If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Texas, understanding the rules and regulations that govern commercial trucks can be essential. With this understanding, you can build a strong case and recover the compensation you deserve.
At Anderson Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling commercial truck accident cases throughout Texas. With over $100,000,000 recovered for injured victims across the state, our Fort Worth commercial truck accident lawyers are committed to ensuring you get the justice and compensation you need.
We have in-depth knowledge of the rules that govern commercial trucks in Texas. We know how these rules can impact your case and how to help you navigate the legal complexities of a truck accident case. Contact our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys today at (817) 294-1900 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help After a Commercial Truck Accident in Texas?
Handling a commercial truck accident claim can be complex due to the various regulations and parties involved. You need a strong, experienced legal team like Anderson Injury Lawyers on your side.
Here’s why our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers are the right choice for your case:
- The right experience. With years of experience in commercial truck accident cases, our attorneys know how to investigate the facts and build a strong case.
- $100 million recovered. We have a proven track record of recovering over $100 million for clients injured in truck accidents across Texas.
- Client-centered approach. We prioritize your needs and will work with you every step of the way to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Aggressive representation. We don’t settle for less. We fight hard to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
Our firm has extensive experience in truck accident cases. We have recovered substantial settlements for our deserving clients and are ready to help you. Our client-focused approach ensures we develop a tailored strategy for your needs. Call our Fort Worth commercial truck accident attorneys for a free consultation today.
What Are the Key Commercial Truck Rules in Texas?
In Texas, commercial trucks are governed by a blend of federal regulations (set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA) and state-specific laws. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of truck drivers, other road users, and the general public.
Here are some key rules that impact commercial trucks in Texas:
Hours of Service Regulations
The FMCSA limits truck drivers’ driving hours without breaks. These limits are designed to prevent fatigue, a leading cause of accidents. In Texas, commercial drivers can drive no more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers can also only drive within a 14-hour window after coming on duty, and they must take a break after driving for 8 hours.
Weight Limits
Texas has strict weight limits for commercial trucks to prevent excessive strain on roadways and reduce the risk of accidents caused by overloaded trucks. The maximum weight for a tractor-trailer is generally 80,000 pounds. Specialized permits may be required for trucks exceeding weight limits.
Vehicle Maintenance
Commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections to ensure they are safe to operate. Under both federal and state laws, truck owners and operators are responsible for performing routine inspections on brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems and keeping maintenance records that can be reviewed in the event of an accident.
Cargo Securement
The FMCSA and Texas law require that cargo be properly secured to prevent shifting or spilling. Commercial vehicles must adhere to specific cargo securement rules based on the type of cargo being transported.
When truck drivers, maintenance workers, or truck companies fail to follow these rules and cause accidents, they can and should be held accountable for the resulting injuries.
How Does Commercial Truck Liability Work in Texas?
Determining liability can be more complicated in a commercial truck accident than in other motor vehicle accidents. Various parties may be held responsible in truck accidents, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Commonly liable parties include:
- Truck drivers. If the truck driver was negligent, such as driving while fatigued, speeding, or violating traffic laws, they can be held liable for the accident.
- Trucking companies. Companies that own or operate commercial trucks can also be liable if their negligence caused the accident. For example, a trucking company could be liable for improper maintenance of the truck, negligent hiring practices, or failing to ensure that the driver followed safety regulations.
- Truck manufacturers. If a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing led to the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Cargo loaders. The company or individuals responsible for loading the truck may be liable if improper loading or securing of cargo caused the accident.
Liability in commercial truck accidents can fall on multiple parties. With the help of experienced truck accident lawyers, you can pursue compensation from all responsible parties to ensure you can move on with your life.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Worth?
At Anderson Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you can pursue your economic damages and non-economic damages without worrying about paying any upfront fees. In fact, you won’t have to pay anything unless we win your case.
Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
Contact a Fort Worth Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident in Texas, don’t wait to seek the legal help you need. Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our experienced Fort Worth commercial truck accident lawyers will review the facts of your case, explain your options, and help you secure the compensation you need.