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How McAllen Injury Attorneys Handle Truck Accident Cases on I-69C
The stretch of I-69C (Interstate 69 Central) running through McAllen is one of the busiest corridors for commercial trucking in South Texas. As 18-wheelers, freight carriers, and delivery trucks travel through the Rio Grande Valley, accidents happen far too often, and they’re rarely minor. When a large commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the outcome is usually devastating.
At J.A. Davis & Associates, our McAllen personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing victims of truck accidents. These cases are more complex than typical car crashes and require a legal team with the skill, resources, and knowledge to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.
Here’s how we handle truck accident claims on I-69C, and why getting legal help fast is crucial.
Why Truck Accidents Require a Specialized Approach
Commercial truck accidents are not just “big car accidents.” They involve:
- Federal and state regulations (FMCSA rules)
- Commercial insurance policies
- Multiple potentially liable parties
- Complex vehicle data and driver logs
- Catastrophic injuries or wrongful death
Because of the size and weight of these vehicles—often up to 80,000 pounds—collisions frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, amputations, or fatalities. Victims deserve representation that matches the seriousness of the incident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-69C
Our legal team thoroughly investigates every case to determine the cause of the crash. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue (in violation of hours-of-service rules)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Improper lane changes
- Distracted driving (texting, navigation systems)
- Driving under the influence
- Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
- Unsecured or overloaded cargo
- Inadequate driver training
Often, these causes point to negligence not just by the driver, but also by the trucking company, maintenance provider, or cargo handler.
Steps We Take in a McAllen Truck Accident Case
At J.A. Davis & Associates, we take an aggressive, methodical approach to every truck accident case. Here’s how we work:
1. Immediate Investigation
We move quickly to preserve and collect critical evidence, such as:
- Police crash reports
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Truck black box information
- Driver’s employment and training records
- Truck companies often deploy their legal teams immediately after a crash—we do the same for our clients.
2. Identifying All Liable Parties
In truck accident cases, more than one party may be legally responsible. We assess:
The truck driver: Was he/she speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence?
The trucking company: Did they cut corners on hiring, training, or maintenance?
The vehicle manufacturer: Was there a mechanical defect?
Cargo loaders: Did unbalanced or loose cargo contribute to the crash?
By identifying all liable entities, we can pursue maximum compensation from every available source.
3. Calculating Damages Thoroughly
Truck accidents often lead to life-altering injuries. Our legal team works with medical experts, economists, and vocational professionals to fully calculate the cost of your injuries, including:
- Emergency care and hospitalization
- Surgeries and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Home modifications or assistive equipment
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
- We build a complete picture of how the accident has affected your life—physically, emotionally, and financially.
4. Dealing with Trucking Company Insurers
Truck companies and their insurers are well-funded and have extensive legal protection. They often send adjusters or defense attorneys to speak with injured victims soon after a crash, sometimes offering a fast settlement.
Never accept a settlement or speak with a trucking company’s insurance representative without legal counsel. We handle all negotiations and communications to protect your rights and avoid lowball offers.
Our goal is to negotiate a full and fair settlement. But if the insurance company refuses to do the right thing, we will prepare your case for trial.
5. Complying with Federal and State Regulations
Both Texas law and federal regulations govern commercial trucking through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We ensure:
- The driver complied with mandatory rest periods
- The truck was regularly inspected and maintained
- All license and certification requirements were met
- The trucking company complied with safety standards
- Violations of these rules can significantly strengthen your claim and expose the company to further liability.
Truck Accidents on I-69C: A Local Risk
I-69C is a critical north-south highway through McAllen, Edinburg, and Pharr. It carries heavy commercial traffic from the Mexican border to major Texas hubs. Unfortunately, this volume leads to a higher rate of truck collisions, especially near:
- Warehousing zones and industrial parks
- On-ramps and off-ramps near US-281
- Congested intersections during rush hour
- Construction zones along the corridor
- We are familiar with the traffic patterns, hazards, and accident history along this route and use that knowledge to support our client’s case.
Time Limits and Legal Deadlines
Texas law requires that personal injury lawsuits be filed within two years of the date of the accident. However, truck companies often destroy key data, such as logbooks or black box data, within months unless legal action is taken.
We strongly recommend contacting our office as soon as possible after a crash. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your case.
No Upfront Fees, No Risk
At J.A. Davis & Associates, we represent truck accident victims on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We cover the cost of the investigation and experts
- You owe us nothing unless we win your case
- Our consultations are 100% free, and we’ll give you an honest evaluation of your legal options from day one.
Truck accidents on I-69C can leave victims with serious injuries and overwhelming expenses. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving a commercial truck, don’t try to go it alone. You’re up against powerful companies that will fight to protect their bottom line.
Let J.A. Davis & Associates fight for you. We’re experienced, aggressive, and ready to take on the most formidable opponents to get you the compensation you deserve.