Truck Accident Lawyer in Laredo, TX

Proving Liability in Commercial Truck Accident Claims is Complex

Truck accident claims are far more complicated than standard car accident cases. When a commercial truck is involved in a crash, multiple parties may be held accountable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and even vehicle manufacturers. Vicarious liability laws allow injured victims to hold trucking companies responsible for their drivers’ negligence, but these corporations will fight aggressively to avoid paying damages. Our Laredo truck accident lawyers know how to establish this liability by exposing violations of both Texas state laws and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.

A key issue in many truck accidents is non-compliance with hours of service (HOS) regulations. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to fatigued driving, a leading cause of crashes. Some drivers falsify logbooks to conceal HOS violations, making it harder for victims to prove liability. Our legal team at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers conducts thorough investigations, analyzing logbooks, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and GPS records to uncover violations that demonstrate negligence. We also examine the trucking company’s hiring and training practices to determine if they knowingly employed underqualified or dangerous drivers.

Stakes are High in Truck Accidents Due to FMCSA Insurance Minimums

The insurance requirements for commercial trucks are significantly higher than those for passenger vehicles due to the sheer damage a truck can cause in a crash. FMCSA regulations mandate the following minimum insurance coverage for commercial motor vehicles:

• $750,000 for trucks carrying non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 for trucks transporting hazardous materials
• $300,000 for trucks weighing under 10,001 pounds and carrying household goods

Because of these high insurance minimums, trucking companies and insurers have massive financial exposure in a claim. They will employ aggressive legal teams to reduce or deny payouts. Our Laredo truck accident attorneys at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers have the experience and negotiation skills to counter these tactics, ensuring that victims receive the full compensation they are entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Black Box Data and Surveillance Footage Must Be Secured Fast

One of the most critical pieces of evidence in a truck accident case is the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), commonly known as the “black box.” This device records crucial data such as speed, braking patterns, and the driver’s hours of operation leading up to the crash. However, trucking companies often erase or overwrite black box data within weeks unless legal action is taken to preserve it. Our firm moves swiftly to obtain a court order to secure this evidence before it is lost.

In addition, surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras, businesses, and even dashboard cameras can provide undeniable proof of what happened. In many cases, truck drivers provide misleading statements that shift blame onto the injured victim, but video evidence can contradict their version of events. Our legal team meticulously collects and analyzes this footage, along with forensic accident reconstruction experts, to build an ironclad case against the trucking company.

Trucking Company and the Insurers Will Twist Facts in their Favor

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule known as the “51% bar rule,” which means that if an injured party is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are completely barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies and trucking defense teams use this rule to their advantage, immediately working to shift blame onto the victim.

Trucking companies usually deploy rapid-response legal teams to the accident scene, sometimes before law enforcement has even completed their investigation. These teams gather evidence, interview witnesses, and attempt to control the narrative in their favor.

Without immediate legal representation, victims risk losing crucial evidence and being unfairly blamed for an accident they did not cause. Our Laredo truck accident attorneys act quickly to counter these tactics, ensuring that our clients are not taken advantage of during the crucial early stages of the investigation.

Strong Trial Capabilities are Required to Level the Playing Field

While many truck accident claims settle out of court, some cases must go to trial to achieve fair compensation. Trucking companies have deep pockets and formidable legal teams, making it essential to have experienced trial attorneys who can match their resources. Our firm is fully prepared to take cases to court when necessary. We hire accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economic analysts to build compelling arguments before a jury.

Trucking companies and insurers are more likely to settle fairly when they know they are up against a law firm with a proven courtroom reputation and a history of successful jury verdicts. By demonstrating our readiness to go to trial, we pressure defendants into offering higher settlements rather than risk facing us before a jury.