Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Millions of trucks cross the border between Texas and Mexico every year, and one of the busiest and most important crossings is in Laredo. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, over 1.6 million commercial vehicles crossed the World Trade Bridge in Laredo in 2016.

With such high traffic volume, it’s natural to worry about accidents, but Carabin Shaw’s lawyers are available around the clock to help should you ever find yourself injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Laredo. We have staff who speak both English and Spanish, so be sure to call us at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case review.

The Texas Department of Transportation published commercial vehicle accident statistics for Texas counties in 2018, and Webb County, where Laredo is located, ranked in the top 10 counties for commercial vehicle accidents in the state. Unfortunately, this means your risk of getting into an accident is higher than in some other parts of the state.

You already know auto insurance is expensive and if your accident is the other driver’s fault, you’ll want to avoid making a claim on your own insurance. One of your first questions might be who can be held responsible for a commercial vehicle accident?

Unfortunately, there’s no short answer to this question, and the Texas legislature recently passed a new law changing the way liability works in commercial vehicle accidents. These changes are nuanced and particular and may affect the way your case should be approached, so it’s more important than ever to have an experienced advocate on your side in the event of an accident. No matter the circumstances of your Laredo commercial vehicle accident, our lawyers can help.

In order to determine how to proceed with your case, your Carabin Shaw attorney will investigate the specific circumstances of your accident. Some questions that will help your attorney determine if the other driver or the driver’s employer can be held responsible for your accident are:

• Was the driver speeding?
• Was the driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Had the driver followed proper protocols for rest time between shifts?
• Is the driver appropriately licensed?
• Does the driver, or the driver’s employer, have liability insurance?

If the other driver or the driver’s employer is responsible for your accident, you’ll also want an attorney on your side to help you win the compensation you deserve. If emergency medical services treated you at the scene or transported you to a hospital, you’ll have a slew of medical bills to contend with. You may not have health insurance or your health insurance may not pay for your treatment if they suspect another party is at fault.

You may think you can find relevant legal information on your own and don’t need a lawyer, but it’s wise to take advantage of Carabin Shaw’s free case review and initial consultation—after all, what do you have to lose? Take a look at Carabin Shaw’s client reviews on our website and read for yourself. Our attorneys are professional and kind, and they’ll respect your time and keep your information confidential.

If you’re looking for someone to protect your interests and guide you through the process after an accident with a commercial vehicle in Laredo, call the lawyers at Carabin Shaw at 800-862-1260. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7, in English or Spanish, whenever you decide to call. And remember, we offer a free case review and initial consultation—so don’t hesitate to call today.