San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents can happen in many ways, often depending on how the truck was being operated and the surrounding traffic conditions. Some of the most common types of big rig accidents in San Antonio include:

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. These often happen due to 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

Truck accidents are rarely simple “accidents.” More often, they’re the result of negligence or regulatory violations. Our San Antonio truck accident attorneys often find that crashes stem from one or more of the following causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Federal law limits the number of hours a truck driver can operate, but many exceed these limits to meet delivery deadlines.
• 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

These injuries often require long-term medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Victims may also suffer from permanent disability or disfigurement, affecting their ability to work or enjoy life as they once did.

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?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under Texas law.

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.