San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney

Truck Accident Cases We Handle

San Antonio, with its bustling highways and extensive road networks, is a hotspot for truck accidents. Major routes like I-35, I-10, and Loop 410 see heavy commercial traffic, increasing the likelihood of serious collisions. Our firm handles a wide range of truck accident cases throughout the region, including those involving:

• 18-Wheeler Accidents: These large trucks can cause catastrophic damage in collisions.
• Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Accidents involving delivery trucks, utility vehicles, and other commercial trucks.
• Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by truck driver fatigue or distracted driving.
• Jackknife Accidents: Where the trailer swings out and forms a "V" shape with the cab.
• Rollovers: High center of gravity makes trucks prone to rollover accidents, especially on curves or when swerving to avoid obstacles.
• Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the road, causing accidents.
• Fatal Truck Accidents: Cases involving wrongful death claims due to fatal truck crashes.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for various reasons, and often involve multiple contributing factors. At Miller Medical Malpractice, we work diligently to identify an underlying cause to best position clients for success in their claims. Some of the issues we see most frequently include:

• Driver Fatigue: Tired truck drivers are a major hazard, which is why there are state and federal standards that limit the amount of time truckers can be behind the wheel or remain on duty. Unfortunately, not all companies and drivers abide by these rules. 
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road and substantially increase their risks for accidents.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially under adverse weather conditions or in heavy traffic.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing to properly maintain trucks, including brakes, tires, and lights, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
• Improper Loading: Overloading or incorrectly securing cargo can cause load shifts, making the truck unstable and harder to control.
• Inadequate Training: Drivers who lack proper training in handling large commercial vehicles or driving in challenging conditions are more likely to be involved in accidents.
• Vehicle Defects: Defective vehicles or vehicle components can fail and cause catastrophic crashes. When faulty products cause harm, manufacturers may be held to account. 

Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Liability refers to the legal responsibility a person or entity has for an accident and the resulting damages. When you hold a company or a driver liable, it means they’re financially responsible for the losses you suffered because of the crash.

Proving liability in a trucking accident involves demonstrating that the party at fault breached their duty of care, causing the accident and your injuries. This isn’t an easy task, and it requires ample investigation into the circumstances surrounding a crash, review of electronic logging devices (ELDs), evidence gathering, and collaboration with witnesses who provide critical testimony to support your claim. 

Depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident, there may be one or more parties that can be held liable. Examples of potentially liable parties include:

• Negligent truck drivers
• Trucking operators / trucking companies
• Vehicle or auto part manufacturers
• Cargo loaders
• Government entities
• Third parties (i.e. other motorists or maintenance contractors)

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in San Antonio?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, eligible family members also have two years from the date of the loved one’s death. It's crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and witness testimonies. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering any compensation.

How Much Money Can I Recover in a Trucking Accident Claim?

The value of a trucking accident claim varies based on several factors:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to the inability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Determining the exact value of your claim requires a personalized review of your case, as each situation is unique.