DPS Pursuit on IH-35 Ends in Fire Hydrant Crash, DWI Arrest: What Laredo Drivers Need to Know About Trucking Accidents and Your Rights
The Incident: What Happened on IH-35 in Laredo
It was a Sunday afternoon on February 23, 2026, when a high-speed pursuit on Interstate Highway 35 (IH-35) in Laredo took a dramatic turn. According to reports, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers were engaged in a pursuit when the fleeing vehicle—described as a passenger vehicle, not a commercial truck—veered off the roadway and struck a fire hydrant. The impact was severe enough to cause significant damage, though fortunately, no other vehicles appear to have been involved in this particular collision.
While this incident didn’t directly involve an 18-wheeler, the circumstances surrounding it—speeding, lane violations, and a DWI arrest—highlight the very real dangers that Laredo drivers face every day on our highways. IH-35 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in the nation, carrying millions of tons of freight between Mexico and the United States. When passenger vehicles engage in reckless behavior near commercial trucks, the results can be catastrophic.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how high-speed chases, impaired driving, and lane violations can lead to devastating trucking accidents. While this particular incident ended with property damage and a DWI arrest, the same factors—speed, impairment, and erratic driving—are leading causes of fatal crashes involving 18-wheelers on Laredo’s highways.
How This Incident Connects to Laredo’s Trucking Accident Problem
While this particular crash didn’t involve an 18-wheeler, the factors at play—speeding, impaired driving, and lane violations—are the same ones that cause hundreds of trucking accidents in Laredo every year. Here’s how this incident reflects the broader risks on our highways:
1. Speeding and Lane Violations: A Deadly Combination
Speeding and improper lane changes are among the top causes of trucking accidents in Texas. When passenger vehicles engage in these behaviors near trucks, the results can be catastrophic.
Common Trucking Accidents Caused by Speeding and Lane Violations:
– Sideswipe Accidents: When a vehicle drifts into a truck’s blind spot, the truck driver may not see it until it’s too late.
– Underride Collisions: If a vehicle cuts in front of a truck and stops suddenly, the truck may not have time to brake, leading to a deadly underride crash.
– Rear-End Collisions: Speeding vehicles that tailgate trucks risk being crushed if the truck stops suddenly.
– Jackknife Accidents: Sudden lane changes or speeding can force a truck to brake hard, causing the trailer to swing out of control.
FMCSA Regulations Violated by Speeding and Lane Violations:
– 49 CFR § 392.6: “No motor carrier shall schedule a run, nor shall any such carrier permit or require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle, between points in such period of time as would require the commercial motor vehicle to be operated at speeds in excess of those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial motor vehicle is being operated.”
– 49 CFR § 392.11: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and conditions of, the highway.”
When drivers violate these regulations, they put everyone on the road at risk—especially truck drivers, who have limited ability to avoid collisions.
2. Impaired Driving Near Trucks: A Recipe for Disaster
Impaired driving is a leading cause of fatal crashes in Texas, and when alcohol or drugs are involved, the risks near commercial trucks are even greater.
Why Impaired Driving Near Trucks Is So Dangerous:
– Delayed Reaction Time: Impaired drivers may not react in time to avoid a truck’s blind spots or sudden maneuvers.
– Poor Judgment: Alcohol and drugs impair depth perception, making it difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching truck.
– Erratic Behavior: Impaired drivers are more likely to swerve, speed, or make sudden lane changes—all of which can trigger truck accidents.
– Increased Severity: When an impaired driver collides with a truck, the size and weight disparity mean the passenger vehicle almost always bears the brunt of the impact.
FMCSA Regulations on Impaired Driving:
– 49 CFR § 392.4: “No driver shall be on duty or operate a commercial motor vehicle while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.”
– 49 CFR § 392.5: “No driver shall—(1) Use alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration or detected presence of alcohol, while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle; or (2) Use alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration or detected presence of alcohol, within 4 hours before going on duty or operating, or being in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle.”
These regulations make it clear: impaired driving near commercial trucks is not just illegal—it’s a direct violation of federal safety standards designed to protect everyone on the road.
3. The Role of Law Enforcement in Preventing Trucking Accidents
While police pursuits are sometimes necessary, law enforcement agencies must balance the need to apprehend suspects with the safety of the public—especially on highways with heavy truck traffic. In Laredo, where IH-35 is a critical freight corridor, pursuit policies should account for the unique risks posed by commercial vehicles.
How Law Enforcement Can Reduce Trucking Accident Risks:
– Pursuit Policies: Agencies should have clear policies limiting pursuits on highways with heavy truck traffic, especially during peak freight hours.
– Technology: Dashcams, GPS tracking, and automated license plate readers can help apprehend suspects without high-speed chases.
– Public Awareness: Educating drivers about the dangers of speeding, impaired driving, and reckless behavior near trucks can reduce the need for pursuits.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen cases where police pursuits have led to multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks. While law enforcement’s role is critical, their actions must prioritize public safety—especially on highways like IH-35.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Trucking Accident in Laredo
If you or a loved one are injured in a trucking accident in Laredo, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests—not yours. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord damage may not show symptoms for hours or days. Visit an emergency room or urgent care center right away.
Why This Matters:
– Medical records link your injuries to the accident, which is critical for your case.
– Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
Always call 911 after a trucking accident. The police report will document:
– The date, time, and location of the crash.
– The parties involved (including the trucking company and driver).
– Witness statements.
– The officer’s assessment of fault.
Why This Matters:
– The police report is key evidence in proving liability.
– Insurance companies take claims more seriously when there’s an official report.
Step 3: Document the Scene
If you’re able, take photos and videos of everything:
– The truck and your vehicle (all angles).
– Skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
– Injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling).
– The truck’s DOT number (on the door) and license plate.
– Witness contact information.
Why This Matters:
– Photos provide visual evidence of the crash’s severity.
– The DOT number helps identify the trucking company and its safety record.
Step 4: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters will call you within hours of the accident. They are not your friends. Their goal is to minimize your claim by getting you to say things that hurt your case.
What to Do Instead:
– Politely decline to give a statement.
– Refer them to your attorney.
– Never admit fault—even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
Step 5: Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately
Trucking accident cases are complex. The trucking company and their insurer will have lawyers working to deny or minimize your claim. You need an attorney who knows how to fight back.
Why You Need Attorney911:
– 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998.
– Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff: Lupe Peña knows how insurers operate—and how to beat them.
– Federal Court Experience: We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which handles interstate trucking cases.
– Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims in Texas.
– No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.
What We’ll Do for You:
1. Send a Spoliation Letter: We’ll demand the trucking company preserve black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records before they’re destroyed.
2. Investigate the Crash: We’ll gather witness statements, police reports, and expert analysis to prove negligence.
3. Identify All Liable Parties: We’ll pursue every responsible party—not just the driver.
4. Negotiate with Insurers: We’ll fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. Take Your Case to Trial if Necessary: If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to go to court.
The Cost of a Trucking Accident: Why You Need Maximum Compensation
Trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require lifelong medical care. The costs can be overwhelming:
| Injury Type | Average Medical Costs | Lost Wages (5 Years) | Pain & Suffering | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000 | $250,000 – $1,000,000 | $500,000 – $5,000,000 | $2,300,000 – $15,838,000 |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia) | $1,100,000 – $2,500,000 | $300,000 – $800,000 | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 | $2,400,000 – $8,300,000 |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Quadriplegia) | $3,500,000 – $5,000,000 | $500,000 – $1,500,000 | $2,000,000 – $10,000,000 | $6,000,000 – $16,500,000 |
| Amputation | $500,000 – $1,500,000 | $200,000 – $600,000 | $500,000 – $3,000,000 | $1,200,000 – $5,100,000 |
| Severe Burns | $750,000 – $2,000,000 | $150,000 – $500,000 | $500,000 – $3,000,000 | $1,400,000 – $5,500,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $50,000 – $200,000 (funeral) | $500,000 – $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 | $1,550,000 – $7,200,000 |
Texas Law Allows You to Recover:
– Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, future care costs.
– Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life.
– Punitive Damages: If the trucking company acted with gross negligence (e.g., falsifying logs, hiring unqualified drivers).
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve.
Insurance companies will offer you a quick, lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept an offer without consulting an attorney first.
The Future of Trucking Safety in Laredo: What Needs to Change
The incident on IH-35 is a wake-up call for Laredo. While it didn’t involve a truck, it highlights the systemic issues that contribute to trucking accidents on our highways. Here’s what needs to change to make Laredo’s roads safer:
1. Stricter Enforcement of FMCSA Regulations
Trucking companies routinely violate FMCSA regulations, and enforcement is often lax. We need:
– More frequent inspections of trucks and drivers.
– Harsher penalties for companies with repeated violations.
– Better tracking of hours of service violations through ELD data.
2. Improved Road Design on IH-35
IH-35 in Laredo is notoriously dangerous due to:
– Narrow lanes that don’t accommodate truck traffic.
– Poor signage warning of truck restrictions.
– Inadequate barriers to prevent underride collisions.
– Congestion from border crossings that increases accident risks.
Solutions:
– Widen lanes to reduce sideswipe accidents.
– Install better signage for truck restrictions.
– Upgrade underride guards on all trailers.
– Improve traffic flow at border crossings to reduce congestion.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns
Many Laredo drivers don’t understand the dangers of sharing the road with trucks. We need:
– Education on truck blind spots (No-Zones).
– Campaigns against distracted and impaired driving.
– Training on how to drive safely near trucks (e.g., avoiding sudden lane changes).
4. Better Pursuit Policies for Law Enforcement
Police pursuits on highways with heavy truck traffic put everyone at risk. Agencies should:
– Limit pursuits on IH-35 and other high-traffic highways.
– Use technology (e.g., GPS tracking, license plate readers) to apprehend suspects without high-speed chases.
– Prioritize public safety over apprehension in pursuit decisions.
5. Stronger Penalties for Impaired and Reckless Driving
Speeding and impaired driving are leading causes of trucking accidents. We need:
– Harsher penalties for DWI and reckless driving.
– More sobriety checkpoints on weekends and holidays.
– Public campaigns to discourage drunk driving.
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Laredo, you don’t have to fight alone. Our team of experienced trucking accident attorneys is here to help.
📞 Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📱 Direct line: (713) 528-9070
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why Choose Attorney911?
✅ 25+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorney – Lupe Peña knows how insurers operate—and how to beat them.
✅ Federal Court Experience – We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims.
✅ No Fee Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.
Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today for a free consultation.
Learn More About Trucking Accidents:
- The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
- Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
- The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
- Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.