San Antonio 18 Wheeler Accident: Common Mistakes Victims Make & How to Avoid Them

Located 80 miles southwest of Austin on I-35, San Antonio is a central hub for the busy Texas trucking industry. The abundance of 18-wheelers on the road can put San Antonio motorists at higher risk of severe accidents. Victims of semi-truck crashes may face catastrophic, life-changing injuries. If you are involved in one of these accidents, you need all the financial support you can get to cover your bills while you focus on your recovery.

Truck accident victims often make mistakes after a crash that impact how much compensation they receive from the responsible parties. The San Antonio personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw help accident victims avoid those mistakes and maximize damages. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay once we win your case. Contact an English- or Spanish-speaking member of our team 24/7 at 800-862-1260.

In 2022, 4,764 people died in large truck crashes. Two-thirds were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. Texas led the country in deadly commercial truck accidents, with 810 fatalities. San Antonio’s Bexar County had the third-most commercial vehicle crashes in the state in 2023, with 2,460 accidents resulting in 14 deaths.

A semi-truck crash is a traumatic and frightening experience. To protect victims’ rights, the legal professionals at Carabin Shaw offer these recommendations:

• Don’t Leave the Scene Without Reporting the Accident

  A proper accident report provides all the details necessary to determine liability accurately. Contact law enforcement immediately to get an official accident report from local police. Write down the name and contact details of the trucking company from the truck driver or police.

  Never admit fault at the scene since insurance and trucking companies can use it to lower your compensation. Alert your insurance company immediately, regardless of who is at fault.

• Don’t Delay Seeking Medical Attention

  The adrenaline rush after an event like a vehicle crash can mask the symptoms of a serious injury at first. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you don't have severe injuries. Documentation of your injuries through a prompt medical evaluation is critical to ensuring you receive sufficient compensation.

  If your doctor prescribes medication or other treatment, follow the instructions carefully and thoroughly. Your lawyer can use this information to negotiate your best possible settlement.

• Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters

  Insurance adjusters are often quick to contact accident victims, calling them or even showing up at their homes. Avoid speaking to adjusters on the phone or in person before you seek legal advice to avoid saying anything the adjuster may use against you. Never post details of the accident on social media, since insurance companies and their legal representatives can also use information on these platforms to limit settlement amounts.

• Don’t Sign Any Documents or Accept an Early Settlement Offer

  The aftermath of a semi-truck accident can feel overwhelming if you are struggling to pay your bills amid mounting medical expenses and time off work. It may be tempting to take a quick settlement if the trucking company's insurance provider offers you one. However, these offers are often only a portion of the amount you are entitled to receive under the law. Wait to accept offers or sign documents until you have consulted with your attorney.

• Don’t Wait to Contact a San Antonio 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney

  Personal injury law is complex and something you should only tackle with professional guidance. Once you receive medical attention for your injuries, your next call should be to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to build a strong case and skillfully negotiate a settlement for all your financial needs.

We have more than 25 years of experience helping accident victims like you. With a Carabin Shaw truck accident lawyer in San Antonio TX in your corner, you can rest assured your case will receive the highest level of care while you focus on your recovery. Check our reviews to see how we have maximized settlements for previous clients, then contact us today at 800-862-1260 for your free case review.

For more information:

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
• Injury Facts
• DoT Texas