When a big rig collides with your car in Corpus Christi, you deserve straightforward answers. As your legal team, we at Burkett Law Firm understand that the phrase “trucking companies in Texas won’t be liable if they hit you” may sound harsh, but it accurately reflects recent changes in Texas law that affect how claims must be pursued.
If you were involved in an accident, hiring a Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer is a smart first step. Here, you can learn more about the legal reality, what you need to do, and how we can assist you.
Why It Sounds Like the Trucking Company Won’t Be Liable
Under Texas law, the company that owns or operates the commercial truck is not automatically liable solely because the crash occurred. Here’s how it works:
- Under House Bill 19 (effective September 1, 2021), the law now allows a two-phase (bifurcated) trial in cases involving commercial motor vehicle collisions.
- In the first phase, the plaintiff must prove the truck driver was at fault and acting in the scope of their employment. If you cannot show driver fault, the trucking company may have no liability.
- If the driver’s fault is proven, liability against the trucking company or carrier may be pursued; however, the key point is that the driver’s fault must be established first.
So the headline “trucking companies in Texas won’t be liable if they hit you” reflects this threshold: without establishing driver fault, the company often cannot be held liable.
What This Means If You Were Hit By a Truck in Corpus Christi
As your accident lawyers in Corpus Christi, Texas, here are actionable steps you must take to preserve your claim:
1. Record what you can immediately after the crash
- Take photos of damage, skid marks, truck company name, license plate, driver badge, or uniform if visible.
- Document injuries as soon as possible; medical records will be critical.
- Get contact info for witnesses and request a copy of the police report.
2. Don’t assume the trucking company is liable; assume you must prove it
Because of the law, you will likely have to show:
- The truck driver was negligent (speeding, fatigue, texting, etc.).
- The driver was acting in the scope of employment for the trucking company.
- If going after the company, you must show that the company did something negligent (hiring an unqualified driver, failing maintenance, ignoring safety laws) beyond just the driver’s fault.
3. Call a qualified semi-truck collision attorney in Corpus Christi right away
Time matters. A truck accident claim is more complex than a standard car wreck case: federal regulations (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA rules), driver logs, maintenance records, company policies all may apply. A dedicated accident lawyer in Corpus Christi, TX, can start gathering these records and build your case.
4. Understand common tactics trucking companies use to reduce liability
- They may argue the driver was not acting in the scope of employment, which bars company liability.
- They may isolate the driver’s fault from company operations to avoid liability for the carrier itself.
- The bifurcated trial process limits what evidence you can present in the first phase.
5. Focus on measurable losses and build an evidence-based claim
You will need to show your damages: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, reduced quality of life. For trucking cases, detailed evidence of the truck, driver, employer practices and company oversight adds value. As a Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer, we help compile driver logs, company training records, maintenance logs, and FMCSA violations.
Why Working With Us Makes Sense for Truck Crashes in Corpus Christi
We know the unique environment in South Texas, highway traffic from I-37, coastal shipping routes, heavy-truck presence around Corpus Christi. That means we have local knowledge of where these collisions happen, how trucking firms operate here, and how to pursue claims effectively.
- We handle semi truck collision attorney in Corpus Christi cases from start to finish, so you stay focused on recovery while we chase the facts.
- We know how to parse the bifurcated trial requirement and position your case so that driver fault is established first, giving you a real shot at holding the company responsible too.
- We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists and trucking-industry professionals, which is crucial in these more complex claims.
If you have been struck by a commercial truck in Corpus Christi, TX, the path is not easy but it is navigable with the right team. Reach out early for a consultation.
Take action now: Don’t wait. Recruiting evidence and locking down records is time-sensitive. Contact us today so we can begin protecting your rights.
Our Team Can Help After a Truck Accident
Yes, “trucking companies in Texas won’t be liable if they hit you” can reflect reality under current law, but it is not the whole story. As your Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer, we know that liability still can exist, and your ability to claim it depends on what you can prove.
Act quickly, gather evidence, and enlist a specialized accident lawyer in Corpus Christi, Texas who understands these dynamics. If you’re ready to move forward, we are here.
