When a trucking accident involves a government vehicle or occurs on poorly maintained public roads, questions about liability often arise. In some cases, a government entity may bear responsibility due to negligence, whether it’s the result of an unsafe roadway, faulty signage, or improper maintenance. For trucking companies facing claims, understanding how to leverage these potential liabilities can be crucial in mounting a strong defense. By proving the possible fault of a government entity, your company may significantly reduce its exposure in a lawsuit.
At Fahl & Donaldson, we have extensive experience defending trucking companies in complex cases where liability isn’t clear-cut. Our deep understanding of government immunity laws and the Texas Tort Claims Act allows us to build defense strategies that capitalize on every possible angle, including holding government entities accountable where appropriate. Our team is ready to defend your interests with agility and precision.
Can a Government Entity Be Held Accountable for a Truck Accident?
In certain cases, government entities can be held liable for trucking accidents in Texas, but these claims are subject to specific legal hurdles and limitations. Normally, government entities are protected by sovereign immunity, which shields them from being sued. However, under the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA), this immunity is waived in certain situations, allowing for claims related to vehicle accidents.
Government liability often arises in the following cases:
- Negligent Operation of a Government Vehicle: A government employee driving negligently in a government-owned vehicle could lead to liability, such as in cases involving reckless driving or failing to follow traffic laws.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Government entities may be liable if poor road maintenance, improper signage, or construction errors contributed to the accident and the government failed to address these known hazards.
- Failure to Maintain Traffic Control Devices: Liability can arise if malfunctioning or missing stoplights, signs, or road markings contribute to an accident, with the responsible entity failing to maintain them properly.
For trucking companies and defense attorneys, understanding these potential avenues of government liability can be crucial when crafting a defense strategy that shifts or reduces blame from the company involved.
Why Choose Fahl & Donaldson To Defend Your Trucking Company?
Defending your trucking company against accident claims involves more than just understanding the law. It requires targeted expertise that shields your business from significant liability. At Fahl & Donaldson, we leverage our deep industry knowledge and extensive experience to protect trucking companies in a range of challenging cases. Our attorneys can assist in the following ways:
- Challenging Compliance Allegations: We analyze regulatory adherence, maintenance records, and driver conduct to effectively counter claims of negligence.
- Mitigating Exposure in Multi-Party Accidents: Trucking accidents often involve multiple parties. We identify other potentially liable parties, helping distribute or reduce your company’s responsibility.
- Managing Regulatory Complexities: Our attorneys stay updated on federal and state trucking regulations, helping your company avoid fines while strengthening your defense.
- Strategic Evidence Gathering: We move quickly to secure critical evidence, such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and witness statements, to build a solid defense.
- Reducing Settlement Pressures: With a strong defense strategy, we push back against inflated claims and unreasonable settlements, saving costs while protecting your company’s reputation.
Having experienced attorneys by your side helps safeguard your company’s future by mitigating financial and reputational impacts.
Protect Your Company Against Liability Claims With Our Team
Navigating claims involving government entities requires specialized legal knowledge and a strategic approach. At Fahl & Donaldson, we have the experience and insight needed to defend your trucking company when liability questions arise. From analyzing the nuances of the Texas Tort Claims Act to effectively challenging compliance allegations, we understand how to reduce your exposure and build a robust defense.
Contact us today at (346) 241-7355 or through our contact form to discuss your case.