualification and drug-test files

•         Maintenance and inspection records

•         Dash camera video

•         Cargo and dispatch records

Federal Rules That Can Support a Claim

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules on driver hours, vehicle inspection, driver qualification and insurance minimums. A violation can be strong evidence of negligence. 

Serious Injuries and Compensation

The size and weight of a loaded truck mean crash victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and severe burns.

Damages You May Seek

•         Past and future medical care

•         Lost income and lost earning capacity

•         Pain, suffering and mental anguish

•         Physical impairment and disfigurement

•         Loss of enjoyment of life

If a Loved One Was Killed

Families may be able to bring a wrongful death claim.

How Daspit Law Firm Helps

Attorney John Daspit is a former insurance defense lawyer who knows how large insurers and corporate defendants respond to serious claims. We investigate the crash, secure evidence, work with accident reconstruction and medical experts, and prepare to take your case as far as it needs to go. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after an 18-wheeler accident?

Call 911, get medical care, photograph the scene and vehicles, get witness details, and avoid speaking with the trucking company's insurer. Then call a lawyer quickly so evidence can be preserved.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?

The general deadline is two years from the accident. Because trucking evidence can be overwritten or destroyed, you should not wait.

Can I sue the trucking company and not just the driver?

Often yes. Employers can be responsible for their drivers' actions and for their own hiring, training and maintenance practices.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law sets minimum coverage levels that are higher than for passenger cars, and many carriers have more. The amount depends on the cargo and the company. 

What if I was partly at fault?

You may still recover. Texas reduces compensation by your share of fault and bars recovery above 50%.

Call a Victoria Truck Accident Attorney Today

Call (888) 273-1045 or contact us online. We offer home and hospital visits.