Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Laredo

John R. Solis Offers Personalized Attention, Results

Drivers in Laredo see tractor-trailers traveling down Interstate 35, the Bob Bullock Loop and other major arteries in the city every day. For most drivers, a big rig is just another vehicle – a much larger vehicle – to share the road with. But if you’re in a car accident with a tractor-trailer, you may never look at a big rig the same again.

Because of the sheer size and weight of these tractor-trailers, a collision between a small car and an 18-wheeler can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities that may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

To make matters worse, drivers in smaller vehicles often did nothing wrong, but they may have a hard time getting compensation without the help of an experienced Laredo truck accident lawyer. That’s because trucking companies and their insurance carriers often begin an immediate investigation to find ways to minimize liability.

To level the playing field, you need to take aggressive action. Contact us immediately for a free case review. John R. Solis, Attorney at Law is well-versed in the rules and regulations that the trucking industry must follow.

What are the legal responsibilities of trucking companies?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines strict safety requirements for truck drivers and trucking companies. This includes requirements for trucking companies to hire drivers who are properly trained and background checked. Truck drivers must take regular rest breaks to ensure they don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Trucking companies are held responsible for properly maintaining their vehicles. When the trucking companies fail to maintain safety standards, the chance of a catastrophic truck accident increases dramatically.

What should I do after a truck accident?

Your first steps should be to make sure the scene is safe and call the police so that they can investigate the accident. Make sure you get the license plate number and contact information from the trucking company, as well as contact information for any witnesses. Even if you’re lucky enough to feel fine, you should see a doctor right away, as truck accidents often cause brain injuries and internal injuries that can have delayed onset symptoms. Finally, call an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies typically have rapid response teams at the scene of an accident shortly after it occurs, and you likewise need to take immediate action to protect your legal interests.

Common types and causes of truck wrecks include the following:

• 18-Wheeler Accidents
• Fatigued Driver Accidents
• Drunk/Drug-Related Accidents
• Overloaded Trucks
• Poorly Maintained Trucks
• Bus Accidents and Other Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Every crash involving a commercial vehicle is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to each case we handle. We work tirelessly on every case, from taking the time to learn about your circumstances to conducting a comprehensive investigation with the help of experts in their fields. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, loss of earnings, loss of future earnings and other damages.

Dealing with the insurance company after a truck accident

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Texas, you’re likely dealing with insurance companies right now. And you have probably already figured out just how complicated it can be to get a straight answer from an insurance company. They’ll say they’re on your side, but in reality, they’re focused on the bottom line, not on whether you are fairly compensated – and your claim is a big threat to their bottom line.

Insurance companies do everything they can to reduce or deny claims. Some of the most common problems you may face include:

• They will ask loaded or leading questions intended to get you to say something they can use to undermine your claim.
• They will request burdensome amounts of paperwork, or make you sign a release without explaining why.
• They may ask for a recorded statement, which they can then alter or take out of context and use against you.
• They may make a “lowball” settlement offer that doesn’t cover the full cost of your damages – and insist it’s the best they can do.

Truck accidents can be particularly frustrating because there are almost always multiple insurance companies involved. The cab and the trailer have separate insurance, as do the manufacturer and the owner of the cargo. Taking a settlement from one insurance company can affect the other companies’ liability, too.

Level the playing field with the insurance company.

When someone is seriously injured or dies in a crash with a large commercial vehicle, there’s often hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at stake. The insurance companies know this, which is why they put their best attorneys and adjusters on the claim. They will pull out every trick and tactic they know to minimize their costs. For them, it’s just another day at the office. For you, it’s your future – and you need a level playing field to fight for it.

We know how to deal with insurance companies and hold them accountable. That’s because we’ve been doing this work for years. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies, and if they refuse to cooperate, we’re prepared to take them to court. The only way to win meaningful settlements is to be ready for trial, and that’s exactly what they do. They know who we are, they know our reputation, and we know how to make them pay.

How a truck accident lawyer can help you

A truck driver caused your crash. And if you don’t take legal action, you might end up having to pay for your expenses out of pocket.

If you were injured due to a trucking company’s careless or reckless behavior, don’t settle for less than you deserve. We know how to look for evidence others may ignore. We have access to appropriate experts who can help support your claim. During our probe, we may review trucker logbooks, “black box” records and vehicle maintenance information, depending on the circumstances. We know how to take on big insurance companies that may try to keep your compensation to a minimum.

Don’t wait a minute longer. Contact John R. Solis, Attorney at Law today to discuss your potential legal options. A delay may affect your rights. Call 866-465-9093 for a free case consultation. Our firm proudly serves the needs of English and Spanish speaking clients in Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio.

18-Wheeler Accidents

Accidents involving 18-wheelers are among the most serious cases we handle at John R. Solis, Attorney at Law. Occupants of smaller vehicles are often no match for 18-wheelers, some of which weigh more than 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. While you expect trucking companies and drivers to follow the many rules and regulations governing the industry, they sometimes cut corners in the name of boosting profits. Many of these catastrophic, potentially fatal crashes likely would not happen if trucking companies followed the rules.

What causes crashes with 18-wheelers in Laredo? A trucker might be driving while fatigued, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or operating the big rig without proper training. In some cases, the driver may have falsified logbooks showing how long they were on the road. Trucking companies may have failed to properly maintain their fleet or address safety issues.

There are many factors that may play a role in a wreck with an 18-wheeler, which is why it’s important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Call us today at 866-465-9093.

What to do after your 18-wheeler accident

If you’ve been injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, take the following steps:

• Contact police immediately, even if you believe no one has been injured.
• Visit an emergency room or doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you are injured.
• Obtain driver contact information, including name, address, phone number, license number, license plate number, insurance policy number and employer name.
• Take photos of the crash scene, including vehicles, weather conditions, intersections and if skid marks are present on the roadway.
• Make note of any statement that the truck driver gives you.
• If you believe a driver was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, notify the officer at the scene of the crash.
• Contact your insurance company to report your accident.
• Contact a Laredo truck accident attorney. A delay may affect your rights.

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Fatigued Driver Accidents

Falling asleep at the wheel may not draw the same type of criticism as drunk driving or drug-related driving, but the outcome can be the same. That’s because fatigued driving is a form of impaired driving that can easily lead to a catastrophic truck accident on Texas roadways. John R. Solis, Attorney at Law works tirelessly to protect the rights of people who have been injured or lost loved ones as a result of fatigued truckers.

There is no excuse for a trucker to drive while tired. By law, they are required to take mandatory breaks. They can only operate a commercial vehicle for a limited amount of time each day and each working week. These laws exist to keep truckers alert and to keep all other drivers on the road safe from harm. However, crashes involving fatigued truckers still happen far too often in Laredo and across Texas.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly regulates the trucking industry. The FMCSA’s “hours-of-service” rules clearly spell out how long drivers can operate a vehicle per day and every week. Just because it’s the law doesn’t mean drivers – or trucking companies – choose to follow it. Unfortunately, they may put profit ahead of safety and violate these rules.

Why do fatigued driver accidents happen in Texas?

Truck companies want to deliver their goods as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drivers often are paid per mile. This means both the driver and the trucking company have incentives to ignore federal rules and stay on the road while fatigued. It’s not uncommon for truck drivers to work through mandatory rest breaks and later fall asleep behind the wheel. They may even use substances that help them stay awake—and then be hit by a wave of exhaustion as soon as those substances wear off.

Fatigued drivers pose a risk to everybody on the road. If a fatigued driver caused your accident, John R. Solis, Attorney at Law will work tirelessly to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies responsible.

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Drunk/Drug-Related Accidents

Every driver in Texas knows the risks associated with drinking and driving. This includes truck drivers, who are held to higher standards and required to undergo more training than drivers of passenger vehicles. But this doesn’t stop some from getting behind the wheel of a big rig under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some drivers may avoid alcohol and instead take illegal drugs or prescription drugs to stay awake while behind-the-wheel. Whether drunk or high, the consequences can be tragic.

In Texas, drivers of passenger vehicles can be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 and higher. Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard. They can be arrested if their BAC is .04 or greater. These laws exist for a reason: to keep the roads and highways of Texas safe. If an impaired trucker caused your accident, contact us immediately. Call 866-465-9093.

The dangers of drunk driving are well-documented. A drunk trucker may be unable to stop their vehicle in time. The driver may ignore traffic signals, weave in and out of traffic lanes or disobey posted speed limits. When these reckless behaviors are coupled with the size and weight of a typical big-rig – up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded – all other drivers on the road are put at immediate risk.

Laredo truck accident lawyer John R. Solis can help hold negligent truck drivers and truck companies accountable. We know how to obtain driver records and BAC results. We will put experience and resources to work for you to build a compelling claim on your behalf. This may be your only chance for justice. We’re ready to help.

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Overloaded Trucks

The state of Texas imposes a weight limit on trucks, vans and other commercial vehicles that use the roads and highways. These weight limits exist for a reason. When trucking companies willfully ignore regulations, overloaded tractor-trailers put everyone on the road at immediate risk. Overloaded tractor-trailers may roll over or jackknife in a moment’s notice due to the added weight. When these large vehicles collide with a smaller vehicle, the results are catastrophic and often deadly.

John R. Solis, Attorney at Law understands that trucking companies sometimes choose to put profits over people. This may include loading trailers with too much cargo. A truck in violation of weight and load restrictions can be dangerous for several reasons, including the following:

• Overloaded trucks are more difficult to steer or stop.
• Overloaded trucks are more difficult to turn.
• Wear and tear may lead to equipment malfunctions, such as steering or brakes.
• A trailer hitch may be unable to support the weight of the truck’s cargo.

Trucking companies have a legal obligation to make sure a tractor-trailer’s contents are loaded properly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs weight and load restrictions for all commercial vehicles. A trucking company that allows an overloaded tractor-trailer on the highway or forces a driver to overload his or her truck should be held accountable in an accident.

What is an unsecured load?

Truckers are required to properly secure their cargo to prevent it from shifting or being lost in an accident. An unsecured load is a potential danger to everyone else on the road behind the truck. If the load becomes detached, or if it shifts to the point where the truck jackknifes or rolls over, serious injuries can follow.

Without the help of a truck accident lawyer, it can be hard to prove the tractor-trailer involved in your crash was improperly loaded. Trucking companies may be unwilling to admit wrongdoing. They might even falsify information and even destroy evidence.  We can uncover the truth. John R. Solis, Attorney at Law is ready to help. We can hold negligent truck companies accountable.

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Poorly Maintained Trucks

Trucking companies have a duty to maintain their fleet so they are safe and adhere to certain standards. In order to keep their fleet safely operating on the road, companies are required to perform scheduled maintenance, address mechanical issues, and keep logs containing maintenance records. When they fail to do so and put a poorly maintained semi-truck on the road, the results can be catastrophic.

John R. Solis, Attorney at Law takes cases involving trucking company negligence very seriously. These cases are often complex legal matters. There may be multiple layers of liability. The company might blame a part manufacturer for the crash. They may even try to blame you, claiming you did something to cause the wreck. It takes an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney to protect your rights and determine who is liable.

Why are poorly maintained trucks so dangerous?

Common results of poor truck maintenance include:

• Defective brakes
• Bald tires
• Broken headlights
• Malfunctioning turn indicators
• Broken windshield wipers
• Malfunctioning steering systems

These are serious safety issues that can limit a truck driver’s ability to see or maneuver a truck, potentially causing a devastating collision. Failing to properly maintain a commercial vehicle means putting motorists at risk.

Unfortunately, damaged or malfunctioning vehicle components often go unnoticed by truck drivers. Trucking companies often fail to complete inspection reports. They might even let their vehicles on the road when they know a big-rig has a serious problem such as a brake issue or tires in need of replacement.

No matter the reason, trucking companies need to be held accountable for their careless or reckless behavior. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all trucking companies to properly maintain their vehicles and maintain records proving their vehicles are properly maintained. But these records can be difficult to obtain on your own. A lawyer can help uncover the true cause of your accident and recover the compensation you deserve.

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Bus Accidents and Other Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents can happen anywhere in Laredo where commercial vehicles operate, from highways to parking lots or bus stops. These accidents can cause severe and lifelong injuries and disabilities. You may have done nothing wrong. You may think you will have an easy time obtaining compensation. However, in some cases the driver of the vehicle, the company that owns the vehicle and its insurance company will deny any wrongdoing and fight any claims from injured victims.

What are common ways a commercial vehicle accident might occur?

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Texting while driving
• Mechanical defects
• Poorly maintained vehicles

Why do you need a lawyer for a commercial vehicle accident?

Many commercial vehicles are significantly larger than passenger cars, which means the injuries sustained can be much more severe. Moreover, businesses tend to have significant assets and higher insurance policy limits to protect those assets. Insurance companies have financial incentives to defend these claims fiercely. An experienced attorney can likewise be a strong advocate for the victim.

John R. Solis, Attorney at Law understands how difficult life can become after an injury. When involved in an accident with a truck, bus, or another commercial vehicle, you’re rarely just dealing with the at-fault driver. You’re dealing with large corporations, insurance providers and even lawyers representing them. Knowing what to do can be confusing without the help of an experienced truck accident attorney.

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Contact a Laredo truck accident lawyer today

Commercial vehicle accidents in Texas can have serious consequences that last a lifetime. Soon after, you might face mounting medical bills. You may be unable to work. You may face household expenses you didn’t anticipate. We know how to launch a thorough investigation that leaves no stone unturned. We scour for the right evidence. We know how to deal with insurance companies and consult with appropriate medical experts. You shouldn’t have to settle for less than you deserve.

Don’t wait a minute longer. Contact John R. Solis, Attorney at Law today to discuss your legal options. A delay may affect your rights. Call 866-465-9093 for a free case consultation. Our firm proudly serves the needs of English and Spanish-speaking clients in Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio.