Commercial Truck Rules in Texas

Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries and complicated legal questions. When a crash involves a commercial truck, the rules and regulations that apply are far more complex than in a typical car accident. Understanding Texas commercial truck laws is essential if you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision with a big rig.

At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, we have more than 40 years of combined experience helping injury victims across Texas. With over $500 million recovered for our clients, we know what it takes to win tough cases against trucking companies, insurers, and other powerful defendants.

Contact our Texas commercial truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation at (512) 474-0222. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options.

How McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Texas Truck Accident Case

Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident is never easy. Victims are often left with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and ongoing pain. At the same time, trucking companies and their insurers are already working to limit their liability.

That’s where we come in. 

If you hire McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Texas personal injury lawyers will:

• Investigate the cause of the accident
• Identify all parties who may be responsible
• Collect vital evidence, including logbooks and black box data
• Work with experts in trucking regulations, accident reconstruction, and medicine
• Calculate your damages
• Handle communications with the insurance companies
• Take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered

We’re committed to helping you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Contact our Texas truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

Who Regulates Commercial Trucks in Texas?

Commercial trucks that travel across state lines are subject to federal regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

These rules apply to things like:

• Driver qualifications
• Hours-of-service limits
• Truck maintenance and inspections
• Cargo securement
• Drug and alcohol testing

In addition to federal laws, Texas has its own Department of Public Safety (DPS) rules that apply to trucks operating solely within the state. That means even if a truck is only making local deliveries, it must meet state-specific safety standards.

Both sets of laws are designed to protect drivers and reduce the risk of serious crashes. When companies or drivers ignore these rules, they can be held responsible.

Key Commercial Truck Rules in Texas

Here are some of the most important commercial truck rules that apply in Texas:

• Hours of service: Truck drivers are limited in how many hours they can drive without rest. In most cases, they must take a 10-hour break after 11 hours of driving. These rules are designed to reduce the risk of drowsy driving.
• Driver qualifications: Drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet strict medical fitness standards. A disqualified or improperly trained driver should never be behind the wheel.
• Vehicle maintenance: Commercial vehicles must be inspected regularly and kept in safe working condition. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical failures can quickly lead to deadly accidents.
• Cargo limits and securement: Trucks must be loaded within legal weight limits, and the cargo must be properly secured. Shifting or overloaded cargo can affect handling and lead to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Drug and alcohol testing: All drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol tests. A driver found operating a truck while impaired faces criminal charges and civil liability.
• Insurance requirements: Commercial carriers must carry higher levels of liability insurance than standard passenger vehicles, often up to $750,000 or more, depending on the cargo and distance traveled.

Violations of these rules often play a central role in determining who is at fault after a crash. Our legal team knows how to identify those violations and use them to build a strong case.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Texas Commercial Truck Crash?

In Texas, victims of truck accidents can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages may include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket costs

Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the truck company or driver acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as falsifying logbooks or ignoring safety recalls.

How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to compensation completely.

There are some exceptions to this rule, but they’re limited and depend on the specific facts of your case. That’s why it’s critical to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.

Contact Our Texas Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. With over 40 years of combined experience and more than $500 million recovered, we know how to hold trucking companies accountable.

Don’t let complex rules or powerful insurance companies keep you from getting the justice you deserve. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a Texas commercial truck accident attorney.