When you get into a truck accident in Texas, it’s not always just one party that contributed to the accident. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties that you can sue for negligent actions that led to your truck accident. Even though all the negligent parties aren’t present, that doesn’t mean you can’t hold them responsible.
A lawyer can help you hold the right parties accountable to get the compensation you deserve. Our Texas truck accident attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm explain the potential parties you can sue and how they can be negligent in your accident. Learn more about the parties you can file a claim against.
The Multiple Parties You Can Sue in a Texas Truck Accident
Since there are multiple parties that you can sue, it may take longer for your case to reach a settlement or verdict. However, an advantage of having multiple parties involved is that you can obtain compensation from various parties. A truck accident attorney in Texas can help you hold the following parties accountable:
The Truck Driver
The truck driver is often the most common party that victims of truck accidents sue. The truck driver is responsible for controlling the truck and obeying traffic laws. And when they make an error in driving, they risk other drivers’ safety as well as their own.
Some of the most common reasons truck drivers are found negligent are:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Violating the FEderal Hours of Service Regulations
If a truck driver is liable for your injuries in a truck accident, they have to compensate you for your damages. If the truck driver has auto insurance, they can compensate you through their insurance company. If not, they will have to pay out-of-pocket to cover your damages.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company is another common party that can be at fault in a truck accident. Trucking companies are responsible for their drivers’ and their behavior as well as the overall functioning of the business. So if the driver acted negligently and the company could have prevented it, both parties can be held accountable.
Some examples of how trucking companies can be negligent are inadequate maintenance, forcing drivers to drive longer to meet deadlines, and failing to do regular drug and alcohol tests. A truck accident attorney in Texas can help you determine if the negligence that led to your accident was a result of the truck driver or the trucking company.
The Cargo Company
You can also sue the shipping company for negligence in your truck accident. The cargo company has a duty of care to load the truck properly. If a cargo company overloaded the truck and the truck got into a rollover accident, you can sue the shipping company.
You can also hold the cargo company accountable if they loaded the truck with hazardous materials that are illegal in Texas. If you got into an accident with a truck carrying dangerous chemicals, you may have burns or ingested some of them that can put you in critical condition. In addition to the shipping company, the truck driver would also be negligent in transporting the chemicals.
The Truck Mechanic
A truck mechanic is responsible for ensuring that all of the company’s trucks are up to date on maintenance and free of issues. If there’s a mechanical problem that leads to an accident, you can sue the mechanic who worked on the truck.
If a truck accident lawyer’s investigation discovers that a truck mechanic knew about the truck’s mechanical issue but failed to fix it, they would also be negligent. Some examples of mechanical problems that can occur include:
- Worn brake pads
- Ineffective anti-lock brakes
- Missing headlights and other safety features
- Engine malfunctions
The Truck Manufacturer
The last party that can be held accountable for their negligent actions that lead to a truck accident is the truck manufacturer. If there is a faulty part, the truck manufacturer should issue a recall so that trucking companies and drivers are aware of it. But this doesn’t always happen.
If a truck gets into an accident and an investigation finds that a defective part is to blame, you can sue the truck manufacturer. You can also sue the manufacturer for brake line failures, blown-out tires, and defective steering systems.
How Long Do I Have to Sue the Negligent Parties?
When you get into a truck accident in Texas, you have two years to file a claim against the negligent party or parties. It’s best to file soon after you get into the accident, so your lawyer has the time to gather evidence and build a strong case for you.
However, every truck accident case is different. Because of this, you may have more or less time than the statute of limitations allows. This is why it’s essential to meet with a truck accident attorney in Texas that can tell you when the best time is to file.
What Injuries Occur in a Truck Accident?
Trucks’ heavy weight and large size are known for causing severe and even fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries that can occur in a truck accident are:
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Wrongful Death
If you don’t see your injury listed above, there’s no need to worry. The majority of injuries victims sustain in a truck crash are eligible. But if you’d like to be sure that your case qualifies, a Texas truck accident lawyer can review your case.
What Damages Can I Win in a Texas Truck Accident?
The aftermath of a truck accident is expensive. Medical bills and other essential costs that you have to pay can leave you stressed out. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Loss of income
- Current and future medical expenses
- Prescriptions
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Vehicle repairs or replacements
An experienced truck accident attorney can help identify all the damages your case qualifies for. Having a dedicated lawyer for your truck accident case can help uncover some of the less common damages that negligent parties try to hide.
Hold Negligent Parties Accountable with the Help of an Attorney from The Buzbee Law Firm
The stress and financial burden of a truck accident case don’t have to be something you go through alone. Our Texas truck accident attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm can help you build a strong case and fight for your compensation.
If you’re ready to hold the right parties accountable for your injuries in a truck accident, we’re prepared to help. Give us a call or fill out our contact form on our website to start your free consultation.
