Truck Accident Lawyer in the Rio Grande Valley

Truck accidents are devastating collisions. There’s a tremendous size difference between a massive truck and an ordinary passenger vehicle. That means the occupants of the smaller car usually suffer the worst of the harm. Victims are often left with severe injuries that affect their ability to earn a living, care for themselves, and enjoy life as they once did. In many cases, medical bills alone can climb into the six figures — or beyond.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident that someone else caused, you deserve compensation. Rio Grande Valley truck accident lawyer Richard Gonzales is The People’s Attorney, and he will help you demand and recover your financial losses.

At the Law Office of Richard Gonzales, P.C., we are committed to pursuing justice for injured Texans like you. We know what it takes to beat the big trucking companies at the negotiating table and in court. Contact us today for a free legal consultation to learn more about how we can help.

What Is Considered a Truck in Texas?

In Texas, the term “truck” is often used interchangeably with “commercial motor vehicle,” which the state defines as any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle used principally to transport property. Some trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, about 20 times more than the average passenger vehicle. Types of commercial trucks found in Texas include:

What Are the Common Types and Causes of Truck Crashes in Texas?

According to the National Safety Council, nearly 650 people died in truck accidents in Texas in a single recent year. Many of these fatal collisions were caused by the following:

• Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers work long shifts and drive for extended periods. When they become drowsy, they are more likely to make mistakes that lead to a crash.
• Distracted Driving – Distractions like texting, eating, and simply daydreaming increase the chances of an accident.
• Improper Maintenance – Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to fail mechanically, leading to a crash.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks – Heavy loads may cause a truck to become unstable and tip over, especially in tight turns.
• Speeding – Truck drivers may decide to speed due to tight delivery deadlines or because they are trying to make up for the lost time. Doing so is particularly dangerous because of the size and weight of a truck and the extreme force it imparts in a collision.
• Bad Weather Conditions – Bad weather makes roads slippery and reduces visibility. These conditions make it harder for truck drivers to avoid collisions.
• Vehicle Defects – Poorly designed or manufactured components are more likely to fail suddenly, causing a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle.
• Unsafe Road Conditions – Poor road conditions make it difficult for truck drivers to stay in their lane and maneuver their vehicles safely.

Common types of truck accidents include:

What Are the State and Federal Trucking Laws?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established regulations for trucking companies and truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce. Among other things, these regulations state that:

• Trucking companies must carry a high amount of liability insurance coverage. For semi-trucks, this starts at $750,000 per accident and goes as high as $5 million, depending on the hazardousness of the cargo.
• Commercial truck drivers must be at least 21, hold a valid commercial driver’s license, and speak English proficiently.
• A driver may only operate a truck for 11 hours within a 14-hour window that begins after a 10-hour break.
• A driver can only work 60 hours in a 7-day span or 70 hours in an 8-day span, depending on whether the company operates on a 6-day or 7-day workweek. The span resets after the driver spends at least 34 hours off-duty.
• Trucks are only allowed on the road after they are deemed safe by an annual FMCSA inspection.
• Trucking companies must perform routine inspections and repairs to maintain the integrity of a large truck.
• A truck may only carry up to 20,000 pounds per axle, with the gross truck weight not exceeding 80,000 pounds.