Can You Sue A Trucking Company In Texas?

Posted October 2, 2024 | Personal Injury Blog

Yes, you can sue a trucking company in Texas if their negligence contributed to an accident that caused you harm. Texas law allows victims to hold trucking companies liable for damages resulting from unsafe practices, such as inadequate vehicle maintenance or improper driver training. To succeed, you must demonstrate that the company’s actions or failures directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.

Trucking accident personal injury cases often involve complex legal and insurance issues due to the commercial nature of the vehicles and the significant damages that can result from such accidents. Navigating these challenges requires an experienced legal team capable of handling the intricacies of trucking regulations, insurance policies, and liability disputes. Fielding Law is well-versed in these complexities, offering a dedicated approach to ensure that clients receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

Choosing Fielding Law means benefiting from a team with a proven track record in managing trucking accident cases. With Fielding Law’s experience, clients can be confident that their case is handled with the utmost care and diligence, free to focus on recovery while our legal team works tirelessly to address their legal and financial concerns. To speak to a qualified legal professional in a free consultation, contact us today.

The Difference Between Truck Accidents and Car Accidents

Texas roads face their share of serious car and truck accidents, with no deathless days on Texas roadways in 2023. However, truck and car accidents differ significantly due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, and collisions involving these vehicles often result in more severe damage and injuries compared to car accidents. 

Additionally, trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially third-party contractors, which adds layers of complexity to determining fault and liability.

Trucking companies play a crucial role in establishing liability in these accidents. Unlike standard car accidents, where the drivers and their insurers are typically the primary focus, trucking accidents involve a broader range of responsibilities and potential liabilities. 

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are well-maintained, their drivers are adequately trained, and that they adhere to regulations regarding hours of service and safety protocols. When these standards are not met, the company can be held liable for negligence alongside the driver. 

This added layer of responsibility means that trucking companies can be a significant factor in the liability equation, impacting the outcome of personal injury claims and the compensation available to victims. In some cases, there may even be shared liability and multiple insurance companies, complicating things further.

The Role of Trucking Companies in Truck Accidents

Trucking companies play a crucial role in both preventing and responding to trucking accidents in Texas, a state known for its extensive highway network and high traffic volumes. Their responsibility begins with ensuring that their fleets are maintained according to the highest safety standards. 

Trucking companies must ensure that their fleets are subject to:

• Regular inspections
• Preventative maintenance
• Timely repairs
• Adherence to safety regulations

Such routines and procedures are essential to minimize the risk of accidents. When these companies fail to uphold these standards, the likelihood of mechanical failures or unsafe driving conditions increases, contributing to a higher incidence of accidents on Texas roads.

Additionally, trucking companies are responsible for training and supervising their drivers; ensuring that drivers are well-trained in both defensive driving techniques and the specific regulations governing commercial vehicles is vital. 

In Texas, where weather conditions and road types can vary greatly, proper training helps drivers adapt to changing conditions and avoid collisions. Inadequate training or insufficient supervision can lead to errors in judgment or risky driving behaviors, which can significantly impact road safety.

In the event of an accident, trucking companies are also integral to the aftermath process. Their response includes cooperating with investigations, providing necessary documentation, and addressing any liability issues. Effective accident management can influence the resolution of legal claims and compensation for affected parties. 

However, if a company is uncooperative or negligent in its responsibilities, this can exacerbate the situation, complicating legal proceedings and potentially increasing the harm suffered by victims. This is where a personal injury lawyer comes in – he or she can help defend your rights and fight for compensation on your behalf.

Proving a Trucking Company’s Liability in a Truck Accident Case

Proving a trucking company’s liability after a truck accident involves demonstrating that their negligence or failure to adhere to regulations contributed to the crash. This process requires gathering and analyzing various forms of evidence to establish a direct link between the company’s actions and the accident. 

A lawyer can help you gather key evidence that can reveal whether the trucking company met industry standards or fell short in critical areas.

To build a strong case, your lawyer can:

1. Obtain maintenance and inspection records: Review the truck’s maintenance logs to determine whether the vehicle was properly maintained and if any mechanical issues contributed to the accident.
2. Examine driver logs and training records: Check the driver’s logbooks for compliance with hours-of-service regulations and verify his or her training and qualifications.
3. Gather accident reports and witness statements: Collect official accident reports and eyewitness accounts that can provide insights into the circumstances of the crash.
4. Review company policies and procedures: Investigate the trucking company’s policies to see if any procedural failures contributed to the accident.
5. Consult expert witnesses: Engage accident reconstruction experts and others to analyze the collision and provide testimony on how the trucking company’s practices may have influenced the incident.

A qualified legal team can help you accomplish the above and more, increasing the strength of your claim or lawsuit. 

Fielding Law Wants to Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, don’t navigate the complexities alone. At Fielding Law, we know how to hold trucking companies accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. 

Your path to recovery starts here—reach out now to get the dedicated legal support you need. With over $60 million won for our clients, we have a track record of success, and we want to help you and your family recover from your truck accident. 

Call us 24/7 at (877) 880-4090 or send us a message through our online form to get started with your free consultation today. Let our experienced team fight for your rights and ensure justice is served. 

Text edited by Mitchell Fielding, a personal injury lawyer and partner at Fielding Law. Mitchell is known for his hard work ethic, friendly personality and dedication to the law. You can find out personal injury law offices in Taylorsville, UT and Mesquite, TX.