The Rio Grande Valley is one of the busiest freight corridors in the country. Thousands of tractor-trailers cross the international bridges and travel Expressway 83 (I-2), I-69C and US-281 every day, many hauling produce and goods from Mexico. When an 18-wheeler hits a passenger car, the injuries are often catastrophic. Attorney Oscar Longoria represents people hurt in truck crashes throughout Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
A truck crash is not just a bigger car wreck. Trucking companies and their insurers often send investigators to the scene within hours. The case may involve several defendants and several insurance policies, including:
- The truck driver
- The motor carrier that employed or contracted the driver
- The owner of the tractor or the trailer
- The shipper or loading company, if cargo was overloaded or poorly secured
- A maintenance company or parts manufacturer, if equipment failed
Interstate motor carriers hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage under federal rules, and some carry much more.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Crashes
- Driver fatigue and violations of federal hours-of-service rules
- Speeding or following too closely
- Distracted driving and cell phone use
- Unsafe lane changes and wide right turns
- Brake failure and poor maintenance
- Overloaded or shifting cargo
- Poorly trained or unqualified drivers
Evidence That Must Be Preserved Quickly
Much of the most important evidence is in the trucking company's hands. It can be lost or overwritten if no one asks for it. We move quickly to demand that the company preserve:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing driving hours
- Engine control module ("black box") data on speed and braking
- Dash camera and onboard video
- Driver qualification files, drug and alcohol test results
- Inspection and maintenance records
- Dispatch records, bills of lading and GPS data
Deadlines for Truck Accident Claims
Most Texas truck accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Waiting makes it harder to get the evidence above. If a government vehicle was involved, notice may be required within six months or less.
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Truck crashes often cause brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and death. Depending on the facts, you may be able to recover medical expenses, lost income and earning capacity, pain and mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and property damage. When a family loses a loved one, see our wrongful death page.
Related Pages
Personal Injury Lawyer in Mission, TXCar Accident LawyerPharr Personal Injury LawyerAbogado de Accidentes (Español)
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Call 956-630-LAWS (5297) or fill out the form on this page. Your consultation is free, and you pay no attorney's fee unless we recover for you. Depending on your fee agreement, you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses. Se habla español.
Call 956-630-LAWSFree Case ReviewAttorney responsible for this content: Oscar Lee Longoria Jr., Law Office of Oscar Longoria, PLLC, 2028 E. Griffin Parkway, Mission, Texas 78572.