Hit by an 18-Wheeler in the Valley? Why Truck Cases Are Different

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In the Rio Grande Valley, 18-wheelers are part of everyday driving. Expressway 83, I-69C, and the roads leading out of the international bridges carry heavy truck traffic all day long.

When a crash involves a loaded truck that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the injuries are usually more serious. The legal case is also far more complicated than a typical car accident. Here's what you should know.

More Than One Party Can Be Responsible

A car wreck usually involves two drivers and two insurance companies. A truck crash can involve many more: the driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, the company that loaded the cargo, and even the shop that maintained the brakes.

Each one may have its own insurer and its own lawyers. Figuring out who is responsible is one of the first and most important steps in your case.

Blue semi-truck approaching on a highway, seen through a car windshield

The Evidence Can Disappear Fast

Commercial trucks record a lot of data. Electronic logging devices track the driver's hours. The engine's "black box" can show speed and braking in the seconds before impact. Many trucks also have dash cameras.

The problem is that this evidence doesn't last forever. Federal rules only require carriers to keep driver logs for six months, and some electronic data can be overwritten even sooner. An attorney can send a letter right away demanding that the trucking company preserve it.

Federal Safety Rules Matter

Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow federal safety rules. These cover how many hours a driver can be on the road, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle inspections, and how cargo is secured.

When a company cuts corners, like pushing a tired driver to make a delivery or skipping maintenance, that violation can become powerful evidence in your claim.

Two semi-trucks traveling down a highway

The Trucking Company Moves Fast. You Should Too.

Large carriers often send investigators and adjusters to a crash scene within hours. Their job is to protect the company, not you.

Texas generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting that long can cost you key evidence. Texas also changed how commercial truck cases are tried in 2023, so it matters to have a lawyer who knows the current rules.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Get medical care. Call 911 and get checked out, even if you feel okay.
Photograph the truck. Capture the company name and the USDOT number on the cab door.
Get witness information. Names and phone numbers can make a big difference later.
Don't give a recorded statement. Politely decline if the trucking company's insurer calls.
Call a lawyer before signing anything. Early settlement offers are rarely the full value of your claim.

Talk to Us for Free

Hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler? J. Saenz Law Firm offers free consultations to help you understand your options. Call (956) 467-0111 or visit us at 1400 N McColl Rd, Suite 104B, McAllen, TX 78501.