Corpus Christi Truck Accident Lawyer
When a commercial truck crash turns your life upside down, Attorney Minesh Patel at The Patel Firm is here by your side. Truck accidents are unlike ordinary collisions. They involve massive vehicles, complex laws, and powerful insurance companies working to limit your compensation. You need someone with the skill, resources, and dedication to fight back.
Minesh Patel is recognized among the best in his field, with honors including Million Dollar Advocates, Best Attorneys in America, and 40 Under 40. He understands the emotional and financial toll a devastating crash can cause. Our team offers compassionate guidance from day one while aggressively pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Case in Texas?
Determining whether you have a valid truck accident case begins with understanding Texas personal injury law. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003). This deadline is strict, and waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover damages.
If your injuries were caused by a truck driver’s negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating federal trucking regulations. You may be entitled to compensation. The best way to know for sure is to speak directly with a Corpus Christi truck accident attorney at The Patel Firm. We offer free consultations and never charge fees unless we win.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?
Your actions in the minutes and hours after a crash can make or break your case.
First, prioritize safety. Move to a safe location and call 911 for medical assistance. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries aren’t obvious right away.
Second, document everything. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, license plates, and any visible injuries. Get contact information for witnesses. Note identifying details of the truck, including company name, DOT number, and location of the crash. In Corpus Christi, this might be along I-37, US-181, Highway 358, or near the Port of Corpus Christi.
Third, protect your rights. Do not give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer before speaking to a lawyer. These companies are skilled at minimizing payouts. Minesh Patel can step in immediately to handle communications and begin building your case.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Corpus Christi?
Truck accidents often happen because safety rules are ignored.
Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules limit how long a driver can be on duty, but violations still occur. Exhausted drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting GPS, can lead to deadly mistakes. Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, or certain medications is equally dangerous.
Mechanical failures and poor maintenance are another major factor. Faulty brakes or worn tires on an 80,000-pound truck can cause catastrophic crashes.
In Corpus Christi, heavy freight traffic from oilfield operations, port shipping, and industrial zones increases the risk. Busy corridors like I-37 and US-181 see frequent large-truck collisions, often at higher speeds, which means more severe injuries.
What Types of Trucks Are Involved in These Cases?
The types of trucks involved in accidents vary, and each presents unique challenges in a legal case.
Common types include:
- Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers
- Tanker trucks carrying fuel or chemicals
- Dump trucks on construction routes
- Delivery trucks and cargo vans
Uncommon but significant cases involve:
- Oil rig transporters near the port
- Livestock transport trucks
- Heavy machinery haulers
- Refrigerated freight trucks
- Propane tanker trucks
Each of these vehicles has specific regulations and operating hazards. Minesh Patel and the truck accident attorneys at The Patel Firm know how to investigate these details to uncover every liable party.
How The Patel Firm Can Help You
Truck accident cases demand meticulous investigation. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened and why. We examine driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data to spot violations of FMCSA and Texas laws.
We identify all liable parties which might include the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle’s owner, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even manufacturers of defective parts.
We pursue full compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
With years of experience in Nueces County courts, we know the local judges, opposing counsel, and how cases are typically handled in Corpus Christi. We can meet clients in local hospitals, at their homes, or virtually. Whatever is easiest during recovery.
What Injuries and Damages Can Be Recovered?
Truck accidents often result in life-changing injuries.
Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, internal organ damage, and severe fractures. Tragically, some crashes result in fatalities.
Victims may recover economic damages, covering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the crash. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to recover compensation.
What if I live outside Corpus Christi?
You can still file your case in Nueces County if the crash happened here. The Patel Firm’s attorneys can coordinate with clients anywhere in Texas or beyond.
What if I’m partly at fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do most truck accident cases settle?
Yes, most cases are resolved through settlement, but we prepare every case for trial to maximize leverage and potential recovery.
Can I sue if my loved one died in a truck crash?
Yes. A wrongful death claim allows certain family members to recover damages for their loss.
Are there special laws for commercial trucks?
Yes. Federal and state regulations govern hours of service, weight limits, maintenance, and driver qualifications. Violations of these laws can strengthen your case.
Local Areas Served and Dangerous Roads
We proudly serve clients throughout Corpus Christi, including Bay Area, Southside, Flour Bluff, Padre Island, Calallen, Northwest, and Portland.
We also handle cases in surrounding areas such as Rockport, Ingleside, and Aransas Pass. High-risk corridors include I-37, US-181, SH-358, and SH-286.
According to recent data, Nueces County recorded 323 commercial vehicle crashes in 2024, including 3 fatal accidents and 77 with reported injuries. These numbers highlight just how often our community is impacted by dangerous trucking practices.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck crash, don’t wait. Call (361) 400-2036 or contact us online for a free case review. We can meet you at the hospital, your home, or virtually. Whatever helps you focus on healing while we handle the fight for justice.
