Houston sits where three of Texas's busiest freight routes meet, I-10, I-45 and I-69/US-59, and next to Port Houston, one of the busiest ports in the country. Container drayage, petrochemical tankers and long-haul freight share the same freeways as commuters.
Harris County commercial vehicle crashes in 2024
Statewide, Texas recorded 39,393 crashes involving a commercial motor vehicle in 2024, with 608 people killed. Harris County accounted for 16.0% of them.
Source: TxDOT, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Involved Crashes and Injuries by County, 2024. "Commercial motor vehicle" includes large trucks, truck-tractors and buses.
High-risk freight corridors in Houston
| Road | Why it matters for truck traffic |
|---|---|
| I-10 (Katy Freeway and East Freeway) | The main east–west freight route through Houston, carrying long-haul freight and traffic to the Ship Channel industrial area. |
| I-610 (East Loop) | Links Port Houston terminals and Ship Channel industry with the freeway network; heavy container and tanker traffic. |
| I-45 (Gulf Freeway and North Freeway) | Connects Houston with Dallas to the north and Galveston to the south. |
| I-69 / US-59 (Southwest and Eastex Freeways) | A major route for freight heading to the Rio Grande Valley and to northeast Texas. |
| Beltway 8 / Sam Houston Tollway | The outer loop, used heavily by trucks bypassing the city center. |
| SH-225 (La Porte Freeway) | Serves refineries, chemical plants and the Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals; frequent hazmat tanker traffic. |
Who writes the crash report
The agency that responded to the crash writes the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). In and around Houston, that is usually one of:
- Houston Police Department
- Harris County Sheriff's Office
- Harris County constable precincts
- Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol)
Whichever agency wrote it, CR-3 reports are sold through TxDOT's online system for $6, or $8 for a certified copy. Use the crash report finder for step-by-step instructions.
Courts that hear truck accident cases from Houston
- Harris County civil district courts (Houston)
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division
Most injury lawsuits against trucking companies are filed in state district court in the county where the crash happened, or where a defendant is based. Some are moved to federal court when the parties are from different states. Texas has special trial rules for commercial vehicle cases. See CPRC Chapter 72.
Things to know about Houston truck crashes
- Crashes involving port drayage trucks can raise questions about who owns or controls the chassis and container, which can affect who is responsible.
- Hazardous materials carriers must meet higher federal insurance minimums. See truck insurance minimums.
How a Houston truck crash lawsuit works
Most truck accident claims settle without a trial, but when a lawsuit is filed in Harris County it usually follows these stages:
- Investigation and preservation. Evidence such as ELD logs, engine (black box) data, dashcam video and maintenance records is identified, and a preservation letter is sent so the trucking company keeps it.
- Claim and demand. Medical treatment is documented, and a demand is made to the trucking company's insurer. Many cases settle here. See the truck accident claim process.
- Filing the petition. If the case doesn't settle, a petition is filed in district court, within the two-year deadline.
- Discovery. Both sides exchange documents and take depositions of drivers, safety managers and experts.
- Mediation. Texas courts commonly order mediation before trial, and many cases settle there.
- Trial. Commercial vehicle cases can be split into two phases under CPRC Chapter 72, with fault decided first.
After a truck crash in Houston
- Get medical care and keep every record. What to do after a truck accident.
- Note the trucking company's name and USDOT number from the cab door, then check its safety record.
- Order the CR-3 crash report once it's available.
- Work out your filing deadline, especially if a city or county vehicle was involved.
- If you're considering a lawyer, read how to choose a truck accident lawyer.
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