San Antonio Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Those Who Have Been Injured in Truck Accidents in Texas

Commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and big rigs are a common sight on highways and roads in and around San Antonio, TX. While these vehicles play a vital role in transporting goods, they also pose serious risks to other motorists. When a collision occurs, the consequences are often devastating, leaving victims with severe injuries, costly medical bills, and significant emotional distress.

At Hilliard Law, our team of dedicated attorneys has extensive experience representing victims of truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash with a large commercial vehicle, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. With 100 years of collective legal experience, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.

Call (866) 927-3420 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our truck accident attorney in San Antonio.

Where Do Truck Accidents Often Occur in San Antonio?

San Antonio is a major logistical hub. With the convergence of several major interstates, our city sees a massive volume of commercial traffic daily. High-risk areas include:

• The I-10 and I-35 Interchange: One of the busiest corridors in the nation, frequently congested and prone to high-speed rear-end collisions.
• Loop 1604 and Loop 410: These loops encircle the city and are often heavy with construction vehicles and long-haul truckers bypassing the city center.
• US-90 and Highway 281: These routes see heavy local and regional delivery traffic, increasing the risk of side-impact and wide-turn accidents.

Federal Trucking Laws

Unlike standard car accidents, the trucking industry is governed by a strict set of federal regulations managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws are designed to keep the public safe, and a violation of these rules is often key to winning a personal injury claim.

• Hours of Service (HOS): Rules that dictate how long a driver can be on duty and how much rest they must have between shifts.
• Maintenance Logs: Companies are required to keep detailed records of vehicle inspections and repairs.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truckers must undergo mandatory testing after certain types of accidents and at random intervals.
• Weight Limits: Federal law caps the gross vehicle weight of a semi-truck at 80,000 pounds unless special permits are obtained.

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in many different ways. Understanding the type of accident is often key to building a strong legal claim. Some of the most common types of big rig accidents in San Antonio include:

• Jackknife Accidents – Occur when a truck’s trailer swings out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab, often leading to multi-vehicle crashes.
• Rollover Accidents – Trucks can tip over due to high speeds, sharp turns, or improperly loaded cargo.
• Rear-End Collisions – Due to their size and weight, trucks need more time to stop. When they fail to brake in time, devastating rear-end accidents can occur.
• Underride Accidents – Smaller vehicles can slide under the trailer of a truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Blind Spot Collisions – Trucks have large blind spots where smaller cars can disappear, leading to dangerous lane-change accidents.
• Tire Blowouts – A sudden blowout can cause a truck driver to lose control, endangering everyone nearby.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Truck accidents often involve multiple contributing factors. Some common causes of 18-wheeler crashes in San Antonio include:

• Driver Fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel can lead to exhaustion and slower reaction times.
• Distracted Driving – Cell phone use, eating, or adjusting navigation systems can take a driver’s attention off the road.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving – Commercial drivers under pressure to meet deadlines may exceed speed limits or drive aggressively.
• Impaired Driving – Alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate safely.
• Poor Maintenance – Failure to maintain brakes, tires, or lights can cause dangerous mechanical failures.
• Improper Loading – Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can increase the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Weather and Road Conditions – Rain, fog, or poorly maintained roads can make truck operation more hazardous.

Injuries Caused in Truck Accidents

Because of the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, accidents involving trucks often cause catastrophic injuries. Victims may face long-term disabilities, lifelong medical care, or permanent loss of income. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Internal Organ Damage
• Burn Injuries from fires or explosions
• Amputations or Crushed Limbs
• Wrongful Death in the most tragic cases

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries, it is crucial to seek both immediate medical care and legal representation.

Damages You May Be Eligible for After a Texas Truck Accident Claim

Our team has experience proving the impact catastrophic injuries can have on a victim's life. The damages you may be eligible to retain following a Texas truck accident include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

If you are unsure what damages you may be eligible to recover, our Texas legal team may be able to assist you. Aggressive insurance companies may try to award you the lowest possible settlement amount. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you negotiate the best possible settlement for your injuries and losses.

Determining Liability

Truck accident claims are often more complex than regular car accident cases because multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties can include:

• Truck Driver – If the driver was fatigued, distracted, speeding, or impaired.
• Trucking Company – Companies may be responsible for unsafe hiring practices, poor training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules.
• Cargo Loaders – If improper loading contributed to the accident.
• Maintenance Providers – Negligent repair or inspection work can cause mechanical failures.
• Truck or Part Manufacturers – Defective vehicle components may lead to accidents.

At Hilliard Law, our legal team conducts thorough investigations, often working with accident reconstruction experts to identify all responsible parties. By pursuing claims against every liable party, we maximize the compensation available to our clients.

Investigating a Truck Accident

Semi-truck crashes often involve multiple parties, complex evidence, and federal regulations, which warrant a thorough investigation. Our team at Hilliard Law carefully examines every detail to build a strong case.

Key investigative steps include:

• Collecting accident scene evidence – Photos, skid marks, and debris.
• Obtaining truck logs – Hours-of-Service (HOS) records, GPS data, and driver logs.
• Reviewing maintenance and inspection records – Proving mechanical failures or neglect.
• Interviewing witnesses – Gathering firsthand accounts from drivers, passengers, and bystanders.
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts – To determine fault and crash dynamics.

By investigating meticulously, we can uncover negligence and strengthen your claim for compensation, even against large trucking companies.

Insurance Challenges in Truck Accidents

Insurance claims involving 18-wheelers are often more complicated than standard car accidents. Trucking companies usually have substantial insurance coverage and experienced claims adjusters working to minimize payouts.

Common insurance challenges include:

• Delayed claims processing – Insurers may slow down negotiations to reduce liability.
• Denial of fault – Trucking companies may blame the victim or another party.
• Underestimating damages – Insurers may offer settlements far below actual medical and rehabilitation costs.
• Multiple insurers – Liability may involve the trucker, trucking company, and cargo carrier.

Our San Antonio truck accident attorney can handle communications with insurers, ensure proper documentation, and fight for a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses.

Truck Accident FAQs

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

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long may result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?

Yes. Trucking companies and their insurers often have aggressive legal teams working to minimize payouts. Having a skilled San Antonio truck accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.

What if I was partially at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault, but your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What should I do if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls me today?

Do not give a recorded statement. Adjusters are trained to ask "trap" questions that can make you seem at fault or make your injuries seem less severe than they are. Politely tell them that you are represented by Hilliard Law and that all further communication should go through your attorney. This protects the integrity of your claim from day one.