San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

Answer: After a collision with an 18-wheeler, you should call 911 and report the accident as soon as possible. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, be sure to request an ambulance. Even if your injuries are mild, you should still head to an urgent care center or hospital soon after the accident to check for any underlying damage.

Answer: Oftentimes, 18-wheeler accidents are the result of driver error. Simple acts of negligence, such as excessive speeding or making unsafe turns, can lead to a serious collision. In other cases, the fault for an accident may lie with a third party who was responsible for issues such as improper maintenance of the truck or unsafe loading of cargo.

Answer: Truck accidents can be complex cases, potentially involving multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and possibly even the manufacturer of the truck or other equipment. An experienced truck accident lawyer will have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations specific to truck accidents, making them an invaluable resource as you navigate your claim. An experienced lawyer will also fight for your rights and interests. They understand just how devastating a truck accident can be. As a result, they will go the extra mile fighting for you as you pursue compensation for your injuries. Since trucking companies often have powerful legal teams on their side to protect their interests, hiring an attorney will help you level the playing field.

Answer: The most helpful evidence will depend on the specifics of your case. However, traffic cameras or CCTV footage can be instrumental in proving who was at fault for the accident, and witness testimony can also be crucial. A truck’s black box can provide valuable data about the truck’s steering and braking leading up to the collision.

Answer: Both the driver and the company can potentially be held liable. In Texas, the legal doctrine of respondeat superior allows employers to be held accountable for accidents caused by their employees. This legal principle applies as long as the employee was acting within the scope of their duties. The trucking company could also be held liable for acts of negligence that contributed to the accident, like not screening new hires or overloading trucks with cargo.

Answer: In a full settlement or verdict for a truck accident in Texas, you can receive compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, temporary or permanent loss of income, pain and suffering, or even punitive damages for accidents caused by extreme recklessness or lack of regard for your safety. Our firm can advocate for your right to full compensation, taking all of your damages into account.

Answer: In San Antonio, like in most places, insurance coverage is generally based on the concept of liability. If a truck driver is at fault, their insurance company would typically be responsible for compensating others involved in the accident for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Truck drivers and trucking companies are often required to carry commercial liability insurance, which has higher coverage limits compared to regular automobile insurance. However, determining liability in a truck accident is sometimes easier said than done, as it may involve various factors.

Answer: Yes. You should be able to pursue a claim in the state where the accident occurred or the state where the responsible party is located.

Answer: There is a two-year statute of limitations that applies for auto accidents in Texas. However, it is generally advisable to file a personal injury claim as soon as you can to make sure evidence from the accident is preserved. A San Antonio truck accident attorney can help you take prompt legal action before the statute of limitations expires and secure valuable evidence such as black box data or logbook entries.

Answer: In general, accidents involving 18-wheelers tend to be much more destructive than regular car accidents, with a higher rate of life-changing, catastrophic injuries. Trucking companies also usually have aggressive lawyers, so getting compensation for a truck accident may be more difficult than a standard car accident. At Alford Law PLLC, we can represent you in a claim for compensation for a trucking accident.

Answer: Yes. After a truck accident, you should expect that any companies involved in the collision will take steps to shield themselves from liability. If you are approached by a representative from a trucking company, avoid giving away too much detail about the accident. Any small admission of guilt on your end could reduce the value of your claim. Our attorney can represent you in negotiations with the company’s legal team and insurance providers.

Answer: Yes. A police officer who comes to the scene of the accident can write a report that identifies the party at fault, which can help ensure that you will be able to recover compensation.

Answer: Yes–the truck driver can be held at fault for distracted driving as well as fatigued driving. The company may also share some blame if it contributed to the distractions in the vehicle or if it encouraged the driver to engage in unsafe behaviors.