1. Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial trucking accidents, cross-border trucking accidents, hit-and-run accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, medical referrals, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Attorney Roderick Lopez has nearly 25 years of experience in the legal and insurance fields. He previously worked as an insurance claims adjuster, learning firsthand how insurance companies process and negotiate claims. He also spent the early years of his career as a prosecutor, gaining valuable trial experience. He has recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims. Named to Super Lawyers Magazine as a Texas Super Lawyer in 2023. Licensed to practice in Texas and experienced with cases involving both U.S. and Mexican trucking operations.
Location: Laredo, Texas
Contact: (956) 529-7336 | https://lawredo.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee basis
2. John R. Solis, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, fatigued driver accidents, commercial trucking accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: John R. Solis graduated from law school in 2000 and founded his law firm in 2008 after obtaining years of courtroom experience. The firm has a demonstrated track record of success handling car accidents, truck accidents, and various personal injury cases. Licensed to practice in Texas and serves clients throughout Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and across Texas. The firm provides services in both English and Spanish.
Location: Laredo, Texas
Contact: (866) 465-9093 | https://www.lawofficeofjohnsolis.com/
Consultation: Free case consultation available, contingency fee basis
3. Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death, commercial vehicle accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial trucking accidents, international trucking accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Marc A. Gonzalez is the lead personal injury attorney at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm and a native of Laredo. He began his legal career as a prosecutor in Webb County, where he gained courtroom experience and developed strategic case-building skills. In 2008, he founded his firm with a commitment to helping people in his hometown. With nearly two decades of legal experience, Marc has successfully represented clients in car accidents, truck crashes, workplace injuries, and complex wrongful death claims. He is known for thorough preparation and dedication to securing compensation for clients.
Location: Laredo, Texas (serving South Texas)
Contact: https://www.gdlfirm.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation available, contingency fee basis
4. The Carlson Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death, product liability, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial trucking accidents, cross-border trucking accidents, dram shop cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, expert witness coordination, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The Carlson Law Firm has more than 40 years of experience representing Texans statewide. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients through compassionate legal representation. The Laredo office is staffed with bilingual personnel committed to serving the local community on the Texas-Mexico border. The firm handles complex cases involving I-35 crashes, drunk driving accidents related to dram shop liability, and workplace injuries.
Location: Laredo, Texas (part of statewide firm with multiple Texas locations)
Contact: https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/locations/laredo/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee basis
5. Eric Ramos Law PLLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, oilfield accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial trucking accidents, cross-border trucking accidents from Mexico
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, premises liability claims, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Eric Ramos Law PLLC serves personal injury victims in Laredo and throughout Texas. The firm has experience handling various accident types, with particular experience in trucking accidents given Laredo’s position as a major border crossing with heavy commercial truck traffic from Mexico. The firm handles cases involving trucks from both Mexico and the U.S. and investigates thoroughly to get answers and pursue compensation. Attorney Eric Ramos works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
Location: Laredo, Texas (also serving surrounding Texas areas)
Contact: (956) 275-6060 | https://ericramoslaw.com/laredo-personal-injury-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee basis
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the accident for property damage claims.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Government Entity Claims: If your accident involves a government vehicle or entity, you may have as little as six months to file a notice of claim. Different rules and shorter deadlines apply to claims against governmental entities under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Status: Texas is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for paying damages to others involved. Injured parties can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance, file a claim with their own insurance, or pursue a lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001, you can recover damages only if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage (30/60/25). Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is optional but must be offered by insurers.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Texas insurers must offer PIP coverage, which pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Drivers can reject PIP coverage in writing.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Regulations: Texas insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Drivers can reject this coverage in writing. Given the significant number of uninsured drivers, UM/UIM coverage is strongly recommended.
Damage Caps: Texas does not cap economic damages in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages are not capped in most personal injury cases. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.
Dram Shop Liability Laws: Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 2.02, establishments that serve alcohol may be liable if they serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then causes injury to another person. Social hosts may be liable for serving alcohol to minors.
Vicarious Liability Rules for Vehicle Owners: Texas follows negligent entrustment principles. Vehicle owners may be liable if they negligently entrust their vehicle to someone they know or should know is incompetent or reckless.
Bad Faith Insurance Claims: Texas Insurance Code allows policyholders to pursue bad faith claims against insurance companies that fail to handle claims properly.
Reporting Requirements: Texas law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to law enforcement. Reports must be filed within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Texas’s modified comparative fault rule affect my car accident claim in Laredo?
A: Under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover compensation only if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a Webb County jury finds your total damages are $100,000 but you were 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce their payout, making it important to work with an attorney who can protect your interests and minimize fault attributed to you.
Q: What unique challenges exist for car accident claims in Laredo involving cross-border trucking?
A: Laredo’s position as a major international border crossing means many accidents involve commercial trucks traveling between the U.S. and Mexico. These cases present unique challenges including determining which country’s laws apply, identifying responsible parties across international borders, navigating different insurance systems, and dealing with trucking companies that may operate in both countries. An experienced Laredo attorney familiar with cross-border trucking regulations can investigate whether the truck was from Mexico or the U.S. and pursue claims against all liable parties.
Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
A: Texas law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely be barred from pursuing compensation through the courts. However, if your accident involves a government entity (such as a city vehicle or state highway department), you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice of claim. It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure all applicable deadlines are met.
Q: What compensation can I recover after a car accident in Laredo?
A: Texas law allows car accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Q: What happens if I am hit by an uninsured driver in Texas?
A: If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Texas, you have several options. First, if you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. Second, if you have collision coverage, your insurer may pay for vehicle repairs regardless of who was at fault. Third, you can file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver, though collecting a judgment may be difficult if the driver lacks assets. Given Texas’s significant uninsured driver population, having UM coverage is highly recommended.