Laredo serves as a major hub for commercial traffic, with thousands of trucks and delivery vehicles passing through daily. Its location along the U.S.-Mexico border also makes it one of the busiest trade routes in the country. While this boosts the local economy, it also increases the risk of serious accidents.
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making collisions especially dangerous. When an 18-wheeler, dump truck, or moving van collides with your passenger car, you can be left with high medical bills and injuries that take months or years to heal. To make matters worse, insurance companies work overtime to pay you as little as possible.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle crash, you’re up against trucking companies and insurers with deep pockets. They have legal teams ready to fight claims. Without the right lawyer, you could end up walking away with far less than you need to cover your losses. That’s why you should call the Texas Law Guns, Injury & Accident Lawyers.
Why Hire Us for Your Commercial Accident Claim in Laredo?
Not every personal injury law firm knows how to take on a large commercial trucking firm and win, but we do. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know the challenges involved in commercial vehicle accident claims and aren’t afraid to fight for maximum compensation. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:
- Extensive Experience in Commercial Vehicle Cases: Commercial accident claims are more complicated than standard car crashes. They often involve multiple liable parties, federal trucking regulations, and large insurance policies. Our legal team has handled many claims like yours and knows how to present a compelling case.
- Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Carriers: Insurance providers will try to reduce their liability by shifting blame or undervaluing your auto accident injury claim. We don’t let them get away with it. Our Laredo truck accident lawyers know their tactics and will aggressively negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Knowledge of Federal and State Trucking Laws: Commercial vehicles must comply with strict regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Texas state laws. Violations such as hours-of-service breaches, overloaded trucks, or improper maintenance can lead to accidents. We analyze every detail to determine if legal violations played a role in your crash.
- Thorough Investigations: A strong case depends on solid evidence. Our company vehicle accident lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts, gather black box data, review driver logs, and examine maintenance records. We leave no stone unturned when building your claim.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. This ensures you get top-tier legal representation without upfront costs.
- Courtroom-Ready Representation: Many injury claims are settled outside of court, but when auto insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our personal injury attorneys have successfully represented clients in court and won significant verdicts.
How Can a Laredo Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Help?
Taking on a truck company or auto insurance provider alone is an uphill battle. These companies have legal teams dedicated to limiting payouts, and they know every loophole to exploit. They may try to blame you for the crash, claim your injuries aren’t serious, or delay the legal process until you’re desperate enough to accept a low offer. Without an experienced attorney, you could end up with far less than you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
We level the playing field by handling every aspect of your case. Our legal team starts by conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what happened and who should be held accountable. We also collect evidence like the following:
- Black Box Data: Most commercial trucks have event data recorders that track speed, braking, and steering movements before a crash. This data can prove whether the commercial vehicle driver was speeding, failed to brake, or made an evasive maneuver too late.
- Driver Logs and Hours-of-Service Records: Federal law limits how many hours a truck driver can be on the road before taking a break. If a commercial vehicle operator exceeded these limits, fatigue may have played a role in the crash.
- Vehicle Maintenance Records: Trucks require regular inspections and repairs. If the trucking company skipped necessary maintenance, a mechanical failure could be to blame.
- Cargo Loading Records: If the cargo was overloaded or improperly secured, it could have shifted during transit and caused the crash.
- Dashcam or Traffic Camera Footage: If available, video evidence can provide undeniable proof of how the accident happened.
After a serious accident, insurance adjusters may reach out with what seems like a reasonable settlement offer. However, accepting an early offer without fully understanding the extent of your injuries can be a mistake. We take over all communications with the insurance company so you don’t have to deal with their pressure tactics. We also carefully calculate the full extent of your losses before negotiating a cash settlement or taking your case to court if necessary.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The steps you take immediately after a commercial vehicle accident can make or break your claim request. Trucking companies and insurers will look for any excuse to reduce or deny your payout, so it’s critical to protect yourself from the start. Even if you feel shaken or overwhelmed, taking the right actions can help you recover the compensation you need.
If you are physically able, follow the steps below after a commercial vehicle accident.
- Call 911: Always report the accident to law enforcement, even if the damage seems minor. Without a police report, the trucking company’s insurer may argue that the crash wasn’t serious or that their driver wasn’t at fault. If anyone has visible injuries or is unconscious, request medical assistance immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you think you have minor injuries, getting checked by a professional is critical. Some catastrophic injuries don’t show symptoms right away. The rush of adrenaline after a crash can mask pain, making it easy to overlook internal injuries or concussions. Hours or days later, symptoms may appear, and by then, untreated injuries could worsen. Common delayed-onset injuries include whiplash, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you’re physically able, start documenting the accident scene before vehicles are moved or debris is cleared. Take pictures of road debris, skid marks, and anything that may have contributed to the accident. Later, request a copy of the police report and your medical record. The more evidence you collect, the harder it will be for the trucking company to dispute your claim.
- Get Witness Contact Information: Third-party witnesses can provide valuable testimony about what happened. If possible, collect the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who saw the crash.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Soon after the accident, you may receive a call from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. They might seem friendly, but their goal is to protect their company, not to help you. Politely decline to make a statement and refer them to your commercial vehicle accident attorney. This prevents you from accidentally saying something that could hurt your claim.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible: Commercial truck accident cases are more complex than regular car accidents. Multiple parties may be liable, federal regulations come into play, and trucking companies have legal teams working against you. The sooner you hire a commercial truck accident attorney, the better protected you’ll be.
Compensation in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover both current and future losses. A skilled attorney can assess your case, determine the full value of your claim, and negotiate for these common types of compensation.
- Medical Expenses: Truck accident injuries often require emergency medical treatment, sometimes for months or even years. This is because injuries tend to include broken bones, crush injuries, internal organ damage, and other catastrophic damage. Compensation should cover all past, present, and future medical treatment, including emergency room visits and medical care, hospital stays, rehabilitation and physical therapy, prescription medication, and specialist visits.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If severe injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for damages like lost income, loss of overtime or bonuses, reduced earning potential, and job retraining costs.
- Pain and Suffering: Not all compensatory damages are financial. Many 18-wheeler accident victims endure ongoing physical pain and emotional trauma that affect their quality of life. You may be entitled to compensation for pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement or permanent disability.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can seek compensation for vehicle repairs, replacement costs, rental car expenses, and personal property damage.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a truck crash, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and medical bills prior to death.
Who May Be Responsible for Your Commercial Vehicle Collision?
Truck accident liability isn’t always straightforward. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The Negligent Truck Driver or Company Vehicle Driver: Commercial drivers are responsible for operating their larger vehicles safely, but not all of them follow the rules. Some of the most common causes of driver-related truck accidents include driver fatigue, distracted driving, aggressive driving, driving under the influence, driver inattention, and inexperience or poor training.
- The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are required to follow strict safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If they ignore these rules, they can be held accountable for an accident. Common ways trucking companies contribute to crashes include negligent hiring, forcing drivers to work long hours, improper training, and failure to maintain their trucks.
- The Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer: Not all truck accidents are caused by driver error. Sometimes, equipment failure or a defective truck or part is to blame. When this happens, the manufacturer of the truck or its components may be responsible. Common mechanical issues that lead to accidents include brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering or transmission problems.
- The Cargo Loaders: Trucks are designed to carry heavy loads, but cargo must be loaded correctly to ensure safety. Improper loading can increase the risk of accidents. Cargo-related issues that contribute to crashes include shifting loads, overloading, and hazardous materials spills.
- Other Drivers: Not all truck accidents are the truck driver’s fault. Sometimes, another driver’s reckless or negligent actions cause a crash. This can happen when a car cuts off a truck, forcing the driver to brake suddenly and lose control, or a distracted driver drifts into a truck’s lane, causing a collision. If another driver’s actions caused or contributed to your trucking accident, they may be held responsible for your compensatory damages.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?
Texas law gives truck accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to seek compensation. However, some exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or government entities. The sooner you get legal counsel from a personal injury attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Contact a Laredo Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our experienced Laredo truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We know the challenges these cases present and will stand up to trucking companies and insurers on your behalf. To schedule a free initial consultation with our legal team, call (210) 800-0000 or contact us online today.
