San Antonio’s busy highways and urban streets see thousands of commercial trucks every day, increasing the risk of a serious motor vehicle accident. When an 18-wheeler collides with a smaller vehicle, the results can be devastating. True Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims of trucking accidents in San Antonio pursue the compensation they need and deserve.
What Constitutes a Trucking Accident?
A trucking accident occurs when a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, box truck, or delivery vehicle, is involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes property damage, injuries, or fatalities. These can result from factors like fatigue, speeding or driving too fast for the traffic or weather conditions, distracted driving, mechanical failure, or improper cargo loading. Because commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, even low-speed impacts can cause catastrophic harm to smaller vehicles and their occupants.
Common Reasons for Trucking Accidents in San Antonio:
- Driving while fatigued in violation of hours-of-service limits
- Speeding or driving too fast for the traffic or weather conditions
- Failing to yield or running red lights and stop signs
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone
- Improperly secured or shifting cargo loads
- Mechanical failure or poor vehicle maintenance
- Following other vehicles too closely in heavy traffic
- Unsafe lane changes on congested city highways
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring work zone or construction area warnings
How Common are Trucking Accidents in Texas?
In Texas, trucking accidents are a significant concern. In 2023 alone, the state recorded 38,909 commercial motor vehicle crashes, leading to 549 fatal wrecks that caused 620 deaths and 1,350 serious-injury crashes that caused about 1,687 suspected serious injuries. These represent nearly 26% of all U.S. truck accidents.
The National Safety Council reports that Texas had the highest number of large-truck crash deaths nationwide in 2023: a staggering 730 lives lost, well ahead of California (392) and Florida (341). Trucking accidents remain a serious public safety issue across Texas.
After a Trucking Accident, You Must:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance
- Seek immediate medical evaluation, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photos and witness contact information
- Exchange information with the truck driver, including CDL and insurance details
- Avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements to anyone
- Notify your insurance company promptly about the motor vehicle accident
- Preserve all medical records, bills, and accident-related documents
- Consult an experienced Texas truck accident attorney before speaking to insurers
- Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments
- Keep a written record of symptoms, missed work, and accident-related expenses
What Laws Apply to Trucking Accidents in Texas?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide regulations for commercial trucking to protect public safety. These rules cover:
- Hours of service (limiting how many hours a driver can operate before mandatory rest)
- Qualifications (driver’s license requirements, age restrictions, and medical certifications)
- Weight limits (generally capping total vehicle weight at 80,000 pounds)
- Vehicle maintenance (requiring regular inspections and immediate repair of safety defects)
Texas enforces these federal standards but also has its own state-specific trucking laws. For example, Texas adopts the FMCSA regulations for intrastate drivers but allows exceptions, such as different hours-of-service rules for specific in-state hauls. Additionally, the Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to reduce speed or change lanes when passing a stopped emergency, TxDOT, or utility vehicle with flashing lights.
Violations of either federal or Texas trucking regulations can be strong evidence of negligence in a motor vehicle accident case. This means that if a driver or trucking company ignores these safety rules, they could be held responsible for resulting injuries and damages.
Trucking Accidents FAQs
How long do I have to file a trucking accident claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most motor vehicle accident injury claims is two years from the date of the crash. This means you must file your lawsuit within that timeframe, or you may lose your right to recover compensation. Exceptions may apply for minors or cases involving delayed discovery of injuries, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Who can be held liable for a trucking accident?
Liability in a trucking accident can extend beyond the driver. Depending on the circumstances, the trucking company, cargo loading company, maintenance provider, truck manufacturer, or even a third-party contractor could share responsibility. Texas law allows multiple parties to be held accountable when their negligence contributed to the motor vehicle accident.
What damages can I recover after a trucking accident?
Victims may recover both economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). In rare cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party. An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney like Kristian Knapp can help calculate a fair estimate based on the evidence.
Contact True Law Firm
True Law Firm is committed to fighting for justice and helping trucking accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We keep our client numbers low so you get direct, one-on-one contact with your attorney at all times, ensuring your case receives the attention it needs. Our team works efficiently to achieve quick results without compromising settlement value. Schedule your consultation today to discuss the details of your motor vehicle accident case.
