Texas has one of the highest numbers of truck accidents in the U.S. These accidents result in serious injury and fatalities every year. There were 38,621 truck crashes in Texas in 2022 alone. This and rising stats in 2024 highlight the risks that large commercial vehicles pose on the roads.
Unfortunately, many truck accidents can be linked to trucking companies and employer negligence. Some companies do not comply with safety practices or maintenance requirements. This often contributes to severe accidents.
Examples of Trucking Company Negligence
An employer in the trucking industry has a lot of responsibilities. They must ensure the safety of their drivers. They must have their vehicles maintained so they are roadworthy. They also have to implement measures to protect the public.
If an employer fails in these areas, it can lead to devastating truck accidents. The most common ways that this type of negligence results in crashes include:
Hiring Unqualified Drivers
Too many trucking companies hire drivers without verifying their experience and qualifications. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations state that all commercial drivers must have a valid license (CDL). They must also pass specific medical and drug tests.
Despite these regulations, some employers cut corners by hiring drivers with poor safety records. Some even hire drivers who have no commercial driving license. In many instances, this causes preventable accidents.
Forcing Drivers to Work Too Many Hours
Federal law in the U.S. limits a truck driver’s operating hours. According to these laws, a truck driver must not exceed 11 hours per day or 70 hours per 8 days. These limits fall under Hours of Service regulations.
Regardless of these limits, some employers pressure drivers to drive more hours than lawfully allowed. This leads to driver fatigue, a major cause of truck accidents.
Poor or No Vehicle Maintenance
In addition to driver pressure and unqualified drivers, there is another reason for truck accidents. Poor vehicle maintenance can cause both internal and external components to fail.
The brakes, tires, and steering system can fail when a truck is not inspected and maintained. Many trucking companies ignore federal maintenance laws to save money, which can result in a massive accident.
Overloading or Improperly Loaded Cargo
When a commercial truck is overloaded, the driver will find it harder to control. This is especially true when driving in strong winds or up steep inclines.
If the cargo on the truck is not properly secured, it can also shift during these conditions. If the items shift sharply or suddenly, the truck can be thrown off-balance. Sometimes, this only causes a lost load, but it can also result in a rollover. Both scenarios are incredibly dangerous for truck drivers and other road users.
Texas law enforces weight limits on commercial vehicles. However, as with other laws, some trucking company employers ignore these limits.
Neglecting Drug and Alcohol Testing
According to the FMCSA, trucking company employers must test drivers for drug and alcohol use before they are employed. Companies must also implement random testing and test drivers after an accident.
Because some companies do not enforce these tests, it inadvertently allows drivers under the influence to operate large trucks.
A huge truck on the road is already a hazard, even if the driver is sober. A driver under the influence weaving across the road increases the risk of an accident at least tenfold.
Trucking Company Negligence Impacts Texas Road Safety
Interstates 10, 35, and 45 are just three major highways running through Texas. These highways see heavy commercial traffic daily. When trucking companies and drivers neglect safety measures, everyone using these roads is at risk of bearing the consequences.
The direct impacts of accidents caused by negligence include the following:
- More severe injuries and deaths. Commercial trucks are big and very heavy. When they cause an accident, their size and weight can cause catastrophic injury and death.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) confirmed that over 800 road deaths were linked to truck accidents in 2022.
If trucking company employers do not improve safety measures and stick to regulations, this death rate will continue to increase.
- Higher accident rates. Large cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio generally experience more truck accidents. This is mainly due to dense traffic on very busy highways. Employer negligence makes this situation even worse.
- Increased economic costs. Truck accidents cost millions of dollars. This is because victims suffer injuries for which they need medical treatment. They cannot work because of their injuries, and their cars have been damaged or totaled.
Truck accidents also take a toll on trucking employers. They have to pay settlements and get the truck repaired or replaced.
Moreover, infrastructure repairs and emergency services are also part of these accidents. These are taxpayer-funded, which also impacts the economy.
Holding a Trucking Company Accountable
You can seek compensation if you are involved in a truck accident because of an employer’s negligence. If you want to hold the employer accountable, hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best way.
Your lawyer will investigate the accident so they can determine liability. This investigation may include the accident report, black box data, and driver logs indicating that the trucking employer failed to maintain the truck or that the driver is unqualified to operate the truck, they can be held liable.
Your lawyer will help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the company. You are allowed to seek compensation for various losses and damages. These include medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and lost income.
Even if you were partly to blame for the accident, Texas’s modified comparative fault rules mean you can still recover compensation.
Employer Negligence Remains a Big Problem in Texas
Even if stricter enforcement of FMCSA regulations becomes a reality in the future, some employers will remain negligent. This puts lives at risk in Texas every single day.
You should strongly consider legal action if you become involved in a truck accident. The more companies are held accountable, the greater the possibility of fewer accidents and fatalities.
