San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney
Texas truck accidents usually result in catastrophic injuries, such as brain injuries, back and neck injuries, spine injuries, serious fractures, and, in many cases, even death. Because these accidents are so severe, we understand the impact that these accidents have on accident victims and their families.
That is why our San Antonio truck accident lawyers work hard, and aggressively fight to ensure that accident victims and their families are treated fairly by the trucking company, and obtain fair compensation for their injuries following a serious trucking accident.
Table of Contents
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
How to Choose an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Truck Crash Statistics in Texas
Texas Trucking Industry
Most Dangerous Roads in San Antonio for 18 Wheeler Accidents
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Crashes in Texas
What Do I Do If I’ve Been In a Truck Wreck?
What Vehicles Are Considered Trucks?
Why Do Trucking Company Representatives Get to the Accident Scene so Quickly?
Additional Trucking Accident Injury Resources
What Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Legal representation is necessary if you want to claim compensation from the truck driver and/or trucking company responsible for your accident. So, why is hiring a truck accident attorney in San Antonio so important? The services they provide demonstrate their significance. Learn more about the services they provide in the section below.
Strengthen Your Accident Case with Quality Evidence Related To The Accident
Your attorney’s assistance will prove useful even before you present your case in court. That is they spend a lot of time investigating the cases they accept. They will search for more evidence to bolster their clients’ cases.
They will do that for you as well. Expect them to check back in with witnesses and ask nearby establishments if they have video footage of your accident. If there are pieces of evidence still out there that are related to your accident, your legal representative will find them.
Come Up with the Right Number for Damages in Your Case
Asking for the appropriate amount of damages is essential in any personal injury case. If you have serious injuries after the accident, you will need compensation to cover all your medical expenses.
The compensation must also account for all your damaged property and lost wages. It should also compensate you for any pain and suffering you have experienced.
Your attorney knows how much you should ask for in your lawsuit. Allow them to come up with the right number, and rest easy knowing you will get fair compensation.
Handle Dealings with the Trucking Company’s Aggressive Lawyers
Because truck wrecks are usually more severe than your standard automobile accident, there will likely be a lot of different people that show up at the scene of the accident, such as police officers, accident investigators, fire fighters, paramedics or EMTs, and tow truck drivers.
There are also likely to be people that you wouldn’t expect to be at the scene of the accident so quickly – namely the trucking company representatives. Yes, the trucking companies have teams of investigators that diverge on the scene of big rig accidents, often arriving before police investigators, or other first responders.
The trucking company investigators arrive at the scene quickly to “investigate,” however their main goal is to gather evidence that can be used to avoid or limit their liability. They will take pictures, talk to first responders and witnesses, and inspect the vehicles involved in the accident.
In fact, these “investigators” have been known to remove evidence from the scene in order to limit their liability, and compile their version of the accident in a manner that limits their company’s liability. That is why, even in a seemingly minor trucking accident, you need to get the advice of an experienced truck wreck attorney as soon as possible.
A good attorney knows what evidence must be preserved, and can act quickly to safeguard the evidence you will need to win your case. Failing to retain an experienced trucking accident attorney, or retaining an attorney that is not experienced with the complex nature and evidence of trucking accidents, can destroy your case.
File Your Accident Injury Lawsuit on Time
The statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Texas is two years from the date of the incident. Two years is not a lot of time, especially if you need to spend time recovering. Thankfully, your truck accident injury attorney can ensure they will file your lawsuit on time.
How to Choose an Experienced Attorney
There is no shortage of truck accident injury lawyers offering their services in Bexar County. Because of that, identifying the right person to represent you can be a difficult task.
We want to make that search easier for you. Use the tips below during your search so you can easily identify the right lawyer for your case.
Bank on Experience
Experience matters greatly. If one of your candidates has never handled a truck accident case before, they may have a hard time finding evidence and dealing with the trucking company’s legal representatives.
Look for an individual who has substantial experience with those types of cases. They already know the steps they need to take to secure your compensation, so their assistance will be more valuable.
Check Out Reviews
Online reviews can tell you a lot about a lawyer. Most importantly, those reviews can give insight into how they deal with clients.
Even though some San Antonio truck accident lawyers may have brilliant legal minds, they may struggle when asked to communicate with clients. Use those reviews to find a knowledgeable one who is also an easy personality to deal with.
Examine The Attorney’s Results
Lastly, you should check how your candidates handle their cases. Do they settle all the time, or are they willing to go to trial?
Ideally, you want a legal representative who can work out favorable settlements and is comfortable in a courtroom setting. That way, they can get you adequate compensation no matter which direction the case goes.
Truck Crash Statistics in Texas
Truck accidents are more common in the Lone Star State than anywhere else in the country. The margin is not small either. Texas consistently records twice as many truck accidents as California, which finished in second place based on that statistic.
Texas has more truck accidents than any other state in the US
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the state tallied 38,149 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2021.
Motorists need to be especially careful while driving through Harris County, Dallas County, and Bexar County. Those three counties accounted for nearly a third of all commercial vehicle accidents that year.
Those numbers are even more troubling when you learn that they are nothing new for Texas. You can go back over the last five years and see that commercial vehicle accidents in the state have consistently stayed well above the 30,000 mark.
The Trucking Industry in Texas
The importance of the trucking industry to Texas cannot be overstated. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the trucking industry generates around $289.1 billion in income for the state and $19.2 billion in tax revenue.
Unsurprisingly, many Texas residents depend heavily on the trucking industry for employment. So 4.4 million jobs across the Lone Star State rely on the trucking industry. So do not be surprised if you are always driving next to trucks while roaming Texas highways. Also, seeing many of those huge vehicles on the road indicates that the trucking industry is alive and well in the state.
Goods Transported by Texas’s Trucking Industry
Important goods are regularly handled by shipping companies based in Texas. Among the essential products shipped by Texas’s trucking industry are petroleum and coal.
Texas plays a vital role in the country’s oil industry. Per the Energy Information Administration, Texas was by far the leading producer of crude oil in the United States in 2021. That year, Texas produced 42.4% of the country’s total crude oil output.
Texas’s trucking industry ensures that all that oil makes its way to the states needing it.
Aside from oil, agricultural products, including livestock and grains, are shipped in large quantities by Texas trucking companies. The trucking companies here are also responsible for moving electronics and chemicals. Due to its proximity to Mexico, you will also find many imported goods making their way through Texas and the city of San Antonio in particular.
Why Texas’s Trucking Services Are Consistently in High Demand
Consumers and companies across the country rely on trucking companies in Texas to transport their purchases. So, why are trucking companies in Texas asked to handle so many deliveries? The state’s location plays a big role in that.
Trucking companies based in Texas have a relatively easy time reaching different parts of the country. Whether making deliveries to the West Coast, the Midwest, or the Northeast, trucking companies can meet deadlines consistently. Interstate highways like the I-45 and the I-10 are especially important for domestic deliveries.
The deep-water ports throughout the state are also critical for fostering foreign trade.
Most Dangerous Roads in San Antonio for Truck Wrecks
Some San Antonio roads are definitely more dangerous than others. Notable examples of those dangerous roads include Culebra Road, Farm to Market 2252, and Interstate 10.
Certain intersections found inside Bexar County are also well-known for being accident hotspots. According to Safer America, the intersections between Highway 151 and Loop 410, Bandera Road and Loop 1604, and Loop 1604 and Highway 281 are among the most dangerous in the entire county.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Crashes in Texas
Learning about the common causes of big rig and 18 wheeler accidents will help you avoid getting involved in those incidents. Go through the bullet points to know what to watch for.
- Fatigued Drivers – Many truck drivers are on the road for long hours to meet delivery deadlines. If you spot a truck on the road late at night, maintain your distance because they may be too tired to notice you.
- Distracted Driving – Truck drivers may be distracted for different reasons. Distractions could come in the form of food, a smartphone, or even the driver’s preferred form of entertainment. This is another reason why you should always give truck drivers space.
- Poor Driving Conditions – Trucks are significantly harder to control on wet or damaged roads. Semi-trucks which lose control at a highspeed could easily cause a jackknife accident. You should always be careful when using hazardous roads, but that becomes even more important when trucks are nearby.
- Brake Defects – A defect in the brakes could easily cause a truck to go out of control and cause serious damage.
- Tire Blowouts – Tire blowouts on big rigs are not uncommon due to the heavy loads they are often transporting. Factors like extreme heat in Texas summer and long hours on the road all contribute to the possibility of a tire blowing out.
- Improper Truck Loading – If cargo is not loaded onto a semi-truck properly, it will likely cause problems while the vehicle is in motion. The trucking company and its partners should work diligently to ensure these issues do not arise.
What Do I Do If I’ve Been In a Truck Accident?
Texas big rig accidents are unlike any other type of motor vehicle crash. It is hard to keep your composure when you see a massive vehicle like that barreling down on you. Even after the crash, you may still find yourself reeling from what happened.
While it is easy to understand why you may be disoriented, that will not excuse mistakes you make in the aftermath of the incident. Try to keep your wits about you because you could miss out on compensation if you commit certain mistakes.
Examine Yourself for Injuries
Motorists involved in accidents with a big rig are not likely to emerge from them with no injuries. Those accidents are so forceful that even your car cannot offer much resistance.
As soon as you can, check yourself for injuries. You may have broken bones or deep cuts that require immediate treatment. If you can, try to examine the other people with you inside the vehicle. They may need medical attention more than you do.
Call 911
Upon confirming that you or someone else in your vehicle is injured, you should immediately call 911. Let the dispatcher know about the accident, and you need an ambulance at the scene as soon as possible.
You should still call 911 even if no one inside your vehicle is badly hurt following the truck accident. Getting police officers at the scene of the accident is crucial so ask the dispatcher to send them your way.
Get Information from the Driver of the Semi-Truck or Tractor Trailer
If you are in good enough condition to move around, you should go to the semi-truck driver and request their information. Initiate the conversation and ask for their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Since they are likely working for a trucking company, you should also ask for the name of their employer.
This is also a good opportunity to take a picture of the truck. Make sure the truck’s license number is in full view when you snap the picture so it will be easier to track down.
Shut Down Your Conversation with the 18-Wheeler Driver
The driver of the big rig or commercial vehicle may not stop the conversation even after giving you the information you need. They may try to keep the conversation going by talking more about the accident. Their goal is to have you accept the blame for the accident. Even having you accept partial blame may satisfy them.
Because Texas follows the principle of modified comparative negligence, your compensation will be affected if you accept even partial blame for what happened. You will miss out on compensation altogether if you bear more than 50% of the blame for the accident.
Do not let the semi driver trick you into saying something you might regret. Simply shut down their attempt at the conversation and move on.
Gather Evidence while at the Scene of the San Antonio Accident
Assuming again that you are healthy enough to walk, you can spend some time gathering evidence while you wait for the police officers to arrive.
Pull out your smartphone and start taking photos of your car, the semi-truck, and the accident scene itself. Snapping some photos of the surrounding areas is also not a bad idea to provide better context for the incident using them.
Look Around For Individuals Who May Have Witnessed The Crash
If you spot any of them nearby, strike up a conversation and ask about what they saw. Use your phone to record statements so you and your San Antonio truck accident attorney can go over them later. Request their contact details as well so you can interview them again if necessary.
Talk to and Cooperate With the Responding Police Officers
With police at the scene, you can now start talking to them. It is important to tell your side of the story because you can bet that the truck driver will attempt to put their own spin on things. Do not let them have control of the narrative by speaking to the police officers yourself.
Once you are done sharing your side of the accident, ask the police officers for their contact details. They will put together an accident report once they are done investigating what happened. You will need that report when you file your lawsuit.
Visit Your San Antonio Doctor
Get yourself checked out at the hospital following your accident. This is something you must do even if you do not think you are injured. Allow the doctor to conduct a thorough examination so you can be certain that you are in the clear.
Find Expert Legal Representation
If you are planning to sue the tractor trailer driver who caused your accident, you will need help from a legal expert. Hire a semi-truck accident lawyer in San Antonio soon after your accident if you do not have one already.
What Vehicles Are Considered Trucks?
The vehicles involved in truck accidents may be more varied than you assumed. Most people tend to picture tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, but more vehicles fall into that category.
The law includes vehicles such as cement mixers, fire engines, and car transporters when they tally truck accidents. The more ubiquitous delivery vehicles that carry goods ordered online to homes across the country are also considered trucks.
Considering the sheer number and variety of trucks on the road at any given time, it is no wonder that truck accidents are on the rise.
Why Do Trucking Company Representatives Get to the Accident Scene so Quickly?
There are a lot of reasons that trucking company investigators arrive at the accident scene quickly. They are generally there to take photographs that can incriminate the other driver, remove evidence from the truck, and measure skid marks, etc.
However, the main job of these representative is to investigate, remove, and/or alter the evidence in order to compile a version of the accident that is favorable to their driver, and limits or precludes their liability.
Without a doubt, the trucking company’s version of how the accident occurred will place you at fault, either wholly or partially. They do this in order to limit their liability, and to try to strong-arm you into accepting a much smaller settlement that you would receive if the correct version of the accident is told.
There are a lot of reasons a truck accident could have occurred: driver negligence, a tire blowout, defective brakes, improper loading, bad weather could have caused the truck go out of control and causing a jackknife accident or head-on truck collision. The benefit of having an experienced attorney on your side is that they know what evidence to gather quickly after the accident, and can ensure that the correct version of the accident is told.
Serving San Antonio, Texas
Originally founded on May 1st, 1718, San Antonio spent its early days as a colonial outpost for the Spaniards. Over the next few years, it evolved from a colonial outpost to an established settlement and a military post. It eventually changed hands going from the Spanish to the Mexican Republic.
The year 1837 marked an important turning point for San Antonio as it became the county seat for the Republic of Texas.
This is only a brief overview of San Antonio’s early history. You can visit San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to learn more about the city’s remarkable origins.
San Antonio has more to offer residents and tourists beyond its rich history. During your time in the city, you can head to the River Walk and participate in the many celebrations held throughout the year. Time your visit for a holiday like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day, so you can see how San Antonio celebrates its military community.
You should also head to San Antonio if you fancy yourself as a foodie. Enjoy some puffy tacos at the Iron Cactus or visit Augie’s Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse for some amazing barbeque to get a good taste of authentic San Antonio flavors. Finish your meal with some churros to cap off your food tour of the city!
Contact Barrus Injury Lawyers Today
We at Barrus Injury Lawyers are ready to lend our assistance if you are looking to file a big-rig or semi-truck crash lawsuit. Reach out to a member of our law firm as soon as you can and allow us to investigate and bolster your claim.
Additional Resources For Texas Truck Crash Victims
How To Win a Fight Against an Insurance Company Over Your Truck Accident Injury Claim
Startling Statistics Related to Trucking Industries
How To Stay Safe and Protect Yourself From a Truck Accident
