Who Is Liable in a Texas Truck Accident? Responsibility Beyond the Driver

Texas has some of the country's largest shipping routes, with commercial vehicles traveling along corridors like I-35 and I-10 daily. The state also leads the country in truck crashes, with nearly 40,000 in 2024 alone. Whether you are navigating busy metropolises like Houston or Dallas, or traversing the open highway, you are at risk for an incident with one of these big rigs.

The size and weight of semis create a dangerous situation when they collide with smaller vehicles. The Texas truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw have seen the devastating consequences of truck accidents and have helped victims pursue the compensation they need to restore their lives. We begin by identifying the parties responsible for the crash, which may include more than just the driver.

Truck accidents are complex, and victims need an experienced attorney to protect their rights and maximize damages. Carabin Shaw offers free case reviews in English or Spanish, and we are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options. Call us toll-free today at 1-800-862-1260 or contact us online.

The answer to this question can be complicated. Multiple parties may share liability depending on the specifics of your accident. Those parties might include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Cargo loaders
• Truck maintenance providers
• Truck manufacturers

A third party, such as another motorist or road construction workers, may also contribute to your accident. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all the parties responsible for your crash so you can hold each one liable for your injuries.

Knowing a party was responsible for your accident and proving liability are very different processes. Proof requires strong evidence that establishes fault and demonstrates that the party’s negligence led directly to your injuries. Necessary evidence might include:

• Police accident reports
• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Eyewitness statements
• Cellular phone data
• Truck driver’s background information
• Driving logs to show hours on the road
• Truck maintenance records
• Cargo loading documentation
• Truck black box data

Evidence can have a shelf life, particularly if a trucking company knows it might be liable for extensive damages due to its role in your crash. Documentation, such as maintenance records and drivers’ records, could be altered or lost in some situations. The sooner you contact a San Antonio truck accident lawyer, the easier it will be for them to gather all the evidence needed to build a strong case.

If multiple parties are involved in a crash, they may be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule, at-fault parties are liable for a portion of your damages based on their percentage of fault for the crash. Your attorney will identify all the parties, and a judge or jury will determine their proportionate responsibility in your case.

Vicarious liability may also be a consideration in your truck accident. This legal principle holds a party liable for the conduct of their agent or employee. It is a form of strict liability that holds a trucking company responsible for a crash caused by one of its employees. To prove vicarious liability, your lawyer must show:

• The driver was employed by the trucking company
• The accident occurred while the driver was doing work for the company
• The driver’s negligence or wrongful actions caused the accident

Vicarious liability allows an accident victim to seek damages from the trucking company, which likely has much higher insurance coverage to reimburse the victim for costly medical bills and time off work.

A crash with a big rig can cause severe injuries requiring medical treatment, rehabilitation, and extended time off from your job. Carabin Shaw will ensure you receive all the damages you are entitled to under the law, as our law firm’s client reviews attest. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no money until we win your case. Call us now at 1-800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Texas Department of Transportation
• Cornell Law School
• Texas Statutes 33