San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

San Antonio's Freight Corridors — What Local Data Shows

San Antonio's position at the junction of three major interstates makes it one of the highest-volume commercial trucking corridors in Texas — and one of the more dangerous ones. According to TxDOT's 2024 county-level crash data, Bexar County recorded approximately 2,684 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, trailing only Harris County and Dallas County statewide.

Corridors and interchanges with a disproportionate share of truck-involved crashes include:

• The I-35 / I-10 "downtown Y" interchange — tight merges and long-term rehab work affecting sightlines and braking distance
• I-35 near I-410 (Windcrest–Live Oak area) — heavy merge traffic combined with ongoing construction
• I-35's Laredo–San Antonio stretch — a primary international freight route carrying an outsized share of daily truck volume

Why the location of your crash matters: If you were injured near one of these corridors or interchanges, tell your legal team immediately. A documented history of construction-related hazards, congestion, or prior crashes at a specific location can be relevant to the evaluation of liability and roadway design factors.

Federal Trucking Regulations That Matter to Your Case

Truck drivers and trucking companies operate under federal safety rules that don't apply to ordinary passenger vehicles — and violations of those rules are often central evidence in a truck accident claim.

• Hours-of-Service (HOS) limits. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying commercial drivers may not drive more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty, and cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. Driver fatigue from HOS violations is one of the most common contributing factors our attorneys investigate.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Since HOS compliance is tracked electronically, ELD data is often one of the first pieces of evidence we move to preserve — it can show whether a driver was over their legal hours at the time of the crash.
• Carrier safety history. Trucking companies are required to maintain vehicle inspection and maintenance records. A pattern of deferred maintenance or prior safety violations can support a negligence claim against the carrier itself, not just the driver.

Recovering Compensation After a Truck Accident

After a truck crash in San Antonio, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work or reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship or family life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If your loved one was killed in a truck accident, you may be entitled to funeral costs and loss of financial support.

Our firm will aggressively negotiate with trucking companies and insurers, and if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the full value of your claim.

What Should I Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident?

1. Seek medical attention. Visit a licensed healthcare provider to rule out any underlying harm and establish formal documentation of your injuries.
2. Report the accident. Call 911 to report the accident to local law enforcement. You may also request a copy of the official police report for your records.
3. Gather evidence. Take photos or videos of your injuries, any vehicular damage, and other relevant landmarks or details that may support your claim.
4. Collect information. Exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties, including any eyewitnesses at the scene.
5. Seek sound counsel. A skilled attorney can investigate the 18-wheeler accident and help you seek compensation by filing a claim within the statute of limitations.

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck's trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab — often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
• Rear-End Collisions: Heavy trucks take much longer to stop than cars. When truck drivers follow too closely, they can cause devastating rear-end crashes.
• Underride Accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck's trailer, often resulting in fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: A top-heavy or overloaded truck can tip over when turning too fast or driving on uneven terrain.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Large blind spots around a truck can hide smaller vehicles, leading to side-swipe or merging accidents.
• Tire Blowouts: When a tire bursts at high speeds, it can cause a driver to lose control of the truck, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks often make wide right turns, which can trap vehicles or pedestrians in their path.

Each of these accident types requires a thorough investigation to uncover what went wrong and who should be held responsible.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

• Driver Fatigue: Federal Hours-of-Service rules limit how long a driver can operate (see above), but violations remain widespread.
• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, GPS, or onboard system while driving can be deadly when operating a massive vehicle.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Truck drivers under pressure to meet schedules may drive too fast for conditions or take dangerous risks.
• Improper Loading: Overloaded or unevenly loaded cargo can make trucks unstable and increase the risk of rollover accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Trucking companies are required to inspect and maintain their vehicles, but neglected maintenance can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, and other equipment malfunctions.
• Inadequate Training: Some trucking companies fail to properly train drivers, resulting in poor judgment or unsafe driving practices.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, fog, or poorly maintained roads can contribute to loss of control — especially when truckers fail to adjust their driving.

Our legal team conducts a detailed investigation into your crash, reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, electronic data recorders ("black boxes"), and company safety histories to identify all liable parties.

Common Semi-Truck Accident Injuries

Because of their enormous size and weight, semi-truck accidents often cause severe or fatal injuries. Victims may face years of recovery, lost income, and emotional trauma. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Broken Bones and Crush Injuries
• Internal Organ Damage
• Severe Burns or Lacerations
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries
• Amputations or Loss of Limbs
• Wrongful Death

At KRW Lawyers, we work closely with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists to accurately calculate the value of your claim — including both current and future damages.

Truck Accident FAQs

Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?

Liable parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer of defective parts.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?

Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003(a), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas.

What if I was partially at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How is a truck accident different from a car accident claim?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants, federal safety regulations, and higher insurance limits — making them more complex than typical car crash claims.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

At KRW Lawyers, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront fees — and we only get paid if we win your case.