Truck accidents are far more catastrophic than nearly any other type of motor vehicle crash, often leaving families to face the unthinkable. When you or a loved one is seriously injured or tragically killed, a multi-million-dollar recovery is often necessary to secure your future amid the physical, emotional, and financial toll of an 18-wheeler crash.
But trucking companies don’t see it that way. They’ll do everything in their power to avoid responsibility and settle for as little as possible, which is why a jury often plays a central role in deciding the outcome — and determining if you have the ability to care for yourself and your family for the rest of your life.
At Zehl & Associates, we prepare every case for trial. Our undefeated Truck Accident Lawyers have never lost a case in front of a jury. Trucking companies know our track record. They know we’ve recovered Billions, including the largest truck accident verdicts and settlements in Texas, and they know we will never settle for less than the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
Most of the time, defendants pay full compensation before ever reaching a courtroom. But when they refuse, they quickly learn why Zehl & Associates is the name trucking companies fear. We fight relentlessly for our clients, quantifying every loss and presenting it clearly to the jury — not only winning, but setting records.
Read on to learn how juries function in truck accident cases, what to expect if your case goes to court, and why jury trials remain an essential part of the civil justice system.
When Do Truck Accident Cases Go to a Jury?
Not every truck accident lawsuit is decided by a jury. Many cases settle during negotiations or mediation, particularly when liability is clear, and the parties agree on damages. However, cases may go to trial when fault is disputed, damages are contested, or insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.
When a case proceeds to trial, it follows a structured process that includes filing a complaint, pre-trial discovery, motions, and ultimately the trial itself. During the trial phase, a jury of citizens is selected to hear evidence, evaluate the facts, and apply the law as instructed by the judge.
The Jury’s Responsibility in Determining Liability
One of the jury’s primary responsibilities is determining liability. In truck accident cases, this often involves deciding whether the truck driver, trucking company, or another party acted negligently. Jurors must assess whether the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care and whether that failure caused the accident and resulting injuries.
Liability can be complex in trucking cases, as responsibility may extend beyond the driver to include employers, maintenance providers, or manufacturers. The jury evaluates these issues based on the evidence presented and the legal standards explained by the judge.
Evaluating Evidence Presented at Trial
After jury selection, both sides present their cases. Plaintiffs typically begin by calling witnesses such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and eyewitnesses. Attorneys introduce evidence, including police reports, photographs, video footage, electronic logging data, and medical records.
Defense attorneys cross-examine witnesses and may present their own evidence, often challenging how the accident occurred or arguing that injuries were pre-existing or less severe than claimed. Throughout this process, jurors listen carefully, take notes, and observe witness credibility.
The judge oversees the proceedings, rules on objections, and ensures the trial follows proper legal procedures.
The Jury’s Role in Determining Damages
If the jury finds the defendant liable, it must then determine damages. In truck accident cases, damages may include economic losses such as medical expenses and lost income, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress. In certain cases, juries may also consider punitive damages if the evidence shows gross negligence or misconduct.
Jurors rely on testimony, documentation, and legal instructions to decide what amount fairly compensates the injured party. Their decision reflects both the specific facts of the case and broader community standards.
Deliberation and Reaching a Verdict
Once both sides finish presenting evidence, the judge provides jury instructions explaining the applicable law. These instructions outline how to evaluate evidence, define legal concepts such as negligence and causation, and explain what the plaintiff must prove to succeed.
After receiving instructions, jurors retire to deliberate in private. During deliberations, they discuss the evidence, weigh competing arguments, and work toward a verdict. Depending on the jurisdiction and complexity of the case, deliberations may last hours or several days.
The Impact of Jury Verdicts on Truck Accident Claims in Houston, TX
Jury verdicts play an important role in truck accident claims by determining liability and compensation for injured parties. These decisions also promote accountability for trucking companies and drivers.
Because juries reflect community values, their verdicts signal what Houston residents consider fair, influencing settlement negotiations, safety practices, and how future truck accident claims are handled across the local legal system.
If you need help after a truck accident in Texas, contact Zehl & Associates today. We offer a free consultation with an Undefeated Houston truck accident lawyer.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours