Texas sees thousands of commercial vehicle crashes each year involving 18-wheelers, delivery trucks and oilfield trucks. Unlike a regular car crash, truck cases in Texas involve both state law and federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and evidence that can disappear within days if not preserved. This guide explains how Texas law treats these cases, what evidence matters, and what deadlines apply.
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 621 governs size and weight of commercial vehicles. Under federal FMCSA rules, trucks over 10,001 pounds used for business must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance - far above Texas minimum of $30,000 for cars. Texas also applies modified comparative fault: if you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing under Texas Civil Practice §33.001. That makes fault evidence critical.
Beyond the police crash report (TXDOT CR-3), truck cases rely on electronic logging device (ELD) data showing hours driven, electronic control module (ECM) or black box data showing speed and braking, driver qualification files, and maintenance records under FMCSA §396. Texas courts allow a spoliation instruction if a company destroys this data after receiving a preservation letter. Send that letter within 72 hours.
A typical Texas car case has one policy. A truck case can have three or four: the driver, the motor carrier, the trailer owner, and an umbrella policy. If the truck was hauling for an oil company on a private lease road in the Permian Basin, the oil company may also have liability for road maintenance. Understanding which policies apply is key to evaluating coverage.
1) Call 911 and get medical help. 2) Get the TXDOT CR-3 crash report number and the company's internal incident report number - they are different. 3) Photograph the DOT number on the truck door, license plates, skid marks, and road name. 4) Do not sign a quick release or accept a small check that includes a waiver. 5) Keep all medical records and receipts. 6) Consider consulting a licensed Texas attorney promptly because evidence preservation deadlines are short.
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 gives you two years from the date of the crash for personal injury. If a city or state vehicle was involved, you must also give formal notice within six months under Texas Civil Practice §101.101. Property damage claims have the same two-year period.
Yes. Under Texas Civil Practice §33.001, if a jury finds you 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Trucking defense lawyers often argue the car was in the truck's blind spot or cut off the truck. ELD and dashcam data can counter that argument.
For truck cases in Houston, see: Houston 18-Wheeler Accidents: Local Rules and Courts · For oilfield truck crashes: Oilfield Truck Accidents in the Permian Basin · For motorcycle crashes often caused by trucks: Motorcycle Accidents in Texas
We link directly to primary sources so you can verify Texas law. Last verified May 2026. Laws change - consult a licensed Texas attorney for advice about your situation.