Short answer
Truck claims differ from car claims in three ways: more insurance — federal rules require interstate for-hire carriers of general freight to carry at least $750,000, and $1 million to $5 million for oil and hazardous materials (49 C.F.R. §387.9); more possible responsible parties — the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes others; and evidence the company controls, such as electronic driving logs and maintenance records. Texas’s two-year lawsuit deadline still applies.
Federal minimum insurance for trucks
- $750,000 — for-hire carriers of non-hazardous property in vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more
- $1,000,000 — oil and hazardous waste
- $5,000,000 — hazardous substances in bulk and certain explosives
These are federal minimums for interstate carriers (49 C.F.R. §387.9), and many carry more. Compare that with the $30,000-per-person Texas minimum for a car (Transportation Code §601.072) — it’s a big part of why truck claims are handled differently.
Who may be responsible
- The truck driver
- The motor carrier — the trucking company that employs or contracts the driver
- Sometimes others, depending on what caused the crash — such as the company that loaded the cargo or one that maintained the truck
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Evidence that disappears
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing the driver’s hours
- Truck dashcam and telematics data
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Driver qualification and testing records
The trucking company holds most of this. It’s usually protected by a written request to preserve evidence sent early — often by an attorney — before routine retention periods run out.
Truck crashes in Dallas and Tarrant counties
In TxDOT’s crash records for Dallas and Tarrant counties from February 4 through December 31, 2025, 4,293 crashes involved at least one vehicle made by a heavy-truck manufacturer (Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, International, Mack, or Western Star). 1,096 of those crashes involved injuries, and 32 were fatal. See the most dangerous roads in DFW and the most dangerous intersections.
Steps after a truck crash
- Call 911 — required when anyone is hurt or a vehicle can’t be driven (Transportation Code §550.026).
- Photograph the truck, the trailer, and the company name and USDOT number on the cab door.
- Get the driver’s information and the name of the trucking company.
- Get the police crash report once it’s filed — find your DFW agency.
- Get medical care, and keep every record and bill.
The two-year deadline to file a lawsuit applies to truck crashes too (Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003) — see the Texas statute of limitations.
Frequently asked questions
How much insurance do 18-wheelers have to carry?
Federal rules require interstate for-hire carriers of general freight to carry at least $750,000, rising to $1 million for oil and hazardous waste and $5 million for bulk hazardous substances (49 C.F.R. §387.9).
Who is liable for an 18-wheeler accident in Texas?
Often the driver and the trucking company, and sometimes others — such as a cargo loader or maintenance provider — depending on what caused the crash.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?
Generally two years from the crash to file a lawsuit (Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003). Evidence held by the trucking company can disappear much sooner.
What is the USDOT number on a truck?
It’s the number on the cab door that identifies the motor carrier in federal records — photograph it at the scene.
Texas law and sources cited
- 49 C.F.R. §387.9 — federal minimum insurance for trucks
- Tex. Transp. Code §601.072 — minimum liability insurance (30/60/25)
- Tex. Transp. Code §550.026 — when you must notify police immediately
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003 — two-year limitations period
General information, not legal advice. DFW Crash Data is not a law firm, and every situation is different — for advice about your own claim, talk to a licensed Texas attorney. Laws change; the sources above were checked on the date shown at the top of this page.