While commercial trucking is a vital component of Texas’s economy, accidents involving large trucks present unique legal challenges for trucking companies and their drivers. Understanding the alarming statistics surrounding these incidents helps businesses prepare effective defense strategies and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations.
The trusted attorneys at Fahl & Donaldson defend trucking companies and commercial drivers facing accident claims in Houston and throughout Texas. Our trial-ready approach combines decades of litigation experience with a thorough understanding of the commercial transportation industry. Having this support helps protect your business in the event of a trucking accident, so you can focus on what matters most rather than stress about the legal process.
Commercial Truck Accident Trends in Texas
Texas consistently experiences the highest number of large truck crash fatalities in the nation. In 2021, Texas recorded 806 deaths in crashes involving large trucks, accounting for nearly 14% of all such fatalities nationwide. These numbers reflect both the state’s extensive highway system and its role as a major freight corridor connecting ports, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities across the region.
The Houston metropolitan area, with its concentration of petrochemical facilities, port operations, and distribution centers, sees substantial commercial truck traffic daily. This increased volume contributes to higher accident rates compared to less industrialized regions. Interstate highways such as I-10, I-45, and the Sam Houston Tollway create numerous opportunities for interactions with passenger vehicles.
Contributing Factors to Truck Accidents
Multiple factors contribute to commercial truck accidents in the Houston area. The region’s unpredictable weather patterns create challenging driving conditions, with sudden rainstorms and dense fog reducing visibility while compromising road traction. During peak hours, the convergence of thousands of vehicles on Houston’s major highways intensifies the risk of rear-end collisions and lane-change incidents.
Road construction and infrastructure maintenance compound these challenges by forcing large vehicles into reduced lanes and complex detour routes. Driver-related factors such as fatigue, distraction, and failure to maintain proper following distance appear frequently in accident reports. Rear-end crashes are another common type of commercial truck accident, often occurring because tractor-trailers require substantially more distance to stop than passenger vehicles, particularly on wet roads where braking efficiency decreases dramatically.
Regional Impact on Houston
Harris County recorded 6,416 total commercial vehicle accidents in 2019, the highest total of any county in Texas that year. The concentration of industrial activity, port traffic, and interstate commerce in the greater Houston area directly correlates with elevated accident statistics. Understanding these regional patterns helps trucking companies implement targeted safety measures and prepare comprehensive defense strategies when litigation becomes necessary.
Defense Considerations for Trucking Companies
When defending against accident claims, trucking companies benefit from thorough documentation and immediate response protocols. Preservation of electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and driver qualification files provides crucial evidence in establishing compliance with federal regulations and industry standards. Dashboard camera footage has become increasingly valuable in reconstructing accident sequences and demonstrating the actions of all parties involved.
The comparative negligence framework in Texas allows for defense strategies that focus on the actions of other parties involved in the accident. Our attorneys examine factors such as whether other drivers violated traffic laws, failed to yield the right of way, or operated vehicles while impaired. Witness statements and accident reconstruction analysis often reveal critical details about the sequence of events leading to a collision.
Federal Regulation Compliance
Commercial motor carriers must comply with extensive federal regulations governing driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations establish minimum standards that affect liability determinations in accident litigation. Demonstrating compliance with these regulations strengthens defense positions by showing the trucking company maintained proper safety protocols.
Plaintiffs often point to regulatory violations as evidence of negligence, making thorough compliance and documentation essential for protecting your business. Regular reviews of safety programs, driver files, and maintenance records help identify potential problems before they surface in litigation. Our attorneys work with you to ensure your compliance programs meet current standards and provide a strong foundation for defense when accidents occur.
Why Choose Fahl & Donaldson for Your Houston Truck Accident Defense?
Our firm brings extensive trial experience and industry knowledge to every trucking accident defense case. We understand the financial and operational impacts that accident litigation can have on transportation businesses, and our approach focuses on protecting your company’s interests through aggressive advocacy and strategic case management.
Proven Trial Experience
Glenn J. Fahl has tried more than 75 cases to verdict, with numerous successful outcomes in commercial motor vehicle litigation. R. Kelly Donaldson has tried and arbitrated over 30 complex cases. This depth of courtroom experience gives you confidence that your case is in the hands of attorneys prepared to take matters to trial when settlement negotiations fail to produce reasonable outcomes.
Our case results demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable verdicts even in challenging circumstances. We have secured defense verdicts in cases involving serious injuries, fatalities, and allegations of driver impairment. This track record reflects our thorough case preparation, effective collaboration with expert witnesses, and persuasive trial advocacy.
Comprehensive Defense Strategy
Effective truck accident defense requires coordination across multiple disciplines. Our attorneys work closely with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists to build comprehensive defense strategies. We examine every aspect of the accident, from road conditions and weather factors to vehicle maintenance records and driver qualifications.
Key elements of our defense approach include the following:
- Immediate preservation of electronic logging device data, GPS records, and dashboard camera footage
- Thorough investigation of the plaintiff driver’s behavior, including traffic violations and comparative negligence factors
- Analysis of federal and state regulatory compliance to demonstrate proper safety protocols
- Coordination with insurance carriers to ensure a consistent defense strategy across all parties
- Expert witness retention for accident reconstruction, biomechanics, and industry standards testimony
Each of these components works together to create a comprehensive defense that addresses both liability and damages issues. Our methodical approach to case preparation ensures that no detail is overlooked and every available defense is thoroughly explored.
Responsive Client Communication
As a lean, efficient firm, we provide the agile representation that trucking companies need during litigation. Unlike larger firms struggling with high overhead and staffing changes, we maintain consistent attorney involvement throughout your case. You won’t have to ask who has your files or whether assignments have changed due to firm restructuring. This communication approach ensures that business owners and risk managers stay informed about litigation progress and can make strategic decisions about settlement and trial.
Protect Your Trucking Business with Experienced Legal Defense at Fahl & Donaldson
Facing a truck accident lawsuit can threaten your company’s financial stability and operational continuity. The proper legal representation makes a critical difference in protecting your business interests and achieving favorable outcomes. Having attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the practical realities of the trucking industry provides a significant advantage when defending against serious claims.
The attorneys at Fahl & Donaldson have successfully defended trucking companies and commercial drivers throughout Texas. Our shareholders have tried more than 100 cases to verdict, with extensive experience in commercial motor vehicle litigation. We serve clients throughout the Texas Gulf Coast area and statewide, with attorneys ready to assist wherever legal needs arise. Contact our Houston office to discuss your trucking accident defense needs.