Accidents involving careless or reckless truck drivers often lead to devastating injuries and even fatalities. A victim who survives the crash may need years or even decades of physical therapy, surgeries, and other treatment. Medical costs can skyrocket.
Unfortunately, Texas lawmakers have not made it easier for people injured in crashes involving big rigs. In May 2021, they approved a bill that introduces new barriers when trying to hold trucking companies accountable when their drivers cause accidents.
Why are Texas legislators making it harder to sue trucking companies?
Lawmakers say trucking businesses are getting hit with higher insurance costs due to accident lawsuits. But according to Reform Austin (RA), an investigative reporting website, deadly big rig accidents in Texas happen more frequently than in most other states. RA cites Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data which reveals that Texas had more fatal crashes per capita than in California.
What does the House Bill mean for injury victims?
The bill restricts the type of evidence an accident victim’s lawyer can introduce at trial. For example, a lawyer for a victim would be limited in the possibility of presenting evidence related to negligence in training and supervision if the trial moves to a second phase.
RA quotes Adrian Shelley, director of Public Citizen Texas: “This bill turns its back on hundreds of Texas families who experience tragedy in commercial truck accidents each year.”
What can I do if I'm injured in a truck accident?
Truck accidents can result in any number of serious injuries. Some of the most common are:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries including damage to organs
- Deep cuts that result in scarring
- Facial injuries
- Amputations
- Spinal injuries resulting in paralysis
The bill in Texas does nothing to address the state’s serious truck crash problem and will make it more difficult for injury victims to navigate the legal system. But it does not mean that someone who's been injured or a family that loses a loved one in an accident will be denied justice.
How a Texas truck accident attorney can help
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident, contact Tracey Fox King & Walters right now for a free consultation.
Our highly skilled attorneys can put experience and resources to work for you. This new bill creates a hurdle for victims, but our dedicated legal team can explore all your legal options and help you level the playing field against the trucking company's team of attorneys.
We know how to fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Discover what a truck accident lawyer can do for you and contact us today. We have offices in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.