How Trucking Companies Are Held Liable in Texas

When you have a truck accident claim in Texas, determining who is liable is necessary for your financial recovery. In many cases, trucking companies are liable for your losses, either based on negligence or vicarious liability for a truck driver’s conduct.

To hold the trucking company accountable, hiring an attorney is always in your best interest. A trucking accident lawyer from Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. can help you uncover all sources of liability for maximum compensation. They will investigate the crash and put together compelling evidence necessary to establish the trucking company’s responsibility.  

Factors Contributing to Liability on the Part of Trucking Companies

There are key factors that are looked into when determining how the trucking company’s negligence might have caused the accident. These include the following:

Truck’s Maintenance  

Trucking companies are required to maintain their fleets in roadworthy condition. Some of the routine maintenance practices include the following:

• Regular inspections and timely repairs to prevent mechanical failures
• Monitoring and replenishing essential fluids
• Checking tire pressure, tread depth, and alignment
• Ensuring that safety equipment is present and in good condition
• Maintaining records of all maintenance performed

When a trucking company neglects proper maintenance practices, issues can arise that can lead to catastrophic accidents. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, failing to maintain a truck properly can make a company directly liable for resulting damages.

Driving Schedules  

Trucking companies must ensure drivers adhere to regulations regarding driving hours to prevent driver fatigue. However, it is not uncommon for trucking companies to impose tight deadlines on their drivers, sometimes pressuring them to drive for extended hours in violation of hours-of-service regulations. 

Fatigued driving remains one of the leading causes of truck crashes. A company that promotes violations of these regulations could be held accountable for accidents caused by overworked drivers.  

Cargo Loading  

Did you know that around 4% of truck accidents involve cargo issues, making cargo problems one of the top causes of semi-truck crashes? That is why, when investigating the cause of a truck crash, one of the primary considerations is to check the adherence to cargo securement rules.

Improperly loaded cargo can destabilize a truck, increasing the risk of rollover accidents or spills. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that cargo is securely and evenly loaded to prevent such hazards.  

Safety Regulations  

Companies must adhere to safety regulations established by federal and state authorities. This includes compliance with the FMCSA’s safety standards for commercial vehicles. A company’s failure to follow these rules—whether related to hazardous substances or safe operation rules, can be evidence of negligence.  

Driver Hiring  

Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified and competent drivers. They must conduct background checks and ensure that drivers have valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). If a trucking company hires someone with a history of reckless driving or without proper qualifications, they may share liability for accidents caused by that driver.  

How Can a Trucking Lawyer in Texas Help?  

Trucking companies often have extensive resources and legal teams dedicated to minimizing or avoiding liability. They may deny claims, obscure evidence, or even shift blame onto other parties entirely. This is because truck crashes are usually severe and may lead to catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. It is therefore highly recommended that you hire a lawyer for professional support in protecting your rights.

A Texas truck accident lawyer can deal with the trucking company and hold them liable for your injuries. They can:  

• Investigate the crash to identify negligence.
• Collect facts per the maintenance logs, driver records, and black box data.  
• Build a case to prove the trucking company’s liability.
• Negotiate with insurers or pursue recovery through the court system to secure fair compensation for accident-related losses. 

An attorney will fight for your rights and interests in ensuring that trucking companies don’t exploit you while safeguarding their bottom lines. 

A Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Case Today  

Holding trucking companies liable for your injuries is not simple. At Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C., our attorneys understand the challenges victims face and are ready to offer compassionate support in proving responsibility. Contact us today at 800-433-2408 for a free consultation.