Commercial Truck Regulations & Safety Standards in Texas - San Antonio 18 Wheeler Crashes

Commercial trucks are a lifeline for Texans who depend on commercial transport for personal and business reasons. However, big rigs on public roads present a danger to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers. When San Antonio truck drivers don’t follow Texas regulations and safety standards, innocent people get injured, and those people have the right to hire a lawyer and file a personal injury lawsuit.

If you’re looking for legal advice following a commercial truck accident, the San Antonio lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help. Our Texas law firm offers our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 anytime, 24/7, to schedule a free consultation. We have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff available.

Accidents with commercial trucks are different from those with private passenger vehicles because the parties involved in the lawsuit may include the driver, the commercial insurance company, the company that owns the vehicle, and relevant third parties. Understanding the definition of a commercial truck can help San Antonio accident victims to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit against the correct party.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a commercial vehicle is used in commerce to transport people or goods. Texas has specific TxDMV regulations for certain carriers, including registration requirements for vehicles that reach a certain weight limitation or those transporting hazardous materials.

A commercial truck is often a semi-truck or tractor-trailer that is recognizable by its large cab and elongated trailer. These trucks weigh between 25,000 and 80,000 pounds when fully-loaded, and their size and configuration present an increased hazard on the roadway.

Texas requires motor carriers (commercial trucks) to carry increased insurance limits because of their tendency to inflict increased harm in an accident. In Texas, the insurance requirements for a motor carrier are:

• $300,000 for trucks weighing less than 26,000 lbs. carrying household goods
• $500,000 for trucks weighing more than 26,000 lbs. carrying household goods or other items
• $750,000 for foreign trucks operating on Texas roads
• $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 for trucks carrying hazardous materials

San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorneys may ask for additional compensation in a personal injury lawsuit if the damages exceed the policy limits.

The Texas Department of Public Safety produces additional guidance on safety standards and regulations meant to keep truck drivers and the people around a truck safe. This includes compliance information but also evaluation and inspection information. Truck drivers who understand these issues avoid fines but also increase their safety on the road. Your lawyer must also understand regulations to establish fault in a lawsuit.

Regulations such as weight limits, size limits, and even speed limits increase the safety of truck drivers and other drivers on the road. Trucks on Texas roads have difficulty maneuvering on sharp turns and need more time to come to a complete stop. When truck drivers don’t adhere to safety recommendations and regulations, victims can sue for damages.

In commercial truck accidents in Texas, liability is based on negligence. This means that the at-fault party had a duty to act in a certain way, and injuries occurred because they didn’t perform that duty. Drivers, employers, and third parties may be liable depending on the details of the accident.

A truck accident lawyer in San Antonio TX must prove liability in a civil case based on a preponderance of the evidence. This is a lower standard of proof than in criminal cases. However, collecting evidence is an important component of all personal injury cases.

At Carabin Shaw, our team is ready to help you file a lawsuit against a commercial trucking company after an accident. Read our client reviews to find out more about the compassion and expertise we display in all legal matters.

For more information:

• Texas Department of Public Safety
• stautes Capitol Texas
• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• FMCSA