Knowing how to report a truck driver in Texas is one way travelers can help keep roads safe. In emergency situations, you may need to report the driver to local authorities.
There are also ways of sending alerts to truck companies and government entities. A truck accident lawyer in Texas can help you report and pursue an injury claim against negligent or dangerous truck drivers.
How to Report a Truck Driver to Local Authorities
If you see a truck driver operating a vehicle dangerously, report the driver to local police. In cases of emergency, call 911. Various forms of driver negligence rank among the top ten causes of truck accidents. They include:
- Speeding
- Driving while impaired or fatigued
- Distracted driving
- Reckless or aggressive driving
A loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. Operating one safely requires a driver’s full attention and compliance with safety laws. These massive vehicles cause tremendous damage upon impact. If you see a driver operating a vehicle unsafely or if the driver’s behavior toward you is threatening, call local authorities right away.
Reporting a Truck Driver to a Trucking Company
Company-owned trucks usually have identifying information printed on the cab and/or trailer. Some trucks have company numbers and Department of Transportation numbers. Often, there is also contact information for the truck company printed as well.
Take photos of that information so you have it ready when you call the truck company to report your concerns about the driver. Unfortunately, your report does not guarantee action. The company can decide how to address the issue, if at all. The best course of action is to continue reporting up the chain of authority to state and federal entities.
How to Report a Truck Driver to State and Federal Entities
The federal government has issued comprehensive trucking laws and regulations governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Texas Department of Public Safety explains statewide commercial vehicle enforcement. These regulations exist to keep everyone sharing the roads with truckers safe.
To report a truck driver in Texas, you can file complaints with the Texas Department of Transportation. You should also report safety violations to the FMCSA. You can call to make your complaint or send it through the entity’s respective online form.
Information to Provide in Your Report
Be clear and thorough when you report a truck driver in Texas. Provide as much relevant information as possible. If you were able to take photos or video of the incident, make a note in your complaint that you have this footage if there is no option to upload it. Relevant information includes:
- Where and when you witnessed the unsafe behavior or driving violation
- A description of the unsafe behavior or violation you observed
- The truck’s make, model, color, and any other identifying physical characteristics
- The truck’s identifying numbers (DOT and, perhaps, a company number)
- The truck’s license plate number
- The name of the truck company, if it appears on the truck
- Your contact details
You may have done more than just “witnessed” behavior. Perhaps the safety incident involved you, and you had an exchange with the driver. If so, give a description of the driver and any contact or additional information collected from the license and registration.
How Reporting Unsafe Drivers Promotes Safety for All
Drivers owe all others on the road a duty of care. This duty is a legal obligation to follow the laws and avoid all dangerous driving behaviors. Though filing a complaint may seem like a “hassle,” you are actually upholding your duty to others when you report a truck driver in Texas.
Statistics on how many semi truck accidents happen each year are sobering. For Texas, the numbers are particularly high. For the most recent year of data collection, the State saw 18,112 truck accidents, according to a summary report of FMCSA crash statistics. These accidents produced 10,655 injuries and 702 fatalities.
National Safety Council (NSC) data on Large Trucks ranked Texas as the State with the most truck-accident-related deaths over a recent year. Of the victims, 68% were other-vehicle occupants, 12% were non-vehicle occupants, and 21% were truck occupants.
A Report Can Support Your Truck Accident Claim
If a negligent truck driver causes you harm, you may have grounds to file an injury claim. Reporting the truck driver to the company and authorities can support your claim. By reporting, you officially document the incident, and this documentation can serve as critical evidence.
It’s a good idea to speak to a truck accident attorney about how to report a truck driver in Texas before you file the complaint. An attorney can advise you on what to include and how to phrase your comments to avoid any misinterpretation that could potentially undermine your claim.
A Report Can Help Secure Much-Needed Compensation
Truck accident victims typically sustain severe injuries. Some are left permanently disabled, in need of constant care, and unable to work. Others require extensive, costly medical treatment and time away from work to recover. Many experience intense physical and emotional pain.
Reporting truck drivers helps hold them accountable for paying you the damages you deserve. It can also help get them off the roads before they hurt anyone else.
How Your Report Can Help Other Truck Accident Victims
A negligent truck driver may not have hurt you, but the report you make could help other victims. Your report provides an additional record or an affirming record of the driver’s unsafe behavior. This report trail may work to strengthen the claims of other deserving victims.
We Can Help You Fight Back Against Dangerous Truck Drivers
Negligent truck drivers need to be held accountable for the damage they cause. The Texas Law Dog can help make that happen. We know how to report a truck driver in Texas, and a Texas truck accident lawyer from our team can manage all your related legal needs.
You deserve a safe driving environment. When a truck driver denies you that right and causes you harm, you deserve to be compensated.
