A personal injury lawsuit has been filed in Harris County, Texas, following a serious crash involving an 18-wheeler operated by a driver working for Millis Transfer, LLC. The petition alleges that the collision occurred on July 11, 2023, along Richey Road in Houston, Texas, when a commercial truck entered traffic and struck another vehicle.
According to the petition, the injured driver was traveling eastbound on Richey Road when the 18-wheeler, driven by Marquita Murphy and owned or operated by Millis Transfer, attempted to exit a gas station and cross four lanes of traffic. The lawsuit claims Murphy entered the lane occupied by the Plaintiff’s vehicle without warning, causing a violent side-impact crash.
The investigating officer allegedly determined that Murphy was solely responsible for the crash, citing an unsafe turn and inattention as the contributing factors to the collision.
Allegations Against the Defendants
The lawsuit alleges that the injuries suffered by the Plaintiff were caused by the negligence and gross negligence of Millis Transfer, LLC and its driver.
According to the petition, Millis Transfer failed to properly train and supervise the driver operating the commercial vehicle and failed to take reasonable precautions to protect other motorists sharing the roadway. The lawsuit further claims the company failed to ensure safe transportation practices and compliance with regulations governing driver qualifications.
The petition also alleges multiple acts of negligence by the driver, including failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to obey traffic laws, driving at an excessive rate of speed, failing to apply brakes in a timely manner, and operating the truck while distracted.
Risks Associated With Commercial Truck Collisions
Crashes involving large commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of tractor-trailers. A side-impact collision with a passenger vehicle can be particularly dangerous because the smaller vehicle offers less structural protection against the force of impact.
When a commercial driver attempts to cross multiple lanes of traffic or make a turn across active traffic flow, the risk of a collision increases dramatically if proper care is not taken. Such incidents illustrate the broader risks of 18-wheeler accidents in Houston, where dense traffic and high vehicle volumes can magnify the consequences of driver inattention or unsafe maneuvers.
Evidence Often Critical in Truck Accident Litigation
Investigating a commercial truck crash often requires securing key evidence before it is lost or altered. Police reports, witness statements, photographs, and inspection records can help reconstruct how the crash occurred.
In many cases, attorneys will review the official accident report along with other documentation that may clarify driver conduct and roadway conditions at the time of the crash. When necessary, specialists may perform crash reconstruction to analyze impact angles, vehicle movement, and braking distances.
Additionally, nearby businesses or traffic systems may have recorded surveillance video that captures the events leading up to the crash. To prevent the loss of important materials, attorneys sometimes send a preservation letter requesting that all relevant records and digital data be retained.
Damages Claimed in the Lawsuit
The petition seeks compensation for a range of injuries and losses allegedly caused by the crash. These include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, physical impairment, past and future medical expenses, and disfigurement.
In serious injury cases, compensation may involve both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost income, and non-economic damages, which can include pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Crashes involving commercial trucks can involve complex questions about driver conduct, company safety policies, and regulatory compliance. Spagnoletti Law Firm represents individuals who have been injured in serious trucking collisions, including cases arising from an 18-wheeler accident.
Our attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a serious truck crash, contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for a confidential consultation at 713-804-9306. You can also contact us online to learn more about the options that may be available.