What Compensation Are Truck Accident Victims Entitled to in TX?

Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and even death. These collisions are often far more severe than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Understanding the types of compensation that truck accident victims may be entitled to is crucial for everyone who has been involved in this type of harrowing experience. Continue reading and contact a knowledgeable San Angelo, Texas truck accident lawyer today.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Severe Than Passenger Car Collisions?

Accidents involving semi-trucks are often more severe than those involving only passenger cars, mainly due to the massive size and weight of these commercial vehicles. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, resulting in significantly more force upon impact, which can overwhelm the safety features of a smaller vehicle.

Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances to avoid collisions, and their high center of gravity makes them more susceptible to rollover accidents. Blind spots also limit a truck driver’s visibility. On highways, where speeds are higher, the outcome of a collision can be catastrophic, leading to life-altering injuries and extensive property damage.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability after a truck accident is often more complex than a standard collision with only passenger vehicles, as multiple parties frequently share responsibility for the resulting damages. Identifying every liable party is crucial for victims to ensure they can secure the full compensation necessary to cover their damages.

The truck driver is often held responsible for the accident. Negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws, can make them responsible for the crash. However, the trucking company often faces responsibility through vicarious liability for their employees’ actions, or their own negligence. This can include failing to maintain vehicles, negligent hiring of unqualified drivers, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.

Liability can also extend to various third parties, including:

Manufacturers, if a defective part caused the collision
Cargo loaders or shippers, if improperly secured or unbalanced cargo contributed to a loss of control
Maintenance providers, if negligent repair or inspection work led to a mechanical failure

Because determining liability can be complex, it’s important to work with a skilled attorney to investigate the situation and identify all possible defendants.