Houston TX 18-Wheeler Crash - A Passenger's Guide to Compensation

If you were the passenger in an 18-wheeler accident, you might worry about insurance coverage for your injuries. You may need to get a lawyer if you tagged along with a friend, family member, or hitched a ride on a big rig in Houston, TX. Authorized passengers may have coverage depending on whether they worked for the company, enrolled in workers’ compensation, or were working at the time of the accident.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer ensures that you get the compensation you deserve and don’t get scammed by the commercial auto insurance company or an employer looking to avoid a lawsuit. The Houston truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw offer a free case review to help get you started, so there’s nothing to lose. We have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff available to take your call 24/7 at 800-862-1260.

In an 18-wheeler accident in Houston, TX, the at-fault party is liable for your injuries as a passenger. This could be the driver of the 18-wheeler, the owner of the vehicle, or another party involved in the accident. Things get a little complicated if you are a passenger employed by the company because if you were working at the time of the accident, you might be covered by workers’ compensation.

The amount of liability insurance limits available for 18 wheeler passenger compensation in Texas will differ based on the party that is liable. For example, Texas minimum insurance requirements for passenger vehicles are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSA), general freight carriers must carry minimum liability coverage of $750,000 depending on what they haul.

You have multiple legal options as the passenger of an 18-wheeler accident. These options include:

• Sustaining your loss without seeking compensation
• Working with the insurance company
• Agreeing to a settlement
• Filing a lawsuit to seek adequate compensation

In order to achieve the best outcomes in any of these scenarios, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your legal options stay open. This includes making sure the police write an accident report, gathering evidence, and seeking a Houston 18 wheeler passenger accident lawyer.

Although Texas generally determines liability based on fault, there is the notion of vicarious liability that can apply in 18-wheeler accidents where the court may hold the employer responsible for its employee’s negligence.

Still, Texas does determine liability based on fault, which is why it is a good idea to hire a lawyer to help you present evidence that strengthens your case against the plaintiff. Compensation is difficult to obtain without an experienced lawyer who understands the nuances of liability when commercial policies are involved.

Lawsuits are stressful and can be difficult to navigate without the help of a compassionate and experienced lawyer. Knowing what evidence to collect, how to determine who is at fault, and how to communicate with an insurance company are vital to collecting a sum that will fully cover your losses and your emotional anguish.

Our team of legal experts at Carabin Shaw knows what it takes to pursue your legal claim while simultaneously minimizing the stress of the legal process. We know that we are successful in our endeavors because of our client reviews, which reveal our work ethic and empathy for your situation.

If you are stressed over the losses you suffered as the passenger in an 18-wheeler accident, call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 today. We have staff available 24/7 to answer questions and schedule a free case review. In addition to your free review, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to struggle with more bills while waiting for your legal compensation.

For more information:

• FMCSA
• TDI Texas