Can You Sue After a Commercial Truck Accident in Laredo, Texas? Understanding Your Legal Options

A commercial truck accident in Laredo, Texas, can leave victims facing severe injuries, prolonged medical treatment, and the bills that follow, as well as uncertainty about their future. If another party’s negligence contributed to your wreck, speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible can help you understand your rights and legal options for pursuing compensation.

With more than three decades of experience representing injured Texans, Carabin Shaw has built a reputation for providing clients skilled legal help when they need it most. If you were seriously injured in a trucking accident, contact Carabin Shaw today to schedule your FREE consultation.

The causes of commercial truck accidents are rarely as simple as driver error. The Laredo truck accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help evaluate the circumstances surrounding your collision, including who may be responsible for the accident, such as:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The vehicle or parts manufacturer
• The maintenance provider or the mechanic
• Another party involved in the accident

Federal regulations are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA sets strict requirements for commercial drivers and trucking companies, including rules related to hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and safe operation. Violation of these regulations could be important evidence when your lawyer is determining fault.

Texas personal injury law follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that even if you are partially responsible for your accident and subsequent injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation from other responsible parties, as long as your share of responsibility is 50% or less. An experienced commercial truck accident lawyer in Laredo will be able to use relevant evidence to help determine fault.

For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault for your accident, and the total damages awarded are $100,000, your payout would be reduced by your 10% of responsibility. This would leave you with a $90,000 payout.

Large commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries because of their size, weight, limited maneuverability, and the speed at which they operate on Texas highways. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving, including speeding and driving under the influence
• Improper cargo loading
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Violations of trucking regulations

An 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help determine whether the truck driver, trucking company, or another party failed to follow safety requirements. Investigating these factors quickly is important because evidence can become more difficult to obtain as time passes. Additionally, the statute of limitations in Texas for a commercial truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident.

After a collision, victims often face life-altering consequences. You may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled semi-truck accident attorney can evaluate the full extent of your losses and build a strong case to pursue the maximum compensation available to you.

When you are trying to recover, you should not have to handle complicated insurance negotiations alone. Having a dedicated lawyer by your side ensures that your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, physical pain, emotional suffering, and future rehabilitation or medical care. Insurance companies and adjusters are trained to minimize the payout available to victims, which is why it’s critical to talk to an attorney if you’re considering a claim.

When researching potential legal teams, make sure you ask relevant questions related to their experience (Have you ever handled a case like mine?) and their investigation methods (What evidence will you collect and how will you obtain it?). It’s also important to look at client testimonials. For example, we invite you to look at our law firm’s client reviews and see how other Texans in a similar situation have fared with our help.

If you have been injured, please reach out to us. We have English- and Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact us online or call us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260. We offer a free case review to discuss the details of your situation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

For more information:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• Texas Statutes 33