Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Edinburg, TX

FAQs

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

  If you find yourself in a non-emergency situation in Edinburg and want to contact the local police station, you can dial 956-289-7745.

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

  You can contact the Records Department of the police station by dialing 956-289-7795 to confirm if your police report is available. After confirming that you can have a copy of your report, you can visit the office directly at the Edinburg Police Station, Records Department, 1702 S Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539. You may also request for a copy of your report online through https://edinburgtx.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(og4twp1wewfxksrs2iuitqyi))/supporthome.aspx.

• What is the statute of limitations for claiming damages for truck accidents in Edinburg?

  You have two years in Edinburg to submit a claim for personal injury or wrongful death resulting from truck accidents. If you find yourself or your loved ones injured due to the negligence of truck drivers, a lawyer who specializes in handling truck accident cases may be able to help you. Their legal expertise will guide you through obtaining compensation for your injuries and holding the negligent party liable.

• Which party can be held accountable for negligence in a truck accident case in Edinburg?

  Under Texas law, you can file a lawsuit against anyone whose negligence led to your injuries in an Edinburg truck accident. These parties can include the truck driver himself, the truck manufacturer, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and even the personnel who conducted maintenance on the vehicle. Each can be held primarily or secondarily liable for your damages and losses.

• Is there a limit to how much compensation you can seek for the damages you incurred in a truck accident in Edinburg?

  Unlike every other state, Texas does not have a cap on personal injury awards, including those in Edinburg truck accident cases. You are allowed to receive as much damage compensation as is necessary for your injury recovery. Medical malpractice lawsuits are the only personal injury case that is an exception to this rule.

• What measures can one take to prevent truck accidents in Edinburg?

  To prevent the occurrence of truck accidents in Edinburg, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends that truck drivers follow certain rules. This includes obtaining enough rest before driving, avoiding alcohol and drugs that can impair their driving, and eating a balanced diet to ensure they are in good enough shape to drive. They should not rely on tricks to stay awake and understand the signs and risks of drowsiness when they take the wheel.

• How are Edinburg trucking incidents investigated?

  Law enforcement agencies typically look into Edinburg truck accidents just like in any other state or city. For instance, a Department of Public Safety officer will receive training on conducting auto accident investigations. However, in the majority of cases, a trained accident reconstructionist is required to assess truck collisions in further detail.

• 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.