Truck accidents can be some of the most devastating crashes on Austin’s roads. Between I-35 traffic jams, busy local delivery routes, and heavy commercial transport through Central Texas, collisions involving big rigs, box trucks, and 18-wheelers are unfortunately all too common. According to NHTSA’s large truck crash statistics, accidents involving large trucks account for a significant percentage of roadway fatalities nationwide.
One of the most important questions after a truck accident is: Who is legally responsible? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties may share liability, and determining fault often requires a detailed investigation.
Why Liability Matters in a Truck Accident
In Texas, the party (or parties) found liable for a truck accident may be responsible for paying damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Since trucking accidents often cause severe injuries, the stakes are high — and the insurance companies involved will fight hard to limit what they pay.
Understanding liability helps ensure that the correct parties are held accountable and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Potentially Liable Parties in an Austin Truck Accident
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are often the first focus in any accident investigation. They can be held liable if their actions directly caused the crash, such as:
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, GPS use)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Violating hours-of-service rules and driving while fatigued
Even experienced drivers can make errors under pressure. If a driver’s negligence or recklessness played a role, they may share or bear full liability.
The Trucking Company
Under the legal principle of respondeat superior, employers can be responsible for their employees’ actions while on the job. Trucking companies may also be directly liable if they:
- Failed to properly train or supervise drivers
- Ignored or violated federal safety regulations
- Pressured drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
- Neglected regular vehicle inspections and maintenance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial carriers, and violations of these rules can be strong evidence of negligence.
The Cargo Loading Company
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transport, making a truck unstable or causing items to spill onto the roadway. If a separate third-party company was responsible for loading the truck, they could be held liable for accidents resulting from cargo issues.
Truck or Parts Manufacturers
Sometimes, accidents happen because of a defect in the truck or one of its components — such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering failures. In these cases, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part may be held accountable under product liability laws.
Maintenance Providers
If a truck’s maintenance was outsourced to another company and the work was done improperly (or not at all), that maintenance provider might share liability.
How Liability Is Determined in Texas
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This means you can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault — but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Determining liability in a truck accident often requires:
- Reviewing police reports
- Examining driver logs and electronic control module (“black box”) data
- Inspecting the truck and cargo
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
Why Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex
Truck accident cases are rarely as simple as “one driver hit another.” You may be dealing with multiple defendants, each with their own insurance companies and legal teams. These companies often have rapid-response teams whose job is to minimize their client’s exposure — sometimes even arriving at the scene within hours. Studies from the research on large truck safety by the IIHS show that collisions with commercial trucks are far more likely to result in severe injuries than those involving passenger vehicles.
That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced Austin truck accident lawyer on your side as early as possible. A lawyer can quickly preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and ensure your claim is positioned for the best possible outcome.
Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine
- Call law enforcement so an official report is created
- Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney
- Contact a truck accident lawyer to discuss your case
Talk to an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Determining who is liable for a truck accident in Austin can be complicated — but it’s essential to getting the justice and compensation you deserve. At Joe Lopez Law, we understand how to investigate these cases, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for maximum recovery.
Whether your accident involved a local delivery truck or a commercial 18-wheeler, we’re ready to help you navigate the legal process with skill, compassion, and determination.
Call (512) 580-9962 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and take the pressure off so you can focus on healing.
