Why Trucking Lawsuits Against Major Companies Are More Complex
If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler on I-20 or the LBJ Freeway, you know the aftermath isn’t just about vehicle damage—it’s life-altering.
But when the truck belongs to a major company, the legal fight becomes even more complicated. These trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators who are trained to respond within hours of a crash.
Unlike a typical car accident, trucking lawsuits against major companies involve deeper investigation, multiple parties, and overlapping state and federal laws.
And because these big trucking companies carry large insurance policies, they fight harder to avoid paying out what victims deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Trucking lawsuits against major companies are more complex and legally demanding.
- New laws like House Bill 19 create additional courtroom hurdles for Texas victims.
- Angel Reyes & Associates brings over 30 years of experience helping Texans take on powerful trucking companies.
Understanding Liability in Trucking Lawsuits Against Major Companies
Determining fault in a truck crash isn’t as simple as pointing at the driver. Trucking lawsuits against major companies often involve corporate responsibility, third-party contractors, and even equipment failures.
Who Could Be Liable in Your Trucking Lawsuit?
- Truck Driver – for actions like speeding, texting, or falling asleep at the wheel
- Major Company – for negligence in hiring, training, or enforcing unsafe driving schedules
- Maintenance Providers – for faulty brakes or skipped truck inspections
- Manufacturers – for equipment defects such as failed tires or steering components
Texas Comparative Negligence Rule
Texas law follows a 51% bar rule:
- If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover compensation.
- Shared fault can reduce your final settlement—another reason why strong evidence matters.
Federal and State Laws That Affect Trucking Lawsuits Against Major Companies
Trucking lawsuits against major companies in Texas are governed by a combination of state laws and federal safety regulations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) apply to nearly every commercial company and outline standards for vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and the number of hours a driver can operate before resting.
A violation of these rules—such as a truck driver exceeding their hours-of-service limit or a company failing to maintain its fleet—can establish negligence in court.
But proving these violations takes fast and thorough investigation, including reviewing logbooks, GPS data, inspection records, and more.
How Major Companies Defend Themselves in Trucking Lawsuits
Big trucking companies don’t just wait around for lawsuits—they actively prepare to avoid paying claims.
Major companies’ defense teams may work quickly to shift blame, challenge the credibility of your injuries, or delay the legal process to wear you down.
Some major companies argue that the truck crash was caused by the victim’s own actions—whether it’s distraction, sudden braking, or speeding.
They may also question medical records or claim your injuries existed before the crash. In other cases, they slow the process to pressure financially struggling victims into settling for far less than they deserve.
Steps in Filing Trucking Lawsuits Against Major Companies
Knowing what comes next can ease anxiety. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Consultation and Truck Accident Investigation
Once you reach out, your legal team moves fast:
- Securing black box data before it’s overwritten
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing dashcam, traffic cam, and phone records
- Examining maintenance logs and driver schedules
Filing the Trucking Lawsuit and Pre-Trial Discovery
- Your personal injury lawyer files the formal complaint
- Evidence is exchanged, and depositions are taken
- Expert witnesses—like accident reconstructionists—may get involved
Trial or Settlement Negotiations
Most trucking lawsuits against major companies settle—but when they don’t, trial prep begins:
- Testimony from experts and doctors
- Presentation of visual aids and accident models
- Cross-examination of trucking company witnesses
Why Experience With Major Companies Matters
Not every personal injury lawyer understands what it takes to handle trucking lawsuits against major companies.
These cases involve more than just filing paperwork—it’s about navigating federal safety rules, preserving complex evidence, and handling legal teams trained to deflect liability.
Angel Reyes & Associates has been doing just that for more than 30 years.
We’ve helped countless Texans after life-altering crashes with commercial trucks—and we’ve handled trucking lawsuits against major companies throughout the country.
Our attorneys are well-versed in FMCSR regulations, state-specific rules like HB19, and courtroom strategies that get results.
FAQs About Trucking Lawsuits Against Major Companies in Texas
How do trucking lawsuits against major companies differ from regular truck accidents?
Major companies have sophisticated legal teams and corporate policies that can create additional liability. They also carry larger insurance policies but fight harder to avoid payouts.
What is House Bill 19 and how does it affect trucking lawsuits against major companies?
HB19 requires a two-step trial. First, you must prove the driver was negligent. Only then can you pursue claims against the company—a change that adds complexity but not impossibility.
Who can be held responsible in trucking lawsuits against major companies?
Beyond the driver, you might be able to sue the employer, maintenance providers, or even equipment manufacturers, depending on what caused the crash.
What defenses do major companies use in trucking lawsuits?
They might deny fault, blame the victim, challenge medical reports, or delay the case. A good attorney anticipates and counters these strategies.
How do state and federal laws play into trucking lawsuits against major companies?
FMCSR violations often point to negligence, and Texas’ unique laws—like HB19—shape the courtroom process and timing of your claim.
