Truck accidents continue to be one of the most serious and deadly types of crashes on Texas roadways. With commercial vehicles weighing tens of thousands of pounds, even a momentary mistake can lead to catastrophic injuries, long-term medical needs, and overwhelming financial hardship for victims and their families.
According to the 2024 Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash Report from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 608 fatalities and 1,601 suspected serious injuries involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) across Texas in 2024. These figures highlight the increasing dangers posed by large trucks and commercial vehicles on our roads.
What Is Considered a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)?
Understanding what qualifies as a commercial motor vehicle is essential when examining the causes and risks of truck accidents.
A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is a motor vehicle used in commerce for transporting property or passengers. Examples: Tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, large buses, and dump trucks are all types of CMVs. A vehicle is considered a CMV if it meets at least one of the following criteria:
Weight Criteria
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 10,001 pounds or more
- GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating): 26,001 pounds or more when combining a truck and attached trailer
Passenger Capacity
- For compensation: Vehicles designed or used to carry more than 8 passengers, including the driver
- Not for compensation: Vehicles designed or used to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver
Cargo Type
- Hazardous materials: Any vehicle transporting federally regulated hazardous materials in quantities requiring placards
Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than Regular Car Crashes
While any vehicle crash can cause serious harm, truck and CMV accident claims involve layers of complexity that most victims never expect. These cases demand a deeper investigation, more extensive evidence, and fierce protection against corporate insurers determined to limit their financial responsibility.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
Unlike a standard two-car crash, liability in a truck accident may involve:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Freight or cargo loaders
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance and inspection crews
- Third-party safety or logistics contractors
These cases often require access to critical evidence such as driver logs, black box data, cargo manifests, and maintenance history. Identifying every responsible party is essential to securing full compensation.
Trucking Companies Move Fast to Protect Themselves
Commercial carriers and their insurers typically send investigators to the scene within hours. Their goal is to gather evidence that minimizes or eliminates their liability.
For this reason, injured victims should never:
- Provide recorded statements
- Sign paperwork
- Accept an early settlement offer
Without an attorney, victims are at a significant disadvantage. Our firm intervenes immediately to stop unfair tactics and preserve crucial evidence.
How Negligence Is Proven in a Texas Truck Accident Claim
To recover compensation, you must show that someone—whether the driver, company, or another party—failed to act with reasonable care. A strong truck accident case establishes:
- Duty of Care
All CMV drivers and companies must comply with state and federal safety regulations.
- Breach of Duty
Negligent behavior may include:
- Speeding or improper lane changes
- Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Skipped maintenance or faulty inspections
- Causation
It must be proven that the negligent act directly caused the crash and your injuries.
Because trucking companies often challenge responsibility, strong evidence and expert analysis are essential. Our team handles these complex steps from the beginning.
What Compensation May Be Recovered?
Victims of CMV and truck accidents may be eligible for compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages (in extreme negligence cases)
Every case is unique, and we conduct a thorough evaluation to pursue the maximum possible recovery.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Texas
To protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical care immediately.
- Call the police—a crash report is crucial.
- Gather information, including driver and trucking company details.
- Take photos of damage, injuries, and road conditions if possible.
When uncertainty and stress feel overwhelming, contacting an attorney early can make all the difference.
Speak With Steve Kuzmich, A Board-Certified Truck Accident Attorney Today
With over 30 years of experience, the Kuzmich Law Firm, P.C., fights for injured Texans who deserve justice after these devastating crashes. Led by Board-Certified Accident Attorney Steve Kuzmich, our team is equipped to uncover the truth, stand up to commercial trucking insurers, and help clients rebuild their lives.
You shouldn’t face trucking insurers or corporate legal teams alone. At the Kuzmich Law Firm, P.C., we stand by our clients with compassion, strength, and over three decades of experience in truck accidents.
Call (972) 434-1555 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.