Every day, the highways and industrial routes that crisscross through McAllen hum with the sound of truck engines hauling equipment, freight, and materials that keep the South Texas economy moving. But when an 18-wheeler accident occurs, that same traffic can turn to devastation in seconds. The sheer weight and size of a commercial truck mean these collisions are rarely minor. They leave behind twisted steel, shattered lives, and difficult questions about who is truly at fault. 

At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we’ve seen the tragic aftermath of these crashes far too many times. Our firm’s mission is to provide expert legal counsel, passionately advocate for your rights, and deliver the justice you deserve. When we meet clients injured in truck accidents, we see more than legal claims; we see hardworking people whose futures have been upended in moments. And in McAllen, where oilfield traffic, industrial hauling, and cross-border freight are part of daily life, these wrecks are far too common. 

We know how complex these cases can be. After a serious truck accident, it’s not always clear who caused it. Was it the driver? The trucking company? A shipper or maintenance crew? Or a combination of several parties? Understanding fault is essential, not just for justice, but also for your recovery, your financial future, and your peace of mind. 

The Hidden Dangers of 18-Wheeler Accidents in McAllen 

To understand fault, you first have to understand the scale of danger. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 25 to 30 times more than the car beside it, often up to 80,000 pounds (or the equivalent of roughly 20 average vehicles). At highway speeds, that weight translates into massive kinetic force that can crush smaller vehicles, cause multi-vehicle pileups, and leave victims with life-altering injuries. 

In McAllen and across the Rio Grande Valley, 18-wheelers are a daily sight along Interstate 2, U.S. 83, and State Highway 281. These routes connect oilfields, refineries, and manufacturing hubs to the ports and processing centers near the border. The region’s economic strength, its industrial and energy sectors, also make it one of Texas’s busiest corridors for commercial trucking. With that traffic comes a higher risk of collisions involving fatigued drivers, overloaded rigs, and poorly maintained vehicles. 

At A2X, we are often called after these devastating events, and what we see is heartbreaking: victims with catastrophic injuries, families trying to pick up the pieces, and powerful companies already preparing to protect themselves from liability. That’s why our team moves quickly to uncover the truth, because in trucking cases, evidence disappears fast, and stories change even quicker. 

What You Should Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in McAllen 

After a serious truck accident, what you do next can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation. The immediate aftermath is chaotic, but the proper steps can protect your rights. 

1. Seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries can take hours or days to surface. Our goal is to ensure you receive the treatment you need to prevent further injuries. 
2. Call law enforcement and ensure a detailed accident report is filed. This report becomes critical evidence later. 
3. If possible, document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, your injuries, and anything that might help reconstruct what happened. 
4. Avoid giving statements to the trucking company or its insurance representatives before speaking to A2X. Their job is to minimize payouts. 
5. Reach out to our team at A2X as soon as you can. Evidence like driver logs, black-box data, and maintenance records can be lost or erased within days. Our firm sends formal preservation notices to ensure that data is preserved. 

The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the crash, but waiting to reach out or act right away is risky. In some cases, especially those involving government entities, deadlines are even shorter. Speaking with our attorneys early ensures you understand the timelines and options specific to your situation. 

Determining Fault: Who Can Be Held Liable in an 18-Wheeler Crash? 

Unlike a typical car accident, where fault usually lies with one driver, truck accident liability is far more complex. Multiple entities may share responsibility, and each one has its own insurer and legal team working to avoid blame. A2X’s job is to identify every responsible party and hold them accountable. 

The Truck Driver 

Truck drivers must follow strict safety standards, but when they break the rules by driving too long without rest, speeding, using their phone, or operating under the influence, the results can be catastrophic. We investigate driver logs, black-box data, and hours-of-service records to determine if negligence or fatigue was involved. 

The Trucking Company 

Many times, the company that employs or contracts the driver is equally, if not more, responsible. Some carriers pressure their drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, leading to dangerous fatigue or corner-cutting on maintenance. If a company fails to properly hire, train, or supervise a driver, or knowingly allows unsafe practices, A2X will pursue them for direct negligence. 

Cargo Loaders and Shippers 

When cargo is improperly loaded or secured, even a minor shift in weight can cause an 18-wheeler to overturn or jackknife. If the loading or shipping company failed to follow proper safety protocols, they too can be held liable. 

Manufacturers and Maintenance Crews 

Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or mechanical failures often contribute to serious truck wrecks. In those cases, liability may fall on the truck or parts manufacturer, or on the maintenance team that failed to keep the vehicle in safe operating condition. 

Third-Party Contractors and Brokers 

Sometimes, the responsibility extends to brokers or contractors who arrange transport and choose unsafe carriers. Our attorneys trace every layer of responsibility to ensure no negligent party escapes scrutiny, because we know how important it is to get justice. 

How A2X Determines Fault in Truck Accident Cases 

Truck accident cases demand fast action and a deep understanding of federal and state law. At A2X, we start by securing evidence immediately, often before insurance adjusters or defense teams can alter or destroy it. We gather crash-scene photos (if available), traffic camera footage, and event data recorder (black box) downloads. These digital records reveal critical details, such as the truck’s speed, braking, and hours of operation leading up to the collision. 

We also review the driver’s background, company hiring records, and maintenance logs to identify violations of federal regulations. We often find patterns: a company ignoring safety audits, drivers exceeding legal limits, or cargo handlers failing to balance loads. Each piece of evidence builds a timeline of accountability that points directly to who caused your injuries. 

In every case, our attorneys apply Texas’s legal framework for negligence by proving that a duty existed, that it was breached, and that the breach caused your harm. And because Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation if your share of fault is less than 51%. 

The Role of Federal and State Regulations 

Commercial trucking isn’t just another area of law; it’s one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country. These regulations, set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are designed to prevent the very kinds of accidents we see on McAllen’s roads. 

Truck drivers and companies must adhere to strict rules governing: 

• Hours of Service (HOS): limits the time drivers can be on the road without rest. 
• Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections: ensuring trucks are safe before each trip. 
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): tracking driving time and rest breaks to prevent falsified records. 
• Weight and Cargo Regulations: ensuring trucks are loaded within legal limits. 

Violations of these federal rules often provide strong evidence of negligence. At the state level, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) inspections and Texas Transportation Code weight restrictions add another layer of accountability. 

A2X uses these federal and state frameworks to identify noncompliance and establish legal liability. If we can prove that a regulation designed to protect motorists was violated, it can be the key to securing justice for our clients. 

Why Establishing Fault Matters 

Determining fault is not about assigning blame for its own sake; it’s about securing justice and financial recovery. In 18-wheeler accidents, damages are often substantial: long-term medical care, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and the emotional toll on you and your family. The at-fault party must be held accountable for those losses. 

Without a thorough investigation, evidence can vanish, witnesses can forget details, and powerful trucking companies can shape the narrative. That’s why A2X acts swiftly to protect your claim and ensure your story is told truthfully. When a fault is clearly established, it strengthens every part of your case and positions you to pursue compensation for: 

• Past and future medical expenses 
• Time missed from work and lost earning potential 
• Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life 
• Long-term disability or permanent impairment 

Standing Up for McAllen’s Victims  

At A2X, we take immense pride in representing individuals and families in McAllen and across Texas who’ve been injured by negligent trucking operations. We know that they aren’t just numbers in a case file; they’re people with futures worth fighting for. Our firm combines the strength of a nationwide trial practice with a deep understanding of local industries and communities. 

We’ve seen how individuals and families throughout South Texas are taken advantage of after crashes, often pushed into unfair settlements before they even know their rights. That’s why we stand beside you as both advocates and educators, helping you understand every step of the process so you can make informed decisions about your future. 

If you or someone you love has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in McAllen, don’t wait to find out who’s at fault; let us find out for you. The evidence you need may already be slipping away. Reach out to Anderson Alexander (A2X) to request a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and protect your future. Our attorneys are relentless, thorough, and passionate about standing up for victims of negligence across Texas. You’ve suffered enough. Now it’s time to take back control with A2X on your side.