Corpus Christi Truck Accident Lawyers

What Type of 18-Wheeler Accident Cases Do You Handle?

Our attorneys handle the full range of commercial truck-accident claims, including:

• 18-wheeler collisions
• Semi-truck and tractor-trailer crashes
• Big-rig accidents
• Delivery-truck incidents
• Commercial-vehicle collisions
• Cargo-related claims
• Wrongful death cases arising from truck crashes

These claims are often complex because a single crash may involve disputes over driver conduct, employer practices, vehicle maintenance, mechanical defects, road conditions, cargo loading, or the actions of a third party. Michael Winnie has a background in complex personal-injury litigation involving trucking, workplace, and oilfield accidents, and our broader litigation experience includes maritime and offshore accidents, product liability, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death cases.

Truck Driver Negligence

Common forms of driver negligence include:

• Distracted driving: Cell phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s focus from the road, leading to dangerous situations.
• Reckless driving: Speeding, tailgating, and aggressive maneuvers increase the risk of accidents, especially when operating a large truck.
• Failure to maintain records: Accurate record-keeping is essential for monitoring driver fatigue and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Falsifying or neglecting these records can contribute to accidents.

Under FMCSA hours-of-service regulations, property-carrying commercial drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty window following 10 consecutive hours off duty, though exceptions apply. When fatigue or hours-of-service compliance is disputed, driver logs and electronic logging device data can be central evidence in the claim.

Employer Negligence

Trucking companies must prioritize safety in all their operations. Negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, and poor supervision can all contribute to accidents.

Specific examples of employer negligence include:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to thoroughly screen applicants, including verifying their qualifications and conducting background checks, can lead to the operation of commercial vehicles by unqualified drivers.
• Negligent supervision: Trucking companies must monitor their drivers’ performance and address any concerns promptly. Failing to do so can put unsafe drivers on the road.
• Negligent training: Drivers must receive comprehensive training on vehicle operation, safety protocols, and cargo securement. Inadequate training can increase the risk of accidents.

Relevant records in employer-liability disputes may include personnel files, driver qualification materials, training records, dispatch information, disciplinary records, and communications between the driver and the company. A motor carrier may share responsibility when its conduct contributed to the crash, but liability depends on the facts and applicable law.

Improper Truck Maintenance

Federal and state regulations impose maintenance and inspection requirements on commercial trucks. Defective brakes, worn tires, malfunctioning steering systems, and other mechanical problems may result from inadequate upkeep. Maintenance records, inspection reports, and repair invoices can help determine whether a mechanical condition contributed to the collision.

Alcohol or Drug Abuse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations regarding alcohol and drug use for commercial drivers.

Key regulations include, but are not limited to:

• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit: For commercial motor vehicle operators subject to FMCSA rules, an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater is a disqualifying threshold.
• Pre-employment drug testing: Drivers subject to federal testing requirements must undergo pre-employment drug testing for prohibited substances.
• Random drug testing: Motor carriers must conduct random testing of drivers covered by federal drug-and-alcohol testing rules.
• Post-accident drug testing: Testing may be required after certain commercial-vehicle accidents when federal criteria are met.

Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Testing records may become relevant when impairment is alleged, though the existence of a regulation doesn’t itself establish that a particular driver violated it.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can impair a driver’s attention, judgment, reaction time, and vehicle control. Delivery pressure and long shifts may contribute to fatigue even when hours-of-service regulations apply.

Warning signs can include:

• Drifting between lanes
• Inconsistent speeds
• Sudden braking
• Poor gear changes
• Risky maneuvers

Potential evidence in fatigue-related claims includes driver logs, electronic logging device data, dispatch records, trip schedules, and employment records. FMCSA hours-of-service rules are relevant to many property-carrying commercial operations, but fact-specific exceptions may apply. If you observe warning signs of fatigue in a truck driver, maintain a safe distance and pass cautiously when it is safe to do so.

Improperly Maintained Roads

Dangerous or poorly maintained roads can contribute to serious truck accidents. A pothole, uneven pavement, standing water, or missing signage may cause a driver to swerve or lose control.

Common road hazards that contribute to truck accidents include:

• Uneven surfaces (bumps, dips, ridges)
• Potholes
• Water accumulation
• Lack of proper signage or guardrails
• Debris in the roadway

These hazards can cause a truck to swerve, jackknife, or roll over, endangering nearby drivers and passengers. A roadway-condition claim may require identifying the public or private entity responsible for the condition and analyzing that entity’s notice, control, and obligations under applicable law. Other parties may share responsibility depending on the facts of the collision.

Improper Packing or Overloading

Improper loading may involve excessive weight, poor weight distribution, inadequate securement, or cargo that shifts or falls during transport.

Specific dangers include:

• Overloading: Tire blowouts, brake failure, increased stopping distance, rollovers.
• Uneven weight distribution: Instability, difficulty controlling the truck, jackknifing.
• Unsecured cargo: Shifting cargo, loss of control, spilled cargo on the road.

Cargo-related evidence may include bills of lading, loading records, photographs, inspection materials, and statements from the carrier or loader. Responsibility may extend beyond the driver and carrier depending on who loaded, secured, owned, or controlled the cargo.

Truck Malfunctions & Defects

Commercial trucks are complex machines with numerous components that must function correctly for safe operation. Unfortunately, defects and malfunctions can occur, increasing the risk of accidents. These defects can be present from the time of manufacture, or they can develop over time due to wear and tear or improper maintenance.

Examples of common truck defects and malfunctions include:

• Brake failure: Brakes are essential for controlling a truck’s speed and stopping safely. Worn brake pads, faulty brake lines, and air system leaks can all lead to brake failure, making it difficult or impossible for a driver to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Tire blowouts: Truck tires are under immense pressure due to the heavy loads they carry. Over time, this can lead to wear and tear, increasing the risk of a blowout. Improper inflation, worn treads, and manufacturing defects can also contribute to tire failure. A sudden tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control, potentially leading to a rollover or collision.
• Steering system malfunctions: The steering system allows a driver to control the direction and stability of the truck. Worn tie rod ends, ball joints, and steering gears can make it difficult to steer, especially at higher speeds or on curves. This can result in the truck veering off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Suspension problems: The suspension system helps absorb shocks and keep the tires in contact with the road. Broken springs, worn shock absorbers, and loose U-bolts can compromise the truck’s stability and handling, making it more prone to rollovers or jackknifing.
• Lighting failures: Malfunctioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals reduce visibility, making it difficult for other drivers to see the truck and anticipate its movements. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially at night or in inclement weather.

Determining whether a defect or malfunction contributed to a collision may require analysis of damaged components, maintenance records, inspection reports, repair histories, and recalls. Accident reconstruction and consultation with qualified outside professionals may also be appropriate, depending on the facts.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Corpus Christi

The steps you take after a commercial truck collision can affect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim. Safety and medical care come first. After that, documentation matters.

Key steps to take after a truck accident include:

• Call 911: Report the crash and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. Symptoms from serious injuries can be delayed.
• Seek medical attention: Get evaluated promptly. Medical records from your initial treatment are important evidence of the injuries you sustained.
• Document the scene: When it is safe, photograph vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, visible cargo, and any identifying information on the truck and trailer.
• Collect information: Gather contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers from the driver. Get names and contact information for any witnesses.
• Preserve communications: Keep copies of all medical records, bills, insurance correspondence, and photographs related to the crash.
• Avoid statements about fault: Don’t make statements about who caused the accident before you have had a chance to consult with an attorney.

Commercial carriers often deploy claims personnel and investigators quickly after a serious crash. Acting promptly to preserve evidence, including black-box data and electronic logging records, can be important to protecting your claim. Our attorneys provide free consultations and handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so there’s no cost to speaking with us about what happened.

Texas Filing Deadlines for Truck Accident Claims

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, personal-injury claims generally must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline typically means forfeiting the right to pursue compensation. However, the two-year period isn’t universal. Claims involving governmental entities, minors, wrongful death, property damage, or other specific circumstances may involve different rules or separate notice requirements that affect when and how a claim must be filed.

Consulting with our attorneys promptly gives us time to evaluate the deadlines that may apply and gather evidence while it is still available.

Learn more about how our Corpus Christi truck accident attorneys can help you by contacting us online or calling (361) 310-5299 today!