18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accidents

18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accidents

18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accidents

Big trucks move through Houston every day, and when they crash, the results are rarely small. These vehicles carry huge loads, and when something goes wrong, the damage spreads quickly. People in smaller cars often end up with injuries that change their lives. Broken bones, head injuries, and spinal problems can keep you out of work for months, while medical bills keep coming in.

When an 18-wheeler or commercial truck is involved in an accident, the consequences are often catastrophic. At The Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy PLLC, our experienced truck accident attorneys understand the complex laws governing commercial vehicles and have the resources to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

Common Causes We Investigate

Our attorneys carefully examine all potential factors, including: 

  • Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
  • Improper loading or cargo securement
  • Inadequate truck maintenance
  • Defective truck parts
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding and aggressive driving
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Inadequate driver training
  • Company policy violations

Why Truck Accidents Are Different

Commercial truck accidents require specialized legal knowledge due to: 

  • Complex federal and state trucking regulations
  • Multiple potentially liable parties
  • Sophisticated trucking company defense teams
  • Higher insurance policy limits
  • More severe injuries and damages
  • Extensive documentation requirements
  • Industry-specific evidence collection needs

Our Specialized Experience

We handle all types of commercial vehicle accidents involving: 

  • 18-wheelers and semi-trucks
  • Delivery trucks
  • Box trucks
  • Tanker trucks
  • Logging trucks
  • Construction vehicles
  • Cargo vans
  • Fleet vehicles

Our Full Investigation Process

Our team immediately launches a thorough investigation to: 

  • Secure the truck's black box data
  • Obtain driver logs and maintenance records
  • Review trucking company safety records
  • Analyze compliance with federal regulations
  • Document accident scene evidence
  • Interview witnesses
  • Work with accident reconstruction experts
  • Review driver qualification files
  • Examine drug and alcohol testing records

Why Our Clients Face Serious Injuries After Truck Crashes

When a loaded semi hits a car, the difference in size and weight is clear. A truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while most cars weigh a fraction of that. In a crash, the smaller vehicle takes the worst of it. Highways around Houston see these wrecks often, and the injuries are rarely simple.

  • Weight Difference: Trucks are much heavier than cars, so even a slow crash can cause major harm.
  • Stopping Distance: Trucks need much more space to stop, which makes rear-end crashes more likely and more dangerous.
  • Rollover Risk: Tall trailers can tip over during sharp turns or sudden moves, crushing anything nearby.
  • Underride Crashes: Cars can slide under trailers, leading to deadly injuries for people inside.
  • Cargo Shifts: Loads that aren't secured can move, causing the driver to lose control and hit other vehicles.

These injuries don't heal quickly. Spinal damage can last a lifetime. Head injuries can change how you think, speak, or move. Broken bones may need surgery and months of therapy. Bills start adding up before you even leave the hospital, and insurance companies look for ways to pay less.

Why Acting Fast Matters for Texas Truck Accident Claims

Investigations, gathering records, and dealing with insurance all take time. Waiting too long means you may run out of options.  Evidence in truck accident cases can disappear quickly. The trucking company's investigation team will be on the scene immediately. Level the playing field by contacting us right away. We'll protect crucial evidence and your legal rights.

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How We Expose Trucking Company Safety Failures

Rules exist for a reason. Drivers have limits on how long they can work before they need rest. Trucks need regular checks to catch problems with brakes, tires, and lights. Companies should hire drivers who know what they’re doing. But some companies cut corners, hoping no one will notice until it’s too late.

  • Hours of Service Violations: Drivers who work too long get tired and make mistakes behind the wheel.
  • Skipped Maintenance: Trucks with worn brakes or bad tires are unsafe and should not be on the road.
  • Improper Loading: Loads that are too heavy or not balanced make trucks harder to control.
  • Inadequate Driver Training: Drivers without enough training are more likely to cause crashes.
  • Ignoring Drug and Alcohol Testing: Letting drivers skip tests or ignoring results puts everyone at risk.

These problems don’t just happen. They come from companies putting speed and profit ahead of safety. When a crash happens, the company that hired, trained, and sent out the driver is part of the problem. Proving this takes more than a police report. It takes real evidence.

How We Sort Out Liability in Complex Truck Accidents

Truck crashes often involve more than one party. The driver may have made a mistake, but the company hired them. A repair shop may have missed a problem. The people who loaded the cargo may have done it wrong. Each group tries to blame someone else, and insurance companies use that confusion to slow things down.

  • Driver Negligence: Speeding, using a phone, or driving after drinking puts the blame on the driver.
  • Employer Liability: Companies that hire unqualified drivers or push them to break rules are also responsible.
  • Maintenance Failures: Repair shops that skip checks or use bad parts share the blame for breakdowns.
  • Cargo Loading Errors: Loads that shift or fall can be traced back to the people who loaded the truck.
  • Manufacturer Defects: Bad brakes or tires may point to the maker of the parts or the truck itself.

Sorting this out takes work. We gather records, talk to witnesses, and work with experts to rebuild what happened. The goal is to find everyone who played a part and hold them responsible. That’s how we make sure you get the full amount you deserve.

Fighting for Maximum Compensation

We pursue all available compensation for:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Ongoing medical care
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Permanent disability
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death damages when applicable

Let's Talk About Your Case

Truck crashes don't wait, and neither should you. If you've been hurt in a accident involving a commercial 18-wheeler, the Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy PLLC is here to help. Call us at 832-519-0054 or schedule an appointment so we can start building your case.