Underride truck accidents are some of the most devastating roadway collisions, often leaving victims and their families overwhelmed with medical bills, long-term injuries, and emotional trauma. In Beaumont and across Southeast Texas, where I-10, US-69, US-96, and US-287 carry heavy commercial traffic, passenger vehicles share lanes daily with 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers. The risk is real: an underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer or rear frame.
Due to the point of impact typically at or above a car’s hood line, these incidents can cause catastrophic damage instantly. Survivors may face traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, disfigurement, or amputations. Families may lose loved ones in tragedies that feel both sudden and preventable.
Navigating the aftermath is never simple. Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly, evidence can shift or disappear, regulations are complex, and multiple parties may be involved, from the driver and motor carrier to maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, and safety equipment manufacturers. For someone recovering from injuries or grief, it can be overwhelming to face a maze of claims, deadlines, and defense tactics alone.
That’s where Hollingsworth Law Firm comes in. Our Beaumont underride truck accident attorneys are dedicated to standing up for individuals and families who deserve accountability and compensation. We act urgently because time matters, black-box data can be overwritten, vehicles can be repaired or scrapped, and witnesses’ memories can fade. By focusing our efforts on underride truck accident cases, we provide the guidance, determination, and advocacy clients need to move forward.
An underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck and becomes trapped beneath the trailer or rear frame. The geometry of the impact differs from typical bumper-to-bumper collisions; protective features in passenger vehicles may be less effective. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our experienced Tuck accident attorneys in Beaumont help clients pursue justice and financial recovery for these life-altering events.
Types of Underride Accidents Handled by Hollingsworth Law Firm
Rear Underride Collisions: Often associated with inadequate rear underride guards, unlit or poorly visible trailers at night, or sudden stops.
Side Underride Collisions: Can occur during wide turns, lane changes, or when a truck crosses or blocks a lane and a car slides underneath the trailer’s side.
Stopped or Improperly Parked Truck Incidents: When trucks park on the shoulder or roadway without adequate warnings, reflective triangles, or flares, they create conditions for an underride crash.
Low-Visibility and Weather-Related Scenarios: Fog, rain, and nighttime conditions exacerbate visibility issues; reflective tape, lighting, and conspicuity measures may be scrutinized.
Equipment and Maintenance Issues: Cases involving defective brakes, missing or damaged guards, non-functioning lights, or worn reflective tape.
Potentially Liable Parties
Underride cases may involve multiple parties, like the truck driver, the motor carrier, the trailer owner, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or companies responsible for lighting, reflectors, or underride guards. Determining fault often requires a detailed look at contracts, inspection logs, maintenance records, and regulatory compliance across several entities.
Damages and Losses
Depending on the facts and Texas law, recoverable damages may include medical expenses (both past and future), lost income and diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation and home modifications, property damage, and non-economic losses like pain, mental anguish, and loss of companionship. In wrongful death claims, eligible family members may pursue specific categories of damages recognized by statute.
Guiding Families Through Underride Truck Accidents in Beaumont, Texas
Choosing a Beaumont underride truck accident attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after a serious collision. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we’re committed to transparency about how we work and how we stand beside our clients from the first conversation through resolution. Our goal is to make each step clear, reduce the stress of the process, and position your case for the strongest possible outcome under Texas law.
Our team represents individuals and families in complex truck accident litigation, including rear and side underride collisions that often involve life-altering injuries or wrongful death claims. We approach each matter with careful investigation and detailed preparation. That means securing records early, mapping out a plan for evidence preservation, and maintaining consistent communication so you know what’s happening and why.
We also remain attentive to the legal and regulatory issues that directly affect underride cases. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, underride guard requirements, hours-of-service rules, maintenance obligations, and cargo-securement standards often become central to determining who is responsible and to what extent. Staying current on these standards helps us anticipate common defense positions and present facts clearly and persuasively.
What sets our approach apart is not only our focus on results but also our commitment to client service. From intake to resolution, our attorneys and staff work to ensure you feel supported, informed, and empowered to make decisions. When you choose Hollingsworth Law Firm, you gain more than representation; you gain a legal team intent on pursuing accountability and the financial recovery your family needs.
Focused on Your Best Outcome
From the moment you contact our firm, we move quickly to preserve and analyze critical evidence. Early steps may include:
Spoliation and Preservation Letters to motor carriers, trailer owners, and maintenance contractors.
Securing Event Data Recorder (EDR) / ECM Information from the tractor and, where available, from the trailer or braking systems.
Obtaining Records such as driver qualification files, hours-of-service logs, trip sheets, fuel receipts, dispatch communications, maintenance and inspection logs, and policies on parking, conspicuity, and guard inspections.
Scene Work including photographs, video canvassing, and review of traffic-camera or dash-cam footage
Accident Reconstruction using qualified experts to evaluate speed, visibility, stopping distances, lighting, conspicuity treatments, and guard performance.
Medical and Life-Care Planning with treating providers and independent specialists to understand the full scope of injury, prognosis, and future needs.
Economic Analysis to quantify lost earnings, lost household services, and long-term financial impact.
Throughout your case, clients can expect clear communication, realistic timelines, and a strategy built around their goals. We discuss settlement opportunities, litigation milestones, and trial considerations so you can choose the path that fits your circumstances.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Underride litigation often turns on the details, lighting, reflective tape condition, guard integrity, stopping positions, sight lines, and compliance with applicable regulations. We organize complex information into a coherent story supported by documents, testimony, and expert analysis. Our case approach typically includes:
Issue Spotting & Theories of Liability: negligence, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, inadequate training/supervision, improper parking, and product-related claims where appropriate.
Comparative Fault Analysis: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence framework; understanding how fault may be allocated helps shape strategy and settlement posture.
Regulatory Framing: Showing how industry rules, company policies, and reasonable safety practices intersect helps decision-makers understand why conduct was unsafe.
Visual Demonstrations: Where helpful, we use demonstratives and timeline exhibits to make technical issues understandable to adjusters, mediators, and jurors
Client-Centered Advocacy: We take time to understand how the injury or loss has affected daily life, work, family, independence, and ensure those impacts are fully documented.
Navigating Underride Trucking Accident Proceedings in Houston
A typical underride truck accident case proceeds through several stages. While every matter is unique, clients often see the following phases:
Intake & Planning: We review the facts, discuss goals, identify urgent evidence, and outline a plan for preservation and investigation.
Investigation & Evidence Collection: This includes scene analysis, vehicle inspections (when available), document requests, and early expert consultations. Medical documentation and prognosis information are gathered to understand both current and future needs.
Claims & Pre-Suit Negotiations: We present a demand package supported by evidence. Many cases resolve at this stage if liability and damages are adequately documented.
Filing Suit (If Needed): When fair resolution isn’t possible pre-suit, we file in the appropriate court. Discovery follows, including depositions, written exchanges, and expert disclosures.
Motions, Mediation, and Trial Preparation: We address legal issues through motions practice and often participate in mediation to explore settlement. If the case proceeds, we prepare for trial with a clear evidentiary plan.
Resolution: Cases may resolve through settlement or verdict. Post-resolution, we help clients understand lien issues and finalize distributions.
Timing: The duration varies with complexity, the number of parties, and court schedules. Some cases resolve within months; others take longer, especially when extensive expert work is required.
Documentation to Gather: Police reports, medical records and bills, employment records for lost wages, photos/video, witness information, vehicle insurance details, and any correspondence with insurers.
Common Challenges We Address: Disputed visibility, contested driver fatigue, incomplete maintenance records, questions about guard adequacy, and attempts to shift blame. Our role is to meet each challenge with evidence and clear advocacy.
Key Legal Considerations in Texas
Statute of Limitations: In many Texas personal injury and wrongful death matters, the filing eadline is generally two years from the date of the crash or death. Deadlines can vary based on the facts, so it’s important to get legal guidance promptly.
Comparative Negligence: Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. If a claimant is found more than 50% responsible, recovery may be barred; if 50% or less, damages may be reduced by the assigned percentage. Understanding how insurers argue fault helps shape strategy.
Evidence Preservation: Quick action is crucial. Vehicle inspections, EDR/ECM data downloads, and preservation letters can prevent loss of key proof.
Multiple Defendants: Trucking matters often include several entities. Coordinating discovery and understanding contractual relationships (owner-operators, leasing arrangements, trailer ownership) can be essential to full accountability.
The Advantage of Working With Our Firm
Selecting the right Beaumont underride truck accident lawyer can distinguish between a denied claim and a meaningful recovery. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we focus on clarity, preparation, and steady advocacy:
Clarity: We explain options, risks, and timelines in plain language.
Preparation: We work methodically to build the evidentiary record your claim requires
Advocacy: We press for fair outcomes backed by facts and law, whether across the negotiation table or in the courtroom.
We also understand the emotional toll of serious injuries and loss. Our team prioritizes respectful, consistent communication, so you always know where your case stands and what comes next. You won’t be left guessing about deadlines, filings, or offers, we keep you informed and involved.
Suppose you’re searching for a Beaumont underride truck accident attorney, underride truck accident lawyer in Beaumont, or underride truck accident attorney in Beaumont. In that case, our team is ready to listen, evaluate, and help chart a path forward that reflects your goals and your family’s needs.
Steve Hollingsworth is a skilled trial attorney with over 50 cases tried across Texas. With experience as a felony prosecutor and representing major insurers, he now focuses on helping injured Texans in areas like car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability. Steve founded his own firm to provide dedicated, client-focused legal representation.
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant. My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome. I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
JessieFormer Client
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
RossanaFormer Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
AnonymousFormer Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G.Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
SaraFormer Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
AndrewFormer Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V.Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts . overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H.Attorney from Houston, TX
I cannot recommend Steve highly enough. As an attorney, you do not often find yourself in the position of being a client. But because of someone’s negligence, my husband and I found ourselves in need of a personal injury attorney after my husband suffered catastrophic injuries. We were immediately referred to Steve, and we were so lucky we were. Steve is compassionate but also tenacious. We always felt that he had our best interest at heart and was fighting for us. We truly felt that he cared about our case. There was never a time that he was unavailable to talk to us, and always kept us well informed. He has the utmost integrity and also has a vast knowledge of the law. On top of that, his experience is top notch as he has worked on both the defense and plaintiff side. We knew Steve was always tirelessly fighting for us, and a year and a half after my husband was severely injured by a negligent driver, Steve got us a fantastic settlement. I recommend Steve without hesitation.
Madelyn L.Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law. He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E.Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T.Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury. His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H.From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him. He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
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