It’s essential to report a truck driver’s behavior if they are operating their vehicle in a way that puts other people at risk. When you can safely do so, call the phone number listed on the vehicle and provide the company with the truck’s identification number. You can also alert local or state police. By reporting them, you can help hold unsafe truckers accountable for their actions and improve the safety of everyone on the road.
If a trucker’s unsafe driving caused an accident that injured you, you may also be eligible for compensation for what you suffered as a result – including your medical bills, lost income, damaged property, physical pain, and emotional suffering. Working with an experienced Texas truck accident attorney can help you demand the compensation and justice you deserve.
What Are Some Signs of Unsafe Driving by a Truck Driver?
Truck drivers who engage in unsafe driving practices put everyone on the road at risk. Some common signs of dangerous driving by truckers include:
- Driving unpredictably – Sudden changes in behavior suggest a driver might not be paying attention to the road. If a truck driver takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their attention off the task of driving, they are engaging in distracted driving. Their distraction can be caused by using their phone, eating, drinking, or adjusting navigation systems while behind the wheel.
- Speeding – Trucks require a much longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When a trucker drives over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Swerving or drifting between lanes – This behavior can indicate that the driver is tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Tailgating – Following too closely behind another vehicle is always dangerous. However, it is particularly irresponsible when the tailgating driver is operating a large truck, which requires longer stopping distances.
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals – Running a red light, stop sign, or other traffic control device is an unmistakable unsafe driving behavior.
If you witness a truck driver engaging in any of these dangerous behaviors, it is crucial to report them to help prevent accidents and keep Texas roads safe.
How Do I Report an Unsafe Truck Driver in Texas?
You can report unsafe truck drivers to the relevant authorities. When you have a safe opportunity, take down the truck’s license plate number, Department of Transportation (DOT) number, and any other identifying information on the vehicle. You can then:
- Call the phone number listed on the truck to report the unsafe behavior to the driver’s employer.
- Call your local police department. If a truck driver is threatening others’ safety, the police should respond to the scene. Determine if the behavior is truly an emergency before dialing 911. If it isn’t, contact law enforcement through the non-emergency line.
- Contact the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to file a report. You can reach the TxDOT by phone at 800-558-9368 or submit a report online through their website.
- Notify the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by calling their complaint hotline at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) or submitting a complaint through their website.
What Is Some Information I Will Need When Reporting the Truck Driver?
When reporting an unsafe truck driver, provide the authorities with as much relevant information as possible to investigate the incident. Some key details to supply include:
- The truck’s license plate number and state of registration
- The DOT number, which you can typically find on the side of the truck
- The name of the trucking company, if visible on the vehicle
- A description of the truck, including its color, make, and model
- The location, date, and time of the incident
- A detailed account of the unsafe behavior you witnessed, such as speeding, tailgating, or swerving between lanes
- Your contact information, in case authorities need to follow up with you for more details
If it’s safe, consider taking photos or videos of the truck and the trucker’s unsafe driving behavior. This evidence can be valuable in supporting your report and any potential legal action that may follow.
Who Do I Sue If I Am Injured by an Unsafe Truck Driver?
Unfortunately, unsafe truck driving frequently results in collisions and severe injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your truck accident case, you may have grounds to pursue compensation from:
- The truck driver – Truck drivers are most immediately responsible for their negligent actions, such as distracted driving or speeding. If the truck driver directly caused the accident, you may hold them personally liable for your injuries.
- The trucking company – In many cases, the trucking company employing the driver can be held responsible for that employee’s negligence. This is particularly true if the company failed to properly train, supervise, or vet the driver before allowing them to operate their vehicles.
- The truck manufacturer – If a defect in the truck or its components contributed to the crash, you might have a claim against the company that manufactured the defective part.
- Third-party contractors – Some trucking companies outsource tasks such as loading cargo or maintaining their vehicles. These subcontractors may also be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Consult an experienced Texas truck accident attorney to determine who you can sue after being injured by an unsafe truck driver. A lawyer can review the details of your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other accident-related losses.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
When a trucker neglects to uphold their professional standards, they can cause devastating accidents and upend the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to share the road with them. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a truck crash caused by an unsafe driver, an experienced Texas truck accident attorney can help you demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered.
The skilled Texas truck accident lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm understand the anxiety and pain you’re likely feeling right now, and we want to alleviate it. We are ready to put our decades of experience to work for you today. Call us now or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can hold unsafe truck drivers accountable.
