Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a lawsuit on behalf of an individual who suffered serious injuries in a collision involving an 18-wheeler in Houston, Texas. The lawsuit alleges that negligence and reckless driving led to a violent crash, causing significant harm to the plaintiff.
Incident Overview
On July 11, 2023, the plaintiff was traveling eastbound on Richey Road in Houston, Texas, when the accident occurred. A commercial truck driver, operating an 18-wheeler, was exiting a gas station and attempted to cross four lanes of traffic. Without warning, the truck driver entered the plaintiff’s lane, leading to a severe collision between their vehicles.
The lawsuit alleges the truck driver failed to yield the right of way, misjudged surrounding traffic, and made a dangerous lane change, striking the side of the plaintiff’s vehicle. Law enforcement officers investigating the accident determined that the truck driver was solely at fault, citing an unsafe turn and inattention as the primary contributing factors to the crash.
The plaintiff’s injuries were not caused by any fault of their own but rather by the reckless and negligent actions of the truck driver and the company responsible for the vehicle’s operation.
Failures That Led to the 18-Wheeler Collision
Operating an 18-wheeler requires strict adherence to safety protocols and constant awareness of surrounding traffic. Professional drivers are trained to operate with extreme caution, especially when navigating busy urban streets and making wide turns. However, in this case, critical safety failures directly contributed to the accident.
One of the most dangerous mistakes alleged in this incident was the truck driver’s failure to properly assess traffic before entering the roadway. Large commercial vehicles have significant blind spots, making it essential for drivers to check for oncoming traffic before moving into another lane. The truck driver’s failure to yield and reckless maneuvering created an immediate hazard, leaving the plaintiff with no time to react.
Additionally, commercial trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained, supervised, and adhere to federal and state safety regulations. This includes enforcing safe driving practices, regular vehicle inspections, and adherence to hours-of-service limits to prevent driver fatigue. A company’s failure to properly oversee its driver’s conduct and ensure compliance with safety regulations is a serious concern.
Moreover, large trucks require significantly more time and space to maneuver safely. Attempting to cross multiple lanes of traffic from a complete stop without ensuring a clear path violates basic commercial driving safety standards. This reckless decision put other motorists at serious risk, leading to the devastating crash.
Next Steps: Understanding Your Rights After a Commercial Truck Accident
Victims of 18-wheeler collisions have legal protections allowing them to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their actions. Injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity due to the inability to work following the accident.
- Pain and suffering, including both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
- Punitive damages, in cases where the driver’s or company’s negligence was extreme or reckless.
Unlike standard car accident claims, lawsuits involving commercial trucking companies require a comprehensive investigation to uncover all potential causes of the crash. These cases often involve multiple layers of liability, including the truck driver’s actions, the company’s hiring and training practices, vehicle maintenance records, and compliance with federal safety regulations. Trucking companies are subject to strict industry standards, including rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which govern driver rest periods, weight limits, and vehicle inspections. If a company failed to properly train its driver, ignored safety protocols, or allowed an unfit vehicle to remain on the road, it can be held responsible for placing public safety at risk. Additionally, trucking accidents often require expert analysis, including accident reconstruction and review of black box data, to determine exactly what happened and who is at fault.
Because of the complexities involved, victims of commercial truck accidents must act quickly to preserve critical evidence and ensure their rights are protected. Trucking companies and their insurers often immediately begin building their defense, deploying teams to gather statements, inspect the crash site, and minimize their liability. Without legal representation, an injured party may face aggressive tactics from insurance companies seeking to reduce or deny compensation. Consulting an experienced truck accident attorney ensures that all available legal avenues are pursued, including claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and punitive damages when reckless conduct is involved. A skilled attorney can also secure vital evidence before it disappears, such as maintenance logs, driver records, and surveillance footage, which can be crucial in proving negligence and obtaining the compensation the victim deserves.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Commercial Truck Accident Claims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. The 18-wheeler crash attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have experience handling cases involving truck accidents, unsafe driving practices, and commercial vehicle liability.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are strict deadlines for filing truck accident claims, so don’t wait to take action.