Best Truck Accident Lawyers in San Antonio

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Antonio, Texas?

  Call (210) 207-7273 for the SAPD non-emergency line.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in San Antonio, Texas?

  Request reports by mail, in person at the police station, and online on the SAPD website. If by mail, fill out the request form found on the SAPD website and mail it together with a stamped self-addressed envelope to the SAPD Records Office. Its address is at SAPD Headquarters, 315 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX 78207. The office is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Call 210-207-7598 for more information.

• What is the difference between car and truck accident cases in San Antonio?

  Truck accidents are more complicated than car crashes. These types of accidents rarely involve one party; you have to deal with the driver, trucking or moving company, and product manufacturer loaded on the truck and their various insurance carriers. There are also different state and federal laws that apply to trucking accidents in San Antonio.

• How can liability be proven in a trucking accident case in San Antonio?

  To prove that a trucker is liable for the accident, one must establish a case that presents this trucker did not apply driving care properly. There are also certain situations for a trucker in San Antonio where they will not be possibly held negligent, such as when they have to evade a stalled vehicle or the truck jackknifes because of an unforeseen slippery road.

• If the police report contains erroneous information about a truck crash in San Antonio, what can be done?

  If there are mistakes in the police report, it is possible to ask the police officer to change it or write a supplement as long as there is evidence of correct information. Hiring a law firm to launch an independent investigation and work with the police and insurance companies is also beneficial for serious trucking accidents in San Antonio.

• When do settlement negotiations for a truck accident claim in San Antonio begin?

  When settlement negotiations start usually depends on the case. Once an injury claim of a trucking accident in San Antonio is filed, the claimant's and the defendant's lawyers will start the pretrial investigation. It is rare for insurance companies to negotiate settlements seriously at this stage. There are times when insurance defense lawyers wait for the testimonies of expert witnesses or until a motion to dismiss a case has been filed before discussing settlement amounts.

• How often do truck accidents in San Antonio cause fatalities?

  TxDOT reported that there were 1,057 truck accidents in San Antonio in 2021, with 266 (25.2%) of these accidents causing injuries. Of these, there were seven fatal crashes caused by unsafe speeding, ignoring a stop signal, and faulty evasive action. There were 13 serious injury-causing collisions mainly due to driver inattention, unsafe speeding, and tailgating.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.