Laredo 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys - West Texas Truck Accident Lawyers, Free Case Review

As the top port for U.S. trade in the nation, Laredo sees many commercial vehicles on its roads. Commercial vehicles are critical to the city’s economy and create hazards for residents and visitors. In 2023, commercial vehicle crashes took the lives of 620 people in Texas and seriously injured more than 1,600. Their sheer weight and size make 18-wheelers dangerous, but issues like heavy loads and hazardous materials can amplify the risks.

When 18-wheelers are involved in crashes, occupants of other vehicles are most likely to be injured or killed. The Laredo personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw help victims of these accidents pursue necessary compensation for medical care and other expenses. We have English- and Spanish-speaking professionals available 24/7, and we offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t have to pay until you receive a settlement. Contact our team toll-free today at 800-862-1260.

Federal and state regulations determine the maximum weight limit for 18-wheelers to ensure road safety. Unfortunately, not everyone abides by these regulations, resulting in potentially deadly oversized loads on busy highways. Risks associated with overloaded trucks include:

• Longer stopping distance increases the chance of a rear-end accident
• Break damage leading to brake failure and loss of vehicle control
• Tire blowouts that can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle
• Reduced stability, increasing the risk of tipping or rollover accidents

Suppose you are involved in a Laredo truck accident caused by an oversized load. In that case, your Texas personal injury attorney can use that information to hold the trucking company liable for your injuries and losses.

While most hazardous material accidents occur during unloading, those in transit can be deadly for motorists and others near the crash. Injuries from these incidents might include:

• Respiratory distress or neurological damage from toxic gas
• Chemical burns from exposure to hazardous substances
• Thermal burns from fires or explosions
• Blindness or hearing loss from explosions
• Exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances)
• Crashes or slips and falls due to slippery substances on the road

Because hazardous loads are so dangerous to other drivers and the general public, vehicles carrying these loads have specific regulations they must follow. Texas has designated has-mat routes trucks must use to prevent hazardous spills in urban areas. The trucking company may be liable for victims’ injuries if a truck driver doesn’t follow the rules.

An accident with an 18-wheeler is a terrifying experience that can leave you unsure of what to do next. The steps you take immediately following your incident can impact your settlement, so avoid these common mistakes in the aftermath of a truck accident in Laredo TX:

All parties involved in the crash should remain at the scene until the authorities arrive. The police report is crucial evidence your lawyer can use to determine fault and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

Many accidents cause serious injuries that require emergency medical treatment. If you don’t need emergency care, you should still visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately for an evaluation. Adrenaline can mask pain immediately following an accident, so you may not experience symptoms until later.

Avoid talking to anyone at the scene and never admit fault for the incident. Allow your Laredo 18-wheeler collision attorney to converse with insurance companies and witnesses to collect objective information about the accident.

Insurance companies often arrive on the scene or at your home with documents for you to sign and a settlement figure that may look tempting. These documents protect their client and company, not you as the accident victim. Never sign anything without your lawyer’s okay.

If you are injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you need legal counsel immediately. Our reviews show how we protect clients like you. Contact Carabin Shaw today at 800-862-1260 for a free case review.

For more information:

• Laredo EDC
• Texas DMV
• Texas DMV
• PHMSA