Riding in the back of a pickup truck might seem like a harmless, routine thing to do in Texas, especially in our many rural communities where the practice is common But that doesn’t make it safe or legal. In fact, riding in the bed of a moving truckis restricted under Texas law for good reason. If even a minor truck accident occurs, what felt like a carefree ride can become catastrophic in seconds. Without seat belts or structural protection, passengers in the truck bed are far more likely to be ejected or suffer devastating injuries that lead to lasting or even permanent consequences.
At Zehl & Associates, we have represented thousands of injured truck accident victims and secured Billions in compensation, including some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Texas and U.S. history. We’ve seen firsthand how preventable trucking and vehicle-related accidents can permanently change families’ lives — and we fight to hold negligent drivers and companies fully accountable when they do.
Read on to learn what Texas law says about riding in the bed of a truck, how liability is determined after a crash, and how our undefeated Texas Truck Accident Attorneys can help.
What Texas Law Says About Riding in a Truck Bed
Texas Transportation Code §545.414 makes it illegal for a person under 18 years old to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck or flatbed truck on a public roadway. This restriction primarily exists because passengers in truck beds have no protection in the event of a collision.
That said, the law includes a few exceptions—a minor can legally ride in the bed of a truck if:
- The vehicle is being used for farm-related purposes.
- The truck is being operated in a parade or similar event.
- The vehicle is being driven on a beach.
- The truck is the only vehicle owned by members of the household in question.
Although it may be allowed in certain circumstances, riding in a truck bed is still risky and isn’t the ideal way to travel almost all of the time.
Who Is Liable After a Truck Bed Accident in Texas?
Liability in these accidents often depends on who was responsible for the unsafe situation. If a minor were allowed to ride illegally in the truck bed, the driver or vehicle owner could face legal consequences and be held financially responsible for any resulting injuries.
Texas also follows a modified comparative negligence law that may apply. This means that multiple people can share fault for an accident, and your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages at all.
An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts of your case to determine your best path forward for recovering compensation.
What To Do if You’re Injured While Riding in a Truck Bed
If you or a loved one were injured while riding in a pickup truck’s bed, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Document the scene with photos and videos if possible
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters before speaking to an attorney
You may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages. In fatal cases, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under Texas law.
Call (888) 603-3636 for a Free Consultation with an Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyer at Zehl & Associates
Truck bed accidents often involve serious, preventable injuries. If you’ve been involved in this type of incident, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer for help is one of the best steps you can take.
With Billions won and having successfully represented thousands of accident victims injured in catastrophic truck and 18-wheeler crashes across Texas and the U.S., our undefeated Truck Accident Attorneys have the resources, experience, and track record to hold the at-fault parties fully accountable and make sure you recover the justice and maximum compensation your family deserves.
Contact an undefeated Houston truck accident attorney from Zehl & Associates at (888) 603-3636 today for a free consultation. We’ve won billions of dollars for our clients and are ready to get to work on your case next.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours