As one of the country’s main shipping hubs, Houston sees heavy commercial truck traffic every single day.From massive 18-wheelers hauling freight along I-10 to local delivery vans navigating suburban neighborhoods, commercial vehicles are a constant presence.
However, when a passenger car collides with a 10,000 to 80,000-pound commercial rig, the results are almost always devastating for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Unlike standard car accidents, commercial truck crashes involve complex state and federal trucking regulations—and frequently involve more than one liable party.
Potential Liable Parties in a Texas Truck Accident
Determining fault in an 18-wheeler crash requires investigating multiple layers of corporate structure and operational logistics. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on:
- The Truck Driver: Drivers can be held liable for negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Servicerules regarding fatigue.
- The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are often liable for the actions of their employees. Trucking companies can also be held directly liable for negligent hiring, improper training, or pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
- Cargo Loaders and Freight Companies: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck driver to lose control or rollover.
- Maintenance Contractors and Mechanics: If mechanical failure—such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering assembly issues—contributed to the crash, the third-party entity responsible for fleet maintenance may share fault.
- Equipment Manufacturers: Defects in truck design or manufacturing (e.g., faulty brake systems or defective tires) may give rise to a product liability claim.
Why Commercial Truck Claims Are So Complex
Commercial motor carriers carry high-value insurance policies and employ teams of defense attorneys whose immediate job is to limit corporate liability. Within hours of a serious crash, corporate risk management teams may dispatch investigators to the scene.
To build a strong case, your legal team must secure critical evidence before it disappears or is overwritten, including:
- ECM Data (“Black Box”): Records speed, braking patterns, seatbelt usage, and hours driven prior to impact.
- Driver Qualification Files: Details background checks, driving records, and drug test results.
- Maintenance and Inspection Logs: Proves whether the fleet adhered to safety protocols.
- ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices): Tracks real-time driving logs to check for fatigue violations.
At PM Law Firm, we aggressively investigate commercial truck accidents to hold all responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler or company vehicle in the Houston area, reach out to our team today for a free evaluation.