Truck accidents in Texas aren’t ordinary crashes—they’re complex, high-stakes cases governed by strict state and federal laws. Unlike car accidents, truck accident claims involve multiple liable parties, higher insurance limits, and larger settlements. Understanding these key differences can help victims protect their rights and secure fair compensation after a Texas truck crash.
What Vehicles Are Considered Trucks?
Under Texas law, the term “truck” includes various vehicles used for commercial activities. Typically, trucks are divided into several categories:
- Light Trucks: These include pickup trucks and vans, mainly used for personal or light commercial purposes. They usually have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 10,000 pounds.
- Medium Trucks: This category covers vehicles with a GVWR ranging from 10,001 to 26,000 pounds. Examples include box trucks and delivery vehicles.
- Heavy Trucks: These commercial vehicles have a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds. Trucks in this category include tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large freight carriers.
- Specialised trucks: These vehicles are designed for specific functions, including tow trucks, dump trucks, and cement mixers. They often have distinct regulations and safety standards.
Commercial vehicles are regulated differently from personal vehicles. They require specific permits, insurance, and compliance with strict federal and state regulations.
Differences Between Truck and Car Accident Lawsuits
The legal definition of a car accident is generally straightforward; however, truck accidents are subject to additional federal and state regulations governing commercial vehicles.
While both truck and car accidents may cause serious injuries and property damage, the process of pursuing truck accident claims in Texas is far more complex. State and federal regulations oversee commercial trucking, and multiple parties may share liability for accidents that occur. The potential damages are often significantly higher, which naturally corresponds to equally higher compensation and settlements.
Below is a breakdown of the common differences between a truck and a car accident lawsuit
1. Truck Accidents Involve More Severe Damages
A truck accident often results in ruinous injuries or fatalities due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. Victims typically face higher medical costs, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation. As a result, truck accident compensation tends to be greater than that in standard car accident cases. However, insurance companies aggressively fight to minimise payouts, which is why having the best Texas truck accident lawyer on your side is crucial.
2. Multiple Parties Can Be Liable
In a car crash, fault usually lies with one driver. But in a truck crash, several parties may share responsibility—including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even the vehicle manufacturer. Establishing who is liable in a truck accident needs a detailed investigation into driver logs, maintenance records, and corporate policies. A skilled Texas trucking accident attorney can identify every at-fault party and pursue full compensation from all available sources.
3. Federal and State Regulations Apply
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident cases are regulated by federal agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover driver qualifications, rest periods, and vehicle maintenance. What Evidence Helps Win a Texas Truck Accident Case?. A seasoned truck accident attorney understands these regulations and how to use them to strengthen your claim.
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4. Evidence Is More Complex
Truck accident investigations involve extensive documentation. Black box data, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and shipping manifests can reveal whether the driver was speeding or violating hours-of-service limits. This level of evidence is rarely present in standard car accident claims. A truck injury lawyer will often work with accident reconstruction experts to break down this data and build a compelling case.
5. Truck Accident Settlements Are Typically Higher
Due to the extensive damage, 18-wheeler accident settlements tend to be significantly larger than car accident payouts. Factors such as the seriousness of the injury, medical costs, and loss of earning capacity all impact the final value. While it’s impossible to generalise, the average settlement for a truck accident (in Texas) is often significantly higher than the typical car crash settlement.
6. Legal Timelines and Claims Process Differ
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and truck accident claims is generally two years from the date of the crash. However, dealing with commercial insurers and corporate defendants can prolong the process. The question “How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?” depends on factors such as liability disputes and the severity of injuries, and can range from several months to multiple years.
7. Comparative Negligence Affects Compensation
Texas follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. This makes it vital to have a knowledgeable truck accident legal expert who can protect your rights and counter insurance tactics aimed at shifting blame.
Why These Differences Matter
Truck accident cases are not just “bigger car accidents.” They involve different laws, higher risks, and more powerful opponents. Trucking companies usually have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters ready to defend them immediately after a crash. Without experienced legal help, victims can find themselves at a serious disadvantage.
Why You Need Specialized Legal Help
Given these complexities, securing representation from an 18-wheeler accident lawyer is not just a recommendation; it is often necessary. These attorneys understand the intricacies of 18-wheeler accident settlements and have the resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. They typically work on a contingency fee basis, which addresses the question of “how much do injury lawyers get paid“—they receive a percentage of the recovered settlement, so there are no upfront costs for the victim.
Conclusion
While car accident claims may seem straightforward, Texas truck accident cases are complex, evidence-heavy, and often battled by powerful trucking companies and insurers. From identifying multiple liable parties to manoeuvring federal regulations and negotiating large truck accident lawsuit settlements, the process demands experience and exactness. Partnering with a trusted truck accident lawyer in Texas ensures your rights are protected and gives you the best chance at a fair truck accident settlement.
FAQs for How Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accidents in Texas
What makes a Texas truck accident claim different from a car accident claim?
Truck accident cases involve federal and state regulations, multiple liable parties, and higher compensation limits compared to standard car accidents.
Who can be held liable in a Texas truck accident case?
Liability can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and even vehicle manufacturers.
Do truck drivers follow special federal regulations in Texas?
Yes. Truck drivers and companies must comply with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules, including rest periods and weight limits.
Why are truck accident settlements higher than car accident settlements?
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries and property damage are often more severe, leading to larger settlements and compensation.
What kind of evidence is used in a Texas truck accident lawsuit?
Evidence includes driver logs, black box data, dashcam footage, vehicle maintenance records, and ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas
Under the Texas statute of limitations, victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Can both the truck driver and the trucking company be sued?
Yes. Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable if their employee caused the crash while performing job-related duties.
Does insurance work differently for trucks than for cars in Texas?
Absolutely. Trucking companies are required to carry much higher insurance coverage under both Texas law and FMCSA regulations.
Why is it important to hire a Texas truck accident lawyer?
Truck accident lawyers understand federal trucking laws, know how to gather technical evidence, and can negotiate against powerful insurance companies.
What damages can I recover in a Texas truck accident case?
Victims may recover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages for gross negligence.
What should I do after a truck accident in Texas?
After a truck crash, check for injuries, call 911, gather evidence, exchange information, and contact an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer for guidance.
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