San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Serving Bexar County
In situations where 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks are involved in collisions, victims may struggle to determine how best to proceed. While Federal law requires 18-wheelers to carry at least $750,000 in insurance, the insurance companies behind these policies have a lot to lose. The insurance adjusters who handle 18-wheeler accidents are highly experienced and they often use every trick in the book to minimize a victim's claim or to deny coverage outright. When you take on an experienced adjuster, you need to make them take you seriously, and you can do so by having an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner.
At Alford Law PLLC, we know how to litigate cases involving trucking accidents. Our attorneys are well versed in the Federal and state laws that govern the trucking industry, and we have experience going toe to toe with some of the largest trucking companies in the country. We are a full-service firm and our team prides itself on client satisfaction. We can fully investigate a truck accident to determine who was responsible, and after identifying all liable parties, we will work with you to seek compensation that will fully address the damages you have experienced and ensure that your family will have the financial resources you need. If you have lost a loved one as the result of a trucking accident, we will help you hold the trucking company and its driver accountable for the wrongful death.
Legal Assistance for 18-Wheeler Accidents and Crashes
Most trucking companies are no strangers to litigation. Their vehicles can easily weigh 20 times more than an ordinary passenger vehicle like your car or light truck. When their massive commercial vehicles cause a collision, that impact usually results in catastrophic injuries or death for the driver of the small passenger vehicle. Any mistakes made by truck drivers can have deadly results, and if your family has been affected by these issues, you are most likely not the first person that has been hurt by the negligence and recklessness of a particular trucking company.
Following a collision involving a commercial vehicle, a trucking company may immediately send out a "crash team" of lawyers, accident reconstructionists, and private investigators to the accident scene. Their job is to secure the scene and start gathering evidence to show that their company and driver were not at fault. They may even try to influence the police officers investigating the accident, encouraging them to include or omit certain details from the accident report or even change their conclusions about the cause of the collision.
When you contact Alford Law PLLC after a commercial truck wreck, you will have your own team of attorneys and experts on the scene. We will work to find the evidence that the trucking company may be trying to minimize. We will do everything we can to make sure critical evidence is preserved and establish liability for your injuries and damages. We can assist with cases involving:
- Driver fatigue caused by truck drivers violating hours of service regulations or remaining on the road when they are drowsy or otherwise unable to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
- Equipment failure that led to a collision, such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, detached trailer couplings, or electrical problems.
- Cargo-related issues, including overloaded trucks or unsecured cargo that caused a truck driver to lose control or resulted in items falling into the roadway.
- Jackknife truck wrecks in which an 18-wheeler and its trailer blocked multiple lanes of traffic or collided with one or more vehicles.
- Truck crashes caused by speeding, distracted driving, or other forms of driver negligence.
Truck Accident FAQs
Answer: First, check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries, as well as people in other vehicles that were involved in the collision. Dial 911 for emergency medical services. This will also ensure that a law enforcement officer will come to the scene to document the situation. Later, when you file your injury claim, the police report of the accident will likely be a highly valuable document for your case. Collect the name, license plate number, and insurance information of other people involved in the accident. Do not admit fault or make any admissions that may hint at accepting responsibility for the accident. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage and any visible injuries. After receiving any emergency medical treatment, contact a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer can advise you on how to proceed when filing insurance claims, and they can speak to insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate settlements that will fully address your injuries and damages.
Answer: Distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, improper lane changes, and failure to yield the right of way are common reasons truck accidents occur in San Antonio. Other factors, such as bad weather, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures, may also contribute to trucking accidents. When truck drivers fail to exercise caution and do not follow traffic rules, they can create dangerous situations in which accidents are more likely.
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: There are several types of evidence that may be used to show that a truck driver or trucking company is liable for a truck accident. The first essential pieces of evidence may be collected from the accident scene. Photos of the vehicles involved, skid marks, debris, and their positions after the accident can tell an important story. Eyewitness testimony is also very important. Those who saw the accident can provide their account of what happened, including the events leading up to the collision and the actions of the parties involved. Next, obtaining a copy of the police report is vital, as the report will contain objective findings and an unbiased assessment of the accident and what transpired. Footage from nearby surveillance cameras may also play an essential role in establishing liability.
Answer: Yes, multiple parties can be held liable. For example, the responsibility for a truck accident may be shared among the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and even other drivers involved in the accident. The specific circumstances of the accident will determine who may be held liable. It is best to consult with a legal professional to understand your particular situation.
Answer: You may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, both current and future, as well as property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. It is important to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer to determine the damages you may be eligible for.
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.
Contact Our San Antonio Truck Wreck Attorneys
Our lawyers are on call 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to answer your questions and help you determine your options for pursuing compensation following a truck crash. There is zero risk in contacting us, since if we do not win your case, you will not owe us any fees, and we will only collect payments if we win your case. Call us now at 210-951-9467 for a free, confidential consultation or contact us online to get the legal help you need. Our law firm has offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi, and we provide legal representation to clients across the entire state of Texas.