Harris County sees a large share of Texas 18-wheeler crashes due to port, freeway and industrial traffic. If you were hit by an 18-wheeler in Houston, Texas law requires you to navigate both state negligence rules and federal trucking regulations. This guide explains Houston-specific procedures, from obtaining a TXDOT CR-3 to filing in Harris County District Court.
Houston crashes are investigated by Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff, but the official state report is TXDOT Form CR-3. You need the CR-3 number to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. Harris County District Courts have specific local rules for discovery. Federal regulations under FMCSA §395 limit drivers to 11 hours driving after 10 hours off duty. Violations are documented in ELD data.
Unlike a car case, Texas truck cases can use federal regulations as evidence of negligence. FMCSA §396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. If a Houston carrier skipped inspections, that violation can support a negligence per se argument under Texas law. Maintenance logs, driver qualification files, and hours-of-service logs must be preserved.
Texas gives two years under §16.003, but Harris County courts encourage early mediation. If your crash involved a City of Houston vehicle, you must give notice to the city within six months. Do not sign a release from a trucking company's insurer before you understand your medical treatment and future care needs.
Request TXDOT CR-3 online at Texas Department of Transportation Crash Reports and Records portal. Houston Police Department also provides a local report number, but insurers and courts rely on the state CR-3.
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. Texas law allows you to provide basic facts to your own insurer under your policy's cooperation clause, but you may want to consult an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the adverse carrier.
See also: Texas Truck Accident Law Overview · Oilfield Truck Accidents in the Permian Basin · Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Texas
We link directly to primary sources so you can verify Texas law. Last verified May 2026. Laws change - consult a licensed Texas attorney for advice about your situation.