Steps in a Laredo Truck Accident Lawsuit & When To Consult with a Texas Injury Lawyer

Laredo, Texas, is considered the gateway to Central and Latin America, a big job for a bustling border city on the banks of the Rio Grande. Motorists often share the roadways with massive commercial trucks shipping goods between Mexico and the U.S. These vehicles pose hazards to other drivers, who can be severely injured in a collision with one.

Texas was labeled the most dangerous state for truck accidents, with more than 20,000 crashes in the state in 2023. The Laredo TX lawyers at Carabin Shaw help victims of these accidents file lawsuits to seek compensation for their losses. If you’ve been hurt, contact us 24/7 at 800-862-1260. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis and provide free case reviews in English and Spanish.

Truck accident victims face many steps to pursue damages after a crash. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side from the beginning makes navigating the process much easier. Your legal professional can help with each of these steps:

A truck accident lawsuit begins with a thorough investigation of the crash. First, gather as much evidence as possible from the scene, including photos, videos, the police report, and contact information for witnesses. Seek medical attention immediately to document your injuries and treatment needs.

You will also need to report your accident to the insurance companies. Your insurance company should be notified of the crash, even if it wasn’t your fault. The responsible party’s insurance should also receive a report. A Texas truck accident lawyer can help you complete the claims and protect your rights against insurance adjusters who are more interested in protecting their bottom line than getting you the compensation you deserve.

Negotiations between you and the at-fault party’s insurance company can be lengthy and complex. An experienced lawyer can oversee the process to ensure you receive fair damages for your injuries and losses. If a settlement can’t be reached, your legal team will file a personal injury lawsuit.

Your 18 wheeler accident attorney in Laredo will file your personal injury lawsuit in local civil court. A lawsuit requires you to prove the at-fault party’s negligence using these elements:

• The truck driver or company owed a duty of care to motorists
• The party breached that duty of care
• The breach led directly to the accident and your injuries

More than one party may have contributed to your accident. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule, you can seek damages from all at-fault parties if you can prove negligence.

The discovery process is the critical first step in a personal injury lawsuit that allows both sides to exchange evidence and information related to the case. Some evidence used in discovery might include:

• Interrogatories (written questions)
• Trucking company records and logs
• Truck’s recording data
• Depositions (sworn testimony outside court)

Your Laredo truck accident attorney may call accident reconstructionists and medical experts to support your evidence and build your case.

Some cases move from discovery to mediation, an alternative dispute resolution method overseen by a neutral third party. The court may require mediation before a potentially lengthy and costly trial.

If negotiation and mediation fail, the case will go before a judge or jury. Your legal team will represent you in court, examining witnesses and presenting evidence to support your case. The jury or judge will determine the damages you receive.

The steps to a truck accident lawsuit can take several months to several years, depending on the complexity of your case and the success of negotiations. Our compassionate team at Carabin Shaw will walk with you every step of the way, as our previous client reviews demonstrate. Don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. Contact us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• The Trucker
• Cornell Law
• Texas Statutes 33