Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Laredo

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Laredo Police Department is 956-795-2800.

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

  Car accident reports from Laredo Police officers are available in person or online. These reports are usually available within one to two business days of being filed. To obtain a report in person, you may go to the Records Department located at 4712 Maher Ave, from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. A report on an accident costs $6.00. Cash and credit or debit cards are acceptable modes of payment.

• What are the most common causes of commercial truck accidents in Laredo?

  The most frequent causes of truck accidents in Laredo include distracted driving, speeding, driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and fatigue. Unrealistic schedules and expectations, failure to properly load trucks or secure cargo, equipment failure due to defects, and insufficient truck maintenance are also quoted as common causes of truck accidents.

• What is the deadline for filing a truck accident claim in Laredo?

  In Texas, truck accident claims must be filed within two years of the accident's date. This limit also applies to property damage claims. Even if you think the limitation period has run out, you should still consult with an attorney in Laredo because there are a few exceptions to the two-year time limit.

• What kind of compensation can you expect if you file a truck accident claim in Laredo?

  A Laredo car accident lawyer can assist victims in recovering the following damages:

  • Punitive damages. These include medication, physical therapy and rehabilitation, lost earnings, car repair or replacement, and out-of-pocket expenses.
  • General monetary damages. Non-economic losses are another term for this. There may be no bills or receipts to calculate a person's physical or emotional pain and suffering. However, an attorney can use a multiplier method to estimate these costs accurately.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Laredo for truck drivers?

  Mines Road is Laredo's most dangerous highway. Some of its dangerous aspects are as follows:

  • Difficult crossroads. There are several small roads and parking lots where drivers must make difficult turns.
  • Easy access to I-35. Many people are unsure how to use access ramps and how to adjust their speed properly.
  • The 69W overpass. Some motorists are unaware of the access ramps or the intersection with Frontage Road, which runs parallel to 69W.

• Can your truck accident settlement in Laredo be affected by your partial fault?

  Yes, your fault percentage will be deducted from the total settlement. For instance, if you recover a $100,000 compensation and the jury determines that you were 20% to blame for the collision, you will only receive $80,000. There is, however, a limit to this. Anyone who is 51% or more to blame for an accident will be unable to recover compensation for losses in Laredo.

• 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.