🚨 Texas Trucking Accidents & House Bill 19: What Every Driver Needs to Know

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Why lawyers are mad, companies are smiling, and what it means for YOU behind the wheel.

Introduction: Texas Just Flipped the Script

If you’re driving through Texas — or based there — you need to know about House Bill 19 (HB 19).

Passed in 2021 and now fully active, this law has completely changed how trucking accident lawsuits work in the Lone Star State.

Some call it a win for the trucking industry.
Others say it’s a slap in the face to victims.

But no matter how you slice it, HB 19 affects you, the driver — especially if something goes wrong on the road.

What Is House Bill 19?

In simple terms:

HB 19 was designed to limit how quickly someone can sue a trucking company after a crash.

Before the bill, a lawyer could drag the company, the driver, and the carrier’s entire safety record into court on day one.

Now?
They have to prove the driver was actually negligent before the company can be sued.

How It Works – 2-Step Process

Step 1: Prove the Driver Was at Fault

The court first decides if YOU, the truck driver, were negligent.

If not, the case might stop right there.

Step 2: THEN Go After the Company

Only after proving fault can the company’s safety record, training practices, and policies be brought in.

In short, HB 19 protects companies by putting the spotlight on drivers first.

Why It Was Passed (According to Lawmakers)

The Texas legislature said they were trying to:

Reduce “nuclear verdicts” (those massive multi-million-dollar lawsuits)

Cut down on lawsuit abuse

Keep insurance rates stable for carriers

Protect the state’s economy

And to be fair, there were some questionable lawsuits.

But…

The Other Side: What Critics Are Saying

Lawyers and safety advocates are sounding the alarm. They argue HB 19:

Makes it harder for crash victims to get justice

Lets unsafe companies off the hook

Creates an environment where profit > safety

Pressures drivers to take the fall so the carrier avoids blame

If you crash because your company refused to fix brakes or pushed you past HOS limits…
HB 19 might still leave you holding the bag.

What It Means for Drivers

1. You’re More Legally Exposed
Your name, actions, and behavior become step one in every case.
You mess up, even slightly — the company is off the hook.

2. You Need to Protect Yourself

Keep your own logs

Save inspection reports

Use your own dashcam

Don’t rely on your company’s data alone

3. You Need to Know Your Rights
If you’re injured in Texas or sued in Texas, get a lawyer who understands HB 19. This ain’t basic court.

So Is HB 19 Good or Bad?

That depends who you are:

✅ Carriers love it — It shields them from being dragged into court unfairly.
✅ Drivers should be cautious — It might shift more blame to you.
✅ Lawyers hate it — It makes their job harder.
✅ Insurance companies… they’re watching rates real close.

Bottom line? HB 19 isn’t going away, and if you’re a driver in Texas, you need to play defense — legally and financially.

How to Stay Ahead

🚛 Log everything — legally and personally
🚛 Use a personal dashcam
🚛 Don’t take unsafe equipment
🚛 Push back on illegal dispatches
🚛 Know your HOS rights
🚛 Document everything

And if your company’s safety record stinks?
You might want to roll before you get caught in the crossfire.

📣 Don’t Let a Lawsuit Be Your Exit Plan

Whether you’re in an accident or blamed for one, trucking lawsuits can leave you stuck — broke, blacklisted, and burned out.

That’s why smart drivers are starting Plan B income streams now — while still rolling.

✅ Use your trucking knowledge to create content
✅ Learn affiliate marketing
✅ Use AI tools to make money during off-duty hours

Because laws change. Rates change. But skills pay the bills.

👉 Start your exit plan today at OffDutyMoney.com

And if you’re just stepping into the trucking game and want to stay ahead:
👉 Visit LifeAsATrucker.com