Who is Liable in a Truck Accident in Texas?

Finding out who’s liable for a truck accident near League City might be taxing if you were injured. Truck accidents often include several different people, unlike ordinary car accidents. This article will help you understand who could be held accountable under Texas law. 

We will discuss how fault is decided, the vital proof required to show someone was irresponsible, and possible compensation you might be entitled to.

Texas runs under a modified comparative fault scheme. This implies that more than one party could contribute to a vehicle accident; their percentage of responsibility lowers the total compensation each at-fault party needs to pay. 

Finding precisely who is responsible in a truck accident in Texas calls for a thorough investigation. This entails compiling much data, including the driver’s work logs, the truck’s maintenance records, and expert reconstruction of the accident’s occurrence.

The objective is to link every possible defendant’s carelessness straight to the truck accident losses you have experienced.

Truck Accident Statistics in Texas and the U.S.

To understand the magnitude of truck-related crashes, consider the following:

Statistic	Detail
Fatalities Involving Large Trucks (2022)	5,904 deaths in the U.S. (NHTSA)
Texas Truck Crash Deaths (2022)	716 fatalities (TxDOT)
Injury Crashes Involving Trucks in Texas	Over 12,000 incidents annually
Top Contributing Factor in Texas Truck Crashes	Driver inattention and unsafe speed
Counties with the Highest Rates	Harris, Dallas, Bexar, and Galveston Counties (includes League City area)

Potential Liable Parties in a Truck Accident Case

1. The Truck Driver

If the driver violated traffic laws (speeding, distracted driving, DUI), failed to abide by hours‑of‑service regulations, or acted negligently, they can be directly liable for your injuries.

2. The Trucking Company

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers may be vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions if the driver was on duty and acting within the scope of employment. Companies also face direct liability for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and retention of drivers.

3. The Vehicle Owner or Lessor

If the rig was leased or rented, the owner may share liability for improper maintenance or ensuring the vehicle met safety standards.

4. Maintenance and Repair Contractors

Parties responsible for servicing brakes, tires, or other components can be liable if improper maintenance contributed to brake failure or blowouts that led to the collision.

5. Cargo Loaders and Shippers

Improperly loaded or secured freight can shift in transit, causing rollovers or jackknife crashes, making loaders and shippers potential negligent actors.

6. Vehicle and Component Manufacturers

Defective parts—such as faulty brakes or unstable suspensions—can transform a minor incident into a catastrophic wreck. Manufacturers of the truck or its components may be strictly liable under product‑liability law.

7. Government Entities

When poor road design, inadequate signage, or negligent maintenance contribute to a crash, state or local agencies can be held responsible under Texas’s Texas Tort Claims Act—though notice requirements and shorter deadlines apply.

How Fault Is Determined & Texas Comparative Negligence

Texas law uses modified comparative negligence: a plaintiff can recover damages only if they are 50% or less at fault, and any award is reduced by their percentage of fault. 

In multi‑party truck accidents, each defendant’s share of liability is compared, meaning careful apportionment of fault is critical to maximizing your recovery.

For example, if you’re found 20% responsible for failing to signal a lane change, and the truck driver is 80% responsible for speeding, you can still recover 80% of your damages, but anything above 50% in fault bars recovery entirely.

Key Evidence to Prove Truck Accident Negligence

Building a strong truck accident case hinges on comprehensive evidence collection:

1. Driver Logs and ELD Records

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) record a driver’s hours of service. Violations—such as excessive driving time—can prove fatigue negligence.

2. Maintenance Records

Inspection, repair, and maintenance documents show whether the trucking company or contractor neglected vehicle upkeep.

3. Accident Reconstruction Reports

Experts analyze skid marks, impact angles, and vehicle crush patterns to determine speeds and fault distribution.

4. Black Box Data (Event Data Recorders)

Modern trucks contain event data recorders that log braking, acceleration, and steering inputs in seconds before a crash.

5. Witness and Video Evidence

Eyewitness statements, traffic‑cam, and dash‑cam footage provide independent accounts and timeline verification.

6. Medical Records

Detailed treatment histories link your injuries directly to the crash, supporting damages for medical costs, pain, and lost wages.

Consulting a lawyer early—ideally during evidence‑preservation deadlines—ensures that perishable evidence is secured before it’s lost.

Common Causes of Truck Accident Liability

Understanding causal factors helps pinpoint negligent parties:

Driver Fatigue: 

Violations of FMCSA hours‑of‑service rules often indicate trucking‑company liability for encouraging unrealistic schedules.

Improper Maintenance: 

Failure to fix brake systems or replace worn tires can constitute direct negligence by the owner or maintenance contractor.

Cargo Overload: 

Exceeding weight limits or improper load distribution frequently causes loss‑of‑control accidents, implicating shippers and loaders.

Defective Equipment: 

Manufacturer defects in steer‑axle assemblies or ABS systems can make a collision inevitable in emergency maneuvers.

Violations of Safety Regulations: 

From DUI to broken lights, regulatory breaches by drivers or companies strengthen negligence claims.

Why You Should Work with DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

DeHoyos Accident Attorneys is a trusted personal injury law firm serving clients across League City and Greater Houston. Here’s why local truck accident victims choose us:

Local Experience

We understand the unique roads, courts, and accident patterns around League City.

Proven Results

 Our track record speaks for itself. Read real stories from satisfied clients on our testimonials page.

Thorough Investigations 

We gather every piece of evidence: driver logs, black box data, employment records, and expert testimony.

Clear Communication 

You’ll never be left in the dark about the status of your case. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Client-Focused Representation 

We only take on cases we believe in. No up-front fees. You pay nothing unless we win.

Led by Ryan DeHoyos 

Ryan A. DeHoyos brings years of experience and compassion to every client relationship.

Whether you’ve suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in a commercial truck wreck, our firm will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Recovering Truck Accident Damages

The sheer force of a collision with a large truck can leave victims facing a long and arduous road to recovery. The damages often extend far beyond immediate medical bills, impacting every facet of life. 

Understanding the full scope of potential compensation is crucial for securing your future.

Victims of truck accidents can seek compensation for:

Medical Expenses: 

This encompasses all costs associated with treating your injuries, both now and in the future. 

This includes emergency care immediately following the accident, necessary surgeries, extended hospital stays, ongoing rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and psychological therapies), prescription medications, medical equipment, and any anticipated future medical treatments related to the crash.

Lost Income: 

The inability to work due to your injuries can create significant financial hardship. 

This category covers not only the wages lost during your recovery period but also diminished future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or any comparable employment. 

This loss can be substantial and requires careful evaluation.

Pain & Suffering:

 Beyond the tangible financial losses, truck accidents often inflict significant non-economic damages. 

This includes compensation for the physical pain you have endured and will continue to experience, the emotional distress stemming from the trauma of the accident and its aftermath (including anxiety, depression, and PTSD), and the overall reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries and limitations.

Property Damage: 

This covers the costs to repair or, if necessary, replace your vehicle and any other personal belongings that were damaged in the truck accident. 

This ensures you are made whole for the tangible property losses you sustained.

Wrongful Death: 

In the tragic event that a truck accident results in a fatality, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. 

This can compensate for funeral and burial costs, the loss of companionship, support, and guidance the deceased provided, and potential punitive damages in cases where the truck driver or trucking company’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless.

Assembling a comprehensive claim that truly accounts for the long-term impact of a truck accident often requires the expertise of life-care planning professionals and vocational experts.

Why Timely Legal Guidance Matters

Truck accident litigation is procedurally complex, governed by a labyrinth of state and federal regulations that can be daunting to navigate alone. 

Engaging experienced legal counsel early in the process, such as the dedicated team at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, provides crucial advantages that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Here’s why timely legal guidance is paramount:

Preservation of Evidence before it’s destroyed or lost.

Compliance with Notice Requirements, especially against government entities.

Strategic Insurance Negotiations, protecting you from lowball offers.

Litigation Readiness, if negotiations fail and a trial becomes necessary.

Our dedicated team of  Houston personal injury lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys is ready to provide you with the timely and comprehensive legal guidance you need after a truck accident. 

We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to fighting tirelessly for the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Explore how our Houston personal injury lawyer services can be the strong support you need during this challenging time.

Contact the Truck Accident Lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for Help Today!

If you’re wondering who is liable in a truck accident, chances are you or a loved one has been seriously affected. These cases are complex and require the knowledge and resources of a dedicated legal team.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we’re committed to protecting your rights, maximizing your compensation, and helping you move forward after a devastating crash. Whether you’re navigating pain, medical bills, or lost income, we can help.

Based near League City, we’re proud to serve communities across southeast Texas. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and start the process toward justice and recovery.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Texas:

How soon after a truck accident in Texas should I contact a lawyer?

It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident. Early involvement allows your attorney to begin investigating promptly, gather crucial evidence while it’s fresh, and protect your rights from the outset.

What kinds of compensation can I pursue after a truck accident? 

You can pursue compensation for various damages, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages (past and future), pain and suffering, property damage, disfigurement, and loss of consortium (for family members).

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is contacting me. Should I speak with them directly? 

It’s advisable to avoid giving detailed statements to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without first consulting with your own attorney. Anything you say could potentially be used against your claim. Let your lawyer handle these communications.

What makes truck accident cases more complex than regular car accident cases? 

Truck accident cases are often more complex due to factors like multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, etc.), extensive regulations governing the trucking industry, and the potential for severe injuries and significant damages.

How can a lawyer help me prove negligence in a truck accident case?

 A lawyer can help prove negligence by gathering and analyzing evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, police reports, witness statements, black box data, and expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how the truck driver or other liable parties acted carelessly and caused the crash.