A collision with an 18-wheeler is nothing like a normal fender bender. The size and weight of a large truck can turn a routine drive on IH-37 or US-181 into a life-changing event in seconds. If you were hurt in a truck accident in Corpus Christi, the trucking company and its insurance adjuster are already working to protect their bottom line. You need a truck accident lawyer who works just as fast to protect you.
The Lopez Law Group has represented injured clients across Corpus Christi and the rest of Texas for more than 18 years. We take truck and 18-wheeler cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we recover money for you.
WE HANDLE:
- 18-wheeler and semi-truck collisions on IH-37, US-181, and US-77 near Corpus Christi
- Jackknife accidents, underride crashes, tire blowouts, and cargo rollovers
- Port of Corpus Christi commercial traffic accidents and oilfield truck collisions
- Wrongful death claims for families who lost someone in a Corpus Christi truck crash
A truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi represents people hurt in wrecks involving semi trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles. The Lopez Law Group investigates the crash, deals with the trucking company insurance adjuster, and works to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You do not pay anything unless we win. Call (956) 968-7800 for a free case review.
About Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
Fernando J. Lopez has spent more than 18 years representing injured people across Texas, including truck accident victims in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley. Mr. Lopez has recovered more than millions of dollars for injured clients and is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He is also named among the AIOPIA 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Southern Texas and holds the Distinguished Counsel designation.
In our experience, the trucking company sends an investigator to the scene within hours of a crash. You need someone protecting your side just as fast. Attorney Lopez is licensed by the State Bar of Texas and handles cases in both English and Spanish, so language is never a barrier between you and your case.
"The trucking company sends an investigator to the scene within hours of a crash. You need someone protecting your side just as fast. We always request the truck driver qualification file early because it can reveal a history of safety violations that changes the value of your case." — Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
Read more about Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
What Is a Truck Accident Case?
A truck accident case is a personal injury claim that arises when a commercial truck causes a collision that injures another driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian. These cases work differently than a normal car accident claim because commercial trucks operate under federal rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and often carry much higher insurance policy limits.
| Regular Car Accident | Commercial Truck Accident | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Two personal auto policies | Commercial policy, often $750,000 to millions of dollars or more |
| Liability | Driver is usually the only responsible party | Driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and truck manufacturer may all share liability |
| Federal rules | No federal safety rules apply | FMCSA rules govern hours of service and vehicle maintenance |
| Evidence | Police report and photos | May include electronic logging device data, black box data, and driver qualification files |
Who Needs a Corpus Christi Truck Accident Attorney?
Truck accidents around Corpus Christi often follow predictable patterns tied to the city's major corridors and port traffic. These are the situations our clients most commonly face.
- Rear-end collision on IH-37. A distracted or fatigued truck driver fails to slow in heavy traffic near downtown and slams into stopped cars.
- Merge collision on US-181. A large truck changes lanes without checking its blind spot and clips a passenger vehicle near the Harbor Bridge.
- Port of Corpus Christi traffic. Heavy commercial truck traffic moving in and out of the port creates constant risk for smaller vehicles sharing the road.
- Jackknife accident on US-77. A truck driver traveling too fast for wet road conditions loses control and the trailer swings into another lane.
- Underride crash. A passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer sitting too high off the road, often causing catastrophic injuries.
- Tire blowout collision. Poor maintenance or overloading causes a tire to fail at highway speed, sending the truck into nearby traffic.
- Cargo shift rollover. Improperly secured cargo shifts during a turn and causes the truck to roll, striking vehicles nearby.
- Oilfield truck accident. A heavy truck hauling equipment near Corpus Christi causes a collision due to driver fatigue or excessive speed.
Truck Accident Data and Local Insights
Truck crashes are a real and growing problem on the roads around Corpus Christi and across Texas. According to TxDOT, the Coastal Bend region sees heavy commercial truck traffic tied to the Port of Corpus Christi and nearby industrial and oilfield operations. That traffic raises the odds of a serious commercial vehicle accident for everyday drivers sharing the same roads.
| Statistic | Year | Source | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nueces County recorded thousands of reportable traffic crashes, with commercial vehicles involved in a meaningful share | 2023 | TxDOT CRIS | Shows the local scale of truck traffic risk in Corpus Christi |
| Large trucks were involved in more than 5,000 fatal crashes nationwide | 2022 | NHTSA | Confirms the severity of large truck accidents compared to passenger vehicle crashes |
| Texas led the nation in large truck-related traffic fatalities | 2022 | NHTSA | Highlights why Texas truck accident law matters for injury victims |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had one of the highest fatal occupational injury rates of any job | 2022 | BLS | Supports claims involving driver fatigue and unsafe work schedules |
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Corpus Christi
- 1Call 911 and get medical care. Injuries from a large truck accident are often more serious than they first appear. Get checked out even if you feel fine at the scene.
- 2Get the police report. An officer will respond to most truck crashes and file an accident report. Ask for the report number before you leave the scene.
- 3Take photos and video. Capture the trucks, the damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your own injuries from several angles before anything gets moved or cleared.
- 4Get the truck driver information. Write down the driver name, the trucking company name, the truck license plate, and the U.S. DOT number printed on the truck.
- 5Collect witness contact information. Witnesses often disappear once the scene clears. Get names and phone numbers while you can.
- 6Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company insurer. An insurance adjuster working for the trucking company is trained to ask questions that can hurt your claim. You have no obligation to speak with them before you talk to a lawyer.
- 7Keep every medical bill and record. Save receipts, prescriptions, and mileage to appointments. These records support your damages claim later.
- 8Act quickly on evidence preservation. Trucking companies sometimes overwrite electronic logging device data and dash camera footage within days. A lawyer can send a legal hold letter fast to prevent this.
- 9Call The Lopez Law Group. A free consultation with a Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer costs nothing and can protect your rights from day one. Call (956) 968-7800 any time.
How We Handle Your Truck Accident Case
- 1Free consultation. We listen to what happened and give you an honest read on your case at no cost.
- 2Investigation. We gather the police report, photos, medical records, and when needed, electronic logging device data and driver qualification files.
- 3Accident reconstruction. For serious or disputed cases we work with reconstruction professionals who can show exactly how the crash happened.
- 4Demand letter. We prepare a detailed demand package that lays out your injuries, your losses, and the legal basis for the responsible party liability.
- 5Negotiation. We negotiate directly with the trucking company and its insurance carrier to seek a fair settlement.
- 6Litigation if needed. If the insurance company will not offer a fair number, Attorney Lopez is prepared to take your case to trial in Corpus Christi.
- 7Recovery. You do not pay attorney fees until your case is resolved and you receive compensation.
Compensation You May Recover
| Type of Damages | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Measurable financial losses tied to the accident | Medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, property damage to your vehicle |
| Non-Economic Damages | Losses that do not come with a receipt | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life |
| Punitive Damages | Extra damages in cases of gross negligence | A truck driver who was intoxicated or a trucking company that ignored known safety violations |
Every truck accident case is different, so speak with an injury attorney before you accept any offer from the insurance adjuster. Cases involving surgery, permanent disability, or wrongful death can be worth substantially more than a routine claim.
Texas Truck Accident Laws and Deadlines
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that window and you likely lose your right to recover.
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001 sets the modified comparative fault rule, also called the 51 percent bar. If you were 50 percent or less at fault you can still recover reduced compensation. At 51 percent or more you recover nothing.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules govern how many hours a truck driver can be on the road, vehicle inspection schedules, and driver qualification standards. A violation can support a negligence claim against the trucking company.
- Government property claims carry a shorter notice period than the standard two-year statute of limitations, often six months, so do not wait if a government vehicle was involved.
Texas Legal Notice
The two-year deadline starts on the date of the crash. Do not wait. Call (956) 968-7800.
Why Choose The Lopez Law Group
The Lopez Law Group has represented clients across Corpus Christi and the rest of Texas on a contingency fee basis for more than 18 years. We know the local courts, know the trucking routes, and work to get the most compensation possible for your truck accident claim.
We build every case as if it may go to trial, which changes how seriously insurance companies take our demands from day one. We also request the truck driver qualification file early because a history of safety violations can significantly change the value of your case.
- Bilingual service in English and Spanish at every step
- Free consultation with no obligation
- No fee unless we win your case
- Licensed with the State Bar of Texas and more than 18 years of experience
- Local knowledge of IH-37, US-181, and US-77 crash patterns near Corpus Christi
- Full case investigation including black box data, driver logs, and electronic logging device records
- Direct attorney access — Attorney Lopez handles your file personally
- Accident reconstruction professionals available for serious and disputed cases
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to see a doctor. A gap in medical treatment gives the insurance company an argument that your injuries are not serious.
- Giving a recorded statement without a lawyer. The trucking company insurance adjuster is not on your side, no matter how friendly they sound.
- Posting about the accident on social media. A single photo can be twisted to suggest your injuries are not as serious as you say.
- Accepting the first settlement offer. The first number from an insurance carrier rarely reflects the real value of a truck accident claim.
- Missing medical appointments. Gaps in treatment hurt your credibility and your case.
- Signing a release before talking to an attorney. Once you sign, you generally cannot ask for more money later even if your injuries get worse.
- Waiting too long to call a lawyer. Evidence disappears fast in truck accident cases, including electronic logs and dash camera footage.
Tips From Our Attorneys
Benefits of Working With The Lopez Law Group
No Upfront Cost
You risk nothing out of pocket. We only get paid if you recover money from the trucking company or its insurer.
Bilingual Communication
Clear answers in the language you prefer. Case updates explained in English or Spanish from day one.
Direct Attorney Access
Attorney Lopez handles your file personally. You are not passed off to an assistant or a call center.
Trial-Ready Preparation
Every case is built for court from day one. Insurance companies take our demands more seriously because of it.
| Benefit | What It Means for You | Example |
|---|---|---|
| No upfront cost | You risk nothing out of pocket | We only get paid if you recover money |
| Bilingual communication | Clear answers in the language you prefer | Case updates in English or Spanish |
| Direct attorney access | Attorney Lopez handles your file personally | Not passed off to an assistant |
| Trial-ready preparation | Insurance companies take your claim seriously | Cases built for court from day one |
| Local Texas knowledge | Familiarity with Corpus Christi courts and roads | Experience with IH-37 and US-181 crash patterns |
| Proven results | Real financial outcomes for injured clients | More than millions of dollars recovered for clients |
Case Results and Testimonials
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each truck accident case depends on its own facts. The results below are anonymized and shown for illustration only.
| Case Type | Injuries | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-end collision with commercial truck | Herniated disc, surgery required | Six-figure settlement |
| Underride collision on state highway | Traumatic brain injury | Confidential settlement |
| Jackknife accident involving cargo truck | Broken bones, months of physical therapy | Policy-limit settlement |
Service Areas
The Lopez Law Group represents truck accident victims across Corpus Christi and throughout Texas.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER CORPUS CHRISTI
A truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi investigates your crash, deals with the trucking company insurance adjuster, and works to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Lopez Law Group handles every step so you can focus on recovery.
How much does a Corpus Christi truck accident attorney cost?
Most truck accident attorneys in Corpus Christi including The Lopez Law Group work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for your case.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting past that deadline usually ends your right to recover.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Section 33.001. If you were 50 percent or less at fault you may still recover reduced compensation. At 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and how clearly the trucking company or driver is liable. Every truck accident case is different, so speak with an injury attorney before you accept any offer from the insurance adjuster.
Do I need an accident reconstruction expert?
Not every case needs one, but serious or disputed truck accidents in Corpus Christi often benefit from accident reconstruction professionals who can show exactly how the crash happened and who was liable.
What is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and why does it matter?
The FMCSA sets safety rules for commercial trucks including driver hours and vehicle maintenance. A violation of these rules can support a negligence claim against the trucking company separate from the driver's own conduct.
Can I still make a claim if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Depending on the contract and the level of control the trucking company had over the driver, the company may still share liability for the accident even if the driver was classified as an independent contractor.
What should I avoid saying to the insurance adjuster?
Avoid giving a recorded statement, admitting fault, or describing your injuries in detail until you have spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim or deny it outright.
How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?
Many truck accident cases in Corpus Christi resolve within six months to two years, depending on the severity of injuries and whether the trucking company insurer is willing to negotiate in good faith.
What evidence do I need for a strong truck accident claim?
Strong cases include the police report, medical records from the date of the accident, photos of the scene, witness statements, and when available, electronic logging device data from the truck and the driver qualification file.
Who is liable after a commercial truck accident in Corpus Christi?
More than one party can be liable. The driver, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, or the owner of the commercial vehicle may all share responsibility depending on the facts. Our team investigates every party connected to the crash to identify full liability.
Can I file a claim if a family member died in a truck accident?
Yes. Surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the truck driver, the trucking company, or both, depending on the facts. Texas law allows a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death.
Your Corpus Christi Truck Accident Case Deserves an Attorney Who Fights for You
If you or someone in your family was hurt in a truck accident in Corpus Christi, Texas law gives you the right to seek compensation from the responsible parties. Insurance companies and trucking companies move fast to protect themselves. You need a Corpus Christi truck accident attorney moving just as fast for you.
Call (956) 968-7800 any time, day or night, for a free consultation. Hablamos español.
Available 24/7. No cost. No obligation. Hablamos español.
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