Truck Accidents FAQ

Liability in a truck accident can extend beyond just the truck driver. The trucking company may be held responsible under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior if the driver was acting within the scope of employment. The company that loaded the cargo may be liable if improper loading caused the accident. Vehicle manufacturers can be held accountable if a defective part contributed to the crash. Maintenance companies may also share responsibility if negligent repairs played a role. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify every responsible party and pursue maximum compensation from all available sources.

Compensation after a truck accident may include medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. You may also recover lost wages and future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working. Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life are compensable non economic damages. Because commercial trucks carry higher insurance policy limits than passenger vehicles, the potential recovery in truck accident cases is often significantly larger. In cases of egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Contact our firm to learn what your truck accident case may be worth.

The most common causes of truck accidents in Texas include driver fatigue from exceeding hours of service limits, distracted driving, speeding, improper lane changes, and driving under the influence. Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions and tire blowouts also contribute to many crashes. Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable or jackknife. Poor weather conditions combined with excessive speed make these massive vehicles especially dangerous. Our attorneys know how to investigate these causes, obtain electronic logging data, and prove exactly what went wrong.

The statute of limitations for a truck accident personal injury claim in Texas is generally two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims arising from a truck accident, the two year clock begins on the date of the victim's death. It is critical to act quickly in truck accident cases because trucking companies are required to keep certain records for only limited periods, and crucial evidence like dashcam footage and electronic logs can be overwritten or destroyed. Contact our firm immediately after a truck accident so we can send a preservation letter and protect the evidence you need to win your case.

Truck accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries due to the enormous size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and paralysis, multiple bone fractures, internal organ damage, severe burns, and amputation. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are also common even in lower speed collisions. Many truck accident survivors face long term or permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, our attorneys will fight to get you the compensation needed for your recovery.

After a truck accident, prioritize your safety and call 911 immediately. If you can do so safely, document the scene by photographing the truck, its license plates, the company name on the vehicle, cargo that may have spilled, skid marks, and any visible damage or injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Do not speak to the trucking company's insurance representatives or sign anything before consulting with a lawyer. Contact our firm as soon as possible so we can begin investigating and preserving critical evidence before it is lost.

Insurance companies handling truck accident claims typically deploy large defense teams, accident reconstruction experts, and aggressive adjusters almost immediately after the crash. Their goal is to minimize the trucking company's liability and reduce your compensation as much as possible. They may try to get a recorded statement from you, rush you into a lowball settlement, or dispute the severity of your injuries. Trucking companies often carry $1 million or more in insurance coverage, which means the stakes are high and the insurance company will fight hard. You need an experienced attorney who can match their resources and protect your interests.

Truck accident cases are more complex because they involve multiple potentially liable parties, including the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and equipment manufacturers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo securement, adding layers of legal analysis. The evidence in truck cases includes electronic logging devices, black box data, driver qualification files, and maintenance records that require specialized knowledge to obtain and interpret. The injuries are typically more severe, resulting in higher damages and more aggressive defense tactics. Our firm has the experience and resources to handle these complex cases effectively.

Trucking companies operating in Texas must comply with extensive federal regulations enforced by the FMCSA. These include hours of service rules that limit how long a driver can operate without rest, mandatory electronic logging device (ELD) requirements, drug and alcohol testing protocols, vehicle inspection and maintenance standards, and minimum insurance coverage requirements. Drivers must hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and meet specific medical qualifications. When a trucking company violates these regulations, it can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your case. Our attorneys know these regulations thoroughly and use violations to strengthen your claim.

Yes, in most truck accident cases you can sue both the truck driver and the trucking company. Under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, an employer can be held responsible for the negligent acts of its employees when those acts occur within the scope of employment. The trucking company may also face direct liability for its own negligence, such as failing to properly train drivers, neglecting vehicle maintenance, pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules, or hiring unqualified drivers. Suing multiple parties increases the pool of available insurance coverage and improves your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. Our attorneys will identify every responsible party in your case.