Deadly Cement Truck Crash on Houston’s Southside Raises Legal Questions for Victim’s Family

On the morning of May 20, 2025, a devastating crash involving a cement truck took place on Schurmier Road near Cullen Boulevard in Houston’s south side. According to ABC13 Eyewitness News, the cement truck collided with a white car, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality at the scene.

Initial reports indicate the crash may have occurred around 8 a.m. during morning traffic. Emergency crews were called in, and investigators are still working to determine what caused the violent impact. In incidents like this, multiple parties—such as commercial vehicle operators, employers, or even city road engineers—may hold some degree of legal responsibility.

At Lassiter Law Firm, we know that large truck crashes often lead to complex legal battles, particularly when fatalities occur. Families who lose loved ones in commercial vehicle accidents have the right to demand answers—and, when appropriate, compensation. This blog will break down what we currently know about the crash, explain how cement truck accidents differ from other collisions, and offer guidance on what to do next if your family has been affected.

What We Know So Far About the May 20 Cement Truck Crash in Houston

The crash that occurred on May 20, 2025, involving a cement truck and a passenger vehicle has raised serious concerns about the safety of commercial trucks operating in high-traffic Houston corridors. While details are still unfolding, initial reports from ABC13 Houston provide a glimpse into what happened that morning on the city’s south side.

Location of the Incident Schurmier Road and Cullen Boulevard

The crash took place in a heavily trafficked area near the intersection of Schurmier Road and Cullen Boulevard, just east of the Beltway and south of the Texas Medical Center. This area serves as a key corridor for both commercial transport and residential traffic and is known for frequent construction vehicles and inconsistent road maintenance.

Dangerous Mix of Residential and Commercial Traffic

Houston’s south side has seen a rapid increase in mixed-use development, meaning 18-wheelers and construction trucks often share space with school buses, commuters, and pedestrians. The intersection near Cullen Boulevard lacks the kind of infrastructure—like protected left-turn signals or designated truck lanes—that could reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic crash.

Timeline and Nature of the Collision

According to local news, the crash occurred just after 8:00 a.m., during peak commute hours. Houston Police Department confirmed that a cement truck collided with a white sedan, killing at least one individual. It is not yet clear whether the cement truck was turning, merging, or traveling straight at the time of impact.

Cement Truck’s Size and Force Likely a Factor

Cement trucks can weigh up to 30,000 pounds when empty and as much as 60,000 pounds when fully loaded, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This massive weight creates a long stopping distance, limited maneuverability, and high rollover risk—all of which increase the chance of a deadly crash, especially at intersections.

Ongoing Investigation

As of this writing, HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division continues to investigate. Key questions likely include

  • Was the cement truck driver speeding or distracted? 
  • Did the vehicle suffer a brake failure or mechanical issue? 
  • Were either party impaired or violating traffic laws?

Because commercial vehicles are often owned and operated by large companies, this investigation may also involve reviews of maintenance logs, driver schedules, and company safety policies.

To understand how commercial vehicle inspections are regulated, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Vehicle Standards.

Why Cement Truck Accidents in Houston Often Lead to Serious or Fatal Injuries

Crashes involving cement trucks are among the deadliest on Houston’s roads—not simply because of driver behavior, but because of the size, weight, and mechanics of the trucks themselves. Unlike standard passenger vehicles, cement trucks operate under unique limitations that make accidents more likely and more destructive. When these trucks collide with smaller cars—as seen in the tragic May 20 crash near Schurmier and Cullen—the results are often fatal.

This section explores why cement truck collisions are especially dangerous in a fast-growing city like Houston.

The Physics of a Cement Truck Why Impact Is So Severe

The average fully loaded cement truck weighs between 55,000 to 66,000 pounds, making it roughly 15 to 20 times heavier than a standard passenger vehicle, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This weight significantly increases the amount of kinetic energy released during a crash.

Longer Stopping Distances

Heavy vehicles take far longer to stop. At 60 mph, a cement truck may require up to 50% more distance than a car to come to a full stop—even when the brakes are functioning properly. If traffic slows suddenly or the road is slick, the truck may be unable to avoid a collision.

High Center of Gravity and Rollover Risk

Unlike 18-wheelers with long, flat trailers, cement trucks carry their load in a constantly rotating drum, which raises their center of gravity. This makes them especially prone to tipping over during turns or emergency braking—turning a crash into a rollover, as is sometimes seen in city intersections like Schurmier and Cullen.

Load Shift Dangers

If the cement inside the drum shifts suddenly, the balance of the truck can change mid-maneuver. Improperly loaded or overfilled drums can cause the truck to lean, swerve, or fishtail, even if the driver is operating safely.

For more on load-related vehicle instability, review the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Commercial Vehicle Crash Factors

Why Houston’s Roads Make These Crashes More Common

Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., which has led to a surge in construction—and, as a result, construction vehicle traffic. Cement trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles now move frequently through residential zones, school districts, and aging roadways not built for such loads.

Unprotected Intersections and Road Design

Many intersections in Houston’s southern and eastern districts—especially in neighborhoods like South Acres and Sunnyside—lack turn signals, dedicated truck lanes, or flashing lights to warn drivers of industrial traffic. This can leave both cement truck drivers and civilians unprepared for split-second interactions.

Outdated Infrastructure and Pavement Conditions

Houston’s rapid development has outpaced some of its infrastructure. Roads like Schurmier are often narrow, uneven, or poorly marked. A fully loaded cement truck navigating these routes can easily cross lanes or lose control, especially if lane markings are faded or traffic is poorly managed during construction.

The Human Cost of Cement Truck Collisions

Unlike fender benders or slow-speed incidents, cement truck crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or instant fatalities. Passenger vehicles simply cannot withstand the impact of a multi-ton machine designed to haul wet concrete.

Common Injuries in Cement Truck Collisions

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from high-speed impact 
  • Crushed limbs or spinal cord injuries from vehicle collapse 
  • Severe burns from vehicle fires or fuel spills 
  • Internal organ damage from seatbelt trauma or blunt force 

These are not injuries people walk away from—and families often find themselves making funeral arrangements within hours of the crash.

The CDC’s motor vehicle safety page outlines why large vehicle crashes remain one of the top causes of traumatic death in the U.S.

Understanding Liability in Cement Truck Accidents Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Cement truck accidents differ from ordinary car crashes in one major way liability is rarely limited to just the driver. In most cases, multiple entities may share fault—from the company that owns the truck to the mechanic that last serviced it. When a crash results in a fatality, like the one on May 20, 2025, near Cullen Boulevard, identifying every liable party becomes critical to securing justice.

At Lassiter Law Firm, we conduct comprehensive investigations into commercial vehicle accidents to ensure no negligent actor escapes accountability.

Cement Truck Driver The First Line of Responsibility

The most obvious source of liability is the driver of the cement truck. If they were distracted, speeding, fatigued, or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may be personally responsible for the crash.

Commercial Driver’s Duty of Care

Unlike regular motorists, commercial drivers in Texas are held to a higher standard. They are required to follow federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which includes

  • Hours-of-service limits (to prevent drowsy driving) 
  • Vehicle inspections before each trip 
  • Zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies 

A violation of any of these rules may serve as strong evidence of negligence.

Review FMCSA driver safety regulations here.

Trucking Company or Concrete Supplier

In many cases, the company that owns the cement truck may be held vicariously liable under Texas civil law. This means that even if the driver made the mistake, their employer can be sued if the driver was performing work-related duties at the time of the crash.

Employer Negligence When the Company Fails Its Duty

Apart from vicarious liability, a company can be directly liable if it

Hired a Driver With a Poor Safety Record

Employers are expected to thoroughly vet commercial drivers before putting them behind the wheel of a vehicle as dangerous as a cement truck. If the driver involved in the May 20 crash had a history of speeding tickets, prior crashes, DUIs, or license suspensions, and was hired anyway, the company could be liable for negligent hiring. A responsible employer must run background checks, verify commercial licensing (CDL), and examine past driving history before assigning job duties that carry such high risk.

Failed to Train Employees Properly

Operating a cement truck requires more than a CDL—it demands training on load balance, turning techniques, emergency maneuvers, and navigating dense city traffic. When companies cut corners on training or fail to provide route-specific instruction, they put both their drivers and the public at risk. Lack of adequate training is especially dangerous in busy urban areas like Houston’s south side, where wide turns and narrow roads create constant challenges.

Forced or Incentivized Drivers to Speed or Skip Rest Breaks

Some trucking and construction firms create dangerous working conditions by encouraging—or indirectly incentivizing—unsafe driving. This includes tight delivery schedules, unrealistic quotas, or “bonus” pay for early drop-offs. These policies may lead drivers to speed, skip mandatory breaks, or ignore vehicle warning signs, increasing the chance of a deadly crash. Under federal regulations, employers are prohibited from pressuring drivers to violate Hours-of-Service rules set by the FMCSA.

Read more about these federal protections at the FMCSA Coercion Rule FAQ

Neglected Regular Vehicle Maintenance Schedules

Cement trucks undergo significant mechanical stress due to their heavy loads and frequent use. If the employer or fleet manager fails to conduct regular brake inspections, tire replacements, oil changes, or drum system checks, the vehicle becomes a hazard. Maintenance negligence can result in catastrophic failure at high speeds—something that’s especially dangerous on urban roads like Cullen Boulevard, where traffic congestion and pedestrian activity are high.

We frequently subpoena hiring records, driver logs, dispatch schedules, and maintenance reports to determine if the employer cut corners on safety.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highlights how employer pressure and poor hiring practices contribute to many fatal truck crashes.

Third-Party Maintenance or Mechanics

Cement trucks are mechanically complex and must be inspected frequently. If a third-party mechanic or repair shop was responsible for brake maintenance, tire inspections, or engine checks, and failed to perform their job properly, they may be liable as well.

Failure to Inspect or Repair Critical Components

Brake line leaks, tire blowouts, suspension issues, and steering failures can all cause a driver to lose control—even if they’re operating responsibly. If we find that maintenance logs were falsified, skipped, or outsourced to unqualified vendors, those parties may be added to the claim.

Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers

Sometimes, the crash wasn’t caused by human error at all—but by a defective vehicle component, such as

Faulty Brakes

Brake failure is one of the most dangerous malfunctions a cement truck can experience. Given the weight and momentum of a fully loaded cement mixer, a brake defect can lead to total loss of control, especially at intersections or during downhill travel. If brakes were improperly manufactured, assembled, or installed—or if they failed despite regular maintenance—the manufacturer of the braking system or the truck itself may be held liable under Texas product liability laws. We often consult mechanical experts to analyze brake pad wear, hydraulic pressure loss, or anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure in these cases.

Accelerators That Stick

A sticking accelerator is a terrifying malfunction, particularly in a vehicle as heavy and powerful as a cement truck. If the throttle becomes jammed or fails to release when the driver lets off the gas, it can send the truck barreling into vehicles or pedestrians without warning. These types of malfunctions are often caused by defective throttle cables, sensors, or engine control modules, and may be grounds for a lawsuit against the manufacturer. In some cases, national recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) may support the claim that the issue was known and not addressed.

Steering Column Failure

If a cement truck’s steering column disconnects or malfunctions mid-drive, the driver may lose the ability to control the vehicle’s direction entirely. This kind of defect is especially dangerous in city environments like Houston, where tight turns and traffic require constant precision. Steering defects can occur due to design flaws, poor materials, or faulty installation during assembly. When this happens, both the component supplier and the truck manufacturer may be found liable for the resulting injuries or death.

Exploding Tires or Rim Separation

Large trucks like cement mixers rely on high-capacity tires rated for extreme loads. However, if a tire is manufactured with weak sidewalls, improper treading, or subpar bonding, it may explode under pressure or separate from the rim, especially during heat exposure or high-speed turns. Tire blowouts can cause the vehicle to veer suddenly into adjacent lanes, roll over, or jackknife. In these scenarios, our team investigates whether the tire brand has a history of failures or recalls and whether the distributor supplied a defective or mismatched unit.

For current and past tire recalls, refer to the NHTSA Tire Safety Database

If the vehicle or a part installed on it was defective, product liability laws allow the victim’s family to sue the manufacturer, distributor, or supplier directly.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains databases on automotive recalls and manufacturer defect investigations.

How Cement Truck Accidents Differ From Other Commercial Vehicle Crashes

While all large commercial vehicle crashes pose serious risks, cement truck accidents involve a distinct set of dangers. These vehicles don’t just transport massive weight—they transport an unstable, constantly moving load in conditions that are often unpredictable. That makes them more prone to causing fatal injuries, particularly in dense traffic environments like south Houston, where construction vehicles regularly travel through residential areas.

Below, we explore how cement trucks present unique hazards compared to other commercial vehicles like box trucks, semis, or delivery vans.

Constant Load Movement Inside the Rotating Drum

Unlike most commercial vehicles that carry static cargo, cement trucks must constantly rotate their load to prevent the concrete from hardening. This rotation creates ongoing weight redistribution throughout the vehicle’s trip. Even a slight change in speed or road angle can shift that weight, affecting balance, steering, and braking power. These dynamics make cement trucks harder to control—especially during tight turns or sudden stops.

In rollover-prone intersections like Schurmier Road and Cullen Boulevard, where the May 20 crash occurred, this instability is especially dangerous.

Learn more about load dynamics and rollover risks at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Higher Center of Gravity and Increased Rollover Risk

Cement trucks have a narrow base and a tall drum, giving them a much higher center of gravity than flatbed trucks or delivery vans. That makes them more susceptible to rollovers—even at relatively low speeds. A sharp turn, uneven pavement, or abrupt evasive maneuver can tip a fully loaded cement truck and cause a catastrophic chain-reaction crash.

In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has identified mixer trucks as one of the top vehicles involved in single-vehicle rollovers among construction fleets.

More Frequent Operation in Tight Urban Environments

Unlike long-haul trucks that stick to highways and distribution centers, cement trucks often drive into residential streets, school zones, and narrow construction corridors. This exposes them to far more interactions with cyclists, pedestrians, and everyday drivers who may not expect an industrial vehicle to turn onto a local road.

These tight environments make it difficult for cement trucks to complete turns safely, stop in time for crosswalks, or maintain proper lane positioning—especially when street markings are faded or construction activity is in progress.

The Role of OSHA and Workplace Safety Rules in Cement Truck Operations

While cement truck accidents are often seen as traffic events, many of them originate from workplace safety failures long before the crash occurs. Trucks like the one involved in the May 20, 2025, Houston crash typically operate as part of a broader construction or commercial concrete supply chain. These are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces workplace safety standards—including those related to the operation of heavy industrial vehicles.

When companies ignore those safety protocols—by cutting training, overworking drivers, or rushing deliveries—the risk doesn’t stay confined to the job site. It spills into public roadways and costs lives.

OSHA’s Jurisdiction Over Construction-Related Truck Operations

OSHA’s primary responsibility is to protect workers, but its reach extends to the operation of cement trucks in construction and industrial settings. That includes trucks transporting concrete from a plant to a job site, and vehicles operating around construction zones with both workers and civilians nearby.

Examples of OSHA-Regulated Duties

When these obligations are neglected, the trucking company or site supervisor may be in violation of federal law—and that can expose them to liability in a wrongful death lawsuit if a civilian is killed as a result.

  • Ensuring drivers are trained in safe load handling and road sharing 
  • Requiring pre-trip vehicle inspections to catch brake or tire issues 
  • Mandating job site coordination to avoid rushed or unsafe deployment

OSHA’s Cement Industry Safety Guide offers a comprehensive look at driver safety expectations

Unsafe Scheduling and the Consequences of Delivery Pressure

In high-volume construction markets like Houston, cement truck operators often face unrealistic deadlines. They may be expected to complete multiple deliveries per hour, navigate traffic-dense urban streets, or access job sites with narrow approaches and poor visibility.

Skipped Safety Checks Before Delivery

When drivers are under pressure to meet tight deadlines, safety checks are often rushed or skipped entirely. Cement trucks must be inspected for tire condition, brake functionality, hydraulic systems, and drum rotation mechanisms before each delivery. Failing to do so can result in serious mechanical issues—like brake failure or load imbalance—once the truck hits the road. In many cases, skipped inspections can be traced back to poor company policies or unrealistic scheduling expectations, exposing employers to liability.

Speeding Through School Zones or Neighborhoods

Cement trucks are designed for industrial use—not for weaving through school zones or suburban neighborhoods. However, when drivers are under time constraints, they may resort to speeding through residential areas to meet delivery windows. The risk this poses to pedestrians, schoolchildren, and local commuters is enormous. In fatal crash cases, speeding in these sensitive zones is often viewed as gross negligence, particularly when the company failed to provide alternate routes or proper safety instructions.

Driving While Sleep-Deprived, Stressed, or Dehydrated

Fatigue, stress, and dehydration are common among commercial drivers, especially those working long shifts without adequate breaks. When companies overextend their drivers or fail to monitor hours-of-service compliance, the physical and mental toll can lead to slowed reaction times, poor judgment, or microsleeps at the wheel. In cement truck operations, where vehicle control is critical at all times, these lapses can be deadly. OSHA regulations are clear that employers must protect workers from known hazards, and fatigue behind the wheel is a serious one.

These are not just internal risks—they pose a clear and direct danger to the public. When a fatal crash occurs, OSHA violations may be used as evidence of negligence, particularly if the employer created or allowed unsafe work conditions that led to reckless driving.

Learn how OSHA addresses delivery fatigue in its Heavy Vehicle Safety Overview

Construction Site Oversight and Off-Site Liability

It’s a common misconception that once a truck leaves the job site, the construction company’s responsibility ends. That’s not the case. If the operational practices, scheduling pressures, or lack of safety oversight originating at the site contributed to the crash, liability can follow the truck onto public roads.

Concrete Supply Companies That Push Unsafe Delivery Quotas

Concrete suppliers are often under immense pressure to meet deadlines on busy construction sites. Unfortunately, this pressure is frequently passed down to their drivers, many of whom are required to complete multiple trips per shift, regardless of weather, traffic, or fatigue. When delivery schedules become unrealistic, safety is often sacrificed. Drivers may skip rest breaks, speed through urban areas, or neglect essential vehicle inspections just to stay on pace. If a fatal crash occurs under these conditions, the concrete supply company may be directly liable for creating an unsafe work environment.

General Contractors That Fail to Oversee Third-Party Operations

General contractors are responsible not only for their own teams but also for the actions of subcontractors and vendors operating under their management. This includes ensuring that heavy vehicles like cement trucks are operated safely both on and off the job site. If the general contractor failed to verify a trucking company’s safety credentials, neglected to enforce delivery protocols, or ignored signs of unsafe behavior, they may share liability in a wrongful death lawsuit. Oversight failures are a common thread in construction-related accidents, and one that should never be overlooked.

Subcontractors Who Employ Underqualified or Improperly Licensed Drivers

Subcontracted trucking companies are often hired based on cost and availability, not qualifications. As a result, it’s not uncommon for subcontractors to place underqualified or improperly licensed drivers behind the wheel of a cement truck. Operating such a vehicle requires more than just a commercial driver’s license—it demands training in load management, route safety, and emergency maneuvering. When a subcontractor cuts corners on training or hires drivers with a history of violations, they can—and should—be held accountable if tragedy strikes.

In many fatal crashes, we find that multiple companies contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to the collision. Our legal team digs into scheduling logs, shift records, OSHA inspection reports, and internal safety audits to identify every failure point—because your family deserves full accountability, not a single scapegoat.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Texas

One of the most important—and often overlooked—legal factors after a fatal crash is the statute of limitations. In Texas, the law sets a firm deadline for how long surviving family members have to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court may dismiss your case entirely, no matter how strong the evidence is.

For families affected by a tragedy like the May 20, 2025, cement truck crash in Houston, acting within the correct legal window is critical to preserving your right to compensation and justice.

Texas Generally Allows Two Years to File

Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. That means families typically have until May 20, 2027 to file a lawsuit related to the May 20 crash—though it’s rarely a good idea to wait that long.

This two-year window applies to claims involving

  • Fatal motor vehicle accidents (like truck or car crashes) 
  • Workplace deaths involving employer negligence 
  • Fatalities caused by defective products or unsafe premises 

You can review the official statute here

Certain Situations May Affect the Timeline

While the two-year rule is the general standard, there are exceptions that may shorten or pause (or “toll”) the statute of limitations.

Claims Involving a Government Entity

If a city, county, or state agency is believed to be partially responsible—for example, due to unsafe road design, faulty traffic signals, or a publicly owned cement truck—you may be required to file a formal notice of claim within 6 months, under the Texas Tort Claims Act. This process is far more strict than a standard private lawsuit and must meet specific format requirements.

See details on the Texas Tort Claims Act here

Minor Children as Beneficiaries

If a minor child is a beneficiary in a wrongful death case, the statute of limitations may be extended or paused until they reach the age of 18. However, this applies only to their portion of the claim, not necessarily to the entire case. Legal counsel should be consulted early to preserve all family members’ rights.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Take Legal Action

Even though two years may sound like plenty of time, waiting to hire an attorney can be risky. Crucial evidence—like black box data, video footage, and maintenance records—can be destroyed or lost within days or weeks. Witnesses become harder to locate. Insurance companies may take advantage of the delay to shift the narrative.

At Lassiter Law Firm, we start preserving your case immediately so you’re never at a disadvantage—even if you’re still weighing your legal options.

What to Do Immediately After a Fatal Truck Crash in Houston

The hours and days after a deadly cement truck crash are often filled with grief, confusion, and overwhelming pressure. Between police reports, funeral arrangements, and unexpected calls from insurance companies, it’s hard to know what steps to take. But in cases involving commercial vehicles—like the May 20 crash in south Houston—what you do next can directly impact your family’s ability to recover damages and find justice.

At Lassiter Law Firm, we’ve helped families across Houston take the right steps after devastating losses. Below is what you need to know.

Request the Police Crash Report from HPD

In Houston, fatal traffic incidents are investigated by the Vehicular Crimes Division of the Houston Police Department. Officers on the scene will file an official report that outlines the location, time, vehicle types, potential causes, and witness statements.

This report is essential for proving fault and beginning the claims process. Once completed, you can request it through the HPD Open Records Division. In some cases, your attorney can obtain it faster by filing directly with law enforcement contacts.

Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel

Insurance companies representing the cement truck driver or the construction company will likely reach out quickly—sometimes within 24 hours of the crash. While they may sound supportive, their real goal is often to gather information they can use to deny or undervalue your claim.

Never give a recorded statement or accept a settlement before speaking to a lawyer. Even a single sentence—such as guessing what may have happened—can be twisted into an admission of partial fault.

Learn more about your rights when dealing with insurance carriers at the Texas Department of Insurance

Save Evidence From the Scene—Before It Disappears

Critical evidence often vanishes in the days following a truck crash. Photos, videos, and witness contact information may not be included in the police report or retained by the trucking company. That’s why it’s important to gather and preserve evidence as soon as possible.

If you or someone you trust can do so safely, try to

Photograph the Vehicle and Accident Location

Photos are some of the most powerful evidence in any fatal crash investigation. If the vehicle is still accessible—whether at the scene, a tow yard, or impound lot—taking detailed photographs can preserve the damage profile, skid marks, debris, and the layout of the intersection. These images can later help accident reconstruction experts determine impact angles, speed, and visibility. Don’t rely solely on police photos; having your own, taken as soon as possible, provides your legal team with an independent record of the aftermath.

Identify Cameras From Nearby Homes or Businesses

Surveillance footage often plays a critical role in commercial truck cases. Cameras from gas stations, storefronts, or residential security systems near the scene may have captured the moments leading up to the crash. However, many systems overwrite video within just 24 to 72 hours. Identifying camera locations early—and notifying the property owners to preserve footage—is something your attorney can assist with immediately. This type of footage can validate your account of the crash or directly contradict the trucking company’s version of events.

Write Down Anything You Remember About the Crash

Memories fade quickly, especially during high-stress events. Whether you witnessed the crash or received key information from first responders, it’s important to record it while it’s fresh. Even small details—like the speed of the cement truck, the time of day, or whether the traffic light was green—can support your case later. Written recollections may be used to guide interviews, support timelines, and add human context to the legal narrative. Don’t assume the police report captured everything; your perspective matters.

You should also save funeral invoices, medical records, and any communication from the company or its insurer. These will all support the eventual wrongful death claim.

Work With a Lawyer Who Knows Houston Trucking Law

Wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles are very different from typical car crash claims. There may be multiple liable parties, corporate safety violations, and federal regulations involved. Trucking companies often have legal teams on standby to limit exposure—and they move fast to protect their interests.

Hiring an attorney quickly allows your legal team to

  • Send preservation letters before records are deleted 
  • Coordinate expert inspections of the truck and crash site 
  • Protect you from unnecessary contact with insurers or opposing counsel

At Lassiter Law Firm, we begin this process immediately. We’ve built a reputation in Houston for fighting aggressively against negligent trucking companies—and for treating families with the dignity they deserve.

Why Lassiter Law Firm Is the Right Advocate for Families After a Houston Truck Crash

When a family loses a loved one in a crash involving a cement truck or any large commercial vehicle, they’re not just up against a driver—they’re up against a company, its insurance carrier, and a legal team trained to avoid responsibility. At Lassiter Law Firm, we stand on the other side of that fight—with your family.

We know that after a fatal crash, your goals aren’t just financial. You want accountability, answers, and support. Our job is to make sure you get all three.

We Understand Houston Roads, Traffic, and Trucking Risks

Cement trucks operate all over Houston—from downtown job sites to suburbs under constant construction. We’ve handled crashes along I-10, Beltway 8, and local corridors like Cullen Boulevard and Schurmier Road. Our attorneys are familiar with the infrastructure issues, traffic patterns, and city-specific risks that often contribute to deadly collisions. We work with local engineers and accident reconstructionists to prove how road design and vehicle routing may have played a role in your case.

We Investigate Every Party That May Be Responsible

Lawsuits involving cement trucks often reveal more than just a driver mistake. Our firm digs deep to uncover negligent practices by trucking companies, third-party maintenance crews, or even manufacturers of defective parts. We subpoena internal communications, GPS logs, black box data, and employment records. If a company cut corners or prioritized speed over safety, we’ll prove it—and hold them financially accountable.

For insight on how black box data is retrieved, visit the National Safety Council’s Commercial Vehicle Technology guide

We Treat Families With Respect and Urgency

We know you’re grieving. That’s why we take on the burden of communication, document gathering, and negotiations—so you can focus on healing. At Lassiter Law Firm, your calls get returned, your questions get answered, and your case gets the time and resources it deserves. We don’t disappear after the first consultation. We walk with you until the final resolution—whether that’s a settlement or a jury trial.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

The tragic cement truck crash that occurred on May 20, 2025, has forever changed at least one Houston family—and it serves as a reminder that large vehicle operators and the companies behind them must be held accountable when negligence leads to loss of life.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you don’t need to navigate the legal system alone. At Lassiter Law Firm, we are committed to helping families like yours uncover the truth, preserve evidence, and fight for justice. Whether the responsible party is a driver, employer, contractor, or vehicle manufacturer, we’ll work to hold them fully accountable.

Our consultations are always free and confidential—and we never charge a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call us today at (713) 538-2593
Or visit lassiterlaw.com/contact-us to schedule your free consultation

You deserve answers. You deserve support. And you deserve a legal team that’s prepared to act now.