Commercial trucks are pretty much everywhere on Texas roads nowadays. They’re essential to the state’s economy, but they can also be extremely dangerous when they aren’t properly maintained. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so the potential for serious injuries is high in the event of a truck accident.
Texas has put detailed inspection requirements in place to help prevent those kinds of failures. Both state and federal rules apply to commercial trucks operating here, and learning about how they work matters if you’ve been injured in a crash with a truck that shouldn’t have been on the road. Here’s what you need to know so that you can protect your legal rights and interests.
How Does the Texas Truck Inspection Program Work?
The Texas Department of Public Safety runs what is called the Commercial Motor Vehicle Compulsory Inspection program. Under this program, commercial trucks that meet the applicable requirements must pass an annual inspection at a certified station.
The inspection isn’t just a surface-level check. It covers all the safety equipment required under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). That means trucks registered in Texas need to meet both state requirements and the federal standards set by the FMCSA. The federal government has recognized the Texas program as meeting its own annual inspection standards under 49 CFR Part 396.
The station issues a vehicle inspection report once a vehicle passes. That report stays valid until the last day of the month and year following the date it was issued. Once it expires, the truck cannot legally operate on Texas roads until it passes a new inspection.
What Is Checked During a Truck Inspection?
These inspections are thorough. The purpose is to catch mechanical problems before they cause a breakdown or a serious accident.
Some of the key areas inspectors evaluate include:
- Braking systems, including air brakes and parking brakes
- Steering and suspension parts
- Tire condition, tread depth, and wheel integrity
- All lighting equipment, from headlights to turn signals
- Coupling devices that connect the trailer to the cab
- The truck’s frame and chassis for cracks or structural wear
- Exhaust systems for leaks
- Windshield clarity and wiper function
If a truck fails any part of the inspection, it has to be repaired before it can go back on the road. Driving with poor truck maintenance puts everyone at risk and opens the door to serious legal consequences for the carrier.
Are Trucks Ever Inspected Outside of the Annual Check?
Yes. On top of the yearly inspection, Texas law enforcement can pull commercial trucks over for roadside inspections at any time. These are conducted through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) and often happen at weigh stations or during traffic stops.
Officers performing a roadside check look at the same systems covered in the annual inspection. If they find serious problems, they can take the truck out of service on the spot. That means the vehicle stays parked until the repairs are made.
These roadside results are reported to the FMCSA. A trucking company that racks up repeated violations can face fines and, in extreme cases, an order to shut down operations entirely.
What Role Do Inspection Records Play in a Truck Accident Claim?
When a truck is involved in a crash, one of the first things investigators look into is whether it was properly maintained. Inspection records and maintenance logs can become key pieces of evidence in a personal injury case.
If the evidence shows that a truck was operating with an expired inspection report or unresolved mechanical problems, for instance, that could help establish negligence. Inspection and maintenance records may also reveal whether the company or driver knew about safety issues and failed to address them.
Note that Texas law allows you to hold the trucking company liable, not just the driver. That could raise the amount of compensation available to you dramatically, as these companies must carry high amounts of insurance coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you evaluate the facts of your case and your best course of action during a free case review.
Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Texas Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases in Texas tend to be more complicated than a typical car crash claim, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fight back and win your case with the right legal help on your side. Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers today at (214) 327-8000 to set up a free consultation with a Texas truck accident lawyer to get started.
You may be able to file a claim against multiple liable parties for both your economic and non-economic damages.