Who is Responsible for a Truck Accident in Texas?

August 5, 2025 | Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be devastating. Each one is different from the last, and can have more than one party responsible for the crash. If you are injured in a collision, be sure to speak with an experienced Austin truck accident lawyer about your case as soon as possible. They will be able to determine who can be held responsible for a truck accident in Texas, including the truck driver, the company employing the truck driver, the cargo loader, the company responsible for maintaining the truck, and others.

Parties Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Texas Truck Accident

Multiple parties can be responsible for a Texas truck accident. Since every accident is different, your case will not be identical to the one your friend encountered, or the most recent one your truck accident attorney in Austin handled for someone else. Responsible truck accident parties can include the following:

• Truck driver: As with any type of accident, you should always look at the driver of the truck involved first. Was the driver operating the car recklessly, impaired, or drowsy? Did they run a red light, stop sign, or fail to yield the right of way?
• Trucking companies: The truck company that hired the truck driver might be responsible for the crash if they failed to check driving records, whether or not the driver had a valid CDL, or for failing to follow the regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Truck maintenance company: If the company responsible for maintaining the truck failed to perform its job, it can be held liable in a Texas truck accident. Examples include failing to change worn tires, replace old brakes, fix broken steering columns, and more.
• Company that loaded the truck: The method by which the cargo is loaded onto a truck can also lead to a crash if the cargo spills or shifts while the truck is in motion. The cargo company can be held responsible for its actions if the way in which the cargo is loaded leads to an accident.
• Truck manufacturer: The truck manufacturer may be held liable for the crash if there is a design or construction flaw or a defective part in the truck.
• City where the crash occurred: If roads are not maintained, lighting is not adequate, or signs are missing, you could hold the city responsible for the truck accident.

Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s clear that many entities can be held responsible for a Texas truck accident. This is why you should speak with a truck accident lawyer in Austin about your case.

Texas Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for truck accidents in Texas is two years from the date of the crash. If the claim is being filed against a government entity, such as the city of Austin, you have only 90 days to file a claim. If you suffered the loss of a loved one in the crash, the two-year statute of limitations does not begin until their date of death.

Call an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Did you or a loved one suffer an injury in a Texas truck accident? If so, it is time to contact an experienced Austin truck accident attorney from Bonilla Law Firm at (512) 441-1111. Consultations are free, and you do not incur any fees unless your case is successful.