Dangers of 18 Wheelers on Laredo Roads - Best Truck Accident Attorneys in Texas

Driving on I-35 through Laredo, Texas, means navigating congested traffic with numerous semi-trucks headed to Laredo businesses or crossing the border. Whether they are beginning or ending their journey, truck drivers have a responsibility to adhere to safety standards that save lives on Texas roads. When they fail to meet this duty, victims can hire a local lawyer and file a lawsuit to collect compensation for damages.

If you’ve experienced injuries in a trucking accident, the Laredo TX personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help you seek justice and maximize your compensation. Read our client reviews to discover how we’ve helped people like you get back on their feet after a serious vehicle accident. To learn more, call us at 800-862-1260 to book your free case review and get the professional answers you need at no cost to you.

In 2024, there were 39,393 commercial vehicle accidents in Texas, and 885 of the accidents were in Webb County. While the classification of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) includes more than 18-wheelers, the majority of Laredo CMVs are motor carriers that transport goods. These big rigs are longer and heavier than passenger vehicles, and they pose a significant threat on Laredo’s streets.

While an 18-wheeler’s mass is an inherent safety concern, your lawyer will be more interested in the actions of its driver. Today's truckers may become distracted by their phones or exceed the hours-of-service the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allows. Distracted, fatigued, and frustrated drivers maneuvering vehicles that often weigh more than 50,000 lbs. on high-speed roads in Laredo, Texas, is a preventable safety hazard, and failing to safely operate a CMV may constitute negligence.

Laredo has installed Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes to expedite truck traffic across the border, but the combination of tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles in other parts of Laredo continues to be a challenge. There are constant improvement projects that address Laredo’s traffic problems, but the following roads continue to have increased danger:

• Mines Road
• Bob Bullock Loop
• Jaime Zapata Memorial Highway
• Interstate 35
• Highway 359

High speed, navigating intersections, and visibility issues increase the danger in these locations. A lawyer will investigate the cause of your 18-wheeler accident, so you can claim damages from the party who is liable for the wreck.

To hold a truck driver liable for injuries in an accident, a Laredo 18 wheeler accident attorney must prove that the driver acted in a negligent manner. Negligence means the driver had a duty to act differently, and injuries occurred because they failed to meet that duty.

Negligence can occur because of egregious errors of judgment, such as watching videos while driving or speeding. However, the best truck accident lawyers in Texas will find less obvious instances of negligence as well, such as a failure to meet inspection requirements or a poor driving record. Liability for a truck driver’s actions may extend to the company that owns the vehicle.

Your attorney will file a lawsuit against the trucking company through the doctrine of respondeat superior, which is the legal concept that holds companies liable for the actions of their employees. In Texas, this may result in a two-phase trial: the first to prove the truck driver’s negligence, and the second to determine punitive damages. While this may seem complex, it is important to remember that many cases end before going to trial with a negotiated settlement.

Hiring a Laredo semi-truck accident attorney allows you to learn about your legal rights and fight for fair compensation for your injuries. These injuries include medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and emotional anguish. Without expert legal advice, you might make a costly mistake that could jeopardize your case.

At Carabin Shaw, our law firm offers our services on a contingency-fee basis, and our first visit with you is a free consultation. This allows you to get the legal assistance you need without the added financial risk of upfront legal fees. You only pay us if we win your case.

Call our toll-free number today at 800-862-1260. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7, and we have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• FMCSA
• TX DoT