If you suffered injuries in a truck crash, you want to try to hold the trucking company as well as the negligent trucker responsible for compensating you if at all possible. When you have more liable parties in this type of case, you increase the likelihood that your settlement will be for the full value of your claim. In addition, the trucking company has more liability insurance coverage to pay you. In some cases,Truck Accident the trucking company’s negligent actions may have contributed to the cause your crash, giving you a separate legal claim against the company and strengthening your claim.

Common Ways That Trucking Company Negligence Causes Accidents

In Texas, the trucking company is vicariously liable for the negligent actions of its trucker, so this is often one way to hold the trucking company responsible for compensating you. If you also have a separate claim against the trucking company, this can make your case stronger. Even if they dispute some aspect of your claim against the truck driver, it does not matter as much. Their own negligence makes them responsible for compensating you. Here are some common violations that may make the trucking company liable:

Negligent hiring.

If a trucking company knew or should have known that the trucker was not competent to drive a truck or did not meet basic requirements, you may have a negligent hiring claim. Trucking companies are required under federal regulations to verify the trucker’s commercial license, conduct a background check that includes contacting employers for the last three years, and obtain medical certification that the trucker is fit to drive a truck.

Negligent maintenance.

Under federal regulations, trucking companies are not allowed to permit trucks on the road that could break down or cause a wreck. When trucking companies do the opposite and fail to maintain vital parts, such as the steering, brakes, and tires, a deadly truck wreck could cause you and your family to suffer devastating injuries.

Negligent inspections. 

Trucking companies are also required to regularly inspect their commercial trucks to spot potential maintenance issues and to ensure that truckers conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections for this purpose. Often these duties are breached in an effort to get the truck on the road.

Hours of service violations.

To avoid crashes caused by trucker fatigue, truckers are only permitted to drive a certain number of hours without taking a break during the workday and a certain number of total hours during the work week. When trucking companies encourage truckers to violate these rules or do not insist that trucker logs regarding hours worked are completed, they could be liable if this results in the trucker causing a crash due to drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel.

Improper loading.

Some truck wrecks are caused by improper loading of the goods being transported. If this caused your collision, you may have an additional claim against the trucking company.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?

If you've been injured in a truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.

We help injured victims throughout Texas including Arlington, North Richland, Grapevine, Bedford, Hurst, Euless, Irving and all points in between.

David Hart
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Helping victims throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, North Richland, Grapevine, Bedford, Hurst and points between