Trucking accidents in Texas can cause devastating injuries, catastrophic property damage, and even fatalities. When a crash involves a commercial truck, victims often assume that liability is clear and that they will receive fair compensation. Unfortunately, trucking companies and insurers aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts.
At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston personal injury attorneys understand the tactics used by trucking companies and how to fight back to ensure victims get the compensation they deserve.
Why Do Trucking Companies Fight So Hard Against Injury Claims?
Trucking companies and their insurance providers are financially interested in paying as little as possible after an accident. Given the severity of truck crashes, settlements and verdicts can be expensive, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disabilities. Trucking companies immediately deploy aggressive legal teams to challenge claims and reduce liability to protect their bottom line.
Common reasons trucking companies fight claims include:
- High Financial Stakes – Truck accident claims can reach millions of dollars, making companies more likely to contest liability.
- Protecting Their Reputation – Trucking companies want to avoid public scrutiny that could lead to government investigations or stricter regulations.
- Insurance Company Pressure – Insurers for commercial trucking companies prioritize profits, often pushing back on valid claims.
- Avoiding Legal Precedents – A large settlement could encourage future lawsuits, prompting trucking companies to fight aggressively.
Tactics Used by Trucking Company Defense Attorneys
When a trucking company is involved in an accident, its legal team is often on the scene within hours to start crafting a defense.
Common tactics include:
- Denying Liability
Trucking companies often try to shift blame to the injured party, arguing that the victim caused or contributed to the accident. They may claim the accident resulted from weather conditions, road hazards, or another driver’s actions rather than their negligence.
- Disputing the Severity of Injuries
Defense attorneys may argue that a victim’s injuries are pre-existing or not as severe as claimed. They may hire medical experts to dispute diagnoses or downplay the long-term impact of injuries.
- Destroying or Concealing Evidence
Some trucking companies delay or refuse to release crucial evidence, including:
- Black box data (electronic logging devices that track speed, braking, and hours of service).
- Maintenance records that could reveal mechanical failures.
- Driver logs to determine whether the trucker violated hours-of-service regulations.
Quick legal action is necessary to prevent evidence tampering.
- Offering Quick, Low-Ball Settlements
Insurance companies may pressure victims into accepting a settlement before they know the full extent of their injuries. These early offers are far less than what victims deserve.
How to Fight Back Against Trucking Company Defense Lawyers
If you have been injured in a Houston trucking accident, taking the proper steps can protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
They include:
Hiring an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers, and so should you.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we:
- Investigate trucking company records for violations.
- Secure black box data before it can be erased.
- Work with medical experts to prove the extent of injuries.
- Fight against unfair settlement tactics to ensure you receive what you deserve.
Act Quickly to Preserve Evidence
You can file a legal request to obtain truck driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records before they are destroyed. We will also collect witness statements and surveillance footage immediately.
Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies lowball victims to avoid large payouts.
Our experienced attorneys can negotiate for full compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Take the Case to Trial if Necessary
If the trucking company refuses to settle fairly, we will not hesitate to take them to court. Large verdicts can hold trucking companies accountable and ensure justice for victims.
Get the Legal Help You Need After a Houston Truck Accident
Trucking companies and their defense attorneys will do everything possible to limit your compensation—but you don’t have to fight them alone. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Harris County personal injury attorneys have the experience and resources to stand up to trucking companies and their insurers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, call 713-637-4560 or contact us online today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Our dedicated injury attorneys and bilingual team are committed to serving clients throughout Texas. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any legal fees unless we successfully recover your compensation. If you’re ready to pursue justice and the compensation you deserve, we’re here to provide the guidance and support you need every step of the way.
Related Links:
- When is a Commercial Trucking Company Liable for Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities in Texas?
- Federal Trucking Regulations That Can Impact Your Personal Injury Claim
- The Role of Trucking Company Negligence in Houston 18-Wheeler Accidents
- More Large Trucks on Our Texas Roadways Translates to More Crashes Injuries Fatalities
- Are Texas Semi Truck Drivers Required to Take Drug Tests
- How Unsecured Cargo Can Cause Catastrophic Truck Accidents Throughout Texas
- How Long Will My Texas Truck Accident and Injury Claim Take to Produce Results?
