Maximizing Your 18-Wheeler Accident Settlement in Texas
Every day, Texans share highways like I-35, I-45, and I-20 with 18-wheelers weighing up to 80,000 pounds. When one of these massive trucks causes a crash, the consequences change lives forever.
Medical bills pile up. Paychecks stop coming. Insurance adjusters start calling with lowball offers.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve spent over 30 years helping Texans navigate exactly this chaos. We know what your case is really worth—and we fight to get every dollar you deserve.
Have you been in a truck accident? Find out how much your case is worth now.
The Reality of Truck Accidents in Texas
Truck accidents in Texas aren’t just numbers on a report but devastating events that tear families apart.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 39,000 commercial vehicle crashes across Texas in 2024. These crashes caused 608 deaths and 13,000+ injuries, with one crash involving a commercial vehicle happening every 13 minutes.
Texas continues to lead the nation in truck accident fatalities, with the highest crash numbers concentrated in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. Border cities like McAllen also see high accident rates due to heavy freight traffic.
If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, you need to understand what your case could be worth and what it takes to get there.
What Is the Average Settlement for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas?
Here’s the truth: there’s no “average” settlement because every case is unique.
However, based on our 30+ years of experience handling truck accident cases across Texas, here’s what we typically see:
$80,000 to $500,000 for moderate to serious injuries with clear liability $500,000 to $1 million+ in complex cases involving catastrophic injuries
Over $1 million when wrongful death, paralysis, or lifelong medical care is involved
What really drives settlement value isn’t just the injury but having experienced attorneys who know how to investigate thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and negotiate from a position of strength.
Real Results from Angel Reyes & Associates
When we take on trucking companies and their insurers, results speak louder than promises:
- $15,000,000 settlement after an 18-wheeler collision resulted in multiple wrongful deaths
- $7,250,000 settlement where we overturned a liability dispute and proved the trucking company was at fault
- $1,500,000 settlement for severe injuries including broken vertebra, knee damage, and brain injury
Our average 18-wheeler accident settlement is nearly $8 million. While every case is different, these results show what’s possible when you have the right legal team fighting for you.
7 Key Factors That Determine Your Settlement Value
Understanding what drives settlement amounts helps you make informed decisions about your case.
1. Severity and Type of Injuries
The more serious your injuries, the higher your potential settlement. Truck accidents often cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries requiring lifelong care
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Severe burns from fuel fires
- Multiple fractures requiring extensive surgery
- Internal injuries with long recovery periods
We calculate not just your current medical bills, but all future treatment costs, rehabilitation, and care needs.
2. Clear Evidence of Negligence
Strong evidence makes for strong settlements. Our investigation team gathers:
- Truck “black box” data showing speed, braking, and driver behavior
- Driver logbooks and records revealing hours-of-service violations
- Maintenance records showing safety violations
- Witness statements and accident scene evidence
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
The stronger the evidence of negligence, the more leverage we have in negotiations.
3. Texas Comparative Fault Rules (51% Bar Rule)
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your settlement is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example: If your case is worth $100,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000.
This is why fighting fault percentages is crucial because even a 10% difference can mean tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits
Starting in 2024, Texas requires higher minimum insurance coverage for commercial trucks. However, coverage varies widely:
- Basic coverage: Around $750,000 minimum
- Larger fleets: Often carry $1-5 million policies
- Hazardous materials: May have $10+ million umbrella policies
We identify all available insurance coverage, including the trucking company’s primary policy, umbrella coverage, and excess policies. In cases involving underinsured drivers, we also explore uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
5. Federal and State Regulation Violations
Truck drivers and companies must follow strict safety rules. Common violations that strengthen your case include:
- Hours-of-service violations (driver fatigue)
- Improper vehicle maintenance (worn brakes, bald tires)
- Overweight or improperly secured cargo
- Missing or falsified logbooks
- Unqualified or improperly licensed drivers
Each violation we uncover increases your settlement leverage.
6. Economic Losses
We calculate your complete financial impact:
Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment
Lost wages: Current income loss and reduced future earning capacity
Property damage: Vehicle replacement and personal property
Out-of-pocket costs: Travel to medical appointments, home modifications
7. Pain, Suffering, and Life Impact
Beyond medical bills and lost wages, you deserve compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Impact on family relationships
These “non-economic” damages often represent the largest portion of truck accident settlements.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Settlement
Avoid these costly errors that can reduce your compensation:
Talking to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Truck insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose job is to pay you as little as possible. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim, and even innocent statements like “I’m feeling better” can hurt your case.
What to do instead: Politely decline to give recorded statements and refer all communications to your attorney.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Initial offers are almost always lowball attempts to close your case quickly and cheaply. Insurance companies count on injured victims being desperate for quick money.
What to do instead: Have an experienced truck accident attorney evaluate any offers and negotiate for fair compensation.
Failing to Document Everything
Missing or incomplete documentation can sink your case. This includes medical records, photos of the accident scene, witness contact information, and all accident-related expenses.
What to do instead: Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident and injuries.
Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Help
Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget details. Trucking companies often destroy records after accidents unless legally required to preserve them.
What to do instead: Contact an attorney immediately, preferably within 24 to 48 hours of your accident.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Care
Insurance companies will argue that delayed medical treatment means your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
What to do instead: Get checked out immediately, even if you feel “fine.” Some serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
The Truck Accident Settlement Process: What to Expect
Here’s how truck accident cases typically unfold:
Phase 1: Immediate Response (First 30 Days)
- Medical treatment and stabilization
- Accident scene investigation
- Evidence preservation
- Insurance notification
- Legal consultation
Phase 2: Investigation and Case Building (30 to 90 Days)
- Medical record collection
- Expert witness consultation
- Accident reconstruction
- Federal regulation compliance review
- Insurance coverage investigation
Phase 3: Demand and Negotiation (3 to 12 Months)
- Comprehensive demand letter
- Settlement negotiations
- Mediation (if needed)
- Litigation preparation
Phase 4: Resolution or Trial (6 months to 2+ years)
- Final settlement agreement, or
- Court trial and verdict
Most cases settle before trial, but we’re always prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
Why Truck Accident Cases Require Specialized Legal Expertise
Truck accident cases are fundamentally different from regular car accident claims, requiring attorneys who understand the unique complexities:
Complex Federal Regulations
Trucking companies must comply with hundreds of federal safety regulations. Violations of these rules can dramatically increase settlement values. Our Texas truck accident lawyers understand both federal and state requirements.
Multiple Liable Parties
Your case might involve the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and parts manufacturers. Each party may have separate insurance coverage and liability exposure.
Corporate Defense Teams
Trucking companies employ teams of lawyers and investigators whose job is to minimize their liability. You need equally skilled representation from attorneys who specialize in these complex cases.
Sophisticated Insurance Strategies
Truck insurers use advanced tactics to reduce claims, including immediate accident scene response teams and expert witnesses. Our experience levels the playing field.
Preservation of Evidence
Critical evidence like electronic logs, maintenance records, and driver qualification files can be destroyed unless quickly preserved through legal action. Time is crucial in these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence preservation and investigation should begin immediately. Our Texas truck accident lawyers can explain the specific requirements for your case.
Can I still recover money if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Texas’s comparative negligence rules.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
You may still have claims against the trucking company, depending on their level of control over the driver and cargo. Our truck accident attorneys can identify all liable parties.
How is pain and suffering calculated in truck accident cases?
There’s no set formula. We consider injury severity, treatment duration, long-term impact, and how the accident has affected your daily life.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Never accept an offer without having it reviewed by an experienced truck accident attorney. Initial offers are typically far below fair value.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs for our services.
Why Choose Angel Reyes & Associates for Your Truck Accident Case
For over 30 years, we’ve been the firm Texas families turn to when everything is on the line.
Proven Track Record
- 5-stars across 15,000+ reviews
- Nearly $8 million average truck accident settlement
- Thousands of successful personal injury cases
Specialized Expertise
- Board-certified personal injury specialists
- Former insurance company attorneys on our team
- Deep understanding of federal trucking regulations
Comprehensive Resources
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Medical specialists
- Economic analysts
- Investigators and case managers
Client-First Approach
- No upfront costs: you only pay if we win
- Bilingual legal team
- Clear communication throughout your case
- Personal attention from experienced attorneys
Texas Roots, Statewide Reach
With offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and throughout Texas, we’re your neighbors who understand Texas law and Texas juries.
Take Action: Your Recovery Starts Now
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, time is working against you. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies start building their defense immediately.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
Get your free case evaluation today.
Our experienced legal team will review your case, explain your rights, and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Remember: trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim from day one. Shouldn’t you have an experienced advocate fighting just as hard for you?
