Meghann CuniffContributor
Meghann Cuniff is a legal affairs journalist who is a veteran of daily newspapers and has deep experience reporting on complex civil litigation, including mass torts and class actions, securities cases, patent disputes and high-stakes litigation involving major tech companies. She's based in Southern California.
Meghann Cuniff
Meghann CuniffContributor
Meghann Cuniff is a legal affairs journalist who is a veteran of daily newspapers and has deep experience reporting on complex civil litigation, including mass torts and class actions, securities cases, patent disputes and high-stakes litigation involving major tech companies. She's based in Southern California.
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Adam Ramirez, J.D.editor
Adam has resided at the intersection of legal and journalism for two decades. An award-winning journalist and legal strategist, he’s covered high-profile trials in Florida.After law school, Adam and spent two years clerking for a U.S. District Court judge. He researched and wrote legal precedent in published opinions on behalf of the Court.He has been an editor, columnist and journalist at the Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning News, The Oregonian, Golf Digest, FindLaw.com and other media outlets.He lived in Colombia and Argentina teaching legal English to attorneys and law students. He is also a Spanish-language subject matter expert.An avid waterman, he surfs and scuba dives frequently.
Reviewed
Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Adam Ramirez, J.D.editor
Adam has resided at the intersection of legal and journalism for two decades. An award-winning journalist and legal strategist, he’s covered high-profile trials in Florida.After law school, Adam and spent two years clerking for a U.S. District Court judge. He researched and wrote legal precedent in published opinions on behalf of the Court.He has been an editor, columnist and journalist at the Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning News, The Oregonian, Golf Digest, FindLaw.com and other media outlets.He lived in Colombia and Argentina teaching legal English to attorneys and law students. He is also a Spanish-language subject matter expert.An avid waterman, he surfs and scuba dives frequently.
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Updated: May 22, 2024, 7:23am
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Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, but it’s the largest major city in terms of geography at nearly 600 square miles. It’s a big oil city, too, so there are many commercial trucks driving in and around the city that could lead to accidents. Knowing how to find the best truck accident lawyer in Houston can make your situation much easier if you do end up in an accident.
Why you can trust Forbes Advisor Legal
Read more
Best Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
- Sherie Potts Beckman
- Kelly E. Cook
- Adam P. Criaco
- Cory D. Itkin
- Donald Kidd
- Scott C. Krist
- Anna Mcmullen
- Eric D. Nielsen
- Richard Schechter
- Brad T. Wyly
Sherie Potts Beckman
TX Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to TX Bar
1988
Law School Attended
University of Texas School of Law
Active
1988
University of Texas School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Sherie Potts Beckman has had a varied career in civil law, dealing with truck and auto accidents, medical malpractice cases and other personal injury-related matters for the last 30 years. Beckman has handled numerous cases with six- and seven-figure settlements. Her firm obtained a $24.7 million jury verdict against a drunk driver who killed a woman in a crash and a $4.3 million settlement for the family of a man killed in a bus accident.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Named one of the Top Women Attorneys in Texas
- President-elect of the Houston chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Houston chapter
- Board member of the Krist Samaritan Center
Practice Areas
- Truck & Auto Accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
Kelly E. Cook
Texas Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to Texas Bar
2004
Law School Attended
George Washington University School of Law
Active
2004
George Washington University School of Law
Why They Made Our List:
Kelly E. Cook is on the Houston Trial Lawyers Association Board of Directors and is the group’s former vice president. His connections in the legal community and his experience litigating personal injury lawsuits means he can handle your case from the initial filing to the closing argument, if need be. He’s served as lead counsel in more than 20 trials and has experience in several jurisdictions.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates
- Appointed by state bar president in 2014 to serve on the Texas Disciplinary Rules Committee
- Member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association Amicus Committee
Practice Areas
- Personal injury, including truck accidents
- Business litigation
- Employment—lost wages, overtime
Adam P. Criaco
TX Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to TX Bar
1992
Law School Attended
University of Texas School of Law
Active
1992
University of Texas School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Adam P. Criaco has handled thousands of personal injury cases throughout his 32-year career in law—some involving other lawyers in auto accidents. His firm handled a truck accident case in which they obtained over $1 million in awards for their client. Criaco is board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum
- Member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Fluent in Spanish
Practice Areas
- Truck & auto accidents
- DUI accidents
- Workplace accidents
Cory D. Itkin
Texas Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to Texas Bar
2005
Law School Attended
University of Houston Law Center
Active
2005
University of Houston Law Center
Why They Made Our List
Cory D. Itkin has secured many multimillion settlements and jury verdicts, including in cases in which the defendant refused any settlement offer before trial. His victories include a $25 million settlement for the widow of a railroad worker killed by faulty equipment and a $17.25 million settlement for a man who was badly burned in a flash fire at a plant in Mexico. He also litigates across the country.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania along with Texas, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court
- Represented plaintiffs in the high-profile BP Deepwater Horizon explosion
- Listed in The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Practice Areas
- Truck and other auto accidents
- Oil gas and other energy resources
- Catastrophic injury and wrongful death
Donald Kidd
Texas Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to Texas Bar
1991
Law School Attended
South Texas College of Law
Active
1991
South Texas College of Law
Why They Made Our List
Donald Kidd is a prominent Houston lawyer who is president of the Houston chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In 2009, he secured a $9.7 million jury verdict for the family of a man killed in a landfill gas processing plant. His other victories include a $40.1 million jury verdict in 2019 for a client severely disabled in a truck accident. It was the largest victory in the history of DeWitt County, Texas.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Named one of the Best Lawyers for the People by H-Texas Magazine
- Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
- Board certified in personal injury law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Practice Areas
- Truck and other auto accidents
- General personal injury
- Wrongful death
Scott C. Krist
TX Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to TX Bar
1991
Law School Attended
University of Texas School of Law
Active
1991
University of Texas School of Law
Why They Made Our List
For over 33 years, Scott C. Krist has been helping injured individuals and families across Texas. Krist has received many awards, including the Top 10 Attorney Award for the state of Texas from the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys. He has handled some of the largest cases in the state, including a $6 million dollar verdict for a truck and motorcycle collision accident and a multi-million dollar award for a trucking accident case that was rejected by four other lawyers previously.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Received the Trials Lawyers Board of Regents Litigator Award
- Named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers
- Named a Top Lawyer in Houston by Houstonia Magazine
Practice Areas
- Truck & Auto Accidents
- Wrongful death
- Defective products
Anna McMullen
Texas Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to Texas Bar
2018
Law School Attended
William & Mary Law School
Active
2018
William & Mary Law School
Why They Made Our List
Anna McMullen focuses on motor vehicle crashes, including truck accidents, and she has an experienced team. She and her partners have obtained wrongful death verdicts ranging from $1.3 million to $18 million and motor vehicle accident settlements worth $2.4 million, $2.8 million and $3.5 million. She also has other courtroom experience by way of premises liability litigation.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Named a Top Women Attorneys Rising Stars by Texas Monthly Magazine
- Listed in The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 under 40 Injury Lawyers in 2020
- Named a Top 40 under 40 Injury Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers
Practice Areas
- Truck and other auto accidents
- Employment law
- Business litigation
Eric D. Nielsen
TX Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to TX Bar
1982
Law School Attended
University of Texas School of Law
Active
1982
University of Texas School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Eric D. Nielsen’s practice is fully devoted to litigation, emphasizing cases involving serious bodily injury and those from trucking accidents. Nielsen is board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Texas Civil Rights Project member. Nielsen has recovered millions in damages for his clients injured in auto accidents.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Admitted to practice in Texas and California
- Fluent in Spanish
- Member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Practice Areas
- Workplace accidents
- Truck & auto accidents
- Rideshare injuries
Richard Schechter
TX Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to TX Bar
1979
Law School Attended
University of Texas School of Law
Active
1979
University of Texas School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Richard Schechter, a board-certified civil trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy attorney, has handled hundreds of personal injury cases over his 45-year career. Schechter has represented a wide variety of clients from all across Texas, the United States and even internationally. Schechter has handled over 120 jury trials between Texas and Louisiana and has served as an adjunct professor of admiralty and maritime law at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Fluent in Spanish
- Board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Member of the Houston Police Advisory Commission
Practice Areas
- Truck accidents
- Personal injury
- Medical malpractice
Brad T. Wyly
Texas Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to Texas Bar
2003
Law School Attended
University of Texas School of Law
Active
2003
University of Texas School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Brad T. Wyly has a wide range of experience in plaintiff’s work, from personal injury to bad faith insurance cases. He’s recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including many truck and other auto crash cases as well as motorcycle crash cases. He also founded the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers.
Notable Facts and Recognitions
- Licensed to practice in New York as well as Texas
- Adjunct professor at University of Houston Law Center
- Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation in 2019
Practice Areas
- Truck and other auto accidents
- General personal injury
- Insurance litigation
Compare Top Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
| Lawyer Name | TX Bar Association Status | Year Admitted to TX Bar | Law School Attended | Learn More CTA text | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherie Potts Beckman | Active | 1988 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | |
| Kelly E. Cook | Active | 2004 | George Washington University School of Law | View More | |
| Adam P. Criaco | Active | 1992 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | |
| Cory D. Itkin | Active | 2005 | Widener University School of Law | View More | |
| Donald Kidd | Active | 1991 | South Texas College of Law | View More | |
| Scott C. Krist | Active | 1991 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | |
| Anna McMullen | Active | 2018 | William & Mary Law School | View More | |
| Eric D. Nielsen | Active | 1982 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | |
| Richard Schechter | Active | 1979 | University of Texas School of Law | View More | |
| Brad T. Wyly | Active | 2003 | University of Texas School of Law | View More |
Other Truck Accident Lawyers
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- El Paso
- Fort Worth
- Indianapolis
- Jacksonville
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Memphis
- Nashville
- New York City
- Oklahoma City
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Portland
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Washington DC
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Houston, Texas
If you are injured in a truck accident, you want to know the basics about not only your situation, but the law in Texas if you want to file a lawsuit over your truck accident. Here are some things to know.
Texas Statute of Limitations
Under Texas Law, you have two years from the time of the incident to bring injury and medical malpractice lawsuits. Motorcycle accidents are subject to the same statute of limitations, making it imperative to seek legal advice as soon as you can.
Texas Laws for Truck Drivers
Texas has laws that specifically apply to truck drivers.
- Licenses: There are three types of commercial driver licenses in Texas. Class A is for combinations of vehicles with total weight of 26,001 or more. Class B is for a single vehicle that weighs 26,001 or more. Class C is for other single vehicles or combinations designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers including the driver or used in the transportation of hazardous materials.
- Speed limits: Texas law sets the maximum speed at 70 mph but also allows for limits up to 85 mph depending on the design of the highway. Pay attention to signage and keep an eye out for adjustments. Speeding can increase your chances of liability.
- Insurance: Commercial truck drivers in Texas have insurance coverage requirements ranging from $750,000 to $1 million. Trucks carrying oil need at least $1 million in liability coverage, and trucks carrying hazardous materials need at least $5 million.
Identifying Fault for a Truck Crash
Texas has a modified comparative negligence law that allows for judges to consider how much a party is at fault for a crash and award damages in accordance with that finding. Anyone who is found to be 51% or more responsible for an accident isn’t legally entitled to damages.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Houston knows how to navigate both the court system and the insurance system to help you secure the largest possible recovery. Attorneys can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in your case that can assist negotiations with the other side and make sure all legal angles are explored.
How To Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Most attorneys advertise, and a lot describe themselves as the best. How can you determine who truly is the best truck accident lawyer in Houston for your case? Here are some things to look for:
- Pinpoint their expertise. You’ll want to find a truck accident lawyer who is experienced in personal injury litigation. Ideally, you’ll find a lawyer who is experienced in automobile accident litigation and can understand the specifics of your case.
- Look at their experience. Have they been a licensed lawyer long enough to gain the courtroom experience and negotiation experience your case might need? You’ll want a lawyer who knows how to navigate the court system in your jurisdiction and can negotiate with your opponent’s lawyer.
- Consider their references. Do you have friends and family in Houston who may be familiar with lawyers? If you contact an attorney and they don’t feel like a good fit, be sure to ask for references for an attorney who may be able to take your case.
- Ask how much they cost. Most attorneys may take your case on contingency which means they are paid a percentage of your settlement or verdict.. Once you’ve developed a list of good truck accident lawyers in Houston, narrow your choices by considering the percentage they take. Most take between 33% and 40%.
Methodology
To come up with the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston in 2024, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses & certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education & employment background
- Scholarly lectures & writings
- Awards & honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is an average truck accident settlement in Houston?
Because each truck accident case may be vastly different, what to expect for a settlement is difficult to nail down. There are, however, factors that can affect the amount you might receive from a truck accident injury lawsuit, such as your medical costs from the accident, the amount of work you missed, how clear the liability of the accident is and the extent of your injuries.
One study from Supply Chain Brain, a trade publication, found that truck accidents recorded between 2015 and 2023 had an average settlement amount of just over $73,000. But, a number of law firms in Houston have reported obtaining settlements in the millions for their clients injured in a truck accident.
How long does a truck accident settlement take in Houston?
Settling a truck accident case can be very time-intensive if the driver’s company has a team of lawyers working on the case or if fault for the accident is not easily determined. Depending on your injuries, the willingness of the other party to negotiate and how clear liability for the accident is, a truck accident settlement could take anywhere from a few weeks to dozens of months.
When should I call a Houston truck accident attorney?
As long as you are safe and being treated for any injuries, it is best to call a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. This allows them to gather evidence from you quickly, prepare you for contact with an insurance company and advise you on how to proceed. Because you are likely shaken up from the accident, calling an attorney can give you a calm, measured approach to your next legal steps.
How much does an average Houston truck accident lawyer cost?
Most Texas truck accident lawyers charge a contingency fee. This means that any costs you owe your attorney will only be paid out if the lawyer obtains a successful verdict or settlement for you. In the Houston area, contingency fees range anywhere from 25% to 40% of the settlement or verdict. While the fees vary, they must be reasonable as per Texas law.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my truck accident case in Houston?
To get a copy of the accident report filed by Houston police, simply purchase a copy online through the Texas Department of Transportation. You can also submit a check or money order to the City of Houston for a physical copy. More information on obtaining police reports and other crash information can be found on the Houston Police Department website.
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