Truck accidents on US-83 and I-2 in the RGV are among the most dangerous in Texas.
The US-83 corridor running through McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, and Weslaco, and the I-2 highway connecting the Lower Rio Grande Valley to the rest of Texas, carry enormous volumes of commercial truck traffic every day. The intersection of international trade through Laredo and the Port of Brownsville means 18-wheelers are a constant presence on South Texas roads.
When a fully loaded commercial truck — weighing up to 80,000 pounds — collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are catastrophic. If you or a family member was hit by an 18-wheeler in the Rio Grande Valley, here is what you need to know.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Crashes
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than standard car accident claims. Here is why:
- Multiple parties may be liable. The driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck manufacturer, and maintenance contractors can all share responsibility.
- Federal regulations apply. Commercial trucks are governed by FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations covering hours of service, maintenance requirements, weight limits, and more. Violations of these rules are powerful evidence in a lawsuit.
- Evidence disappears fast. Electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, GPS records, and inspection logs can be deleted or overwritten within days. Trucking companies often deploy rapid response teams immediately after a crash to protect their interests.
- Insurance policies are much larger. Commercial trucks carry policies from $750,000 to over $5 million, which means more aggressive defense from the insurance side.
What to Do Immediately After an 18-Wheeler Accident in the RGV
- Call 911 and get emergency medical help, even if you feel okay
- Do not speak with the trucking company, their driver, or their insurance representatives
- Document everything you can safely photograph at the scene
- Get names of witnesses
- Call Chris Sanchez immediately at (956) 616-2020
The Law Office of Chris Sanchez will send a team to preserve critical evidence before it is destroyed, identify all liable parties, and begin building your case from day one.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on US-83 and I-2
- Driver fatigue from hours of service violations
- Distracted driving
- Improper cargo loading causing rollovers
- Brake failure and inadequate maintenance
- Speeding through construction zones
- Unsafe lane changes at highway speeds
- Drug or alcohol impairment
Compensation Available in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Victims of truck accidents in Texas may recover compensation for:
- All medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and future lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Chris Sanchez: The Relentless Lawyer for Truck Accident Victims in the RGV
Chris Sanchez has fought trucking companies and their multi-million dollar insurance carriers on behalf of injured victims throughout McAllen, Edinburg, Weslaco, Harlingen, Mission, and Brownsville. He knows the tactics these companies use and how to counter them.
Free consultation, no fees unless we win. Call 24/7: (956) 616-2020