Truck accidents involve more regulations, more players, and more potential evidence than most vehicle collisions. Commercial drivers are required to follow federal safety rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and trucking companies must conduct proper maintenance, hire qualified drivers, and monitor their hours of service.
Failing in any of these areas can lead to liability. Truck accident victims are entitled to recover damages when that failure causes harm. Contact our Texas truck accident attorneys from Trujillo Gonzalez for more information at no cost today.
Common Liable Parties in a Truck Crash contact us online
The Truck Driver
The trucker is often the first party investigated in the aftermath of a crash. Driver error is a significant factor in many collisions, including:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Fatigued driving due to hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting or using a GPS)
- Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication)
- Failing to check blind spots or signal when merging
Even when the driver made a mistake, they’re rarely the only liable party.
The Trucking Company
Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for the actions of their employees. If the driver was operating within the scope of their job, the trucking company may be held liable.
In addition, the company can face direct liability for:
- Negligent hiring or training (e.g., hiring a driver with a history of DUIs)
- Pushing drivers to violate FMCSA rules
- Failing to maintain the truck or equipment
- Failing to inspect the vehicle before trips
A thorough investigation of company logs, safety records, and internal communications can reveal policies or patterns that contributed to the crash.
The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
Sometimes, the truck is leased or owned by a separate entity from the driver or carrier. That party could be responsible for maintenance or mechanical failures that contributed to the accident. If the brakes failed or a tire blew out due to poor upkeep, liability can extend to the truck owner.
Cargo Loaders or Freight Brokers
Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to tip over, jackknife, or lose control. In those cases, the party that loaded the truck, whether it’s the shipper, a third-party logistics company, or a broker, may be held responsible.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective equipment can also cause or worsen a crash. Common truck defects include faulty brakes, tire blowouts, defective steering columns, and underperforming underride guards. When these defects are due to poor design or manufacturing, a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer may be appropriate.
How Liability Is Proven
Truck accident claims are built on evidence, strategy, and investigation. At Trujillo Gonzalez, our experienced Dallas truck accident attorneys move quickly to preserve critical data, including:
- The truck’s black box data
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Driver logs and dispatch records
- Vehicle maintenance reports
- Cell phone records
- Toxicology results
- Witness statements and accident reconstructions
We consult industry experts and use subpoena power when necessary to uncover all contributing factors. By identifying each liable party, we maximize your chances of recovering full compensation.
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss it, your claim can be dismissed entirely. Time-sensitive evidence can also disappear quickly. That’s why it’s essential to speak with our Texas truck accident lawyers as soon as possible after the crash.
Get Help From Proven Texas Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accident cases are high-stakes, high-complexity claims, and the trucking companies have legal teams ready to defend them. You deserve a law firm that won’t back down.
At Trujillo Gonzalez, we take on the toughest cases. We don’t settle for less than what your claim is worth. We will drive anywhere in Texas to represent a client with a strong case.
Call (972) 550-6818 today or contact us online to discuss your legal options. Let our truck accident lawyers fight to hold the right parties accountable and help you move forward.
We proudly serve Dallas County, Collin County, Webb County, Bexar County, and throughout Texas. Contact one of our convenient office locations near you to schedule a free consultation.
Trujillo Gonzalez PC – Dallas
1111 W. Mockingbird Ln. Ste. 260
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: (972) 550 6818
Trujillo Gonzalez PC – Allen
931 Hwy. 121, Bldg. 4 #4100
Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (972) 550 6818
Trujillo Gonzalez PC – Laredo
216 W Village Blvd #102,
Laredo, TX 78041
Phone: (956) 606-4878
Trujillo Gonzalez PC – San Antonio
700 N St Mary’s St 1400 52
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-202-4878
