An accident with an 18 Wheeler can turn life upside down in seconds. In a single year alone, federal agencies recorded more than 153,000 people injured in accidents involving large trucks.[1] Medical care, missed work, and insurance pressure add up while you try to heal. Jim Adler & Associates, The Texas Hammer®, steps in with a clear plan and steady pressure on the carriers. Our law firm fights for injured Texans and pursues every dollar the law allows.
If you are looking for a Houston 18 Wheeler accident lawyer, you need 18 Wheeler accident lawyers who know how these cases move. You need a firm that can quickly secure records, including photos and black box data, before evidence disappears. Your 18 Wheeler accident lawyer coordinates with your doctors to tie your losses to proof rather than guesswork.
Houston 18 Wheeler accidents rarely involve just one person or company. Drivers, motor carriers, repair shops, and cargo contractors can all share part of the blame. A Houston 18 Wheeler accident lawyer from our firm digs into the facts to figure out who played a role and works to hold each of them accountable. We take over communication with the insurance companies, track every deadline, and put together demands that reflect the full weight of your medical bills, lost income, and other losses, not just what the insurer wants to pay.
We explain each step clearly and keep you updated so you can focus on recovery. When negotiation does not yield a fair result, we are ready to take the next step and present your case in court.
You pay no fees unless we win.* That means our interests are aligned with yours from day one. We work to build your case the right way, then pursue compensation through settlement or trial as the facts support.
Evidence and timing matter greatly because 18 Wheeler companies start their defense immediately. We move quickly to request critical documents and safeguard electronic data to prevent delays that can weaken a case. The goal is accountability and a result grounded in records, not promises. Jim Adler & Associates steps in with a clear plan to help injured clients in Houston and across Texas.
An accident with a semi in Houston can upend a family in seconds. Jim Adler & Associates steps in with a clear plan. Our Houston 18 Wheeler accident lawyers deal with the insurance pressure while you focus on healing. The Texas Hammer® fights to hold the right parties accountable and to document losses the right way for Houston 18 Wheeler and semi truck accidents.
These collisions often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage. A common injury profile includes concussions that seem minor at first but grow worse over time. For more on signs and timing, read our guide, Signs of a Concussion After a Car Accident.
Serious Houston 18 Wheeler accidents are never just about one driver and one mistake. A case might touch the 18 Wheeler truck driver, the motor carrier that set the schedule, the shop that handled maintenance, and the company that loaded the freight. The proof lives in a long paper and data trail, driver logs, black box downloads, inspection reports, safety manuals, and internal policies that don’t show up on a simple accident report. A lawyer who regularly handles 18 Wheeler accident cases knows how to track that material down, lock it in before it disappears, and translate it into plain English for a judge or jury.
If you’re looking for an 18 Wheeler accident lawyer in Houston, what really matters is how the case is handled day to day. You need steady communication, not radio silence. You need an experienced 18 Wheeler accident lawyer to secure and organize records while skid marks are still on the pavement and witnesses still clearly remember what they saw. You also need an experienced legal team that understands how these 18 Wheeler trucking claims move through the system, from the first preservation letter to settlement talks or trial.
If you’ve been involved in an 18 Wheeler accident in Houston, contact us to discuss your next steps with an 18 Wheeler accident lawyer.
With thousands of 18 wheeler accident lawsuits filed, our numbers speak for themselves.
An 18 Wheeler accident in Houston is chaotic. A steady plan helps protect your health and your rights. Follow the steps below, then call Jim Adler & Associates, The Texas Hammer®, so we can take over from there.
Your safety and the safety of others come first. Use this checklist to stay organized in a stressful moment:
You will usually find the USDOT number on the driver’s door, the passenger’s door, or on the side of the cab near the door. Sometimes it appears on the fuel tank fairing or lower side panel. The letters “USDOT” must appear right before the number. The number contains only digits with no letters. It will be printed, painted, or vinyl-lettered on the outside of the 18 Wheeler truck.
The USDOT number should appear in a format like:
ACME LOGISTICS, INC.
USDOT 1234567
MC 7654321
HOUSTON, TX
Call Jim Adler right away. We offer free case consultations and can start protecting your rights immediately.
Keep the accident report number, tow and emergency medical service details, and the 18 Wheeler trucking company name if known. Save medical discharge papers, pharmacy receipts, and repair estimates. Take a picture of each document with your phone if possible. If anyone mentions nearby cameras, note where they are. Call Jim Adler at 1-800-505-1414 before speaking with anyone at the scene.
More than one party can be at fault in an 18 Wheeler accident. That can include the 18 Wheeler truck driver, the 18 Wheeler trucking company, a maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer. Sorting this out means reviewing hours-of-service logs, which are federal records that track how long drivers have been on the road. We also examine repair records, loading practices, and company policies. A Houston 18 Wheeler accident attorney from Jim Adler & Associates connects all the evidence to what happened on the road and in your specific accident.
Insurance adjusters and 18 Wheeler trucking companies often move quickly to minimize payouts or shift blame. They know that unrepresented victims do not understand the full value of their case. These tactics are designed to lock you into a lower settlement before you know the true cost of your injuries.
Some of the most common tactics include:
Jim Adler & Associates, The Tough, Smart Lawyer®, handles all adjuster contact so you can focus on recovery.
Jim Adler & Associates understands how to prove fault, negotiate with insurance companies, and present evidence that maximizes compensation. Approximately 85% of all insurance payouts for personal injury are paid to individuals who have representation.[3]
Finality matters because you generally cannot reopen a claim once it is closed. Once a settlement is accepted and a release is signed, you cannot seek additional compensation even if your injuries worsen. We help make sure the settlement is adequate the first time, covering current costs and future needs.
While the legal work moves forward, you can focus on recovery. Jim Adler & Associates secures medical records, timelines, and treatment costs to keep your care on track. We work with a vast network of doctors across Houston, Texas. We also arrange a Letter of Protection, which is an agreement stating that the doctor will treat you now and be paid from your settlement later. This ensures you get care immediately while we fight for the full compensation you deserve.
A serious 18 Wheeler accident raises urgent questions about health, work, and expenses. Your first call should be to Jim Adler & Associates, The Texas Hammer®. A free consultation helps you understand your rights and options before making any decisions. We serve clients in Houston and across the State of Texas.
During your free consultation, we review what happened, where the accident occurred, your medical needs, and any applicable deadlines. You can ask how we secure evidence, communicate with clients, and work with medical providers.
Insurance companies move fast to get recorded statements or settlement offers on the table before you understand what your case is worth. A free consultation protects you from making decisions that could harm your claim. We explain what not to say to adjusters, how to avoid signing away your rights, and why recorded statements can be used against you later.
Most 18 Wheeler accident cases proceed on a contingency basis. You pay no fees unless we win.* Jim Adler & Associates provides clear fee information in writing before any work starts. Our 18 Wheeler accident attorney’s fee is calculated as a percentage of what we recover for you. The rate depends on how your case resolves. Cases that settle before filing a lawsuit carry a lower percentage than cases that require litigation. Specifically, settled matters are charged at 35%, while cases requiring a lawsuit are charged at 40%. All percentages are disclosed in writing, separate from court costs and case expenses.
Big-rig cases can involve records, consultants, and court filings. Your Big-rig accident attorney will explain which case expenses may be required and when they are incurred. Our policy is straightforward because fees are contingent on recovery, and costs and expenses are addressed clearly with clients from the start.*
We outline immediate steps to protect evidence, explain how communication with insurers will work, and detail what the firm needs to build your case. If you choose to move forward, Jim Adler & Associates, The Tough, Smart Lawyer®, will handle all insurer contacts and organize the proof while you focus on recovery.
When Jim Adler and Associates represent you, your focus can shift to recovery. Our focus is on evidence, accountability, and results. Here is a breakdown of the specific steps our 18 Wheeler accident lawyers take to build your case.
Modern 18 Wheelers record speed, braking, and location every second. We retrieve that data to show what really happened in the moments before an accident. Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking systems, such as Omnitracs, Qualcomm, and PeopleNet, store movement histories that can prove where the 18 Wheeler truck was. These records also reveal how fast the vehicle was traveling and whether the driver made unsafe maneuvers.
18 Wheeler trucking companies communicate with drivers through text, email, Qualcomm messages (a fleet communication system), and dispatch systems. We secure all written communications exchanged in the 14 days before the accident to see if the company was pressuring the driver to speed, skip rest, or ignore safety rules. Dispatch logs and trip tickets show the full picture of what the driver was doing and what the company knew.
Not every driver should be on the road. We get the driver qualification file required by federal regulation.[5] We examine the driver application and motor vehicle records from every state. We also review road test certificates, annual driving record reviews, violation lists, and medical examiner certificates. Additionally, we secure drug and alcohol test results to check for impairment. We also verify safety training records and attendance logs for safety meetings. If a driver was unqualified or poorly trained, we prove it.
A skipped brake service or worn tires can turn a preventable issue into a highway disaster. We can demand repair logs and maintenance work orders. We also request parts receipts and driver vehicle inspection reports for the two years before the accident. If the 18 Wheeler trucking company cuts corners on maintenance, we can document it and hold them accountable.
Overloaded trailers and improperly secured cargo create dangerous conditions. We secure bills of lading, which are shipping documents listing the cargo being transported, load tickets, and settlement statements showing what the driver was hauling. This evidence shows how much the load weighed and whether the company was paying drivers in ways that incentivized unsafe practices.
18 Wheeler trucking companies often hide behind layers of insurers. We identify each policy and secure declaration pages that show specific coverage amounts and terms, reinsurance certificates, and reinsurance agreements. This step makes sure nothing is left on the table when we pursue compensation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the federal agency that oversees 18 Wheeler commercial trucking and tracks every motor carrier. It assigns safety scores based on accident indicators, unsafe driving, vehicle maintenance, and driver fitness. We get those scores along with warning letters from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. We also secure accident registers, which are the lists of accidents the company must keep on file. We also secure copies of the motor carrier authority application filed to obtain permission to operate commercial 18 Wheeler trucks. If the company has a pattern of violations, we use that to show negligence.
Our 18 Wheeler accident lawyers secure all videos and photographs of the accident and investigate findings from any airbag or engine control module downloads. These downloads capture computer data stored when airbags deploy or engines record accident events. We also handle insurer contact, manage deadlines, and prepare demands that reflect medical expenses, lost income, pain, and future needs.
Every document we secure, every log, every message, every safety report, is evidence we can present in court if insurers refuse to pay what is fair. Insurance companies take cases seriously when they see organized evidence and 18 Wheeler accident attorneys who will not back down.
See a doctor as soon as possible and follow the treatment plan. Delays can hurt your health and make it harder to link injuries to the accident. Track symptoms, missed work, and out-of-pocket costs.
Jim Adler & Associates will make sure you have a formal Letter of Protection in place when needed. A Letter of Protection is a written agreement that lets you get medical care now, with payment taken from your case proceeds later. No upfront payment at the visit. We also make sure you have access to a network of medical professionals who work with this arrangement, so you can start treatment fast and build the medical proof your case needs. You always choose your own provider based on what is best for your recovery. You can use our network or your own doctor, because it is always your choice.
Our Houston 18 Wheeler Accident lawyers help Texans get the financial compensation they deserve. We only get paid if you win.* And we fight to win.
Fatigue is a major risk for 18 Wheeler truck drivers, especially when rest breaks are ignored. Long hours behind the wheel reduce alertness and slow reaction times, potentially creating dangerous conditions on Houston’s busy highways, including I-10 and I-45. Several factors contribute to 18 Wheeler truck accidents:
As driverless technology continues to emerge in commercial 18 Wheeler trucking, liability issues remain complex and often still trace back to human decisions in programming, maintenance, and oversight. Our article on driverless 18 Wheeler trucks in Texas safety and liability explores these concerns in detail.
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift, increasing the risk of rollover. Uneven loads can lengthen stopping distance and reduce control in corners. Mechanical failures can turn a heavy vehicle into a hazard. Common examples include bad brakes, worn tires, steering problems, or lighting defects. Missed inspections or delayed repairs let small issues grow into serious failures. These conditions are often traceable through maintenance records, repair invoices, and pre-trip and post-trip reports.
Poor road conditions contribute to accidents. Difficulties arise from potholes, faded lane markings, missing signage, and design flaws that make maneuvering a tractor-trailer more difficult. Weather reduces visibility and traction, especially at highway speeds. Construction zones create sudden merges and tight spaces that require more time and distance to stop.
If you have been hurt in an 18 Wheeler truck accident in Houston, Jim Adler, The Texas Hammer®, fights to hold negligent drivers and 18 Wheeler trucking companies accountable. Our Houston office understands the unique challenges of 18 Wheeler truck accidents in the area.
Big rigs crash in specific ways that cause catastrophic damage. Jackknifes, rollovers, underride accidents, and other 18 Wheeler accidents each create unique dangers and injuries. Jim Adler & Associates knows these accident patterns and how 18 Wheeler trucking companies try to avoid responsibility for each one.
Our Houston 18 Wheeler accident lawyers investigate what type of accident happened, why it happened, and who should pay for your injuries. Understanding your specific accident type helps us build a stronger case against the 18 Wheeler trucking company and its insurers.
For a broader look at heavy-vehicle cases, see 18 Wheeler truck accidents.
In a jackknife, the trailer swings to the side and can block multiple lanes. Sudden braking, slick pavement, or shifting loads often set off this loss of control. Underride accidents occur when a smaller car becomes wedged under a trailer, resulting in severe damage and complex injuries. Jim Adler & Associates reviews speed, sight lines, and trailer equipment while preserving photos, mapping, and electronic data. That work helps align treatment and documentation with what the case must prove.
Rollover accidents often result from overloaded or unbalanced cargo, a high center of gravity, worn tires, or abrupt steering inputs. About half of 18 Wheeler truck occupant deaths each year occur in accidents where the vehicle rolls over.[7] These events spread debris across lanes and can trigger secondary impacts. Rear-end collisions are also common because heavy 18 Wheeler trucks require much longer stopping distances. Following too closely, speeding, or distracted driving can erase the margin a tractor-trailer needs to slow safely.
Regardless of the type of accident you may have been involved in, Jim Adler, The Texas Hammer®, examines driver decisions, load plans, maintenance records, and roadway features together. Our experienced 18 Wheeler accident attorneys connect medical findings to the mechanics of the 18 Wheeler accident, organize timelines, and document communications with insurers.
When 80,000 pounds of force crash into a passenger car, the human body suffers catastrophic damage. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crushed bones, internal bleeding, and severe burns are common in 18 Wheeler truck accidents. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and often cause permanent disability.
18 Wheeler truck collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and brain swelling. Some people face lasting headaches, memory issues, or balance problems that disrupt work and family life. Spinal cord damage can limit movement or sensation. In severe cases, paralysis changes daily routines and long-term care needs.
For more on symptoms and outcomes, see paralysis after a car accident.
Multiple bone fractures are common when heavy 18 Wheeler trucks strike smaller vehicles. These injuries may require surgery, hardware, and months of rehab before normal activities resume. Internal organ injuries or bleeding can be life-threatening and may not appear immediately at the scene. Because symptoms can emerge later, timely evaluation, consistent follow-up, and clear discharge instructions all play a role in documenting these injuries.
Severe injuries often include head trauma, neck injuries, and spinal cord damage. These conditions can result in chronic pain, significant disfigurement, and limited mobility. The consequences extend beyond changes in employment status. You may face new transportation needs and home access requirements. These physical changes can also disrupt your daily family routines. Our Houston 18 Wheeler accident attorneys work with treating providers to project future care based on clinical notes rather than speculation. We calculate the cost of necessary medical equipment and therapy needs. This process provides concrete sources for wage loss and household services.
18 Wheeler accident injuries require extensive documentation. We work with your doctors to record every injury, every treatment, and every cost. Jim Aderl, The Texas Hammer®, fights to make 18 Wheeler trucking companies pay for your immediate and long-term care.
An 18 Wheeler accident creates sudden costs and long-term needs. Damages in Houston, TX, fall into clear categories. Jim Adler & Associates helps organize your case so the claim reflects medical care, lost income, and the human impact that follows a serious accident and injury.
Economic losses include past and future medical bills for emergency care, surgery, and prescriptions. You can also recover costs for rehabilitation therapy to help you recover and durable medical equipment, such as crutches or a wheelchair. Long-term care that lasts for months or years often includes home health help and accessibility changes to your home, like ramps or grab bars. Lost wages compensate you for the pay you miss while you heal. Loss of earnings also covers potential future lost wages due to your injuries. Property losses cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, as well as any rental or transportation needed.
Non-economic losses describe how injuries change your daily life beyond finances. Pain and suffering include physical pain, stress, and the loss of normal activities after injuries like fractures or head and neck trauma. Loss of companionship or consortium reflects the loss of closeness with family or a spouse and shows how an 18 Wheeler accident can strain relationships and shared routines. These harms are very real, even if they are hard to measure. Medical notes, a simple daily journal, and statements from people who see the changes can help show the daily impact. In accidents involving drunk driving, the actions of the driver and the situation around the accident can also affect how these harms are judged.
When a loved one dies in a tractor-trailer accident, certain family members can seek wrongful death damages. These may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the person’s financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and the mental anguish tied to the loss. The estate may also pursue a survival claim for medical expenses and pain experienced between injury and death.
The Tough, Smart Lawyer® fights to make sure every damage you suffered is counted, and every cost is proven. After an 18 Wheeler accident, Jim Adler & Associates works to recover the maximum amount the law allows for your medical care, lost income, and pain caused by the collision.
18 Wheeler trucking insurers run claims like a business. Their goal is to pay less and blame you. Jim Adler & Associates knows the tactics and how to counter them.
After an 18 Wheeler accident, insurance adjusters move fast. They may call and ask for a recorded statement to get your side of the story. What they are really doing is building a file to limit your claim. Anything you say can be twisted to minimize your injuries or shift blame.
Do not go on record until Jim Adler & Associates reviews your case. Low settlement offers often arrive shortly after a recorded statement, before testing, therapy, or long-term care costs are known. If you have received an early or unfair offer, call Jim Adler, The Texas Hammer®, before you sign anything. We fight to make sure the amount reflects the full impact of your injuries and recovery needs.
Some 18 Wheeler trucking companies move quickly to control the story after an accident. Missing photos, incomplete driver logs, and partial repair files create gaps that weaken an 18 Wheeler accident case. Our 18 Wheeler accident attorneys act fast with preservation letters and, when needed, court orders to secure driver logs and dispatch notes. We also secure the electronic control module, which is the 18 Wheeler truck’s onboard computer that records speed, braking, throttle, and fault codes.
Refusing post-accident drug or alcohol testing can violate federal safety rules.[8] That refusal can complicate fault issues. These are high-stakes problems that demand prompt action to protect the paper and electronic trails before they disappear. Jim Adler & Associates moves fast with preservation letters and court orders to secure records, document violations, and protect your case.
Delay is a common tactic used by defense teams, and weeks can stretch into months while you struggle to balance your medical care with work obligations and mounting treatment costs. The goal behind this strategy is to wear you down until you accept a lowball offer or abandon your claim entirely.
Jim Adler, The Texas Hammer®, counters with preservation letters and, when needed, preservation orders, which are court orders requiring evidence to be retained and produced. Having these legal resources matters when fighting large insurance companies that rely on delay to wear victims down.
Hiring a Houston 18 Wheeler accident lawyer means choosing a firm that knows how to handle high-stakes 18 Wheeler trucking cases from start to finish. Jim Adler & Associates brings decades of experience fighting carriers and insurers that put profits before safety.
Jim Adler & Associates delivers results that are built on proof. 18 Wheeler trucking cases demand medical records tied to real diagnoses, complete treatment timelines, and clear links to lost income and future care. Our 18 Wheeler accident lawyers will get the driver logs, hiring and training files, dispatch notes, maintenance records, and electronic control module data, and connect every dollar to the relevant documents. We fight to recover the full amount your evidence supports.
Insurance carriers know Jim Adler, The Texas Hammer®’s, reputation. When our name is on the file, they expect preservation letters, full medical documentation, and consultants prepared to explain speed, braking, stopping distances, and policy violations in plain terms. They also know we are ready to file and move the case through court when needed. That reputation changes the tone of negotiations and puts pressure on the defense to address the real value of your case.
Our experience shows up in the work product you can see. We provide organized proof, on-time filings, and clear updates. We secure the records fast, coordinate with your doctors, and document every loss so there is a clean record for settlement or trial. This is how Jim Adler & Associates runs 18 Wheeler trucking cases in Houston and across Texas. The process is tight, the evidence is complete, and the case moves with purpose.
After a serious 18 Wheeler accident, time is not on your side. Deadlines control when a case can be filed, and missing one can end your claim. Jim Adler & Associates moves fast to protect key dates, preserve evidence, and keep your case on track so you can focus on treatment.
Texas generally allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuit.[9] This window applies to most 18 Wheeler accident cases. For a death related to the accident, the two-year clock typically runs from the date of death.[9] Waiting too long to file a claim or lawsuit risks lost evidence and missed deadlines. Jim Adler & Associates can review dates, identify any factors that may affect the schedule, and map out what must be done before filing.
After an 18 Wheeler accident, timing and proof decide the outcome. Jim Adler & Associates moves fast to lock down evidence, track deadlines, and keep your case moving. We focus on clear communication and strong documentation so every fact, record, and report supports your recovery.
The process typically includes:
A formal preservation letter is a written notice that tells the 18 Wheeler trucking company and its insurer to keep key evidence. That includes driver logs, dispatch records, inspection reports, maintenance files, and the electronic control module data. The control module is the onboard computer that records speed, braking, and throttle inputs. We send these letters right away so the proof is not lost or changed.
After an 18 Wheeler accident, every hour counts. Evidence can disappear, insurers move fast, and deadlines control your rights. Jim Adler & Associates steps in immediately to secure records, protect your claim, and build your case from day one. Call now for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.* Our 18 Wheeler accident lawyers are available to speak with you in both English and Spanish.
If you are hurting and unsure what to do next, you are not alone. This FAQ addresses the key questions people ask after an 18 Wheeler accident and the answers that can help right now. If anything here does not fit your situation or you want guidance for your case, call Jim Adler & Associates anytime. We will listen, explain your options, and help you figure out the next step.
An 18 Wheeler accident claim is not a simple fender-bender. Commercial carriers involve multiple policies, strict timelines, and defense teams that move fast. You can report the accident and start claims on your own, but Jim Adler & Associates helps level the field and protects your rights while you focus on medical care.
Handling it yourself means securing records, tracking deadlines, and talking with adjusters who may seek statements, broad medical releases, or quick settlements. If you miss key evidence such as vehicle data, driver logs, witness contacts, or photos, your claim can weaken as time passes. For many people recovering from injuries, that workload is hard to manage.
Jim Adler & Associates steps in to preserve proof, secure medical documentation, and manage insurance communications. We review police reports, photos, and electronic data. We coordinate with your providers so treatment and billing are documented. We prepare a demand supported by records rather than assumptions. If negotiations stall, we can file a lawsuit within the deadline and guide you through discovery and, if needed, trial.
Most 18 Wheeler cases are handled on a contingency basis. That means the attorney’s fee comes from the recovery, not an hourly bill. You pay no fees unless we win.* Jim Adler & Associates explains fees up front in a written agreement before work begins. In 18 Wheeler accident cases, our fee is a percentage of the recovery. The rate differs depending on whether a case settles or a lawsuit is filed. If your case settles, our fee is 35%. However, if a lawsuit is filed, the fee is 40%.
What you pay depends on the work your case requires. Some matters are resolved after investigation and negotiations. Others move into litigation, where costs can rise as consultants analyze 18 Wheeler data and company records.
18 Wheeler accident cases are built on proof obtained early and preserved before it disappears. Jim Adler & Associates works to secure everything that matters.
We send preservation letters to prevent 18 Wheeler trucking companies from deleting electronic logs, GPS data, or dash-cam footage. We retrieve black box data showing speed, braking, and location in the moments before impact. We secure driver logs and electronic logging device records for the 14 days preceding the accident to determine whether the driver exceeded legal hours or falsified documents.[4]
We track communications and dispatch records to see if the company pressured the driver to speed or skip rest. We examine driver qualification files, training records, drug and alcohol test results, and medical certificates.[5] We demand maintenance logs, repair work orders, and inspection reports for the two years before the accident.
We analyze load records and cargo documents to prove overloading or improper securement. We identify all insurance policies, from primary to umbrella coverage. We review Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration safety scores, warning letters, and accident registers to show patterns of violations.
We investigate the accident scene, secure all photos and videos, retrieve engine control module downloads, and work with accident reconstruction professionals when needed. We also secure your medical records, track lost income, and prepare demands that reflect the full impact of your injuries. For a detailed breakdown of our evidence process, see the sections above.
Responsibility for an accident can rest with several parties. The 18 Wheeler truck driver may be liable for speeding, distraction, or fatigue. The 18 Wheeler trucking company can be responsible for unsafe schedules, hiring, training, supervision, or policies that push hours beyond safe limits. A maintenance contractor may share fault if missed inspections or poor repairs contributed to the accident. A parts manufacturer can face claims when defective brakes, tires, or other components fail. Cargo loaders and shippers may be liable if an improper load causes loss of control or a rollover. In some accidents, another motorist’s actions also play a role.
Jim Adler & Associates reviews logs, dispatch notes, repair records, and engine control module data, which is the computer that records speed, braking, and engine performance. That work shapes the strategy and the damages we pursue, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other documented losses.
The compensation someone could receive following an 18 Wheeler accident depends on the proof in your case. Jim Adler & Associates can help you understand your rights and what you could be entitled to.
You may seek reimbursement for medical expenses for emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, medications, therapy, and future treatment related to the accident. Lost income covers the pay you missed while recovering. Loss of earning capacity addresses how injuries limit future work. Property damage includes vehicle repair or replacement, as well as related rental or transportation costs.
Non-economic damages are the human losses that do not come with a bill. They measure how life changed after the accident. These can include pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of companionship or consortium. Loss of consortium refers to the loss of emotional support, affection, or intimacy between spouses or close family members. Consistent medical notes, photos, journals, and witness statements help show these effects.
If a loved one dies in a tractor-trailer accident, certain family members may pursue wrongful death damages, and the estate may bring a survival claim. We can explain who may file and what evidence each case requires.
Safety comes first after an accident. Here are some common steps people can take following an accident:
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file an injury lawsuit.[9] For a death related to the accident, the two-year clock typically runs from the date of death.[9] Missing this deadline can end an 18 Wheeler accident case, so act quickly to protect your rights and your ability to recover.
Filing insurance claims is not the same as filing in court. An insurance claim may start the process, but it does not pause the statute of limitations. Jim Adler & Associates can map your timeline, track key dates, and advise you on when to file a lawsuit if negotiations do not resolve the case.
Taking early steps matters greatly for your case. Our 18 Wheeler accident attorneys work to preserve evidence, gather medical records and billing, document time away from work, and prepare a demand supported by proof. If the carrier does not make a fair offer, we can file a lawsuit within the deadline and guide you through discovery, depositions, case expenses, and mediation.
If you have questions about timing or next steps, contact Jim Adler & Associates for a clear review of your options. We explain how deadlines apply, what evidence is needed for an 18 Wheeler accident case, and how a lawsuit fits into the overall plan if insurance claims do not resolve your case.
After an 18 Wheeler accident in Houston, you need a steady plan and an 18 Wheeler accident lawyer who knows the rules. Jim Adler & Associates steps in to secure evidence, deal with insurers, and keep your case organized while you focus on recovery. We battle big insurance with clear records and straight talk, not guesswork. Our 18 Wheeler accident lawyers is available to speak with you in both English and Spanish.
We offer a free case review so you can understand your options before you commit. No fee unless we win.* That aligns our interests with yours. We listen to what happened, preserve critical evidence, coordinate with your providers, and give you regular updates.
18 Wheeler truck cases in Houston move fast, and early action protects your rights. Jim Adler, The Texas Hammer®, is here for injured Texans and their families. Call us for a free consultation,* or start your free case review online. If an 18 Wheeler turned your life upside down in the Houston area, let our 18 Wheeler accident lawyers carry the legal load so you can focus on recovery.
If you’re hurt, the bills are piling up, and the insurer is pushing back. The Texas Hammer® steps in, builds the evidence, and drives your case forward with straight talk and steady pressure on big insurance. We fight to win and pursue what the law allows under Texas rules. Contact us today for a FREE consultation. No fee unless we win.*
[1] National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2025, April). Overview of motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023 (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note. Report No. DOT HS 813 705). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/813705
[2] 23 CFR § 658.17 – Weight. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/23/658.17
[3] Insurance Research Council. (2014). Attorney involvement in auto injury claims. Malvern, PA: Insurance Research Council.
[4] 49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service of Drivers. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-395
[5] 49 CFR Part 391 – Qualifications of Drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) Driver Instructors. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-391
[6] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (2007). The Large Truck Crash Causation Study – Analysis Brief (Publication No. FMCSA-RRA-07-017). https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief
[7] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2024). Large trucks. https://www.iihs.org/topics/large-trucks
[8] 49 CFR Part 382 – Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-382
[9] Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 – Two-Year Limitations Period. Texas Legislature. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm
Hurt in an accident? Tell us what happened. We’ll give you straight answers — fast, free, and with no strings attached.*
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