Truck Accident Attorneys in Edinburg, Texas
Representing Truck Accident Victims in Edinburg
A recent report from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) showed there were over 22,000 crashes that involved tractor trailers across the state in 2020. Of these accidents, nearly 700 resulted in “serious injuries” such as broken bones or internal damage.
Compared to accidents involving passenger vehicles, those who are in a collision with a truck were twice as likely to sustain a serious injury.
At The Ricky Rod Law Group, we have seen firsthand what this data shows. Crashes involving large tractor trailers are especially dangerous and can cause injuries that require expensive medical care and result in other devastating costs.
If you have been hurt in an accident, get our help immediately. We will work hard from the day we take on your case to develop a strategy to help you recover the damages you deserve.
Injured in a truck accident? You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (956) 294-0071 now!
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to negligence or unsafe driving practices. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers work long hours, sometimes exceeding legal limits. Drowsy driving slows reaction times and increases accident risks.
- Distracted driving – Using a phone, eating, or adjusting a GPS can take a driver’s focus off the road, leading to dangerous situations.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol or drug use, including prescription medications, can impair a driver’s judgment and coordination.
- Speeding and reckless driving – Large trucks take longer to stop. Speeding or aggressive driving increases the chances of serious crashes.
- Poor truck maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or engine failures can cause sudden accidents, especially at high speeds.
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo – Unbalanced loads can shift, making a truck unstable and more likely to tip over or lose control.
- Adverse weather conditions – Rain, fog, or ice make it harder for trucks to stop or turn safely, increasing accident risks.
Types of Truck Accidents
Different types of truck accidents can cause varying degrees of damage and injury. Some of the most common include:
- Jackknife accidents – The truck’s trailer swings out at an angle, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
- Rear-end collisions – A truck crashes into the back of another vehicle, often causing serious injuries due to its size and weight.
- Underride accidents – A smaller vehicle gets trapped under the rear or side of a truck, often leading to fatal injuries.
- Rollover accidents – The truck tips over, sometimes crushing nearby vehicles.
- Blind spot accidents – Trucks have large blind spots, making it easy for smaller cars to be hit when the truck changes lanes.
- Tire blowouts – A sudden tire failure can make a truck swerve uncontrollably.
- Wide-turn accidents – Trucks require more space to turn, sometimes colliding with nearby cars or pedestrians.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear.
- Call law enforcement – A police report can be crucial for your insurance claim and legal case.
- Gather evidence – Take photos, get witness statements, and note the truck’s license plate and company name.
- Avoid discussing fault – Do not admit blame or make statements to the trucking company or their insurance adjusters.
- Contact a truck accident attorney – A lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you can improve your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Local Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers With Unparalleled Experience
Filing a lawsuit for your truck accident injuries is a complex matter. This is because there are many regulations that govern the trucking industry, and these accidents can involve multiple responsible parties.
Here are things we will consider in your case:
- State and federal governments have laws that determine the types of cargo trucks can carry, how much weight they can carry, how fast they can drive, the number of hours a driver can operate a truck at one time, and more. One way to build a lawsuit is to gather pertinent evidence to these regulations and demonstrate how a violation caused the accident.
- Truck accidents often happen because of the negligence of someone other than the driver. From transport company managers to those who load products onto the trailers, there are many individuals whose actions could lead to a crash. When you retain our firm, we will determine who was responsible and seek to recover damages from the appropriate parties.
No matter our strategy for your case, our Edinburg truck accident attorneys have the skill and knowledge to put it into action. When we takes on your case, you can trust we will use our unparalleled depth of legal experience while advocating for you.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
In our state, you can sue for damages even if you shared fault in the accident. Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule requires judges to examine evidence and apportion fault in percentages. If you are not more than 50% at fault for an accident, you can file a lawsuit.
It is important to note that in cases where parties share fault, your percentage affects how much money you can pursue. For example, if a judge determines you are 15% responsible for a crash, then you can only get 85% of the maximum amount of potential compensation.
How Can an Edinburg Truck Accident Attorney Help You Recover Compensation?
An Edinburg truck accident lawyer at can play a pivotal role in assisting victims who have been injured in truck accidents due to another party's negligence. They are equipped with the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the rights of their clients. By conducting a meticulous investigation, they gather evidence to substantiate the claim, assess the damage and injuries, and establish the liability of the responsible parties. They also help in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that the victim receives the maximum possible compensation.
Services offered by a truck accident lawyer include:
- Accident Investigation: The attorney conducts a thorough investigation to collect all the necessary evidence, including accident reports, eyewitness testimonies, and photographic evidence. The aim is to establish a strong case against the responsible party.
- Assessment of Damages: They will thoroughly assess all the damages and injuries suffered by the victim to determine the extent of compensation required. This includes medical bills, loss of wages, property damages, and even emotional trauma.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the compensation awarded to the victim. A truck accident lawyer is adept at negotiating with these companies to ensure their clients receive what they are rightfully owed.
- Representation in Court: If the case goes to trial, the attorney will represent the victim in court, presenting a persuasive argument to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Legal Advice: Lawyers also provide victims with legal advice and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that they understand their rights and options.
- Handling Paperwork: Navigating the legal system involves a lot of paperwork. A professional attorney will handle all the required documentation to ensure a smooth process.
Remember, the goal of an Edinburg truck accident attorney is to ensure that victims of truck accidents receive the maximum compensation possible for their physical and emotional suffering.
Damages You Can Recover in Truck Accidents
Our truck accident lawyers in Edinburg will do all we can to help you get exactly what you deserve from your lawsuit.
Our team will:
- Work to cover your medical bills, including ambulance rides, surgeries, or other treatments; medication; physical therapy; and all visits to your doctor or hospital stays
- Seek wages you might have lost because you could not go to work after your crash, or wages you missed because your injuries prevented you from working in a similar capacity as before
- Help you get compensation for damage to your car or other property
- Demonstrate that you deserve to recover damages for non-economic consequences such as chronic pain, stress, or decreases in your quality of life
When you trust The Ricky Rod Law Group with your case, our goal is simple: We want to help you get the money you need to move forward after an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Truck Accidents
How is a truck accident case different from a car accident case?
- Unlike car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, such as the driver, trucking company, or cargo loaders. Commercial trucks must also follow strict federal and state regulations, making these cases more complex and requiring legal expertise to pursue fair compensation.
What evidence is important in a truck accident case?
Key evidence includes:
- The truck’s black box data (which records speed, braking, and other details)
- Driver logbooks (to check for hours-of-service violations)
- Maintenance records (to see if faulty equipment played a role)
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Witness statements and police reports
What if the truck driver was working when the accident happened?
- If the truck driver was on the job, their employer might be liable for the accident. Trucking companies can be responsible if they failed to properly train drivers, pushed them to violate safety regulations, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault?
- Yes. Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What types of compensation can I receive?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages (if you missed work due to your injuries)
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Pain and suffering (emotional distress, reduced quality of life)
- Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one in a truck accident)
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
- In Texas, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within this time, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
What should I do if the trucking company’s insurance calls me?
- Whether you’ve been in a truck accident, car accident, or motorcycle accident, do not provide a statement or accept a settlement offer without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so having legal representation ensures you receive fair compensation.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents can result in serious injuries and extensive property damage. Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate the legal process on your own. Hiring a skilled truck accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Here are some reasons why you need a truck accident attorney:
- Experience in handling complex truck accident cases
- Knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations
- Ability to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Representation in court if necessary
- Maximizing your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Truck accident injuries can be life-changing, but you have legal options. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help. Contact us for a free case review—call (956) 294-0071 or reach out online today!