Hazardous Materials Truck Accidents in San Antonio, Texas - Injuries & Legal Help

San Antonio is the third-largest city in Texas and the county seat of Bexar County. In 2023, this county ranked in the top three for commercial vehicle accidents in the state, with some involving hazardous materials. Also called HAZMAT (hazardous materials) incidents, these crashes create potentially serious risks for accident victims, the general public, and the environment.

Concerns about hazardous material accidents are multi-faceted, but if you are the victim, your injuries become your focus. The San Antonio truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw have seen the devastating consequences of these accidents on motorists and other victims. We help those injured to seek compensation for their injuries and other losses. Contact our team 24/7 for a free consultation at 800-862-1260.

The Texas Department of Transportation defines hazardous materials as “hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, and toxic chemicals with the potential to impact human health or the environment negatively. These materials might include:

• Toxic substances like pesticides and biological agents
• Flammable materials such as gasoline and propane
• Radioactive materials, including medical isotopes and nuclear waste
• Explosive substances like dynamite, fireworks, and some chemicals

All these materials require special storage and appropriate precautions to prevent potentially deadly incidents. Unfortunately, the unthinkable does happen on busy Texas highways, leaving innocent motorists and passengers vulnerable to catastrophic injuries.

Commercial drivers hauling dangerous materials in Texas must abide by state and federal regulations to transport these substances as safely as possible. For example, Texas has routing maps for hazardous materials that keep these substances out of the most populated areas in San Antonio. The state follows the federal regulations for transporting hazardous substances but assesses its own penalties for regulation violations.

Common causes for truck accidents in San Antonio include:

• Speeding, particularly on Texas highways
• Driving while fatigued or under the influence
• Distracted driving from phone use or other factors
• Mechanical failure due to poor vehicle maintenance
• Driver inexperience or lack of training

If a driver or trucking company fails to follow state or federal requirements, they may be considered negligent in a San Antonio TX hazmat truck accident. If you are injured in that crash, the trucking company may be liable for your injuries and other losses. An experienced attorney will investigate the crash to determine fault and hold responsible parties accountable for your damages.

While any crash involving an 18-wheeler is extremely dangerous, a tanker truck accident in San Antonio, Texas poses additional risks. Leaks and spills of hazardous substances can contaminate surrounding soil, water, and air, posing severe health risks to nearby residents. These vehicles’ size and weight also raise the chances of catastrophic injuries. Victims of these accidents can suffer severe and permanent injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Neurological damage
• Fractures and amputations
• Burns and disfigurements
• Exposure to carcinogens or radioactive materials
• Lung damage from airborne toxins

These injuries are debilitating and expensive. It’s critical to work with a personal injury lawyer who will ensure you receive all the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other bills while you cannot work.

Numerous parties may contribute to a truck accident in San Antonio, including the driver, trucking company, third-party driver, and the party that loaded the truck. Even mechanics and equipment manufacturers may share the fault. All at-fault parties may be liable for your damages, allowing you to maximize your compensation to pay all your expenses associated with the accident and your injuries.

The aftermath of a truck accident is not something to navigate alone. One of your first calls should be to a personal injury law firm like Carabin Shaw to protect your rights and pursue damages. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay us until we win a settlement for you. You can read our reviews to see how we’ve helped other accident victims like you.

Now is the time to get the legal help you need. Call us toll-free at 800-862-1260 and speak to one of our English- or Spanish-speaking professionals today.

For more information:

• DoT Texas - Involved Crashes and Injuries by County 2023
• DoT Texas - Hazardous Materials Toolkit
• DoT Texas