McAllen 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer: What Victims Need to Know After a Truck Crash

18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles are an essential part of the infrastructure of McAllen, Texas. Unfortunately, the abundance of large trucks on our roads can increase the risk for local drivers. When trucks hit smaller passenger vehicles, the results can be devastating for victims. Without the help of an experienced lawyer, victims may never receive the compensation they need to fund their recoveries.

Luckily, the McAllen 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw are here to help. We know how to guide you through the legal process and secure for you the justice and restitution you deserve. We even offer a free consultation so you can get started with no risk. Call us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 to learn more!

18-wheelers and other large trucks pose a significant danger to other drivers on the road. Their poor sightlines, long braking distances, wide turning radii, and the possibility of driver fatigue make these vehicles more likely to cause accidents. Due to their size, large truck accidents can have devastating results for the drivers they hit. According to 2024 data, Texas led all states in truck accident deaths.

Liability in all Texas truck accidents is determined based on negligence. Any driver who fails to uphold their duty of care can be held accountable when they cause a crash. Some common examples of negligence leading to truck accident liability are:

• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Tailgaiting
• Driving under the influence
• Improper cargo loading
• Operating a defective vehicle
• Failure to yield
• Inadequate hiring or training practices

All drivers in McAllen, Texas, are subject to the modified comparative fault rule. This means that multiple drivers may share liability for a single crash, proportionate to their negligence. You may even be partially liable for your own accident.

Any driver who is less than 51% liable can pursue lawsuits and insurance claims. The compensation of partially liable drivers, however, will be reduced by their percentage of fault. A McAllen truck accident lawyer can fight to reduce your percentage of liability, maximizing your compensation after a partial fault accident.

Crash victims will need to use evidence to prove negligence and to demonstrate the losses they have suffered as a result of the accident. It is important to move quickly when collecting evidence, as witness statements become less reliable over time and some evidence may disappear entirely. Some examples of evidence that may be relevant to your case are:

• Medical records
• Police reports
• Photo/video evidence
• Witness statements
• Employment records
• Pain journals
• Vehicle maintenance records
• Black box data
• Company training manuals

Once you have identified liable parties, you can work with a McAllen semi-truck accident attorney to pursue lawsuits against them. In personal injury lawsuits, damages are used to quantify the financial and emotional losses suffered by accident victims. Some examples of damages you may qualify for include:

• Reimbursement of medical expenses
• Property damage
• Reimbursement of legal fees
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of benefits
• Mental anguish

Hiring a truck accident lawyer in McAllen TX quickly will help maximize the value of your claim and protect you from lowball insurance settlements. Your attorney will explore every possible avenue for compensation and hold all liable parties accountable for your injuries. A skilled lawyer can even negotiate your insurance claims on your behalf, gather evidence for you, and conduct a private investigation if necessary.

At Carabin Shaw, our twenty-four-year history of success is reflected in our law firm’s client reviews. To learn more about what our McAllen accident attorneys can do for you, contact us online or call us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260. Our staff speaks both English and Spanish and is available 24/7 to set you up for a free case review.

Better yet, thanks to our contingency-fee agreement, you pay nothing unless we win your case. With no upfront payment and no risk, there is no reason to delay. Call Carabin Shaw today to begin on the road to justice!

For more information:

• National Safety Council
• Texas Statutes 33