Texas-Specific Laws Regarding Commercial Truck Accidents & Your San Antonio Claim

The transportation industry in San Antonio, Texas, generates nearly 62,000 jobs, which also fills the roads with a high volume of commercial vehicles. What’s good for the economy also poses a hazard to motorists who must navigate congested streets with large trucks. Sadly, big rig crashes are common in San Antonio’s Bexar County, which saw over 2,600 commercial vehicle accidents in 2024.

The size and weight of semi-trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and property damage, even at slow speeds, when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles. Victims of these accidents often face long recovery periods and extensive time off work. Our San Antonio TX attorneys at Carabin Shaw utilize Texas laws to hold responsible parties liable for damages, pursuing the compensation our clients need to pay their bills while they recover from their injuries. If you are involved in a commercial vehicle crash, our team is available 24/7. Call us toll-free to schedule a free consultation in English or Spanish at 800-862-126.

The trucking industry is strictly regulated by state and federal laws that govern everything from driving hours to load weight. Some Texas laws differ from regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; therefore, drivers in Texas must follow state regulations in such situations. Speak with a local lawyer to learn more about how such regulations may impact your claim.

Texas is an at-fault state, which means that the party responsible for causing a crash is held liable for the resulting damages. If a driver or trucking company violates regulations and that contributes to your accident, the driver or company may be liable for your injuries. Experienced Texas commercial vehicle accident attorneys will investigate potential violations to determine who is at fault in the accident.

Truck drivers in Texas are required to know and follow all state regulations governing commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, tight schedules and long hours can lead to violations, which may prove disastrous for other drivers on the road. Some of the most common violations our attorneys see include:

HOS rules address the maximum amount of time drivers are allowed to be on duty. Those hours, which include driving and rest time, aim to minimize the risk of drowsy driving and accidents. Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to both federal and state Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.

Texas follows the 70/7 rule, which allows drivers to work 70 hours in 7 days, followed by 34 consecutive hours off the road. The law also limits drivers to 15 hours of working time, with 12 of those hours driving, followed by 8 hours off duty. San Antonio personal injury lawyers will review the driver's logs to determine whether they violated any regulations. If so, you can hold the driver or company liable for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.

Texas also imposes size and weight limits on commercial vehicles. Vehicles without a permit on Texas roads must not be higher than 14 feet and wider than 8.5 feet. The length varies, depending on the vehicle type, ranging from 45 to 65 feet.

Vehicle weight is based on the number of axles the truck has:

• Single axle: 20,000 pounds
• Tandem axle group: 34,000 pounds
• Triple axle group: 42,000
• Quad axle group: 50,000 pounds

Vehicles exceeding the legal size or weight must obtain a permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Commercial vehicles in Texas are subject to the same speed limits as other vehicles. When large rigs speed up, their stopping ability is significantly reduced, increasing the risk of a devastating crash.

Texas law also outlines specific regulations regarding lane use, passing, and turning. Police may register traffic violations in their accident report, which can build your case. Your San Antonio lawyer may also use a truck’s black box or eyewitness statements to hold the driver liable.

If you need San Antonio legal help for a commercial truck accident, call Carabin Shaw. Our law firm offers our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no money upfront for our expertise; you owe us nothing unless your case is won. Our attorneys’ client reviews attest to our ability to maximize payments for accident victims like you. Contact us now at 800-862-126 to book your free case review.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Trucking Office
• TX DMV
• Texas Statutes 545
• FMCSA