Truck accidents can change lives in an instant. Between the catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and complicated insurance issues, victims often find themselves facing an uphill battle just to get fair compensation. When a commercial vehicle is involved, establishing truck accident liability isn’t as simple as holding the driver accountable — trucking companies, manufacturers, and even cargo loaders can share liability for truck accidents, and help pay for your damages.
At Guzman Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to protect their own interests after a crash, often before you’ve even left the hospital. That’s why you need someone fighting for yours. Our firm helps Texans recover from devastating truck accidents by holding negligent parties accountable.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. Call Guzman Law Firm today at (956) 516-7198 for a consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Is TX a no-fault state for car accidents?
No. Texas is not a no-fault state. Texas operates under an at-fault system, meaning the person or entity responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying damages. This is a massive distinction, especially in truck accident cases, where determining fault can be far more complex than in a standard car crash.
Under Texas law, the at-fault party’s insurance must cover the injured person’s medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Victims can file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance payout isn’t enough to cover the damages.
Texas also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the crash. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but determined to be 20% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from collecting damages entirely.
Because trucking accidents often involve multiple parties — each pointing fingers at the other — this rule makes having a skilled attorney even more important.
Who decides the fault in a car accident in Texas?
Ultimately, fault in a Texas car or truck accident can be decided by several parties, depending on how the claim unfolds. Initially, insurance adjusters from the involved companies investigate the crash, reviewing police reports, vehicle damage, witness statements, and sometimes dashcam or surveillance footage.
However, insurance companies are not neutral. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line — which often means minimizing payouts or shifting blame onto you. If negotiations break down or the facts are disputed, the case may proceed to court. In that setting, a judge or jury ultimately determines fault based on the evidence presented.
This is where strong legal representation becomes vital. A truck accident lawyer will conduct an independent investigation — gathering black box data, maintenance records, driver logs, and other evidence that can prove negligence. Without that level of diligence, you risk letting the trucking company control the narrative.
At Guzman Law Firm, we don’t let trucking or insurance companies tell your story. We know how insurers operate, and we fight aggressively to hold the right parties accountable while protecting your right to full compensation.
Who is liable for a truck accident?
Truck accident liability differs from passenger car crashes because indirect parties more often share the blame. The driver may be the one behind the wheel, but responsibility often extends to those who hired, trained, or supplied the driver — and even those who built or loaded the truck. Let’s break it down.
The truck driver
A truck driver can be held liable if their negligent actions caused the accident. But what is truck driver negligence, exactly? It refers to any behavior that violates their duty to operate safely and responsibly under the law. Common examples include:
- Speeding or aggressive driving to meet delivery deadlines
- Driving while fatigued, in violation of federal hours-of-service regulations
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using GPS while behind the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
- Failing to inspect the truck before a long haul
Negligent truck drivers can cause catastrophic damage due to the sheer size and weight of their vehicles. Even minor errors — like misjudging a turn or failing to check blind spots — can have deadly consequences for motorists. When these mistakes occur, the driver can and should be held accountable.
The trucking company
In many cases, the trucking company bears significant responsibility. Under the legal concept of vicarious liability, employers can be held accountable for the actions of their employees if those actions occurred within the scope of employment.
But liability often goes deeper than that. Many trucking companies cut corners to save time or money, such as:
- Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
- Failing to conduct background checks or drug testing
- Ignoring maintenance schedules
- Pressuring drivers to violate rest regulations to meet deadlines
When a company’s negligence contributes to a crash — whether through poor hiring practices or inadequate supervision — they can be sued alongside the driver.
The manufacturer
Sometimes, the root cause of a truck accident isn’t driver error but a mechanical failure. If a defective part, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering components, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable under product liability law.
Truck manufacturers and parts suppliers have a legal obligation to design, produce, and test their products for safety. If they fail to do so — or if they become aware of a defect and fail to issue a recall — they can be found negligent for putting unsafe equipment on the road.
The cargo loading company
Properly loaded cargo is critical to maintaining balance and control of a large truck. If a cargo loading company fails to secure the load, distributes weight unevenly, or ignores federal cargo regulations, it can cause the truck to tip, jackknife, or lose control.
Liability for cargo-related accidents can fall on the company responsible for loading the truck, even if that company is separate from the carrier. These cases often require expert analysis of weight distribution and tie-down methods — another reason having a seasoned truck accident attorney is essential.
Why you need a Texas trucking accident lawyer on your side
Truck accident cases are among the most complex personal injury claims in Texas. They often involve multiple defendants, intricate state and federal regulations, and powerful corporate interests backed by aggressive legal teams. Without an attorney, you’re at a severe disadvantage from the start.
A Texas trucking accident lawyer can:
- Investigate thoroughly, gathering evidence from the scene, driver logs, and black box data.
- Identify all liable parties, not just the driver, to maximize your potential recovery.
- Handle negotiations with multiple insurance companies that may try to minimize or deny your claim.
- Build a compelling case for trial if settlement talks fail.
At Guzman Law Firm, we know how to take on large trucking companies and win. We fight for victims who’ve suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones because of someone else’s recklessness — and we don’t back down until justice is served.
Don’t pay for someone else’s negligence. Call Guzman Law Firm today.
Recovering from a truck accident can be one of the hardest battles of your life — physically, emotionally, and financially. But you don’t have to face it alone. Regardless of how complicated the process of determining truck accident liability is, the party responsible for your injuries should bear the cost, not you.
Whether it’s a negligent driver, a careless trucking company, or a manufacturer that cuts corners, Guzman Law Firm will stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, and deadlines can pass. If you or someone you love was injured in a Texas truck accident, call Guzman Law Firm today at (956) 516-7198 for a consultation. We’ll help you uncover who’s truly at fault — and make it right.
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