How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Edinburg? 

PERSONAL INJURY CASE REVIEW

Edinburg, located in Hidalgo County, is situated at the center of South Texas's growing oil and gas corridor. The city has several highways, including U.S. 281 and State Highway 107, that receive thousands of 18-wheelers daily and serve as a vital link in both the Eagle Ford Shale and Permian Basin Supply Chains. These massive commercial trucks, often loaded with crude oil, fracking equipment, chemicals, or heavy machinery, weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When they collide with passenger vehicles, the results are catastrophic. Texas Department of Transportation data shows Hidalgo County reporting over 1,200 injury crashes in 2023, with nearly 25 percent involving large commercial vehicles. Victims face life-altering injuries: spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. 


The urgency to act is not only medical, it is also legal. Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing truck accident claims. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how severe your injuries or losses are. A2X focuses on cases involving 18-wheelers and other major truck accidents for Edinburg residents, who often face increased risks due to the oil and gas industry. Our firm holds trucking companies, drivers, and insurance providers accountable. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at www.a2xlaw.com. We work on a contingency basis, which means no recovery, no fee.


The Texas Statute of Limitations for 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuits 

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 sets the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including 18-wheeler accidents. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. This deadline applies whether the crash occurred on US-281 near the Edinburg airport, at a busy intersection on SH-107, or on rural farm-to-market roads connecting to oilfield sites. For wrongful death cases arising from fatal truck crashes, the two-year clock begins on the date of death, not the accident, if death occurs later due to injuries. This distinction is critical in cases where victims linger in ICU units at Rio Grande Regional Hospital or DHR Health before succumbing. 


The two-year limit is strict. Courts rarely grant extensions unless specific exceptions apply. Once it expires, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss, and your claim is lost forever. Insurers know this. They often delay negotiations, hoping victims miss the deadline and accept low settlements or walk away. 


Exceptions That May Extend or Shorten the Filing Deadline 

While two years is the standard, certain circumstances can alter the timeline: 

  • Discovery Rule: If injuries are not immediately apparent, such as internal bleeding or delayed traumatic brain injury symptoms, the clock may start when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered. This is rare in truck crashes due to obvious trauma, but it can apply in subtle neurological cases. 
  • Minors: If the victim is under 18 at the time of the accident, the statute is tolled until their 18th birthday. They then have two years from that date to file. 
  • Defendant’s Absence from Texas: If the at-fault driver or company is out of state, the clock pauses during their absence. 
  • Government Vehicles: If a municipal or state-owned truck is involved, such as a TxDOT maintenance vehicle, you must file a notice of claim within six months under the Texas Tort Claims Act. 
  • Bankruptcy of Defendant: Federal bankruptcy filings can temporarily pause lawsuits, but the pause ends once the stay is lifted.


These exceptions require precise legal analysis. A2X ensures no deadline is missed. 


Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Edinburg Demand Immediate Action 

The oil and gas industry’s footprint in Edinburg creates complex, high-stakes truck accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly: 

  • Black Box Data: Electronic Control Modules in trucks record speed, braking, and driver inputs. Trucking companies overwrite this data within 30 to 90 days unless a spoliation letter is sent. 
  • Driver Logs: Hours-of-service violations, such as exceeding 11-hour driving limits, are erased unless preserved. 
  • Maintenance Records: Proof of faulty brakes, tires, or cargo securement is altered or destroyed. 
  • Witness Memories: Bystanders, other drivers, and first responders forget details over time. 
  • Scene Evidence: Skid marks, debris, and road conditions fade with weather and traffic. 


Waiting even a few months risks losing critical proof. Insurers use this to their advantage, offering low settlements before victims fully understand the extent of their damages. 


Consequences of Missing the Filing Deadline 

If you fail to file within two years: 

  • Your case is dismissed with prejudice. This means it cannot be refiled. 
  • You forfeit all rights to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. 
  • Insurers walk away, even after previously admitting fault. 
  • Family members lose wrongful death claims. 


In Edinburg, where a single crash can generate $500,000+ in damages, this loss is devastating. A2X files promptly to protect your rights. 


Steps to Take After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Edinburg 

Act fast to preserve your claim: 

  1. Seek Medical Care Immediately 
  2. Go to DHR Health, Rio Grande Regional, or an urgent care. Document all injuries. 
  3. Report the Accident 
  4. Call Edinburg Police or Texas DPS. Obtain the crash report number. 
  5. Gather Evidence 
  6. Photograph the truck, trailer, license plates, damage, and scene. Collect witness names. 
  7. Avoid Insurance Statements 
  8. Do not admit fault or sign anything without counsel. 
  9. Contact A2X 
  10. We send preservation letters, obtain records, and begin an investigation within 24 hours. 
  11. Track the Deadline 
  12. We calendar the two-year limit and file well in advance. 


Compensation Available in Edinburg 18-Wheeler Accident Cases 

Texas law allows full recovery if you are 50 percent or less at fault: 

  • Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, lifelong treatment. 
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Current and future income, especially for oilfield workers. 
  • Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional trauma, uncapped in most cases. 
  • Property Damage: Vehicle replacement, personal items. 
  • Punitive Damages: Available if gross negligence, such as DUI or reckless speeding, is proven. 


Truck cases involve multiple parties: the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance contractor, and the insurer. We pursue all for maximum recovery. 


Why A2X Is Your Edinburg Truck Accident Advocate 

We know South Texas roads and oilfield risks. Our nationwide trial lawyers offer: 

  • Case reviews 
  • Contingency fees with zero upfront cost 
  • Bilingual Spanish support 
  • Experience against major trucking insurers 
  • Proven multimillion-dollar results 


We stand with you from day one. 


Contact A2X Today 

Time is your greatest enemy after an 18-wheeler accident in Edinburg. The oil and gas industry’s heavy trucks create life-changing injuries, but Texas law gives you a narrow window to fight back. Do not let a deadline silence your claim. At A2X, we blend strong advocacy with kind-hearted support to attain the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Our team is prepared to conduct investigations, engage in negotiations, and litigate on your behalf. Do not wait, schedule your consultation today at www.a2xlaw.com. Let us protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and help you recover with strength and security. A2X: Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere.