The Complex Web of Liability - Multiple Parties in a Laredo TX Semi-Truck Accident

As the nation’s number one port in 2024, Laredo sees more commercial vehicles on its roads than nearly any other Texas city. Residents are all too familiar with the hazards posed by these large rigs. Laredo’s Webb County sees hundreds of accidents involving semis annually, with 885 in 2024 alone. Victims of semi crashes often face catastrophic injuries due to the weight and size of these vehicles. Our Texas truck accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw help these victims navigate the complex liability maze and maximize damages. If you’ve been injured, we offer free case reviews in English or Spanish 24/7 for all victims looking to explore their legal options.

Call Carabin Shaw toll-free today at 800-862-1260 to learn more. Our skilled lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case, so you’ve got nothing to lose.

Big rig crashes are as complex as they are dangerous. One reason for the complexity is the extensive list of state and federal regulations trucking companies must adhere to, including hours of service, cargo loading, and vehicle maintenance. If a company violates any of these regulations, accident victims may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

Multiple parties can contribute to these accidents, which also adds to the complexity of the case. Unlike car accidents, which typically only involve the drivers, truck accidents might be caused by:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Vehicle manufacturers
• Maintenance contractors
• Cargo loaders

A truck driver may be at fault if they were driving while drowsy, distracted, or under the influence of a substance. Trucking companies that require their drivers to pull longer shifts or operate unsafe vehicles can also be liable. If a malfunction causes an accident, the truck manufacturer or maintenance contractor could be to blame. Contractors responsible for loading the cargo may also be accountable if the load is off balance or too heavy for the truck to operate safely.

Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule, you can seek damages from all responsible parties according to their percentage of fault for your accident. Your chosen attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to identify all at-fault parties and ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve.

A truck accident investigation requires more evidence than a crash involving cars, such as:

• Evidence at the crash scene
• Police reports
• Eyewitness testimonies
• Hours-of-service (HOS) logs
• Maintenance records
• Shipping and loading documentation

Commercial trucks often have a “black box,” a device that records critical information about the driver’s actions and the truck’s performance. The data in this box isn’t stored for long. Your legal team will take steps to preserve the data, allowing you to use it to strengthen your claim.

By reviewing all the documentation, your Laredo 18 wheeler accident attorney can identify all responsible parties. For example, the investigation might reveal that the driver had exceeded the allowed driving hours, while improperly maintained tires led to a dangerous blowout. In this case, your lawyer could hold the trucking company liable for violating HOS regulations and the maintenance company liable for failing to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

Truck accident investigations require experience and expertise. Trucking companies are not always forthcoming with the necessary evidence. Records can become lost or damaged, making them unusable in some cases. Your legal team will immediately notify potential at-fault parties of your intention to file a claim, protecting vital documentation that will strengthen your case.

Your local trucking accident attorney will also work directly with insurance companies, protecting you from statements that could harm your claim. Insurance adjusters look for reasons to reduce or deny claims, and even a simple apology or failure to acknowledge your injuries could impact your ability to collect damages. Legal experts know how to handle insurance companies to protect your compensation.

A collision with a big rig can be a terrifying experience that leaves you injured and feeling helpless. Fortunately, the trusted Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw offer the expert help you need to seek fair compensation and move forward after your accident. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no money upfront and don’t pay unless we win. Check our law firm’s client reviews to see how we’ve helped other accident victims, then call us at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• FMCSA
• Texas Statutes 33