How a San Antonio 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney Can Help with Insurance Claims

San Antonio sits at the center of a network of highways and freeways resembling a wheel’s spokes. While the thoroughfare creates opportunities for the city’s manufacturing and shipping industry, it also creates hazards for Texas motorists. More commercial vehicles on the roads mean a greater risk of severe injuries if a car collides with one. Victims of 18-wheeler accidents often face injuries that change their lives for months, years, or even forever.

Victims of truck crashes often deal with pain and fear over what lies ahead. Medical bills and lost wages create financial strain, particularly when you can’t see an end in sight. You need the Central Texas lawyers at Carabin Shaw in your corner so you can focus on healing. Our expert attorneys know how to navigate the complex world of insurance claims, protecting your rights while maximizing compensation. Contact us 24/7 at 800-862-1260 and speak to one of our English- or Spanish-speaking professionals.

The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler drive a deadly impact when it collides with a smaller vehicle. Texas had more than 38,000 commercial vehicle crashes last year, with 620 fatalities and 1,687 serious injuries. Fourteen of those fatalities and 35 serious injuries occurred in San Antonio’s Bexar County.

Motorists hit by a big rig are often the victims of catastrophic injuries. These injuries leave victims with permanent or severely disabling injuries, such as loss of limbs, paralysis, or vision loss. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and therapy and victims and may never be able to return to work or their way of life.

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers act quickly after an accident to collect evidence at the scene and take possession of company property involved in the crash. You may hear from the insurance company in the early days of your recovery process when you are not prepared to deal with the legalities of your case. It is vital, however, to discuss your legal options with a local San Antonio attorney before speaking with the other party’s insurance company.

Insurance company representatives often sound compassionate, even apologizing for your injuries, before offering you a “reasonable” settlement amount. The goal of this lowball number is to prevent you from filing an accident claim. Accepting the settlement or even speaking to an insurance representative at this point can be costly.

Once you are under a physician’s care, your next call should be to an experienced personal injury lawyer familiar with state and federal trucking regulations. Your legal team will go to work immediately to get the most out of your claim by:

• Obtaining crash evidence to determine liability
• Recruiting expert witnesses to testify on your behalf
• Investigating potential trucking violations to prove negligence
• Negotiating with all parties to reach a sufficient settlement amount
• Taking your case to court if a settlement isn’t reached

Many factors can contribute to an 18-wheeler crash, and your trucking accident attorneys in San Antonio TX will investigate all of them. Common causes of semi-truck accidents include:

• Distracted driving or speeding
• Driver fatigue from too many hours on the road
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inexperienced or unqualified driver
• Truck defects or equipment failure
• Improper, overweight, or unsecured loads
• Road construction or weather

The truck driver, trucking company, mechanic, or vehicle manufacturer may contribute to these factors. If any of these parties are responsible for the accident, they can also be liable for damages. However, the only way to prove liability is to involve an experienced personal injury attorney immediately to investigate the accident and collect the necessary evidence to prove your claim.

A truck accident leaves you hurting and wondering what the future holds. Now is not the time to grapple with insurance and trucking companies alone. Our team of expert Texas lawyers offers free case reviews and our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe no money until you receive compensation. Read reviews from our previous clients to see how we helped them in similar situations, and give us a toll-free call at 800-862-1260 now.

For more information:

• DoT Texas
• Cornell Law
• FMCSA