If a big rig hit your car on Expressway 83 or a loaded trailer forced you off the road near Weslaco, you already know how fast life can change. A truck accident attorney at The Lopez Law Group handles truck accident cases across the Rio Grande Valley and understands the fear and the medical bills that follow a serious crash. We offer a free consultation and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover money for you.
Below you will find what causes these wrecks, how Texas law treats your claim, and the steps you should take to protect your rights.
WE HANDLE:
- 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck crashes, and commercial vehicle collisions in Weslaco and the RGV
- Jackknife accidents, cargo spills, and rollover crashes on Expressway 83, Highway 107, and rural farm roads
- Wrongful death claims for families who lost someone in a truck crash
A truck accident attorney at The Lopez Law Group in Weslaco, Texas helps people hurt by 18-wheeler accidents and commercial truck accidents recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Attorney Fernando J. Lopez and his team handle truck accident claims across Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and the wider Rio Grande Valley on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (956) 968-7800 today.
About Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
Attorney Fernando J. Lopez built his practice around helping injured people who feel outmatched by trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Truck companies start protecting themselves within hours of a crash, so you need someone in your corner just as fast. He grew up in South Texas and has spent his career representing families across the Rio Grande Valley in personal injury and truck accident cases.
In our experience, the biggest mistake an injured person can make is waiting to speak with an attorney. A trucking company can have its own lawyers at the scene within hours of a crash, and every day you wait makes preserving the black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs harder.
"The biggest mistake an injured person makes after a truck crash is waiting to speak with an attorney. Trucking companies have lawyers on the scene within hours. Our team moves just as fast to protect your rights and preserve evidence before it disappears." — Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
Read more about Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
What Is a Truck Accident Claim?
A truck accident claim is a legal demand you file against a truck driver, a trucking company, or an insurance carrier after a crash involving a commercial truck, semi-truck, or other large commercial vehicle. The goal is to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Because trucking companies fight hard to limit what they pay, this type of claim rarely goes smoothly without a personal injury lawyer who understands the trucking industry.
| Term | What It Means | How It Applies to Truck Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Settlement | An agreement to resolve your claim without going to trial | Most truck accident claims end in settlement after negotiation with the insurance adjuster |
| Verdict | A decision reached by a judge or jury after trial | Reserved for cases where the trucking company will not offer full compensation |
| Comparative Fault | Texas law reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault | Under the modified comparative fault rule you cannot recover if found 51 percent or more at fault |
| Negligence | A failure to use reasonable care that causes harm | Most truck accidents stem from driver negligence such as speeding or fatigue |
Who Needs a Truck Accident Lawyer in Weslaco?
Truck accidents can cause injuries that look nothing like a typical car accident because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Common causes include driver fatigue, speeding, poor cargo securement, and hours-of-service violations. Here are situations where people across Weslaco and the Rio Grande Valley reach out to our firm.
- You were rear-ended by a commercial truck stopped in traffic on Expressway 83 or Highway 107.
- A jackknife accident on a farm-to-market road left your vehicle pinned against a guardrail.
- You were hit by a semi-truck hauling agricultural or oilfield equipment near Weslaco.
- Cargo shifted or fell from a large truck and struck your vehicle on the highway.
- A tired truck driver crossed the center line after driving too many hours without rest, in violation of FMCSA hours-of-service rules.
- A commercial vehicle rolled over after a blown tire on a rural highway in Hidalgo County.
- You were injured in a crash caused by a driver under the influence.
- A trucking company failed to maintain its brakes or tires and the crash followed directly from that neglect.
Truck Accident Data and Local Insights
Truck accidents occur across Texas at a rate that outpaces most other states because of the volume of commercial traffic moving through our highways and international bridges. A large truck striking a passenger vehicle can cause severe injuries including traumatic brain injury and spinal damage that change a person's life in seconds.
| Statistic | Year | Source | Relevance to Weslaco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas recorded thousands of crashes involving large trucks | 2023 | TxDOT | Shows how often truck accidents occur statewide |
| Large trucks are involved in a disproportionate share of fatal crashes | 2023 | NHTSA | Highlights the danger of large commercial trucks on shared roads |
| Federal motor carrier safety violations remain a top cause of preventable truck crashes | 2023 | FMCSA | Directly tied to causes of truck accidents in South Texas |
| Hidalgo County reports ongoing commercial vehicle traffic from agriculture and freight | 2023 | Texas DPS | Explains truck volume near Weslaco and surrounding farm-to-market roads |
According to TxDOT, large truck crashes remain one of the leading causes of serious injury on Texas roads, and the Rio Grande Valley sees steady truck traffic tied to agriculture and cross-border trade. These numbers match what our team sees in cases that come through our Weslaco office.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
- 1Call 911 and stay at the scene. Get medical help moving and let police document the crash with an official report before anything moves.
- 2See a doctor right away. Some truck accident injuries such as internal bleeding or spinal damage do not show symptoms for days. A same-day medical visit also creates the documentation your claim needs.
- 3Get the truck driver's information. Write down the driver's name, the trucking company name, the truck number, and insurance details before leaving the scene.
- 4Take photos of everything. Capture the vehicles, the road, skid marks, and any visible cargo or damage before the scene changes.
- 5Do not give a statement to the insurance adjuster. Insurance companies often use early statements against you later in your accident claim. Say nothing until you have spoken with an attorney.
- 6Ask about the truck's black box data. Commercial trucks carry electronic logs that record speed and hours of service before the crash. This data can disappear quickly if not preserved.
- 7Keep every medical record and bill. These documents show the extent of your injuries and support your demand for compensation.
- 8Contact The Lopez Law Group. Speaking with an attorney early helps protect your rights before evidence disappears. Call (956) 968-7800 any time, day or night.
How We Handle Your Truck Accident Case
Every truck crash case is different. Many truck accident victims wait too long before calling an attorney, which only makes the insurance company's job easier. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs while we build your file.
- 1Free consultation. We listen to what happened and explain your options with no pressure and no cost.
- 2Investigation. Our team pulls accident reports, driver logs, and black box data and brings in an accident reconstruction expert for complex cases when the facts call for it.
- 3Demand letter. We send a detailed demand to the insurance carrier laying out your injuries and the compensation you deserve.
- 4Negotiation. We push back against lowball offers from insurance companies that try to close your file cheap.
- 5Litigation if needed. If the trucking company will not offer full compensation we are ready to file suit and take your case to trial.
- 6Recovery. Once we resolve your claim we work to get you paid as quickly as the process allows.
Compensation You May Recover
| Type of Damages | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Out-of-pocket losses tied directly to the crash | Medical bills, lost wages, lost income from missed work |
| Non-Economic Damages | Losses that do not come with a receipt | Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Punitive Damages | Extra damages to punish reckless conduct | Awarded in cases involving gross negligence such as a drunk truck driver |
| Wrongful Death Damages | Compensation for a family after a fatal crash | Funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship |
Our lawyer tracks your lost wages and medical costs from day one so nothing gets left out of your claim. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of the trucking company's negligence, and the insurance coverage available.
Texas Laws and Important Deadlines
Texas law gives you a limited window to file suit after a truck crash. Missing that window can permanently end your right to recover compensation.
- Statute of limitations. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim.
- Modified comparative fault rule. Texas follows the 51 percent bar. If you are found 51 percent or more at fault you cannot recover any compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault below that threshold.
- Federal motor carrier safety rules. These rules set limits on driver hours, cargo weight, and vehicle maintenance. A violation can strengthen your case significantly.
- Federal reporting requirements. Commercial truck accidents often trigger federal reporting beyond what a standard car accident requires, creating an additional layer of documentation that can support your claim.
- Demand letter and settlement negotiation typically happen before any lawsuit is filed, but building toward trial from day one changes how seriously the other side takes your claim.
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
We handle truck accident cases and car accident cases with the same level of attention regardless of the size of the claim. We serve clients across the Rio Grande Valley in English and Spanish and we work every case on a contingency fee basis so cost never stands between you and a personal injury attorney.
A serious truck accident deserves attorneys who show up prepared. Our team keeps your best interests in mind from the first phone call through the final resolution of your case.
- Free consultation with no obligation to hire us
- Contingency fee basis so you pay nothing up front
- Bilingual team available to injured clients and families — hablamos español
- Available to truck accident victims across Weslaco, McAllen, Harlingen, and Edinburg
- Full case investigation including black box data, accident reports, and driver logs pulled early
- Trial-ready preparation from day one so insurance companies take your claim seriously
- Direct attorney access — calls and questions get answered by someone who knows your file
- Local knowledge of Hidalgo County and Cameron County courts and procedures
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your accident claim.
- Posting about the crash on social media. Insurance companies review posts looking for reasons to dispute your injuries.
- Missing medical appointments. Gaps in treatment make it easier for a trucking company to argue your injuries are not severe.
- Accepting the first settlement offer. Early offers rarely reflect the full compensation you may be entitled to.
- Waiting too long before speaking with an attorney. Trucking companies start protecting themselves within hours of a crash.
- Admitting fault at the scene. Let the accident reconstruction and the police report speak for themselves.
- Not preserving evidence. Photos, videos, and witness names can disappear quickly after a crash.
Tips From Our Attorneys
Benefits of Working With The Lopez Law Group
Direct Attorney Access
You speak with your truck accident attorney, not just a case manager. Calls and questions get answered by someone who knows your file.
No Fee Unless We Win
You owe nothing up front. Legal fees only come from your final recovery, so there is no financial risk to starting your case.
Trial-Ready Preparation
Every truck accident case is built as if it may go before a jury. Insurance companies negotiate harder against firms known to try cases.
Bilingual Service
You and your family can speak comfortably about your case. Hablamos español at every stage of your claim.
| Benefit | What It Means for You | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct attorney access | You speak with your attorney, not a case manager | Calls answered by someone who knows your file |
| No fee unless we win | You owe nothing up front | Legal fees come only from your final recovery |
| Trial-ready preparation | Every case built as if it may go to a jury | Insurance companies take our demands seriously |
| Bilingual service | Comfortable communication for you and your family | Hablamos español at every stage |
| Local knowledge | Familiarity with Hidalgo and Cameron County procedures | Our team lives and works in the Rio Grande Valley |
| Full case investigation | Evidence gathered before it disappears | Black box data, accident reports, and driver logs pulled early |
Case Results
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every truck accident case depends on its own facts.
| Case Type | Injuries | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-end truck collision | Neck and back injuries | Settlement reached before trial |
| Jackknife accident | Fractures requiring surgery | Recovery secured through negotiation |
| Wrongful death after truck crash | Fatal injuries | Settlement reached for surviving family |
Service Areas
The Lopez Law Group represents truck accident victims across South Texas and beyond. We also handle car accident cases in Weslaco, wrongful death claims, and a wide range of personal injury cases across Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a truck accident attorney do?
A truck accident attorney investigates your crash, gathers evidence, and negotiates with insurance companies to recover compensation for your injuries. Your lawyer handles every deadline and every phone call so you can focus on your recovery instead of paperwork.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Most truck accident lawyers including our firm work on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing up front. Fees only come out of the money we recover, which means there is no financial risk to speaking with an attorney about your case.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?
Texas law generally gives you two years from the date of the crash under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code to file suit. Waiting past this deadline can permanently bar your right to recover compensation.
What is my truck accident case worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on your medical bills, lost wages, the extent of your injuries, and whether the trucking company acted negligently. A personal injury attorney can review your records and give you a realistic assessment once the full picture is clear.
Who is liable in a semi-truck accident?
Liability in a semi-truck accident can fall on the driver, the trucking company, or the company that loaded the cargo depending on what caused the crash. Cases with more than one at-fault party name several defendants once the investigation is complete.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Trucking companies often use independent contractor status to avoid responsibility for a crash. In many cases the motor carrier still holds responsibility under federal motor carrier safety rules regardless of the driver's employment status.
How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?
A truck accident lawsuit can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on how complex the case is and whether the trucking company disputes fault. Cases that settle early through a demand letter typically resolve faster than those that go to trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor truck accident?
Even a minor truck accident can involve significant vehicle damage and hidden injuries given the size and weight of commercial trucks. Speaking with an attorney costs nothing during a free consultation and helps you avoid mistakes early in your claim.
What if I was partly at fault?
Under Texas modified comparative fault rules you can still recover compensation as long as you are found less than 51 percent at fault. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility for the crash.
Can my family recover if a loved one was killed in a trucking accident?
Yes. Texas allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim when someone is killed in a trucking accident due to negligence. This claim can cover funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship.
What evidence matters most after a truck accident?
The most valuable evidence includes the truck's black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reports along with photos from the scene. This evidence often disappears quickly, which is why speaking with an attorney soon after a truck crash matters.
Should I talk to the trucking company's insurance adjuster?
You are not required to give a statement to the trucking company's insurance adjuster, and doing so without an attorney can hurt your claim. Let your truck accident attorney handle these conversations so nothing you say gets used against you later.
Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Weslaco Truck Accident
A serious truck accident can turn your life upside down in a single moment. You should not have to face trucking companies and their insurance carriers alone. The Lopez Law Group handles truck accident cases across Weslaco and the Rio Grande Valley and we are ready to protect your rights from the first call.
Call (956) 968-7800) today for a free consultation, or reach out through our contact form. Hablamos español and we are available around the clock.
Available 24/7. No cost. No obligation. Hablamos español.
Follow Us | Facebook · Instagram · Twitter / X
