May
28
2025

Who Can Be Sued in a Texas Truck Accident Case?

Truck accidents in Texas often result in catastrophic injuries and complex legal battles. Whether the collision occurs on I-35 in Austin, I-45 in Houston, or a rural county road, victims need to understand their rights—including who can be held legally responsible for the crash.

In many cases, multiple parties share liability, and identifying all of them is key to pursuing full compensation under Texas law. Below is a breakdown of the potential defendants in a Texas truck accident claim.

1. The Truck Driver

Truck drivers are often the first party investigated after a crash. You may be able to sue the driver if they were:

  • Speeding or driving recklessly

  • Fatigued or in violation of hours-of-service rules

  • Distracted by a phone or GPS

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Breaking traffic laws or failing to yield

In Texas, negligent drivers can be held personally liable for damages caused by their actions behind the wheel.

2. The Trucking Company

Under Texas law, employers may be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their drivers. In many cases, trucking companies may also face direct liability if they:

  • Failed to properly train or supervise drivers

  • Hired drivers with poor driving records

  • Pressured drivers to exceed legal driving hours

  • Failed to maintain their fleet safely

Many commercial carriers carry large insurance policies, making them crucial parties in most truck accident lawsuits.

3. The Owner of the Truck or Trailer

Sometimes, the truck is owned by a party other than the driver or carrier. If the truck or trailer owner failed to ensure the vehicle was safe and roadworthy, they may also be named in the lawsuit. Texas law allows injury victims to pursue all entities responsible for contributing to the crash.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Improperly loaded cargo can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, and cargo spills. If a third-party company was responsible for loading the truck, they may be sued for:

  • Overloading or unbalancing the vehicle

  • Failing to secure cargo

  • Transporting hazardous materials without proper precautions

These claims often involve multiple layers of subcontractors and logistics firms, requiring a thorough investigation.

5. Truck or Parts Manufacturers

If the accident was caused by a defective truck part, such as a brake system failure, tire blowout, or steering malfunction, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable under Texas product liability law. These claims often involve expert analysis and technical evidence to prove a design or manufacturing defect.

6. Maintenance and Repair Providers

Truck fleets require frequent inspection and maintenance. If a repair shop or service contractor failed to properly inspect or repair the truck, and that failure contributed to the crash, they could be included in your claim.

7. Government Entities (In Special Circumstances)

If poor road conditions—such as broken guardrails, faulty traffic signals, or dangerous construction zones—played a role in your crash, you may have a claim against a Texas government entity. These cases involve strict deadlines and require filing a Notice of Claim under the Texas Tort Claims Act, often within 6 months of the accident.

Why Identifying All Liable Parties Matters

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Identifying every liable party helps maximize your recovery, especially when:

  • One party is uninsured or underinsured

  • Damages exceed a single party’s coverage

  • Multiple acts of negligence caused the crash

Damages you may recover in a Texas truck accident lawsuit include:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)

  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Property damage

  • Mental anguish

  • Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

How Razavi Law Group Can Help with Your Texas Truck Accident Case

At Razavi Law Group, we know how high the stakes are after a serious truck accident. Our Texas truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims pursue justice against negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties.

We offer:

  • Comprehensive investigations to uncover every source of liability

  • Access to accident reconstructionists and medical experts

  • Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies and defense counsel

  • Litigation experience in Texas courts, when trial becomes necessary

  • No upfront fees—we only get paid if we win your case

Whether your crash happened in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or beyond, our team is here to fight for your future.

Contact Razavi Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us help you hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.