Who is Liable for Texas 18-Wheeler Accidents Caused By Mechanical Failures?

Our Houston truck accident attorneys at Charles J. Argento know that 18-wheeler collisions occur throughout Texas every day. When they do, the crash requires a skilled Harris County personal injury lawyer to determine who is liable for the accident, injuries, and fatalities that result, so our clients can pursue the maximum financial recovery they deserve to get their lives back on track.

That includes commercial vehicle accidents caused by semi-trucks that are not properly inspected or maintained, which puts everyone on the road at risk of catastrophic injuries or losing a loved one.

The question is, who is liable for 18-wheeler accidents caused by mechanical failures in Texas?

We have answers.

Who is Liable for Mechanical Failure Truck Accidents, Injuries, and Fatalities in Texas?

!8 Wheeler Truck Accident

At Charles J. Argento, our Houston truck accident attorneys know 18-wheeler collisions happen for multiple reasons. Whether it is a negligent truck driver or trucking company, or overloaded or unsecured cargo caused by another third party, they typically result in severe injuries and tragic fatalities.

When mechanical problems lead to a truck crash, the most common parts that fail on a potentially 80,000-pound commercial truck include:

  • Brake Failure.
  • Steering System Failure.
  • Tire Failures.
  • Transmission Failure.

Trucking companies have a responsibility to inspect and maintain the commercial vehicles in their fleet regularly. When they detect mechanical problems, they must be repaired immediately, or the truck should be sidelined until the repairs are made.

When companies fail to meet this responsibility, the risk of an accident caused by mechanical failures increases, and other motorists can be seriously hurt.

At Charles J. Argento, our skilled truck accident lawyers in Houston will investigate your 18-wheeler crash, and the mechanical failures that caused the collision, outline your injuries, and pursue the trucking company’s insurance coverage for your full financial recovery.

Should we uncover another third party — or combination of parties — is liable for the truck’s mechanical failure, we will pursue the individual, party, or entity’s liability insurance coverage too, to ensure our clients have access to the maximum financial recovery for their unique damages.

When Can a Trucking Company Be Held Liable for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas?

At Charles J. Argento, our Houston truck accident attorney knows there may be multiple parties that are liable for our client’s financial recovery after their lives have been changed during an 18-wheeler collision in Texas.

Because the U.S. trucking industry has so many moving parts, the trucking company plays an integral part in ensuring the logistics are properly coordinated between the drivers and the pick-up and drop-off locations.

When employer negligence is a factor in truck accidents in Texas, our Harris County personal injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate the trucking company’s processes and procedures to ensure they do not escape liability for our client’s injuries.

Here are the most common ways trucking companies are negligent in their operations, which often lead to catastrophic collisions throughout Texas.

When is the Trucking Company Responsible for Texas Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

There are multiple circumstances where a trucking company’s negligence can lead to life-changing commercial vehicle crashes in Texas.

Common negligent trucking company practices may include, but are not limited to:

  • Negligent Hiring and Retainment Policies

When trucking companies do not run background checks, drug and alcohol screenings, or medical exams on drivers, and allow improperly licensed — or outright dangerous — operators to get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, people are going to get hurt.

In addition, if the truck drivers are not properly trained, or given written safety standards and processes for loading/unloading/maintaining/operating these large vehicles, people are also going to get hurt or even killed by their negligence.

  • Encouraging Drivers to Violate Federal Hours of Service Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is an agency in the United States Department of Transportation that regulates the trucking industry in the United States. The primary mission of the FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks.

Part of that mission is accomplished through the FMCSA Hours-of-Service Regulations that impose an 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off-duty, which requires mandated rest breaks during the drive time. Trucking companies that place profits over safety often provide incentives for their drivers to keep going, thereby putting everyone sharing the roadways with them in jeopardy.

  • Improper Fleet Maintenance

When trucking companies do not adequately and routinely maintain their trucks, as they have a legal obligation to do, the large truck may be operating dangerously on our Texas roads.

Failing to schedule routine maintenance appointments to identify and repair any faulty parts or defects that may prevent tire blowouts, brake failures, steering equipment malfunctions, and even cargo hold detachments can lead to catastrophic accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Contact Our Houston Truck Accident Attorney for Help Today

If you were injured or lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident caused by a mechanical failure or another form of negligence in Texas, contact our experienced personal injury attorney in Houston at Charles J. Argento today to schedule a free consultation by calling 713-225-5050 or by contacting us online.

Our law firm does not get paid until we obtain a settlement or verdict for your unique case.

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