San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer
Summary
Eric Ramos Law, PLLC represents victims of 18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents in San Antonio. The firm investigates truck driver negligence, trucking company safety violations, cargo loading errors, and vehicle defects, handling complex multi-party liability and insurance disputes to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term catastrophic injuries under Texas and federal trucking laws.
San Antonio sees more truck accidents than most other cities in the U.S. If you were injured in an accident involving a 18-wheeler or commercial truck, we will fight to win you maximum compensation.
Being involved in a truck accident in San Antonio can be a life-changing event. These accidents often cause serious catastrophic injuries and leave victims dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and financial challenges. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or a rideshare incident, you may have questions about what to do next, how to cover your medical bills, and how to get the compensation you deserve.
Start by protecting your health with medical care and learning what to avoid when insurers call—see insurance company calls. Consulting a experienced San Antonio truck accident attorney can provide clarity and ensure you take the right steps toward recovering compensation.
Why You Need an Experienced San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer After an 18-Wheeler or Commercial Truck Crash?
Truck accidents, such as jackknife incidents, can be more complicated than regular car accidents because they often involve multiple parties, like the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the truck’s manufacturer. In such cases, a jackknife truck accident lawyer can provide the expertise needed to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If your crash involved a dangerous corridor like I-35, you may also want to review our I-35 truck accident resource.
What a San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney Can Do for You?
- Investigate the Accident: A San Antonio semi-truck accident lawyer will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage, to build a strong case.
- Handle Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle for less than you deserve. The best San Antonio truck accident lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance companies to make sure you get fair compensation. If you’re dealing with a major carrier, explore our insurer resources like the Progressive guide and Liberty Mutual guide.
- Determine Liability: Truck accidents can involve multiple responsible parties. Your San Antonio truck wreck lawyer near you will identify who is liable and hold them accountable.
- Pursue Compensation: This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Your lawyer will fight to get you the full amount you are owed. We also walk you through the settlement process and, when needed, the trial process.
TELL US WHAT HAPPENED
Don’t Let The Insurance Company Take Advantage of You
The Rise of Truck Accidents in Texas: Key Facts About 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Crashes
The number of 18-wheeler accidents in the United States has been increasing every year since 2009. Each year, over 100,000 people are hurt in truck and bus accidents, and thousands of these accidents result in unnecessary deaths. Statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) show that Texas has more truck accidents than any other state by a wide margin. On average, more than one person loses their life each day in Texas due to commercial truck or 18-wheeler accidents.
There are several reasons why the rate of serious and fatal truck accidents is so high, especially in Texas. Commercial trucks are heavy, difficult to handle, and take a long time to stop. Mistakes made by trucking companies and drivers, such as not securing cargo properly or driving for too many hours without a break, can lead to devastating accidents. Truck driver work-hour limits exist because fatigue is a major danger in trucking. These rules are outlined in the federal Hours of Service regulations (FMCSA) and violations can support liability in a truck accident claim.
Texas is also home to the West Texas oil fields and the Port of Houston, which handle huge volumes of cargo. With San Antonio acting as a key gateway on some of the nation’s busiest trucking routes, the high level of truck traffic makes accidents more likely.
Contact a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately After an 18-Wheeler Crash
If you want to recover financial compensation after an 18-wheeler accident, it’s crucial to start an investigation as soon as possible. Evidence can quickly disappear, witnesses’ memories may fade, and your chance to prove who was at fault could be lost. When you reach out to us, we’ll arrange to meet with you as soon as possible—often on the same day you call.
If you decide to hire the best truck accident lawyer in San Antonio, we’ll start investigating right away to gather the evidence needed to support your claim and secure your financial recovery. If your truck crash caused fatal injuries, our team can also help families through a wrongful death claim.
What Our San Antonio Truck Accident Attorneys Investigate in Truck Accident and 18-Wheeler Crash Claims
When investigating truck accidents in San Antonio or throughout Texas, some of the issues we look for include:
- Truck Driver Negligence – Truck drivers sometimes engage in risky behaviors that can lead to accidents. This includes speeding, merging into other vehicles’ blind spots, following too closely, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while fatigued. These forms of negligence are common causes of 18-wheeler collisions and a San Antonio truck crash attorney can help hold these drivers accountable. We also handle cases involving company vehicles.
- Cargo Loading Errors – Improperly loaded cargo can make it hard for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and can cause cargo to spill onto the road. Mistakes like failing to secure cargo properly, not pressurizing liquid cargo, unevenly distributing weight, and exceeding a truck’s weight limit can lead to serious tanker truck accidents and injuries. A San Antonio semi-truck accident lawyer will investigate these loading practices to ensure all responsible parties are identified.
- Safety Violations – In addition to Texas traffic laws that apply to all drivers, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow strict federal safety regulations. These include rules that limit how many hours a truck driver can work without taking a break, which are meant to reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue and other safety issues. If these regulations are violated, a San Antonio truck wreck lawyer near me can advocate for your rights.
- Truck Defects or Inadequate Maintenance – Problems with the truck itself, such as defects or lack of proper maintenance, are also common causes of serious accidents. Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, and other mechanical issues or equipment failure can lead to dangerous situations on the road. We investigate all potential truck-related issues that might give our clients the right to seek financial compensation, ensuring that the truck accident lawyer in San Antonio explores every avenue for recovery.
- Trucking Company Negligence – Besides issues like cargo loading errors, safety violations, and poor truck maintenance, trucking companies can be held responsible for other types of negligence. This includes hiring drivers without adequate training and experience. These mistakes can put everyone on the road at risk, making it essential to work with a knowledgeable San Antonio truck crash attorney to hold these companies accountable.
- Passenger Vehicle Liability: It’s important to remember that in a truck accident, the truck driver or trucking company isn’t always the only party at fault. Drivers of cars, pickup trucks, or SUVs might also make mistakes that cause or contribute to the accident. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial to ensuring fair compensation, and our best truck accident lawyer will diligently investigate all aspects of the case.
- Road Defects, Weather Conditions, and Other Factors – Poor road conditions like potholes, low shoulders, and pooling water, as well as bad weather, can contribute to commercial truck accidents. If any of these factors played a role in your crash, a San Antonio semi-truck accident lawyer can help hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Antonio Truck Accident Claims
Why Are 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Typical passenger vehicles weigh about 3,000 pounds. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. When you combine this weight with speeds and slower braking times truck accidents can be far more dangerous, even deadly. If you’ve been involved in a collision, it’s important to consult a San Antonio semi-truck accident lawyer to understand your rights.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in San Antonio?
Immediately after an accident your first concern should be your safety. Contact local law enforcement and report the accident. Make sure you provide as much detail for the police report as possible but avoid taking any fault for the accident.
The steps you should take include:
- Take photographs of the area including the damage to the vehicles involved
- Obtain names and contact information of witnesses to the accident
- Make a note of road conditions – if they were wet, dry, etc.
- Obtain contact information and insurance information from the truck driver
- See a doctor as soon as possible. Oftentimes, injuries are masked so this is crucial
Once you have been seen by a physician, contact a personal injury attorney. In most cases, it is a good idea to do this before you contact an insurance adjuster. Keep in mind, insurance companies are going to ask you a lot of questions and it is often better to refer them to your San Antonio truck crash attorney.
Insurance adjusters are responsible for making sure you get as little compensation as possible, they’re going to attempt to get you to admit fault, accept a lower settlement or claim your injuries existed before the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Every accident is different and truck accidents are more complicated than most auto accidents. The driver of the 18-wheeler can be sued for your injuries if they were at fault. However, other at-fault parties could be the owner of the tractor trailer, the employer of the truck driver, the municipality for poor road conditions or the manufacturer of the truck if there was a defect in the truck.
The only way to determine who may be held financially liable is to talk to your truck accident lawyer in San Antonio and make sure they know the extent of everything that occurred during the accident.
What Compensation Is Available After an 18-Wheeler Accident in San Antonio, Texas?
In most cases, you should be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses and wages lost while you recover from your injuries following a big rig accident. There may be other damages we can seek including future lost wages, pain and suffering and future medical bills. The severity of your injuries following a truck accident will play a factor in your final settlement, so it’s crucial to consult with the best truck accident lawyer to maximize your compensation.
What Federal and Texas Trucking Laws Could Impact My Truck Accident Case in San Antonio?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations that apply to commercial vehicles and drivers. Some of these include weight restrictions, break times for drivers and training hours a driver must receive.
There are also strict maintenance requirements for tractor trailers traveling on the roadway. Any violations could result in the driver or the driver’s employer being held accountable for injuries suffered in an 18-wheeler accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in San Antonio, TX?
Most truck accident claims in San Antonio, Texas must be filed within two years of the accident date. Delays can weaken evidence, so early legal action is important.
What Happens If the Truck Driver or Trucking Company Denies Responsibility?
Trucking companies often dispute liability. Eric Ramos Law, PLLC gathers crash data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements to challenge denials of fault.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident in San Antonio, TX?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that allows recovery if you are less than 51% at fault. Compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
How Much Is a San Antonio Truck Accident Case Typically Worth?
There is no average settlement amount. Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, liability, and insurance coverage. A truck accident lawyer can evaluate your specific case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs. Eric Ramos Law, PLLC only gets paid if compensation is recovered.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Truck Accident Case in San Antonio, TX?
Types of Trucking and 18-Wheeler Accident Cases We Handle in San Antonio
- 18-wheelers collisions
- Tanker truck accidents
- Garbage trucks
- Jackknife accidents
- Company vehicles
- Tractor trailers
- Equipment failure
- I-35 truck accidents
- Tire blowouts
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Negligent hiring
- Inadequate training
- Werner Trucking, UPS, Swift Transport and many more
Determining Fault in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases with a San Antonio Truck Crash Attorney
Figuring out who is at fault in a commercial truck accident can be complex. Proving fault is essential in all personal injury cases, but it can be particularly challenging with 18-wheeler accidents. If a truck driver is clearly under the influence of alcohol, the blame usually falls on the driver. However, what happens if the brakes fail, a tire blows out, or the truck tips over? These situations complicate determining fault and may require the expertise of a San Antonio truck crash attorney.
If a mechanical failure occurs because the truck wasn’t properly maintained, both the trucking company and the maintenance company could be held responsible for any injuries. This also applies to rollover accidents. Trucks are equipped with stabilizing equipment to prevent tipping. If this equipment fails due to improper loading or poor maintenance, the companies involved could be liable, highlighting the importance of hiring the best truck accident lawyer to navigate these complexities.
In some cases, the trucking company might also share responsibility if a driver falls asleep at the wheel and causes an accident. It’s not uncommon for drivers to say they were rushing to meet delivery deadlines when an accident occurred. There are strict regulations requiring rest breaks for 18-wheeler drivers. If a trucking company is pressuring its drivers to skip breaks and drive too fast, it could be held jointly responsible for any injuries that result from a big rig accident, making it essential to consult a San Antonio semi-truck accident lawyer.
Proven Experience in High-Value Truck Accident Claims – Your Trusted San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accident cases often involve complex state and federal regulations that apply to commercial vehicles, making these cases more complicated than they might first appear. There are usually many factors to consider, and getting fair compensation requires a deep understanding of how truck accident cases work in Texas.
At our San Antonio personal injury law firm, we have the experience and resources needed to handle these challenging cases successfully. If you are searching for a San Antonio truck wreck lawyer near you or are looking for a seasoned truck accident lawyer in San Antonio, we’re here to help.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle, contact San Antonio truck accident lawyer Eric Ramos at (210) 404-4878 or schedule an appointment online as soon as you can. The sooner you have someone fighting for your rights, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Insurance companies won’t wait for you to fully recover before trying to settle, so time is crucial. And remember, you won’t pay any fees unless we win a settlement for you.
Get to Know Us
We are a small firm that is big on service, proudly assisting clients throughout San Antonio, including Alamo Heights (78209), Stone Oak (78258), Downtown San Antonio (78205), and Southtown (78210). To learn more about our approach to personal injury cases, explore our helpful guides in the personal injury resources section.
As your dedicated San Antonio personal injury attorney, we remind ourselves to “treat our clients like we treat our family.” Let’s sit down and chat to see if we’re a fit for your needs. Even if we can’t help with your case, we’ll gladly point you in the right direction and get you back on the road to recovery. Call us today at (210) 404-4878.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Eric Ramos Law PLLC, our dedicated team is here to listen, answer your questions, and provide the legal guidance you need. You can also explore recent outcomes on our case results page or read feedback from past clients on client reviews.
If you’re seeking information about our personal injury practice areas in San Antonio or want to discuss your case with a San Antonio injury law firm you can trust, we encourage you to contact us today. Let us help you take the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Eric Ramos Law, PLLC
Personal Injury Lawyer San Antonio
Office
7979 Broadway #207, San Antonio, TX 78209 USA
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