In your truck accident case, the laws that apply to the 18-wheeler that hit you can differ greatly, especially depending upon whether interstate or intrastate trucking laws apply. What’s the difference between interstate and intrastate trucking?

  • “Interstate” means traveling between at least two different states
  •  “Intrastate” means traveling within one state

So, was the truck in your wreck traveling interstate or intrastate? The answer isn’t always straightforward.

The movement of foods and the intent of the shipper will determine whether the merchandise is shipped in interstate commerce. What does this mean? It means that even if the commercial vehicle is operated solely in Texas, that truck could still be considered an “interstate” traveler.

The US Supreme Court says that if the “persons or goods move from a point of origin in one state to a point of destination in another, the fact that part of the journey consists of transportation by an independent agency solely within the boundaries of one state does not make that portion of the trip any less interstate in character.

That portion must be viewed in relation to the entire journey rather than in isolation. So viewed, it is an integral step in the interstate movement.”

In other words, commercial trucks don’t need to actually travel interstate to be considered an interstate traveler. The who definition is very fact-specific.

If you’re wondering which laws, interstate or intrastate, apply in your Texas truck accident case, you should contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney. Trucking laws are complicated and it is always best to at least schedule a free consultation with a commercial trucking law expert to get the facts.

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Texas

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our truck accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711