Your Questions About Your San Antonio 18 Wheeler Accident Answered

With its strategic central location and access to I-35, San Antonio sees many commercial vehicles on its roads daily. Semi-trucks are essential in Texas but also lead to many serious accidents. San Antonio’s Bexar County had more than 2,400 commercial vehicle crashes in 2023 that killed 14 and seriously injured 35. Victims of these crashes often face catastrophic injuries that change their lives forever.

Our team of San Antonio personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw receives many questions from victims of 18-wheeler accidents. We have compiled some of the most common to help accident victims know what steps to take after their incident. If you have been injured in a commercial truck crash, we have English- and Spanish-speaking professionals available 24/7 for a free consultation. Contact us toll-free at 800-862-1260.

Below are some of the questions victims of an 18-wheeler crash frequently ask us:

Some of the most common causes of truck crashes include:

• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Mechanical failures
• Improper cargo loading
• Weather conditions

Large trucks accounted for 5% of registered vehicles and 10% of miles traveled in 2022. Truck drivers often work long hours and are under pressure to deliver goods as quickly as possible, making them more vulnerable to driver error in some cases. The size of semi-trucks also makes it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of a collision.

Proving fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident, which might include:

• Photographs and videos of the accident scene
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• The police report from the accident scene
• Black recording data from the truck
• Driver and maintenance records from the trucking company
• Expert witness testimony

It can be difficult to collect all this information without the assistance of an attorney with experience investigating large truck accidents. It’s best to contact a legal team as soon as possible to ensure necessary documentation is preserved and used to strengthen your case.

Insurance companies are known for offering settlements to accident victims early in the process. While quick cash can be tempting, the amount is usually much lower than victims can receive with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. We recommend waiting to accept any settlement until you consult your legal team.

One of the most common 18 wheeler accident legal questions we hear involves how much a victim can expect to recover after the crash. While amounts can vary from case to case, accident victims may be entitled to these damages:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Vehicle repairs
• Loss of earning power
• Disfigurement and disability
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish

Specific amounts will depend on the cause of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and other factors that impact your case.

Accident victims often assume the insurance company will compensate them for their injuries and losses after a semi-truck accident. However, insurance companies are more interested in preserving their bottom line and will use any excuse to reduce or deny your claim. Your legal team will protect your rights and seek maximum damages to ensure you have the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other losses. Insurance companies have their own legal professionals to protect their interests, and you need experienced professionals to do the same.

Injuries after a semi-truck accident can be severe and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Many victims are out of work for some time without the necessary income to pay their bills. Now is the time to contact the compassionate professionals at Carabin Shaw. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t pay any fees upfront or out-of-pocket. Check our client reviews to see how we’ve helped other accident victims, then contact us at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Safer America
• IIHS