Have you or a loved one been injured recently in a truck accident? The Edwards Law Firm is here to help in your time of need. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Accidents involving tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles occur all too frequently in McAllen and throughout Texas, often resulting in severe or catastrophic injuries to motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and others involved.
Trucking companies oversee large fleets of commercial vehicles that traverse roads across the United States, operating around the clock. When these companies or other responsible parties fail to adhere to safety regulations or act negligently, victims have the right to seek accountability for their injuries and losses.
Cases stemming from commercial truck accidents are complex, necessitating legal representation from an attorney experienced in these matters. At The Edwards Law Firm, our McAllen truck accident lawyers have the necessary resources to thoroughly investigate truck accidents, establish liability, and pursue legal action against significant trucking entities.
With over a century of combined legal experience and a proven record of representing victims in truck accidents and personal injury cases, we are committed to assisting our clients in seeking the compensation they are entitled to receive.
Truck accidents in McAllen can involve various types of commercial vehicles due to the city's active transportation routes and industrial activities. Some of the most commonly involved trucks include:
18-wheelers, also known as semi-trucks, are large trucks consisting of a tractor unit and a trailer, primarily used for long-haul transportation of goods across the country. Due to their size and weight, they play a crucial role in the logistics industry but require skilled handling to ensure safety on the roads.
Box trucks are medium-sized vehicles with an enclosed cargo area. They are commonly used for local deliveries and transporting goods. Their size makes them ideal for navigating urban areas while providing sufficient space for various types of cargo.
Dump trucks are designed for transporting loose materials like sand, gravel, or demolition debris. They feature a rear open-box bed that can be raised to unload the contents, making them essential for construction and landscaping projects.
Flatbed trucks have an open cargo area without sides or a roof, making them ideal for transporting large or unusually shaped items that cannot fit into an enclosed space. These trucks are commonly used for moving heavy machinery, building materials, and other oversized loads.
Tanker trucks are specialized vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in large tanks, including fuel, chemicals, or industrial liquids. Their design and operation require careful handling to prevent spills and ensure safe delivery of hazardous materials.
Garbage trucks are essential for collecting and transporting solid waste and recyclables from residential and commercial areas. They are equipped to handle large volumes of waste efficiently and play a vital role in waste management and sanitation.
Tow trucks are equipped to tow vehicles that have broken down or been involved in accidents. They are an essential part of roadside assistance services, helping to clear disabled vehicles from the road and transport them to repair facilities.
Truck accidents in McAllen can occur due to various factors, often resulting from a combination of human error, vehicle factors, and environmental conditions. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in McAllen include:
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in McAllen, Texas, seeking legal advice from an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial. They can investigate the circumstances, determine liability, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact our McAllen truck accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case and understand your legal options. We are here to advocate for your rights and help you navigate the complexities of your truck accident claim.
Determining liability in a McAllen truck accident depends on various factors and may involve multiple parties. Here’s a breakdown of potential liable parties in truck accidents:
Negligence occurs when the truck driver’s actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, contribute to an accident. In such cases, the driver may be held liable for the resulting damages and injuries.
Employer liability holds the trucking company accountable for accidents caused by their employees, notably if the company failed to properly train drivers, enforce safety regulations, or maintain their vehicles. In such cases, the company may be responsible for the damages resulting from the accident.
Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can contribute to a truck accident. If a mechanical failure or defect in the truck or its components played a role in the crash, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held liable under product liability laws.
Improper loading can lead to severe accidents if cargo spills or shifts, causing the truck to lose control. Those responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck could be held liable if improper loading practices contributed to the accident.
Contractors and subcontractors who handle truck maintenance, inspections, or repairs may share liability if their negligence contributed to the accident. If they failed to perform their duties properly, leading to mechanical issues or safety violations, they could be held accountable for the resulting damages.
Investigation involves gathering critical evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis, to establish how the accident occurred. Documentation is essential, so keep thorough records of medical treatments, vehicle repairs, and any other expenses related to the accident. It’s also necessary to consult with an experienced McAllen truck accident lawyer who can accurately assess your case, identify liable parties, and navigate the legal complexities on your behalf.
Navigating a truck accident claim requires legal expertise to negotiate with insurance companies, ensure fair compensation for your injuries and damages, and, if necessary, pursue litigation.
Our experienced McAllen truck accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, determine liability, and advocate for your best interests. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore how we can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Some common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
Many truck accident injuries can have long-term consequences, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and potentially resulting in permanent disabilities. Victims often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges as they recover from these injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced truck accident attorney. Legal representation can help ensure your rights are protected, assist in gathering evidence to support your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact our McAllen truck accident lawyers to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time and pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.
Federal regulations governing the trucking industry can have a significant impact on your truck accident case in McAllen, Texas. Here’s how these regulations may affect your claim:
Fatigue prevention is a crucial focus of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which sets limits on how long commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles without taking breaks and rest periods. If the truck driver violated these regulations by driving for extended hours without proper rest, fatigue could be considered a contributing factor to the accident, potentially strengthening your case.
Inspection requirements mandate that trucks undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are safe for operation. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure due to inadequate maintenance or defective parts, the trucking company or maintenance provider may be held liable for the resulting damages.
Truck drivers are required to meet specific qualifications regarding training, licensing, and medical fitness to ensure they are capable of safely operating large commercial vehicles. If a trucking company fails to properly screen or train the driver and this negligence contributes to the accident, the company may be held liable for negligent hiring practices.
Cargo regulations require that trucks adhere to strict guidelines for securing cargo to prevent it from shifting or spilling during transit. If a truck violates weight limits or has improperly loaded cargo, it can lead to accidents, increasing liability for the trucking company or the individuals responsible for loading the cargo.
Tracking compliance is now ensured through Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), which are mandated to track drivers' hours electronically, replacing the traditional paper logbooks. ELD data can serve as crucial evidence, showing whether the driver adhered to hours of service regulations at the time of the accident, potentially supporting your case.
Federal regulations can serve as critical evidence in your truck accident case, demonstrating key factors such as negligence and liability. Violations of these regulations may indicate negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company. Non-compliance with safety standards can significantly strengthen your argument for holding the responsible parties accountable for the accident and your injuries.
Navigating the complexities of federal regulations and their impact on truck accident cases requires the expertise of a knowledgeable attorney. A skilled truck accident lawyer can:
If you were seriously injured in a McAllen truck accident and suspect that federal regulations may have been violated, our experienced McAllen truck accident lawyers are here to help.
Proving fault in a McAllen truck accident involves gathering various types of evidence that can clearly establish who was responsible for causing the collision. This evidence is essential for building a solid case, demonstrating negligence, and securing the compensation you deserve. Here are critical pieces of evidence that can help strengthen your case:
Police Report: The police report provides an objective summary of the accident, including details such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, and statements from witnesses and involved parties.
Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident can provide crucial insights into what occurred and who was at fault. Witness testimony can corroborate your version of events.
Photographs and Videos: Pictures or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and nearby signage can illustrate how the accident unfolded and help establish fault.
Truck Maintenance and Inspection Records: Records detailing the truck’s maintenance history, inspections, and repairs can indicate whether mechanical issues or inadequate upkeep contributed to the accident.
Truck Driver’s Logs: ELD records provide electronic logs of the truck driver’s hours of service, including driving and rest times. This data can reveal if the driver violated federal hours-of-service regulations, potentially contributing to driver fatigue and the accident.
Trucking Company Records/Employment Records: Relevant information can include the truck driver’s employment status, training, qualifications, and any history of violations or disciplinary actions by the trucking company.
Expert Analysis: Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, can analyze the evidence, including physical evidence, witness statements, and ELD data, to recreate the accident and determine factors like speed, braking, and trajectory.
Traffic Violations and Citations: If the truck driver received a citation or was found at fault for a traffic violation related to the accident (e.g., speeding or running a red light), this can support your claim of negligence.
Medical Records: Medical records documenting your injuries, treatments received, and prognosis can demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life, supporting your compensation claim.
Communication with Insurance Company: Any communications with insurance companies, including correspondence, statements, and settlements, should be documented to track the progress of your claim.
Navigating the complexities of gathering and presenting evidence in a truck accident case requires the experience of a skilled lawyer. A knowledgeable McAllen truck accident lawyer can help:
After a truck accident, our legal team at The Edwards Law Firm is here to help you secure compensation you deserve. You should not have to bear the burden of medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering when someone else’s negligence is the cause of your injuries.
To connect with our office, schedule a complimentary consultation by dialing 361-320-6752. You can speak with a knowledgeable attorney completely free of charge to explain your situation and find out the best path forward. If you decide to hire us to take your case, we will do so on a contingency fee basis, so there is never any payment required upfront for us to begin work.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Call us today to begin putting this terrible event behind you. Don’t let the statute of limitations expire on your right to pursue compensation.
