Holding Trucking Companies Accountable After an 18-Wheeler Crash in Laredo TX

According to the Department of Transportation, the trucking sector provides 1.1 million jobs to Texans. While this industry provides many valuable jobs to those in and around Laredo, commercial trucking accidents can result in severe injuries, leaving a complicated path to justice for victims in their wake. If you were recently injured in an 18-wheeler accident in South Texas and believe negligence was the cause, the Laredo TX lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help.

Our experienced attorneys know exactly what it takes to secure vital compensation for commercial trucking crash victims. We’ve fought hard for decades on behalf of wrongly injured Texans and their families, and we will do the same for you. Particularly in cases where trucking companies are liable for their drivers’ accidents, our law firm has extensive experience holding all parties accountable and securing lucrative settlements for our clients. Call Carabin Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to learn more and schedule your FREE case review.

Liability in motor vehicle crashes in Texas is decided on an at-fault basis. That means that an investigation will determine which driver caused an accident, and that driver will be held responsible for insurance payments and legal actions. If more than one party is deemed at fault, those involved pay according to their percentage of fault. Victims found less than 50% responsible for an accident in Texas can pursue damages.

In cases where commercial vehicles cause an accident, however, vicarious liability may also be held by the trucking company for which the driver was working. Some examples of reasons a parent company may be held liable for a crash by one of their drivers are:

• Improper screening or training of drivers
• Failure to maintain company vehicles
• Violation of legal labor practices

Trucking companies can be held liable for a truck accident settlement if they are found to have demonstrated any negligence that contributed to a crash. This can be particularly important in cases where victims’ costs exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, as parent companies are required to carry commercial general liability insurance. The minimum limits of this type of insurance are significantly higher than the required minimum car insurance for individual drivers.

Due to the size and weight of large commercial vehicles, the recovery process from these types of accidents is often more costly than insurance alone can cover. When that is the case, victims have to seek further compensation by bringing a personal injury lawsuit against liable parties with the help of an 18 wheeler accident lawyer.

When suing for compensation, damages are how that compensation is quantified. Common types of damages that victims may pursue include:

• Reimbursement of medical expenses
• Property damages
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Reimbursement of legal fees
• Punitive damages

Economic damages are easily quantifiable, whereas non-economic costs are more subjective and include expenses like emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, etc.

To have the best chance of success with any legal actions following your Laredo, Texas, 18-wheeler accident, it is essential that you gather as much relevant evidence as possible. Some common types of evidence you will want to look out for are:

• Medical records and bills
• Police reports
• Eyewitness testimony
• Vehicle service logs
• Photo/ video evidence
• Employment records

In addition to helping to strengthen your case, evidence like medical bills and employment records can be key in establishing the amount of damages you are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can also collect and maintain evidence on your behalf.

The assistance of a Laredo truck accident lawyer is extremely valuable for victims seeking to hold trucking companies accountable for their 18-wheeler accidents. These companies often employ high-powered legal teams and look to put full responsibility on individual drivers.

A skilled attorney will help maximize your compensation and chance of success, alleviate stress and time obligations for you throughout the process. They can handle insurance negotiations on your behalf and even conduct a private investigation into your accident.

At Carabin Shaw, we have decades of experience winning cases for victims just like you. That is why our client reviews are filled with so many positive testimonials.

Just call us toll-free at 800-862-1260, where our English—and Spanish-speaking staff is available 24/7. We offer prospective clients a free case review, so getting started is risk-free.

Furthermore, at Carabin Shaw, we never want finances to get in the way of justice for our clients. That is why we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we will not collect payment until we have won your case.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• TDI
• Texas Statutes 33
• Texas Statutes 41