Laredo TX Commercial Vehicle Accident Laws: What Victims Need to Know

Laredo is a bustling Texas inland port with miles of U.S. and state highways and an airport. The robust shipping industry means a heavy concentration of commercial vehicles on Laredo roads. Unfortunately, it can also mean more commercial vehicle accidents, which can be catastrophic due to the size and force of the trucks. Victims of these accidents often face debilitating injuries that change their lives forever.

Tragically, accident victims may not be at fault for their injuries. Commercial vehicle accident laws in Texas can help victims pursue compensation to alleviate the financial stress usually accompanying these incidents. The South Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw help accident victims navigate these laws for their benefit. Contact our team 24/7 at 800-862-1260 for your free case review.

The Texas Transportation Code defines trucks as motor vehicles primarily used to transport property. These might include 18-wheeler trucks, big rigs, delivery vans, buses, construction equipment, and more. Due to the state’s busy freight system, Texas has an exceptionally high volume of these vehicles on the roads.

Texas led the country in deaths resulting from commercial vehicle crashes in 2022, with 810 fatalities. Webb County, where Laredo is the county seat, had 796 commercial vehicle crashes in 2023. Many motor vehicle accidents in the state occur on U.S. and state highways, where higher speeds can result in catastrophic crashes.

A commercial driver may be responsible for an accident by violating traffic laws or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers must also follow hours-of-service regulations instituted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to prevent driver fatigue. When drivers do not follow the rules, their negligence may lead to liability.

Drivers aren’t the only parties who can be liable in a commercial vehicle crash. Trucking companies that do not follow the hours-of-service regulations or maintain their fleet can also be responsible. Employers must also follow rigorous hiring, training, and supervisory processes to ensure their drivers are fit for the road.

Other parties that could be liable for all or a portion of a commercial vehicle crash include:

• Vehicle manufacturers
• Mechanics responsible for maintaining the vehicles
• Cargo companies responsible for adequately securing loads

A personal injury attorney experienced with commercial vehicle accident laws in Texas will determine all the parties at fault in your crash to hold them responsible and maximize your compensation.

Texas applies comparative negligence laws to commercial vehicle accidents, which can increase compensation and complicate determining liability. Texas uses the 50% rule, which states that as long as the victim’s degree of fault in the accident is 50% or less, the victim can recover damages from other at-fault parties.

If you are eligible for compensation based on the 50% rule, each liable party will pay a portion of your damages based on their degree of fault. If the truck driver was 40% liable and the trucking company was 60%, each would be responsible for that portion of your compensation.

Common accident causes include:

• Commercial driver error or negligence
• Violations of state and federal regulations
• Failure to properly screen and train drivers
• Issues with overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
• Poorly maintained vehicles or equipment malfunctions
• Actions of another driver involved in the crash

The complexity of commercial vehicle laws in Texas is challenging for victims to navigate without experienced legal help. You need an experienced Laredo personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process and handle your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

If you are injured in a commercial vehicle crash in Laredo, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The compassionate lawyers at Carabin Shaw offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t owe any money until you receive your settlement.

We have been helping victims like you for 25 years, and reviews from previous clients attest to our care and commitment to recover all the damages you are due. Contact our office at 800-862-1260 and speak to one of our English- or Spanish-speaking professionals now to schedule your free case review.

For more information:

• Texas Trucking Law
• Injury Facts
• DoT Texas
• FMCSA