A truck accident is one of the most frightening things you can experience. When the dust settles, the pain begins, and the questions come flooding in. You might be left with serious injuries and a mountain of medical bills, wondering how this could have happened—and who is responsible.
If a truck accident was caused by a drowsy driver, you are not alone in your struggle. In Texas, drowsy driving is a serious form of negligence, and the law provides ways for you to hold the at-fault parties accountable. The truth is, it’s not just the driver who might be at fault. The legal path to compensation can involve multiple entities, and understanding who they are is the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.
1. The Drowsy Truck Driver
Your first and most obvious legal claim is against the truck driver themselves. In Texas, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicle safely. Driving while fatigued to the point of impairment is a direct violation of that duty. A tired driver who falls asleep at the wheel, drifts out of their lane, or fails to react to traffic is negligent. You can sue the driver to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, the driver’s personal insurance policy is often not enough to cover the full extent of the catastrophic injuries that a truck accident can cause. This is where other parties come into play.
2. The Trucking Company
This is often the most important defendant in a drowsy driving case. Under a legal principle called “vicarious liability,” a trucking company can be held responsible for the negligent actions of its employee—the driver—if the driver was on duty at the time of the crash.
But a trucking company may be directly negligent as well. This can happen if they:
Violated Hours-of-Service Regulations: Federal and state laws (specifically those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA) limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road. If the company pressured the driver to exceed these limits, or if they were aware of violations and did nothing to stop them, they can be held liable.
Negligent Hiring or Training: The company may be at fault if they hired a driver with a history of drowsy driving, DUI, or other dangerous behavior. Similarly, if they failed to properly train the driver on safety procedures and regulations, their negligence could have contributed to the crash.
Failed to Maintain the Truck: Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or a broken headlight can contribute to an accident. A trucking company is responsible for the proper maintenance of its fleet. If a mechanical issue compounded a driver’s fatigue to cause the crash, the company could be liable.
3. Other Potentially Responsible Parties
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, you may be able to sue other parties as well. These could include:
The Truck or Parts Manufacturer: If a defective part—like a brake system or steering component—contributed to the accident, you might have a claim against the manufacturer.
Cargo Loaders: An improperly loaded truck can make it unstable and difficult for a driver to control, especially if they are already fatigued. If the company responsible for loading the cargo was negligent, they could share liability.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Trucking companies and their insurance providers have immense resources. They will immediately begin their own investigation, aiming to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible. They might try to place the blame on you, or they may even try to destroy or hide crucial evidence, like driver logbooks, black box data, and maintenance records.
An attorney levels the playing field. They can act quickly to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and bring in expert investigators to reconstruct the accident. They will build a strong case to hold every responsible party accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Facing off against a large trucking company is not a battle you should fight alone. The Gonzales Law Firm understands the devastating impact a truck accident has on your life. We are here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you through this complex process with compassion and expertise. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us at at (361) 309-4243 and schedule a consultation. We are ready to fight for you.