A truck accident is one of the most complicated cases. It is not only because of the personal injuries, but due to many laws and liability stringed with it. When a person meets with a truck accident, he/she has to deal with insurance agents, the opponent’s attorney, and other third parties. Being in such a drastic condition and fighting for justice is not easy. In such a situation, it’s time to consult a professional Houston Dump Truck Accident Attorney. However, you must be aware of the laws and liabilities related to the case. Here is a comprehensive guide for understanding all the laws, regulations, and liabilities of truck accidents in Texas.
Overview of Truck Accident Cases in Texas
Most fatal truck accident cases occur in Texas compared to other states of the USA. In 2021, more than 19,000 commercial motor vehicles crashed in Texas. This further resulted in 3,820 serious injuries and 685 fatalities. This report was given by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Therefore, it is important to understand the truck accident causes and the laws attached to it. Moreover, you must be aware of the liabilities in such cases and what type of laws govern the trucking companies in Texas. Also, you have to know how truck accident cases are different from other vehicle accident cases.
Remember that large dump trucks usually weigh 80,000 pounds. This weight is w 20 times more than the car’s weight. Even at a speed of 10 miles per hour, a collision can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Truck Accidents in Texas: Major Causes
Several factors lead to accidents. Here is the list of major causes of truck accidents in Texas.
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Driving under drugs or alcohol influence
- Lack of training and safety programs for drivers
- Ignoring traffic regulations
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Inadequate inspections
- Improper maintenance
- Poor weather conditions
- Distracted drivers
What are the Laws Governing the Trucking Companies?
The trucking companies and drivers in Texas must meet the laws and standards of state and federal governments. You can get the truck accident federal law in the Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. It is better to take help from the Houston Dump Truck Accident Attorney to understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The law covers the below list of topics.
- Driver qualifications
- Compliance reviews
- Complaint investigations
- Truck operation
- Vehicle repairs and maintenance
- Minimum insurance coverage
- Weigh stations
- Roadside inspections
- Trucking terminal audits
Besides federal laws, trucking companies and commercial drivers must follow state laws. Most of the state laws are addressed in the federal laws. You can find it in Texas Transportation Code’s Title 7. Remember, the Houston Dump Truck Accident Attorney you hire must be aware of these laws.
What are the Liabilities Associated with Truck Accidents?
Someone who is the major victim in truck accident cases must know who is liable for the cause. You must receive compensation for the loss and injuries caused. The trucking company will be liable when the fault is of someone related to their service, for example, the truck driver. There are many third parties involved in the case who are liable.
Here is the list of third parties responsible for truck accidents in most cases:
Truck Driver – The driver will be responsible for the cause of the accident due to their negligence. For example, breaking traffic rules, driving drunk or asleep while riding, and driving distracted.
Trucking Companies – The trucking company will be liable in different ways. Especially when they violate any state or federal law, they will be responsible for the cause. The company must administrate their driver’s driving time. Moreover, making the drivers drive for long hours or due to negligence in hiring unprofessional drivers or drivers involved in past accident cases. These will ultimately make the trucking liable for the accident.
Cargo Companies – Truck accidents are also caused due to overload. Also, improper cargo load leads to thrashing and collision. In these cases, the cargo company will be responsible for the accident.
Truck Manufacturer – At times, the truck manufacturer will be the liable body for the accidents. Faulty and defective vehicles like poorly designed or loosely fitted trailers. The manufacturers will be ultimately responsible for the cause.
There will also be other liable parties in the accident who are directly or indirectly involved. For example, vehicle maintenance companies, shipping companies, contractors, etc. You must consult the Houston Dump Truck Accident Attorney for a detailed investigation and to determine the third parties involved in the case.
Final Thoughts
This was all about the causes, governing bodies, laws, and liabilities involved in the truck accident cases. If you are a resident of Texas, you must be aware of all this information. Moreover, it will be helpful when you hire a Houston Dump Truck Accident Attorney as quickly as possible to handle the case and bring things in your favor.
Conclusion:
Navigating the complex landscape of truck accidents in Texas requires a deep understanding of the laws and liabilities that govern these incidents. This comprehensive guide has shed light on the various facets of truck accidents, from their causes and common contributing factors to the legal framework that holds parties accountable for the damages they cause. The unique interplay between state and federal regulations adds layers of complexity to these cases, necessitating expert legal guidance to ensure justice is served and victims receive rightful compensation.
It is evident that truck accidents have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the victims directly involved but also their families, communities, and the broader transportation industry. As the guide has illustrated, the determination of liability in these accidents can involve multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and maintenance personnel. With the stakes so high, it is crucial for all stakeholders to be well-informed about their rights and responsibilities.
In Texas, the legal landscape surrounding truck accidents continues to evolve, with lawmakers and regulatory bodies striving to enhance safety measures and mitigate risks on the roads. Staying up-to-date with these changes is imperative for both legal professionals and individuals seeking recourse after a truck accident. By understanding the intricate web of laws and regulations, we can collectively work towards preventing accidents, minimizing their impact, and ensuring that justice prevails for those affected.
