Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Brownsville, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brownsville, Texas?

  For non-emergency matters, you may contact the Brownsville Police Department at 956-548-7000.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Brownsville, Texas?

  Contact the records division of Brownsville Police Department at 956-548-7117. You may also visit their station at 600 E Jackson Street, Brownsville, TX 78520.

• How are police reports helpful in filing a truck accident claim in Brownsville?

  When you get involved in a truck accident in Brownsville, it is highly recommended for you to obtain a copy of the police report. Officers describe their findings in these reports, including injuries, places of impact, debris at the site, victim and witness accounts. Police reports for truck accidents also include notes if chemical testing was performed at the scene, who was transported by ambulance, and whether anybody was arrested as a result of the accident. Any of this information might be critical in determining culpability in an 18-wheeler collision.

• Why do truck crashes occur in Brownsville?

  Brownsville is a thoroughfare for cargo arriving from Mexico to the US, which is why commercial trucks often traverse the area. Because of this, truck accidents are inevitable, especially when the following causes contribute to the incident:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Speeding
  • Failure to break on time
  • Following too closely
  • Aggressive driving
  • Improper lane changes
  • Wide turns
  • Equipment malfunction

• How are truck accident claims different from car accident cases in Brownsville?

  Truck accident cases in Brownsville are more complicated than car accident lawsuits because multiple parties get involved in the incident. In a regular automobile collision, you may have to deal with the other motorist as well as an insurance company. In a truck accident, you're likely to come up against:

  • The truck driver's employer
  • The independent trucking contractor that rents the vehicle
  • The agency of the truck driver
  • Educational or licensing facilities
  • Insurance companies of those individuals and entities

• What are the most dangerous roads in Brownsville?

  Truck drivers generally use highways, which allow them to go rapidly and without stopping at traffic lights through metropolitan areas such as Brownsville. The following are certain hazardous roads and intersections around Brownsville that you should steer clear of whenever possible, including:

  • US Interstates 169 and 69 East
  • The northwest section of the city, where I-69 East meets US Interstate 2;
  • I-169/I-69E interchange
  • International Boulevard in downtown Brownsville
  • Highway 83

• How long before you should file a truck accident claim in Brownsville?

  It is ideal for you to file a truck accident claim in Brownsville as soon as possible if you want to get compensated for the damages. According to the Texas Civil Code, the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. If you do not submit your lawsuit within the time frame specified, the court may dismiss your case.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.