The Truck Hit You — Now the System’s Hitting You Too
One crash with an 18-wheeler can leave you broken, buried in bills, and battling insurance giants. Don’t let a truck accident destroy your health and your future. We fight back — one case at a time.
Galveston Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents in Galveston can leave victims facing severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about their future. With major routes such as I-45, Seawall Boulevard, Broadway Avenue, and the causeway carrying heavy commercial traffic, collisions involving 18-wheelers and delivery trucks are a serious concern. Due to their immense size and weight, these vehicles often cause catastrophic damage, especially when crashes result from speeding, driver fatigue, mechanical failures, overloaded cargo, or violations of federal trucking regulations.
Abogada Kim Bruno provides dedicated legal representation for truck accident victims in Galveston, delivering strategic and results-driven services for complex commercial vehicle cases. With extensive knowledge of federal trucking laws and Texas liability rules, she takes on powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers directly. Every case is handled with detailed preparation, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy to pursue full and fair compensation. Clients rely on her because she personally manages each case, standing firm against systems that often favor corporate interests over injured individuals.
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Truck accident claims in Galveston are often more complex than typical car accident cases. Multiple parties may be responsible, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. Successfully handling these claims requires a thorough investigation, preservation of critical evidence, and a strategic approach grounded in both state and federal transportation laws.
We examine crash reports, black box (ECM) data, electronic logging device (ELD) records, GPS tracking, driver logs, maintenance records, and video evidence to determine exactly how the accident occurred.
Using accident reconstruction experts, we identify fault and all responsible parties under Texas and federal regulations.
Many truck accidents involve violations of FMCSA safety standards, including hours-of-service breaches, improper cargo loading, or negligent hiring practices.
We handle all communication with trucking insurers and defense attorneys, protecting you from pressure tactics and unfair settlement offers.
We calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, long-term care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
If a fair settlement is not offered, Kim Bruno is fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Abogada Kim Bruno Can Help Truck Accident Victims?
After a serious truck accident, you need more than a lawyer — you need someone who knows how to fight. Abogada Kim Bruno has the experience, strategy, and determination to hold trucking companies accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
Takes over all communication with trucking companies and insurance adjusters so you can focus on recovery
Investigates the accident scene, driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to build a strong case
Identifies all responsible parties — including truck drivers, employers, cargo loaders, or manufacturers
Understands federal trucking regulations and uses violations (like fatigue or overloaded trucks) to prove fault
Gathers medical records, witness statements, and expert reports to support your claim
Negotiates aggressively to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Keeps you informed and involved every step of the way — no being passed around or left in the dark
Prepares your case for trial if the insurance company refuses to settle fairly
Works on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless she wins your case
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Galveston?
If you’ve been injured in a collision involving an 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or any commercial vehicle in Galveston, what you do immediately afterward can significantly impact your safety, recovery, and legal claim. Trucking companies move quickly to protect themselves, so it is important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance; the police report will be essential for your claim.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay, as serious injuries may not appear immediately.
Photograph vehicle damage, the truck’s USDOT number, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
Exchange contact details, CDL number, insurance information, and employer data with the truck driver; gather witness information as well.
Avoid admitting fault or speculating at the scene, since trucking violations could later affect liability.
Contact a truck accident attorney promptly to secure critical evidence like ELD records and begin building your case.
What Are The Common Types of Truck Accidents in Galveston?
When a commercial truck crash happens in Galveston, the consequences are often far more severe than a typical car accident. The size, weight, and speed of 18-wheelers significantly increase the risk of catastrophic injuries, especially along coastal roads, port routes, and busy highways like I-45 and Seawall Boulevard. Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents seen in personal injury cases.
These occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often due to speeding, sharp turns, or uneven cargo loads. Rollover crashes can crush nearby vehicles and lead to multi-vehicle pileups.
Dump Truck Accidents
Due to their high center of gravity and shifting loads, dump trucks are prone to tipping, especially on construction sites or narrow urban roads.
Underride Collisions
Smaller vehicles may become trapped beneath the rear or side of a trailer, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. These are among the deadliest types of truck crashes.
Flatbed Truck Accidents
Improperly secured cargo can fall from flatbed trailers, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers.
Override Accidents
When a large truck runs over the back of a smaller vehicle, it is often caused by tailgating, brake failure, or distracted driving.
Garbage Truck Accidents
These trucks make frequent stops and operate in tight residential areas, increasing the likelihood of collisions with pedestrians and nearby vehicles.
Jackknife Crashes
A truck jackknifes when its trailer swings outward at an angle, similar to a folding knife. This typically happens during sudden braking or slick road conditions, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
Tow Truck Accidents
Tow trucks are often involved in accidents due to limited visibility, poor lighting, or improperly secured vehicles during transport.
Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks have large “no-zones” on all sides. Vehicles caught in these blind spots are at high risk of being sideswiped, forced off the road, or pinned between lanes.
Delivery Truck Accidents
With more Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vehicles on the road, rushed driving and double-parking create constant hazards in neighborhoods.
Wide Turn Crashes
Semi-trucks need extra space to make wide right turns. Vehicles caught between the truck and the curb during these turns can be crushed or dragged.
Cement Mixer Accidents
Heavy and difficult to maneuver, cement trucks can roll over or crush smaller vehicles, especially in tight or congested areas.
These often occur during unsafe lane changes on congested roads when a truck merges into an occupied lane without seeing a smaller vehicle.
Logging Truck Accidents
Poorly secured logs can spill onto roadways, leading to dangerous chain-reaction crashes on highways.
Tanker Truck Accidents
Tankers transport fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. A crash can result in fires, toxic spills, or explosions, causing widespread damage.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Galveston
Truck accidents in Galveston are often caused by negligence—whether from the driver, the trucking company, or third parties responsible for maintenance or cargo loading. Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Driver Fatigue
Long shifts and demanding delivery schedules can lead to drowsy driving, especially when federal hours-of-service rules are violated.
- Speeding
Large trucks need more time to slow down. Driving too fast, particularly along coastal highways and busy port routes, can result in serious collisions.
- Distracted Driving
Activities like texting, using GPS, or eating while driving can reduce focus and increase the likelihood of a crash.
- Impaired Driving
Alcohol, drugs, or stimulants used to combat fatigue can impair judgment and delay reaction times.
- Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers
Some trucking companies fail to properly train drivers or prioritize safety during hiring.
- Blind Spot Errors
Large trucks have significant blind spots, and failing to check these “no-zones” can lead to serious accidents with smaller vehicles.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo
Unbalanced or overloaded trailers may shift during transport, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Aggressive Driving or Road Rage
Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and failure to yield can be especially hazardous with large commercial vehicles.
- Poor Truck Maintenance
Faulty brakes, worn tires, or broken lights can all contribute to dangerous roadway incidents.
- Bad Weather or Road Conditions
Coastal weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, can make it more difficult for trucks to maintain control.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents in Galveston often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Victims may require ongoing medical care, surgery, or long-term assistance. Some of the most common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Caused by strong impacts or sudden motion, TBIs can result in memory loss, cognitive difficulties, or permanent disability.
Burns and Chemical Exposure
Tanker truck crashes can lead to fires or hazardous material spills, causing serious burns or toxic exposure.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spine may lead to partial or complete paralysis and require extensive rehabilitation.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Severe accidents may result in crushed limbs, sometimes requiring amputation.
Broken Bones and Complex Fractures
High-impact crashes frequently cause severe fractures that may need surgical repair and long-term therapy.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause long-term pain and reduced mobility.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Whiplash and Neck Trauma
Sudden force during impact can lead to neck and upper spine injuries, even in less severe collisions.
Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident in Galveston?
When You’re Not at Fault
If you did not cause the accident, you should not be left to deal with the financial burden. When a truck driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring rest requirements, leads to a crash, you have the right to hold both the driver and their employer accountable.
Example: You are stopped at a red light in Galveston when a fatigued truck driver rear-ends your vehicle.
Liability: The truck driver may be directly responsible, but the trucking company could also share liability if they permitted excessive driving hours, failed to monitor logs, or ignored federal safety regulations.
When You’re Partially at Fault
Texas applies a modified comparative negligence rule under § 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. This allows you to recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, though your total recovery will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
Example: You were slightly over the speed limit when a commercial truck made an illegal turn and struck your vehicle.
Liability Breakdown: If you are 20% at fault and the truck driver is 80% responsible, you may still recover $80,000 out of $100,000 in damages under Texas law.
When You’re at Fault
If your actions are found to be the main cause of the truck accident, such as running a red light, making an unsafe turn, or cutting off a truck, you may be held fully liable.
Example: You suddenly change lanes in front of a semi-truck, causing the driver to lose control and crash.
Liability: In this case, you would likely be considered responsible, meaning you or your insurance may have to pay for property damage, medical expenses, and other losses. The trucking company may also pursue a claim against you if their vehicle or driver was affected.
Texas Truck Accident Statistics
Large truck accidents continue to pose a serious risk across Texas, one of the busiest freight and transportation hubs in the country. According to the FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System, as of April 2025, 5,363 commercial trucks were involved in both fatal and non-fatal crashes statewide. These included 187 trucks in fatal accidents and 5,176 in non-fatal incidents. Overall, there were 4,905 crashes involving large trucks, resulting in 177 fatalities and 2,841 injuries. Many of these accidents occur on major highways such as I-10, I-35, and I-45, where high speeds and heavy commercial traffic intersect.
The danger increases significantly in construction zones, where large trucks are involved in nearly 33% of all crashes. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2024 alone, the state reported 27,971 work zone accidents, including:
194 fatal crashes, resulting in 217 deaths
823 serious injuries
Over 11,000 people sustained minor or possible injuries
These figures highlight the severe impact of 18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents throughout Texas. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, working with an experienced attorney like Abogada Kim Bruno can help protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Is The Average Settlement For A Semi Truck Accident?
Settlements in semi-truck accident cases in Galveston can vary significantly based on the severity of injuries, who is at fault, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. Generally, these cases result in higher compensation than standard car accidents due to the serious and often catastrophic nature of truck collisions. A settlement is a legal agreement between you and the at-fault party’s insurer, typically the trucking company or commercial driver, to resolve your claim without going to court. The average settlement for a Galveston semi-truck accident may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses and long-term disability assistance
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Home modifications or in-home care for permanent injuries
While a quick settlement may seem appealing, insurance companies often offer far less than your claim is truly worth. They act fast to minimize payouts before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses. At Abogada Kim Bruno, we aggressively challenge low offers. We review every aspect of your case—from medical records to black box data—and fight to secure the full compensation you deserve. Don’t accept less. Let us stand between you and the trucking company’s legal team.
When to Consult a Lawyer For a Truck Accident?
Texas law gives Galveston residents two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). However, waiting can seriously weaken your case. Critical evidence such as ELD data, driver logs, and truck maintenance records can be lost or destroyed quickly. Meanwhile, trucking companies and insurers move fast to protect themselves. You need someone acting just as quickly on your behalf. By contacting a Galveston truck accident lawyer early, you gain the advantage of:
- Securing vital evidence before it disappears
- Receiving professional guidance when dealing with insurance companies
- Preventing errors that could damage your claim
- Building a strong case for maximum and fair compensation
At Abogada Kim Bruno, we’re ready to step in right away and take the pressure off your shoulders. Your case starts the moment you call.
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