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Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, especially when they involve large commercial vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a collision with a truck in Austin or anywhere in Texas, you might wonder whether you can take legal action against the trucking company. The short answer is yes, you can sue a trucking company after a collision if their negligence contributed to the accident. However, the process can be complex and involves several legal factors.
Here, our Texas personal injury attorneys explain the circumstances under which you can sue a trucking company and what you need to know to build a strong case.
Understanding Liability in Texas Trucking Accidents
Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers or their business practices. In most cases, liability arises from the company’s failure to follow safety regulations, negligence in hiring or training drivers, or improper vehicle maintenance.
Here’s how liability is often determined in Texas trucking accident cases:
- Negligent Hiring or Training: If the trucking company failed to properly screen, hire, or train its drivers, they could be liable for the accident. For example, a company might be held responsible if they hired a driver with a poor driving record or failed to provide adequate safety training.
- Negligent Maintenance: Trucks are large, complex machines that require regular inspections and maintenance. If a trucking company fails to maintain its vehicles according to federal regulations and an accident occurs due to faulty brakes, tires or another mechanism, the company may be held responsible.
- Violation of Safety Regulations: Federal and state regulations govern how long drivers can operate their trucks before taking breaks, the weight limits on trucks, and other safety measures. If a truck driver violates these regulations and a crash occurs, the company may be held liable.
Trucking companies and their insurance providers will likely have legal teams working to minimize their liability. It’s essential to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in Texas who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Evidence is crucial in these cases, and trucking companies will do everything they can to avoid liability. Contact Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys today to learn more. We stand ready to help you.
How to Sue a Trucking Company: Proving Negligence
To successfully sue a trucking company after an accident in Texas, you must prove that the company was negligent, and that this negligence directly led to the collision.
Four key elements that must be established:
- Duty of Care: The trucking company had a duty to operate its vehicles and business in a way that kept others on the road safe.
- Breach of Duty: The company breached this duty by failing to act responsibly—whether through poor hiring practices, unsafe vehicle conditions, or pushing drivers to break safety regulations.
- Causation: You must show that the company’s negligence directly caused the collision and your or your loved one’s injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual losses—such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering—because of the accident.
Acting quickly is essential to preserving evidence and building a strong truck accident case because crucial evidence, such as accident scene details, witness testimonies, and truck maintenance records, can deteriorate or be lost over time.
Additionally, trucking companies may discard important records like driver logs or vehicle inspection reports after a certain period. Taking swift legal action allows our attorneys to secure and preserve this vital evidence, strengthening your ability to prove liability and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact our Texas truck accident and injury attorneys today to learn more.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Austin, Texas
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, the actions you take immediately after the collision can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation. Here are some steps to protect your legal rights:
- Report the Accident: Call the police and file an official accident report. This document will be important in establishing the facts of the case.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, the truck, any visible injuries, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. Their testimony could be crucial to your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Austin, TX
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and need legal advice, our team of experienced Austin truck accident attorneys can help. Call (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
