In the vast state of Texas, truck accidents are a significant concern due to the state’s extensive road networks and heavy freight traffic. While various factors contribute to these unfortunate incidents, understanding who is liable in a truck accident is crucial in determining who is legally responsible for the damages incurred.
Truck accident liability lies with the party whose negligence caused the accident. This could be the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of a defective truck part. The specific laws of Texas govern how this liability is determined and how victims can seek compensation.
In this article, the skilled truck accident lawyers in Dallas/Fort Worth from Sellers Law Firm will explain the essential Texas laws governing truck liability, discuss how the state determines fault in a truck accident, and advise on what you can do if you are involved in an incident.
Trucking laws in Texas
The Texas Transportation Code states that operators of motor vehicles must exercise “due care” while driving. This means that the driver must avoid careless or reckless actions which could result in harm to other parties on the road. Truck drivers are also obligated to abide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which regulate hours of service and establish guidelines for proper vehicle operation. A failure to abide by these laws could constitute negligence, and thus be grounds for liability in the case of 18-wheeler accidents.
In addition, trucking companies must maintain their vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times, which includes regular maintenance checks and repairs when necessary. If the company failed to do so, it may be held accountable for damages resulting from an accident caused by a faulty part.
If you were in an accident caused by a truck driver, trucking company, or another party’s negligence, it is important to contact an experienced Dallas/Fort Worth injury lawyer with experience handling truck accidents to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Who is liable for a truck accident in Texas?
In Texas, liability for a truck accident is based primarily on negligence — that is, the at-fault party must have been careless or reckless in their actions leading up to the incident. The amount of compensation they are liable for will depend on how much responsibility they had in causing the incident.
So, are truck drivers responsible for damages? Not inherently. Generally, if the other driver was entirely responsible for a truck accident in Texas, the other driver is liable for any damages that occurred as a result. Similarly, if the trucking company or manufacturer was responsible due to their negligence in hiring an unsafe driver, maintaining the vehicle, or providing faulty components, then those parties may also be held liable.
Is Texas a no-fault accident state?
It is important to note that Texas follows a modified “comparative fault” rule with regard to truck accident liability. This means that even if the victim was partially responsible for the incident, they may still be able to receive some compensation from the at-fault party as long as their negligence did not exceed 50% of the total responsibility.
What can I do if I’m in a semi-truck accident in Texas?
If you are involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention and contact the police to report the incident. Keep track of any medical bills, as well as any time taken off of work due to your injuries. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the scene and speak with witnesses who may have seen the incident. You may end up needing to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, so it is important to keep records of any expenses or losses you have incurred.
Once you’ve received appropriate medical care and documented the details of the accident, it is recommended that you contact an experienced civil attorney in Dallas/Fort Worth who can handle cases involving truck accidents. If you believe that the accident was caused on account of faulty components, you may also want to consider hiring a Dallas product liability lawyer. They can help you determine the liable parties and ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.
Victim of a trucking accident? Don’t wait to call the truck accident lawyers at Sellers Law Firm!
Understanding truck accident liability in Texas is crucial if you’ve been involved in a collision. Liability is often based on negligence, either by the driver, trucking company, or manufacturer of a faulty part. Each party has a responsibility to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of their vehicles, and any failure to do so could lead to liability in an 18-wheeler accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered on behalf of a truck accident in Texas, you need to contact the Tarrant County lawyers from Sellers Law Firm. As aggressive truck accident lawyers, we have a long track record of success in obtaining favorable results for our clients. We are dedicated to fighting for victims’ rights and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve.
Call Sellers Law Firm at (817) 345-7298 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
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