Truck drivers in Texas must follow regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), such as the hours of service rule. This rule dictates how long truck drivers can operate tractor-trailers without a rest break. Other rules concern record-keeping, cargo securement, alcohol and drug testing, and licensing requirements. If the truck driver or the trucking company fails to follow these rules, your lawyer will use this fact as evidence of their negligence to support your claim for compensation.
One of the most critical Texas State laws regarding personal injury claims is the one establishing its modified comparative fault system. Under this system, a court may assign an accident victim a percentage of fault for causing the accident and then deduct money from their award in proportion to their degree of fault. If a person is found to be more than 50 percent at fault for a truck accident that caused their injuries, they cannot recover compensation at trial.
This law is one of the biggest reasons for hiring an attorney. Your attorney will work to limit your assigned liability in order to maximize your compensation.