1. Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises injuries, personal injury.
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, drunk driving truck accidents, improper loading accidents, overweight cargo accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents.
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, black box data retrieval, maintenance record investigation, accident scene documentation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Marc A. Gonzalez is a founding partner. Thurgood Marshall School of Law, J.D. Former Assistant District Attorney in the 49th Judicial District Court. Licensed to practice in Texas. Uriel Druker is a founding partner. Both attorneys are bilingual in English and Spanish. Firm founded in 2019 and has recovered millions of dollars for clients. Firm maintains 5.0 rating on Google with 239 reviews. Offices located in Laredo with service extending to Eagle Pass, Zapata, Carrizo Springs, Cotulla, and San Antonio.
Location: 1119 Houston Street, Laredo, TX 78040
Contact: (956) 728-9191 | https://www.gdlfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation 24/7, contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is successful), bilingual services available.
2. Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, oil field accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, dog bites, medical malpractice.
Case Types Handled: Driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, brake failure accidents, overloaded truck accidents, improper maintenance accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, intersection accidents.
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, FMCSA regulation violation investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Roderick C. Lopez is the founder. State Bar of Texas admission 2001. Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, J.D.; Texas A&M University, B.S. in Agriculture Economics 1995. Former claims adjuster for Farmers Insurance. Former prosecutor with Webb County District Attorney’s Office (Chief Felony Prosecutor for 341st District Court). Member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Texas Super Lawyer 2023-2025. Superb rating on Avvo. Admitted to U.S. District Court for Southern and Western Districts of Texas and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Nearly 25 years of legal experience. Recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients. Handles cases in Webb, Jim Hogg, Zapata, Starr, La Salle, and Dimmit Counties.
Location: 6557 Metro Ct, Suite 1, Laredo, TX 78041
Contact: (956) 529-7336 | https://lawredo.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis, available 24/7.
3. Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, box truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, garbage truck accidents, tanker truck accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents.
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, brake failure accidents, improper cargo loading accidents, overweight truck accidents, tire blowout accidents.
Legal Services: Federal and state trucking law compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, FMCSA regulation analysis, hours of service violation investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Full-service law firm with personal injury as the only practice area. Firm reports 99% success rate with past case results exceeding $500 million recovered. Provides resources of large law firm with personalized services. Experienced negotiators prepared to litigate in court when necessary. Offices serve Laredo, Webb County, and La Salle County.
Location: Laredo, Texas (contact for specific address)
Contact: https://www.vblawgroup.com
Consultation: Free confidential consultation, contingency fee basis.
4. John R. Solis, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, semi-truck accidents, fatigue-related trucking accidents, overloaded truck accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents.
Case Types Handled: Driver fatigue accidents, drowsy driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, intoxicated driver accidents, overloaded trailer accidents, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks.
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulation investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, driver records investigation, BAC results investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: John R. Solis focuses on holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable. Experience with driver fatigue cases and hours of service violations. Serves English and Spanish-speaking clients. Covers Laredo, Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio regions.
Location: Laredo, Texas
Contact: (866) 465-9093 | https://www.lawofficeofjohnsolis.com
Consultation: Free case consultation, bilingual services available.
5. Thompson Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, wrongful death from trucking accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents.
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, brake failure accidents, overloaded truck accidents, cargo spill accidents.
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, black box data retrieval, driver logbook analysis, inspection report review, personnel file investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Thompson Law reports recovery of over $1.8 billion for clients across Texas. Firm has helped thousands of Texans injured in commercial vehicle collisions. Attorneys are experienced in truck accident litigation and negotiating with trucking company insurers. Firm maintains statewide practice serving Laredo and all Texas communities.
Location: Serves Laredo (statewide firm with multiple Texas offices)
Contact: (800) 546-6529 | https://1800lionlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation 24/7, contingency fee basis (no attorney fees unless recovery is achieved).
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
Statute of Limitations: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents, codified in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. The deadline runs from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year limitation period beginning from the date of death. Claims against government entities require notice within six months of the accident under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
Modified Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33. A plaintiff can recover damages as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. If the plaintiff is found 51% or more at fault, they are barred from any recovery. Compensation is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
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 for property damage (30/60/25).
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Commercial trucks must comply with federal insurance minimums. General freight carriers are required to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Trucks carrying hazardous materials must carry between $1 million and $5 million depending on the cargo type.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Federal trucking regulations apply in Texas courts. Hours of service rules limit property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday following 10 consecutive hours off duty. The 60/70 hour rule limits total driving time over 7/8 consecutive days. Electronic logging device (ELD) requirements mandate recording of driving time.
Vicarious Liability: Texas recognizes vicarious liability for trucking companies under respondeat superior when drivers cause accidents while acting within the scope of employment. Trucking companies may also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance.
Multiple Defendants: Texas law allows fault to be allocated among multiple defendants including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loading companies, and parts manufacturers.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be available in Texas truck accident cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.
Commercial Driver’s License Requirements: Truck drivers operating in Texas must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements. Drug and alcohol testing requirements apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Laredo, Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accident cases. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death. There are limited exceptions for minors (the deadline is tolled until age 18) and those who are mentally incapacitated. Claims against government entities have shorter deadlines and require notice within six months. Missing the deadline will likely result in your case being dismissed.
How does Texas comparative negligence affect my truck accident compensation?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your percentage of fault is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $70,000. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often attempt to attribute fault to accident victims to reduce payouts.
What parties can be held liable in a Laredo truck accident case?
Texas law allows multiple parties to be held liable in truck accident cases. Potential defendants include the truck driver (for negligence such as fatigue, distraction, or intoxication), the trucking company (under respondeat superior or for negligent hiring, training, and supervision), the truck or parts manufacturer (for defective components), maintenance companies (for improper repairs), and cargo loading companies (for improperly secured loads). Under Texas proportionate responsibility law, juries can divide fault among all responsible parties, and each pays their proportionate share of damages.
What federal trucking regulations apply to truck accident cases in Texas?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) set safety standards for commercial trucks operating in Texas. Key regulations include hours of service limits (11 hours driving within a 14-hour window after 10 hours off duty), mandatory rest periods, electronic logging device (ELD) requirements for recording driving time, vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements, drug and alcohol testing protocols, and cargo securement standards. Violations of these federal regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in Texas courts and may support a negligence per se claim.
What damages can I recover in a Texas truck accident case?
Texas allows truck accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000.