Common Truck Accident Questions
After a truck accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and a lot of unknowns. This page answers the most common truck accident questions Texans ask—like who’s at fault, what kind of compensation you might receive, and how a lawyer can help protect your rights.
Key Takeaways:
- Multiple parties may be liable after a Texas truck crash, including the trucking company, truck driver, and even the cargo loader.
- You have two years to file a lawsuit, but important evidence can disappear in days.
- A local truck wreck lawyer can protect your rights, gather records, and fight back against insurance tactics.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The first few hours after a car crash can shape your entire personal injury lawsuit. Even if you feel okay, it’s critical to act fast to protect your health and legal options.
Start by calling 911. Make sure a police report is filed and request medical attention on scene—even for what feels like minor pain. These early records help connect your injuries to the crash.
Then, gather everything you can:
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Get contact information for witnesses, the truck driver, and their employer.
- Avoid posting on social media or speaking with insurance adjusters without legal advice.
Finally, contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you involve a legal team, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Truck Accident?
In truck accident cases, it’s rarely just one person’s fault. Texas law allows injury victims to pursue compensation from multiple parties, depending on what caused the crash.
The Truck Driver
If the driver was distracted, speeding, under the influence, or driving too many hours in violation of FMCSA rules, they can be held liable.
The Trucking Company
Was the truck driver properly trained? Was the truck regularly maintained? Did the company push unreasonable schedules? If so, they may be responsible under negligent hiring or supervision claims.
Third Parties
Sometimes, the truck isn’t the only problem. Cargo companies, vehicle manufacturers, or even another driver may share blame, especially in complex, multi-vehicle crashes.
Texas uses a modified comparative fault system. That means you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, but your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Texas Truck Accident Claim?
You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Miss that deadline, and your case may be dismissed—even if it’s strong.
But the truth is, most cases don’t hinge on the statute. They hinge on evidence—and key documents like dashcam footage, black box data, and maintenance logs can disappear within weeks.
That’s why acting early matters. If you wait, trucking companies may gain the upper hand.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
If you were injured by a commercial truck in Texas, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Property damage (like vehicle repair or replacement)
Non-Economic Damages
These cover the deeper toll of an accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or support
In some cases involving gross negligence, like driving drunk or ignoring known maintenance issues, punitive damages may also apply.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Trucks in Texas?
Trucking companies must carry higher insurance coverage than regular drivers. That’s because crashes involving big rigs often cause far more damage.
For example:
- Interstate trucks must carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage.
- Trucks hauling hazardous materials may require $5 million or more.
- Texas also imposes specific coverage requirements for intrastate carriers based on vehicle weight and cargo.
These higher policy limits can lead to larger settlements—but also more aggressive resistance from truck company insurers..
How Does Hiring a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Big trucking companies have corporate legal teams ready to protect their bottom line. You deserve someone to protect yours.
An experienced Texas truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate all potential liable parties
- Demand preservation of critical evidence (like black box or logbook data)
- Handle insurance negotiations and communications
- Work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
Most importantly, your lawyer works on contingency—you don’t pay unless they win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Texas
Is Texas a no-fault state?
No, Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the party who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.
Can I still sue if I was partly at fault?
Yes, you can still sue if you were partly at fault. Under Texas’s 51% bar rule, you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
As long as the crash happened in Texas, you can bring a claim in Texas courts—even if the company or driver is based elsewhere.
Will my case go to trial?
Most don’t. The majority of truck accident cases settle out of court—but your attorney should always prepare for trial to maximize your leverage.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Today
After a serious truck crash, the legal process can feel just as overwhelming as the recovery. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve helped thousands of injured Texans fight back after devastating collisions. We handle every step—from insurance negotiations to court filings—so you can focus on healing.
We don’t get paid unless you do.
Get a free case evaluation now. Let us help you take the next step.
