Commercial Vehicle Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists in San Antonio, Texas

Trucking is an essential Texas industry that provides the state with 4.4 million jobs and $19.2 billion in tax revenue. San Antonio is thus a hub for these big trucks and other commercial vehicles as the center of an intricate network of U.S. freeways and state highways. Trucking may be good for the local economy, but city residents who encounter big rigs on the roads daily face significant hazards. The risks are incredibly high for those on foot or a bicycle.

In 2021, 5,665 pedestrians and 2,303 bicyclists were involved in motor vehicle crashes in the state, resulting in over 900 fatalities. Not all accidents involved commercial vehicles, but those that did were often catastrophic. The size and weight of big rigs frequently create deadly impacts, and victims who do survive may suffer severe, disabling injuries. The Central Texas lawyers at Carabin Shaw understand how life-altering these crashes are for victims, and our attorneys seek compensation to support them throughout the recovery process.

Commercial vehicles frequent the San Antonio thoroughfares, but they are also common on city streets, where they share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists. Large trucks don’t have the same view range as smaller vehicles and can easily miss a bike or walker traveling next to them. Victims often get hit when a truck is backing up, and the driver doesn’t see the walker or biker behind them.

Victims are also likely to fall underneath the trailer when they get hit and run over by the vehicle’s tires. Side underride guards attach to trucks between the front and rear axles to prevent victims from sliding underneath. Unfortunately, Texas does not require commercial vehicles to have these guards, leaving accident victims even more vulnerable to deadly accidents.

Pedestrian deaths have continued to climb in Texas since 2012 and now account for one in six traffic fatalities in the state. Pedestrians are no match for big rigs, and while they are involved in a small percentage of commercial vehicle accidents, the risk of injury or death is much higher. Pedestrians who survive the accident may suffer injuries such as:

• Concussions or severe head wounds
• Bone fractures
• Loss of a limb
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries

The impact and the cost of injuries can go on for a lifetime. A San Antonio pedestrian injury lawyer can help an accident victim pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses to ease the financial strain severe injuries usually cause.

Bicyclist fatalities have also been on the rise in the state, making up one in every 50 traffic deaths. Bicyclists often share the road with trucks that cannot spot them easily. Bicyclists must exercise extreme caution around commercial vehicles, particularly in intersections where collisions with trucks are most likely to occur.

Bikers that survive crashes face similar life-altering injuries to pedestrians. In some cases, accident victims are permanently disabled, affecting their ability to work and function. A San Antonio cyclist injury lawyer protects victims’ rights while pursuing compensation so the injured victim can focus on their recovery. Look for a lawyer with reviews from previous clients demonstrating their commitment to maximizing victim compensation.

Commercial vehicles owe a duty of care to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to keep San Antonio roads as safe as possible. If they breach that care, they may be liable for the injury or death of accident victims. Injured victims or survivors may file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for expenses like medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

If you or someone you love has been injured or lost in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t wait to get legal help. At Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis and provide free case reviews so you can explore your legal options at no cost until you receive compensation. Our team of attorneys has English- and Spanish-speaking professionals available 24/7 at 800-862-1260. Contact us today to start your claim.

For more information:

• DoT Texas
• DoT Texas
• Institute for safer Trucking
• Texas Data