Truck Accidents on US-77 and I-69E: Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Truck Accidents · Liz Valdez Garza · 2026-11-05

US-77 and the I-69E corridor carry a steady stream of 18-wheelers between the border and the rest of Texas. When a fully loaded semi collides with a passenger car, the results are often devastating — and the legal case that follows is very different from a typical car accident.

One of the biggest differences is that more than one party may be responsible.

The truck driver

Drivers can be negligent in the same ways anyone can: speeding, following too closely, changing lanes without checking blind spots, or driving while distracted. Commercial drivers are also held to federal safety rules, including limits on how many hours they can drive before resting. A driver who pushes past those limits to make a delivery puts everyone on the road at risk.

The trucking company

In many cases, the company that employs the driver can be held responsible too. That can happen when the company:

• Hired a driver with a poor safety record or without proper training
• Pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules
• Failed to inspect and maintain its trucks and trailers
• Ignored drug and alcohol testing requirements

Interstate motor carriers are generally required to carry far more insurance than an ordinary driver — often at least $750,000 for general freight — which can matter a great deal when injuries are serious.

The cargo loader

An overloaded trailer or cargo that shifts in transit can cause a rollover or jackknife. When a separate company loaded the cargo, that company may share the blame.

The maintenance shop or parts manufacturer

Brake failures, tire blowouts and steering defects are sometimes the result of poor repairs or defective parts. In those cases, a repair shop or manufacturer may be responsible as well.

Why the evidence matters — and why time matters

Trucking cases are built on records most people never see:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing the driver's hours
• The truck's "black box" (engine control module) recording speed and braking
• Driver qualification files, drug and alcohol test results
• Inspection and maintenance records
• Dispatch notes, GPS data and phone records

Some of these records only have to be kept for a limited time, and black-box data can be overwritten as the truck keeps working. That is why it is important to have an attorney send a preservation letter to the trucking company as soon as possible after the crash, demanding that this evidence be kept.

Don't talk to the trucking company's insurer alone

Trucking companies and their insurers often send investigators to the scene within hours. Their job is to limit what the company pays. If an adjuster contacts you, you do not have to give a recorded statement. Talk to a lawyer first.

How fault works in Texas

Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash, but your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. Trucking companies frequently try to shift blame onto the car driver — another reason to protect yourself early.

Get help from a Rio Grande Valley truck accident lawyer

If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler on US-77, I-69E or anywhere in the Valley, Attorney Liz Valdez Garza can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 866-LA-LEONA for a free consultation, or use the case review form on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue the trucking company and not just the driver?

Often, yes. A trucking company can be responsible for its driver's actions on the job, and it can also be responsible for its own negligence — such as poor hiring, training or maintenance.

What is a preservation letter?

It is a formal letter, usually sent by your attorney, telling the trucking company to keep evidence like black-box data, driver logs and maintenance records. Sending it early helps prevent important evidence from being lost.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?

Generally two years from the date of the accident, but there are exceptions. Evidence in trucking cases can disappear much sooner, so it is best to talk to an attorney right away.

Valdez Garza Law Firm, P.C. · 1105 East 6th Street, Brownsville, TX 78520 · 866-LA-LEONA (866) 525-3662