I-35 Truck Wreck in Laredo: How Texas Tort Reform Affects Your Commercial Vehicle Claim

Commercial truck accidents in Laredo, Texas, occur at an alarming rate, as the city is a key shipping hub between the US and Mexico. Laredo’s Webb County had 885 crashes involving commercial vehicles in 2024. Victims of these accidents often face catastrophic injuries that impact their ability to work and care for their families.

Changes to Texas law affect how accident victims can file personal injury claims against trucking companies and limit the compensation they can seek. Trucking companies can use these changes in their favor to minimize personal injury claims. The Laredo truck accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw protect accident victims’ rights and ensure they receive all the damages they are due under Texas law.

If you have recently been injured by a big rig, you may feel like you’re at a disadvantage going against big trucking companies and their insurance providers. Our law firm’s compassionate attorneys help accident victims like you every day, as our client reviews demonstrate. We are available 24/7 to provide free case reviews in English or Spanish at 1-800-862-1260.

The Texas Auto Tort Reform Bill, known as HB 19, was added to the state’s tort law in 2021. The new law requires accident victims to follow a bifurcated trial system, which divides personal injury lawsuits into two parts.

The first part requires accident victims and their lawyers to seek compensatory damages against the truck driver or trucking company using only facts related to the actual crash. Trucking company negligence is limited to vehicle maintenance or hiring practices. Victims may not use the company’s crash history or similar data during this phase of the process.

If the driver or company is found negligent, the case moves to the second phase of the process. During this phase, accident victims can bring a claim seeking exemplary (punitive) damages against the driver’s employer. A jury will hear this portion of the case and award punitive damages based on the evidence presented.

Commercial trucks and their drivers are governed by state and federal laws in Texas. In the event of violations, the driver and their employer can still be held liable for compensatory damages. Your I-35 truck wreck lawyer will immediately launch an investigation into your crash, gathering evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• Medical records
• Driver and maintenance logs
• Black box information from the vehicle

Using this evidence, your legal team can show that negligence directly caused the accident, your injuries, and your subsequent financial losses. It is critical to seek professional legal guidance right away to ensure your attorney can obtain the necessary evidence while it is still available.

During the first phase of a personal injury claim, accident victims can seek the following damages under Texas law:

- Economic Damages

Economic damages include reimbursement for medical bills and lost wages while you are out of work and recovering from your injuries. They also cover property damage to your vehicle. These damages are substantiated by documentation such as receipts, bills, and estimates.

- Non-Economic Damages

These damages reimburse accident victims for the intangible impact their accident and injuries have on their lives. They might include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Disability or disfigurement
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium

Your lawyer will calculate the amount of damages you are entitled to based on injury severity, the long-term implications, and the specific details of your accident.

Texas tort laws are complex, confusing, and intimidating to most accident victims. Carabin Shaw has the experience and expertise to protect your rights while helping you navigate the complicated maze of tort law in the state. Our Texas attorneys also offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Call our law firm today toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 and book your free, no-obligation consultation.

For more information:

• https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/docs/division/trf/crash-records/2024/30.pdf
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.72.HTM
• https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/searc
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/cp/htm/cp.41.htm