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In many parts of Texas, winter weather is rare; but when it hits, it can bring chaos to the roads. A light layer of ice or sleet is enough to cause hundreds of crashes in just a few hours. Drivers who aren’t used to icy conditions often lose control leading to serious injuries, pileups, and even deaths.
When roads are slick, determining who’s legally responsible for a crash isn’t always straightforward. Drivers, cities, and even state agencies can share the blame — depending on the circumstances.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve represented Texans injured in weather-related accidents across the state. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been hurt in a winter weather car accident in Texas.
Texas drivers aren’t strangers to unpredictable weather — but ice, sleet, and freezing rain are different. These conditions can cause:
Even though icy roads are hazardous, bad weather doesn’t erase driver responsibility.
It’s a common misconception that no one is at fault when the weather causes a crash. In Texas, drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely based on road conditions.
Here are the most common parties that may be held liable:
Even during ice or sleet, all drivers have a duty of care to act reasonably under the circumstances. That means slowing down, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden movements.
A driver may be found negligent if they:
For example, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle on an icy overpass because they were following too closely, they can still be held responsible for damages, even though the roads were slick.
In some situations, local or state agencies may share liability if they failed to address known hazards or warn drivers of dangerous conditions.
This might apply if:
However, suing a government entity in Texas requires following special procedures under the Texas Tort Claims Act, including strict notice deadlines.
An experienced attorney can evaluate whether a public agency’s negligence contributed to the crash and ensure all filing requirements are met.
Winter weather crashes involving 18-wheelers or delivery trucks can be catastrophic. Professional drivers are held to higher safety standards because of the danger their vehicles pose.
A trucking company may be liable if its driver:
In some cases, the trucking company itself can also be held liable for negligent training, hiring, or supervision if it encouraged drivers to meet delivery deadlines despite unsafe road conditions.
If your accident occurs in a private parking lot or on business property, the property owner may be partially responsible if unsafe conditions contributed to the crash. For example, if they didn’t salt or maintain an icy parking lot.
This type of liability falls under premises liability law and often applies to businesses like shopping centers, apartment complexes, or office parks.
If you’re involved in an icy-road crash, here’s what to do immediately to protect your safety and your claim:
Always report the accident, even if it seems minor. Police reports are essential for determining liability.
Even minor crashes can cause whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries. Don’t delay — getting checked by a doctor protects your health and strengthens your case.
Take photos of:
Also, get contact information for witnesses and the other driver’s insurance.
It’s easy to say “I lost control,” but even small statements like that can hurt your claim later. Stick to facts when talking with police or insurance adjusters.
Weather-related cases can get complicated, especially if multiple drivers or public agencies are involved. An experienced lawyer collects evidence, reviews accident reports, and determines who’s legally responsible for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a winter weather car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover damages for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and more.
However, claims involving government entities require formal notice within six months or sometimes sooner, depending on the city or county.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and evidence.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve been helping injured Texans for over 25 years — including those hurt in complex, weather-related crashes.
Our team will:
We handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Even though winter weather can make Texas roads unpredictable, it doesn’t excuse unsafe driving or poor maintenance. When negligence leads to an accident, victims deserve justice — no matter how icy the roads were.
If you or a loved one was injured in a winter weather crash, don’t face it alone.
Call 713-888-9000 for a free consultation today.
We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Delivery trucks and Amazon vans are everywhere on Texas roads. With the rise of online shopping, delivery drivers are under constant pressure to meet tight schedules. Unfortunately, that pressure can lead to speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a delivery truck or Amazon van, knowing what to do next is critical to protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve helped countless Texans navigate the aftermath of commercial vehicle accidents. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.
Your first priority after any accident is safety. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, but don’t leave the scene. Check for injuries, including yours, your passengers, and others.
Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) can take hours or days to appear. Having first responders on the scene ensures you get medical attention and that the crash is officially documented by law enforcement.
When police arrive, tell them exactly what happened but stick to the facts. Avoid speculation or admitting fault, even casually.
Delivery truck accidents often involve corporate defendants and large insurance companies. That makes evidence collection especially important.
If it’s safe, document everything before vehicles are moved or towed:
If you’re too injured to collect evidence, ask someone you trust or a responding officer to do it for you.
Even if you were checked at the scene, always follow up with a doctor or emergency clinic right away.
Symptoms of whiplash, head injuries, or internal trauma can be delayed — but insurance companies may later argue your injuries weren’t serious if you wait too long to see a doctor.
Keep detailed medical records, receipts, and prescriptions, and follow all treatment recommendations. These documents play a vital role in proving your damages and long-term care needs.
If law enforcement didn’t respond to the scene, you may be required to file a crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within 10 days if:
This report can later serve as critical documentation for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Delivery truck crashes are rarely straightforward. Multiple parties may share liability, including:
An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine who’s legally responsible and ensure all potential sources of compensation are pursued.
You should notify your insurance company about the accident — but be very careful what you say. Stick to basic facts like the time, date, and location of the crash.
If the delivery company’s insurer or claims adjuster contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement without speaking to your attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your words against you.
Delivery truck and Amazon van accidents often involve commercial insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and complex liability issues.
Having an attorney on your side early helps preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we immediately:
You deserve to focus on healing. Not battling corporate insurance adjusters.
If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck or Amazon van accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of injuries, insurance coverage, and liability. A knowledgeable attorney can help calculate full, fair compensation based on your circumstances.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the crash.
However, commercial vehicle cases require fast action, as evidence like dash cam footage or driver logs can disappear quickly. The sooner your attorney begins investigating, the stronger your case will be.
Crashes involving delivery trucks or Amazon vans can turn your life upside down in an instant. Between large corporate insurers, complex contracts, and fast-moving investigations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
You don’t have to handle it alone.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we have over 25 years of experience fighting for injured Texans. We know how to take on big companies and win.
Call 713-888-9000 or visit WeHelpTexas.com for a free consultation today. We’ll handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovery.
The holidays should be a time of celebration, family gatherings, and reflection; not stress and financial hardship. Unfortunately, this season can be one of the most dangerous times on Texas roads. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, car accidents spike due to increased travel, holiday parties, and general distractions.
When these crashes happen, insurance companies know you’re vulnerable and they often take advantage of the chaos to protect their profits.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how insurers use the holiday season to minimize payouts and pressure victims into quick settlements. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family this holiday season.
Insurance adjusters understand that the holidays are hectic. Between family obligations, financial strain, and time off work, most people simply don’t have the energy to fight a drawn-out claim.
That’s exactly why insurance companies strike when you’re distracted. They count on victims to:
In short, insurers exploit the season’s stress to protect their bottom line.
Many people face extra expenses in November and December such as holiday gifts, family trips, or unpaid time off work. Insurance companies know this and often make quick but unfair settlement offers hoping you’ll accept out of desperation.
These offers rarely cover long-term medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Once you accept, you typically waive your right to seek more later (no matter how much your expenses grow).
Ever heard “our offices are short-staffed for the holidays”? It’s a common excuse used to delay payments or stall your claim. Insurers know the longer you wait, the more pressure builds for you to settle.
This tactic is especially frustrating if your car needs repairs or you’re facing mounting medical bills. Don’t let their delay tactics force your hand; your patience could save you thousands.
If you don’t seek medical attention immediately after an accident – perhaps because you’re traveling, busy with family, or think you’ll “feel better soon” – the insurance company may argue your injuries aren’t serious.
They’ll claim your delay proves the injury wasn’t caused by the accident. This is why prompt medical documentation is critical, even during the holidays.
After an accident, especially during what’s supposed to be a joyful time, emotions can run high. Insurance companies use this to their advantage by contacting victims early (sometimes within hours of a crash) before they’ve had time to think clearly or consult a lawyer.
Their goal? To get you to admit partial fault, sign statements, or accept settlements before you fully understand your rights.
It’s tempting to take a quick payout when you need holiday cash—but don’t. Wait until you know the full extent of your injuries and vehicle damage. Settling too early often means leaving significant compensation on the table.
Keep detailed records of the accident, medical treatments, and any communication with the insurance company. Save receipts, emails, and adjuster notes. If you speak with an insurance rep, follow up in writing to confirm what was said.
Even minor aches or stiffness could signal a more serious injury. Getting checked out right away protects your health and strengthens your claim. Insurance companies can’t argue you weren’t hurt if a doctor confirms your injuries early.
Adjusters often sound friendly but are trained to get you to say things that weaken your claim. Politely decline to give recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
An experienced lawyer knows these tactics and can stop them in their tracks. Your attorney can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and ensure deadlines are met—so you can focus on recovering and enjoying time with your family.
The end of the year can also bring legal and financial deadlines that make timing crucial:
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve helped countless Texans stand up to powerful insurance companies—especially when they try to take advantage during stressful times. We know how these corporations operate, and we don’t let them push our clients around.
Whether you were hit by a drunk driver after a holiday party, injured in a shopping center parking lot, or dealing with an unfair insurance delay, we’re here to fight for you.
We handle everything from start to finish, including:
