Laredo Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

We know how to tackle tough cases

Were you or a loved one injured in a truck accident in Texas caused by an 18-wheeler? Not sure exactly what you should do next? Talk to John R. Solis, Attorney at Law in Laredo. We have more than 25 years of experience handling some of the most complicated semi-truck accidents in Texas.

We know the challenges that can come up after such a serious crash. That's why semi-truck accident attorney John R. Solis has such a strong track record of success. He knows what evidence to look for and how to turn those facts into a winning case.

Don't underestimate the complexity of your case. And make sure you take legal action right away. Because the longer you wait, the harder it can often be to get the compensation you deserve for your accident. This is especially true with accidents involving tractor-trailers.

What are common causes of Texas semi-truck accidents?

Semi-truck crashes in Laredo and across Texas are often caused by preventable mistakes. These vehicles are big, heavy and difficult to stop quickly. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh more than 80,000 pounds. When truck drivers or trucking companies break the rules, people in smaller vehicles often pay the price.

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of semi-truck crashes. Truckers sometimes push past federal hours-of-service rules and drive too long without rest, making them more likely to fall asleep or lose focus.
Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions can make it impossible to stop in time, especially with a fully loaded trailer.
Improperly loaded cargo can shift during turns or sudden stops, causing the truck to tip over, rollover or jackknife.
Mechanical failure from poor maintenance, like brake problems or bald tires, can lead to deadly truck wrecks.
Distracted driving, including using GPS or texting behind the wheel, is dangerous in any vehicle, but especially in an 80,000-pound semi-truck.
Aggressive driving, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, can cause multi-vehicle pileups on busy highways.

Trucking companies are supposed to follow strict safety rules, but some cut corners to save time or money. When that happens, the consequences can be life-changing or even fatal. A Laredo semi-truck accident attorney can investigate the cause of your crash and help hold the right party accountable.

What are common semi-truck crash injuries?

Semi-truck crashes cause some of the worst injuries on Texas roads. Because of their size and weight, collisions with tractor-trailers often result in long-term health problems or permanent harm. These injuries may take months to heal or may never fully go away.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common when a person’s head strikes a hard surface or suffers a violent jolt. Symptoms can include memory loss, confusion and trouble concentrating.
Spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis or long-term back pain. Even a slipped or herniated disc can affect mobility and daily life.
Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms or ribs, often require surgery and long recovery times.
Internal injuries can damage organs like the lungs, liver or spleen. These are often hard to detect without medical testing.
Burns or crush injuries may happen if the vehicle catches fire or the victim is pinned during the crash.
Pain and suffering caused by a wide range of injuries can last weeks, months or even longer after a semi-truck accident.
Emotional trauma, including PTSD, is common after serious or fatal truck accidents and can affect a person’s ability to work or drive.

If you were hurt in a crash involving a semi, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, they could get worse without treatment. A Laredo semi-truck accident lawyer can help you fight for a settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Legal challenges you may face after your crash

There are many legal issues and problems you may face after your semi-truck accident. Some of the most common - and most complicated - issues you may encounter or already be dealing with include:

The truck driver denies doing anything wrong.
The truck driver blames you for causing the semi-truck accident.
The trucking company refuses to share information with you, including:
- The truck driver's Hours Of Service (HOS) logs (records when driver took breaks)
- "Black box" truck data (including truck speed, location, etc. at time of accident)
- The truck driver's driving history, especially if the driver has previously caused crashes.
- The trucking company's hiring records, especially if the company hired a dangerous driver.
The trucking company's insurance company denies your accident claim.
The insurance company makes a lowball offer, which they insist is the best they can do.

Truck drivers and trucking companies know there's often thousands or even millions of dollar at stake after a semi-truck accident. That's why they will likely do everything they can to reduce or deny your claim. That's why you need us on your side, fighting for your rights.

Who’s liable in a semi-truck crash?

Liability means who is legally responsible for causing an accident. This is important since the liable party in a semi-truck accident is the one responsible for paying for all accident-related expenses.

In semi-truck crashes in Texas, the driver isn’t always the only one who can be held accountable. Other companies or people involved in the trucking operation may also be responsible.

The truck driver is liable if they were speeding, distracted, under the influence, or made a careless driving decision.
The trucking company can be held legally responsible if they failed to train the driver, pushed them to work too many hours, ignored safety rules or hired the driver even if the trucking company knew the driver had a history of causing collisions or driver infractions.
Cargo loaders may be liable if the load was not secured properly and caused the trailer to tip or jackknife.
Maintenance companies can be at fault if a truck part failed because of poor or missed inspections.
Truck manufacturers may be responsible if the crash was caused by a defective part or mechanical failure.

Figuring out who’s liable often takes a full, thorough investigation. A Laredo semi-truck accident attorney can gather logbooks, black box data, and maintenance records to uncover the truth. That way, the right party is held accountable and you have a better chance of obtaining a full recovery.

What if there’s more than one at-fault party? Who pays for my accident?

Many semi-truck crashes involve more than one responsible party. In Texas, you can file a claim against any person or company that played a role in causing the crash. These cases are more complicated than typical accident claims and may involve multiple insurance companies.

For example, the semi-truck driver might have caused the crash by speeding, but the trucking company could also be at fault for failing to maintain the truck or hiring a driver with a history of trucking law violations. In some cases, the cargo loader or even a third-party repair shop may have made mistakes that contributed to the crash. Each of these parties can be held responsible for part of your injuries and financial losses.

A Laredo lawyer can investigate all possible causes of the crash and identify every at-fault party. This is important because a single insurance policy may not be enough to cover all your financial losses. Holding multiple parties accountable gives you a better chance at recovering full compensation through a settlement or lawsuit.

Should I file a semi-truck lawsuit?

If you were hurt in a crash with a semi-truck, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to get the money you need to recover. A lawsuit allows you to demand compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Filing a lawsuit also gives you the power to uncover evidence that a trucking company might try to hide.

Some trucking companies and their insurers will fight hard to avoid paying what your case is worth. They may try to blame you, delay your claim or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your long-term costs. Filing a lawsuit shows that you’re serious and gives your lawyer more legal tools to fight back.

Every case is different, and not every crash requires a lawsuit. But if your injuries are serious or the insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, taking legal action may be the best path forward. A Laredo semi-truck accident lawyer can help you decide the right move and stand with you every step of the way in court or wherever your legal case takes you.

You deserve justice. We can demand it

Trucking companies, insurance companies and their attorneys don't intimidate us. We know how to take them on and hold them accountable for their actions. That's because we know how to investigate trucking companies - from carefully reviewing accident reports to analyzing HOS logs, trucking company hiring records and other, important information.

When we present such information to insurance providers and trucking companies, they will hopefully agree to make a reasonable settlement offer that covers the true cost of your accident. But if they refuse to do so, we're prepared to take them to court and fight for your rights.

Contact our law firm and find out how an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you. Schedule your free case evaluation right now.