A truck accident is a life-altering event; in split-seconds everything changes. A normal drive on the freeway (like I-10 in Houston) turns into a catastrophic crash with a truck; the metal of your car crushes, the glass of your windows shatters, and your life divides into “before” and “after” the accident. Truck accidents are also different from other types of vehicle accidents – they can cause serious injuries such as broken bones and brain injury, as well as damage to the spine and a multitude other injuries and losses; therefore, if you or someone close to you suffers one of these types of injuries, you need more than just the bare minimum legal representation following an accident. You need a qualified Houston Truck Accident Attorney who has successfully handled truck accident claims. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP, Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have established ourselves in Houston’s Legal Community through our aggressive representation against large trucking corporations and their insurance companies. These corporations and their insurers are not going to settle for the lowest amount possible either – they want to minimize their financial liability while maximizing their profits. If you have suffered or witnessed a serious injury or loss from a truck accident, contact us to get the proper representation and compensation you deserve.

Big Trucks, Bigger Impact

A passenger car weighs about 3,000 pounds. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That size gap matters. When a truck hits a car, the car almost always loses. The force alone can crush steel. So imagine what it does to the human body. Truck drivers must follow federal safety rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules cover:

• Hours of service
• Driver training
• Drug testing
• Vehicle maintenance

If a driver breaks those rules, and someone gets hurt, that violation can support your claim. But here’s the thing: trucking companies know the rules too. They also know how to defend against claims fast. Right after a crash, their team may already be working to limit damage. Adjusters call. Investigators show up. It can feel overwhelming. That’s why early legal practice helps matters.

Serious Harm Changes the Equation

A sore neck heals. A spinal cord injury may not. When a crash causes serious harm, the claim must cover more than today’s hospital bill. It must address the future—future surgeries, rehab, lost earning power, and even home changes like ramps or lifts.

Serious injuries often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Multiple fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Burns
• Amputations

These injuries cost more than money. They affect sleep, mood, work, and family life. They strain marriages. They change roles at home. Honestly, that part rarely shows up in a simple insurance offer. A skilled Houston personal injury lawyer looks beyond the first check. The law allows recovery for:

• Medical costs (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

In some cases, punitive damages may apply if conduct was extreme. You don’t get those by accident. You build a case for them.

Who’s Really at Fault? It’s Not Always Just the Driver

Most people assume the truck driver is the only one responsible. Sometimes that’s true. But often, it’s more complex. Here’s the thing: trucking is a business. And businesses have layers.

Liable parties may include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• A cargo loading company
• A vehicle repair shop
• A parts manufacturer

If cargo was not secured, a third party might share blame. If brakes fail, a maintenance provider may be involved. If the company pushed a driver to skip rest breaks, that’s a bigger issue. In Texas, fault matters. More faults can mean less recovery. That’s why investigation is key. Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys knows how to dig into driver logs, black box data, and company records. These cases often turn on details—tiny ones. A missed rest hour. A skipped inspection. Small rule. Big consequences.

Evidence Fades Fast—And So Do Memories

Truck accident claims are not “wait and see” matters. Black box data can be erased. Skid marks fade. Witnesses move. Video gets recorded over. That’s why fast action matters. A law firm can send a preservation letter to protect key evidence. This step tells the trucking company to keep records and data. Without that notice, evidence may vanish. And once it’s gone, it’s gone. There’s also a legal deadline. In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash. Miss that deadline, and you likely lose your right to recover. Two years sounds like a long time. It isn’t. Medical treatment alone can eat up months.

Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Fairly by Default

You know what? Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is simple—pay less. They may offer a quick settlement. It can feel tempting, especially with medical bills stacking up. But early offers rarely reflect the full value of serious harm. Once you sign a release, that’s it. You can’t go back for more, even if new issues arise. A strong legal team pushes back. They gather records, hire experts, and calculate long-term loss. They prepare as if the case will go to trial—even if it settles. That approach sends a message: this claim won’t fold.

Why Choose a Houston Firm With Trial Experience?

Not all personal injury lawyers handle truck cases the same way. Some focus on quick settlements. Others prepare for court from day one. Truck accident cases often require trial skill. They involve federal rules, industry standards, and expert testimony. Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys has deep roots in Houston. The firm understands local courts, judges, and juries. That local insight matters. Truck companies know which firms are ready for trial. Reputation can shape negotiations. And when serious harm is on the line, reputation counts.

It’s Not Just a Case. It’s Your Life.

Legal claims can feel cold. File this. Sign that. Submit records. But behind every claim is a person trying to heal. A parent who can’t work. A child facing long rehab. A family unsure about the future. A good lawyer sees the human side. They explain steps clearly. They return calls. They help clients feel steady in a chaotic time. It’s not about drama. It’s about steady support. And yes, about holding the right parties accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do truck accident claims differ from car accident claims?

Truck claims often involve federal safety rules and larger insurance policies. The injuries are usually more severe. More parties may share fault, including the trucking company. These cases require deeper investigation and expert input. They are more complex than most car crash claims.

2. What Happens If the Trucking Company Claims I Was at Fault?

What the driver says has no bearing on who is responsible for an accident. There are many factors, including witnesses and police reports, black boxes and the driver’s actions before the accident. Texas is a modified comparative fault state. If you are less than 51%, you cán still recover damages. A qualified attorney can assist in identifying and countering unreasonable blame against you.

3. How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim for a Long-Term Injury?

Every claim is unique. The amount you can claim depends on the amount of your medical bills, lost wages, and/or the amount of future medical care you may require for that injury and the pain and suffering you may have as a result of the injury you’ve suffered. In general, the more serious the injury, the higher the potential settlement, based on how much of a long-term effect the injury will have on your quality of life. A thorough review of records combined with expert testimony will generally provide a good approximation as to the value of the claim. Quick estimates are rarely correct.

4. How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take?

The duration of an accident case varies greatly from case to case. Some cases settle within a month, while others may take over a year to resolve, particularly those that go to trial. Cases involving serious bodily injury will likely take longer since the total future loss of income and/or future medical costs must be determined. Occasionally, it takes time and patience to settle a case, and it is a well-known fact that if you are rushed, you could be leaving money on the table.

5. Are Trucking Accidents Considered Personal Injury Case?

Yes, because (i) most accidents will result in serious injuries and/or death; (ii) truck companies have legal departments from day one of the accident, and they will do everything in their power to minimize their liability; and (iii) an attorney who is experienced with truck accident cases will be able to protect your legal rights and obtain key evidence from the accident shortly after the accident. Additionally, an attorney with experience handling truck accidents in Houston will be much more effective when negotiating or litigating a claim on your behalf, given their knowledge of the trucking industry in this state.

Final Words

Serious truck accidents turn life upside down. Medical bills grow. Stress builds. Questions pile up. You don’t have to handle that alone. If you or a loved one suffered serious harm in a truck crash, speaking with a trusted Houston personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and next steps. And when the stakes are high, experience matters.