In the bustling city of San Antonio, where commerce thrives and roads are often filled with heavy traffic, 18 wheeler accidents are unfortunately not uncommon.
These accidents can have devastating consequences for all involved, leading to severe injuries, loss of income, and even loss of life.
In such dire times, having a knowledgeable and experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio by your side is crucial.
Our legal team specializes in navigating the complex landscape of truck accident claims, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in San Antonio
San Antonio sees nasty truck accidents regularly. Below are common reasons for San Antonio truck wrecks. If the truck driver or company is found liable for one of these reasons, you could receive compensation:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving causes many trucking accidents in San Antonio. Many drivers have been behind the wheel for decades. After years of experience, many truckers may be laxer about driving safety.
With cell phones available to everyone, it is easier than ever for a trucker to be distracted behind the wheel. If you are in a trucking accident with a driver distracted by a cell phone, your attorney will figure it out by subpoenaing the driver’s cell phone records.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers must follow federal hours-of-service rules. However, many drivers still drive beyond the legal time limit and are fatigued. They also may be pressured by money-obsessed shipping companies that want drivers to get to their destinations on schedule.
Speeding
Truckers want to get to their destinations on time. So they may speed in San Antonio on I-10, I-410, or 1604. If the truck driver disregarded speed limits and hurt you, a Texas personal injury attorney can get you the compensation you need to recover.
Mechanical Problems
Truckers and their employers must regularly service and inspect their rigs for safety. However, companies are tempted to skip safety inspections to save money.
If the trucker and his employer skipped maintenance that caused a truck crash, your San Antonio 18-wheeler attorney would hold them accountable in a lawsuit.
Determining Truck Accident Liability
San Antonio regularly experiences severe truck accidents, with common causes including distracted driving, driver fatigue, speeding, and mechanical issues. These factors contribute to a range of truck wrecks on San Antonio roads, involving not just 18-wheelers but also other large trucks. If the truck driver or company is found liable for any of these reasons, victims could be entitled to compensation. This highlights the crucial role of a truck accident attorney in San Antonio, who is essential for victims seeking justice and appropriate compensation.
Determining liability in truck accidents involves meticulous investigation and expertise. Our attorneys focus on evidence such as driver records, police reports, truck maintenance records, and eyewitness statements to establish fault and pursue rightful compensation.
After a truck accident resulting in injury or death, it is critical to determine who is at fault. This process involves a meticulous investigation to establish liability. A truck accident attorney in San Antonio plays a key role in this phase, focusing on gathering and analyzing various pieces of evidence.
Our attorneys concentrate on collecting crucial evidence such as driver records, police reports, truck maintenance records, and eyewitness statements. This comprehensive approach is essential to build a strong case and determine the responsible parties.
In many truck accident cases, both the trucking company and the driver could be held liable. For example, under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, if the trucker was working at the time of the accident, the employer might also bear responsibility for the resulting damages
Proving the trucking company’s responsibility is a critical aspect of the case. Trucking companies often carry more insurance than individual drivers, which means that establishing their liability could lead to a more significant settlement for the victims. A trucking accident attorney in San Antonio is instrumental in navigating these legal complexities and ensuring that victims pursue the rightful compensation they deserve.
Driver’s Record
Some truck drivers are careful, but others have had many previous accidents. Even if the driver’s history only has minor incidents in the past, it could be compelling evidence that he is careless behind the wheel.
In addition, a trucking firm that continues to use a driver who gets in regular accidents also can help assign negligence for your accident.
Police Report
The police report is an essential piece of evidence if it suggests the trucker was at fault. The police officer that comes to the accident scene will usually take a brief look at the area, interview witnesses, and write a report. The police report may indicate the driver was to blame. It helps if the trucker is cited for speeding, reckless driving, or other infractions.
Trucker’s Records
The driver may have records in the rig that show everything that goes on during his day. He could have shipping records that show the freight he is carrying and who loaded it, for example. This could be vital evidence if the accident happened because of shifting cargo or uneven weight.
Expert Testimony
Not every truck accident is simple to figure out. The insurance provider may argue the trucking firm isn’t liable. Eyewitnesses may offer competing versions of what happened. Expert witnesses hired by your 18-wheeler accident attorney can review the crash scene and opine on liability questions.
Truck Maintenance Records
Keeping an 18-wheeler safe and operating takes regular maintenance and repair. This is even more critical as the truck ages. To stick to federal and state safety requirements, the trucking firm must have proof that regular maintenance is performed on every truck.
The company and driver should have detailed maintenance records for the truck that hit you. If the company did not perform critical maintenance, this could help you win damages in the lawsuit.
Eyewitness Statements
One of the most critical pieces of truck crash evidence is eyewitness reports. Witnesses to the crash are neutral observers and are often reliable in figuring out who caused the crash. The responding police officer will collect statements from witnesses. Your attorney for additional interviews may contact these people.
What Compensation Can You Get In An 18-Wheeler Accident Case?
Victims of truck accidents, including those involving 18-wheelers, are entitled to comprehensive compensation. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Physical pain
- Emotional anguish
- Disfigurement
- Lost earnings
Given the high insurance coverage typically involved in trucking accidents, the role of a skilled attorney becomes crucial. Trucking companies are required to carry substantial liability insurance, often ranging from $750,000 to $1 million, which underscores the potential for significant financial recovery in these cases.
Most truck crash attorneys aim to negotiate the best possible settlement with the parties liable for your injuries. However, if necessary, they are also prepared to take the case to trial. Whether through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, having a skilled and experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney is essential. They can effectively navigate the complexities of truck accident claims and fight to secure the compensation you need and deserve for the damages you’ve suffered.
Deadly Truck Accident Lawsuits
In cases of severe 18-wheeler truck accidents in San Antonio, especially those resulting in fatalities, families face not only emotional but also financial challenges.
By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you could be entitled to:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Loss of financial support from your loved one
- Loss of counsel, care, advice, maintenance, and support
- Loss of companionship and love
- Loss of benefits or inheritance
Our attorneys are dedicated to supporting families through this difficult time, focusing on both the economic and non-economic repercussions of such tragic events. They ensure that all necessary legal steps are taken to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the rightful compensation for the bereaved family. In these complex cases, the expertise of a wrongful death attorney in San Antonio is invaluable in navigating the legal process and addressing the unique challenges of truck accident cases.
Unfortunately, some 18-wheeler crashes result in the death of the driver or passengers. Because trucks may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, these crashes can be deadly. If a loved one dies in a San Antonio truck crash, you’re probably going through emotional and financial devastation.
How Do You Find The Right 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney?
There are many Texas personal injury attorneys. How do you find the right one for your truck accident case? The right 18-wheeler crash attorney has the following characteristics:
They’re Focused On Truck Accidents
A tractor-trailer accident lawyer has many years of experience and expertise in truck accidents. The lawyer knows about truck crash liability complexities, truck inspections and maintenance, and mechanical issues that can cause accidents. They also know how to file a claim against multiple parties, including the truck driver and trucking company.
They Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies
A truck company’s commercial insurance provider doesn’t stay in business by coughing up hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages daily. Instead, the insurance company has lawyers whose job is to pay you as little as possible. That’s why choosing an attorney with experience negotiating large settlements with insurance providers is vital.
Important Legal Time Frames
According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.003, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for your injuries. However, it’s advisable to make it a priority to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal intervention can be crucial in preserving evidence and strengthening your case.
Contact A San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Today
Were you recently injured in a tractor-trailer accident? You may have severe injuries, lost earnings, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. But, with the help of a San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer, you can get the compensation you need to recover. Please contact one of our Texas truck accident attorneys today.
