San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer

Motor Vehicle Accident — Truck Crash

In 2019, there were 4,479 fatal large truck accidents in America. That’s a 29 percent increase from 2010. Even worse, 82 percent of large truck accident fatalities are not occupants of the truck involved in the crash. For people who are involved in truck accidents, the results can be devastating, causing injury, property damage, and even death.  

Why Are Truck Accidents So Serious?

Freight truck and commercial vehicle crashes are more dangerous because the vehicles are so much larger and heavier than passenger cars. Trucks can be 20 times heavier than cars, weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This makes trucks less agile and responsive on the road, with nearly double the required braking distance. In addition, the air brakes used on semi-trucks are slower to engage than the hydraulic brakes on passenger vehicles, further increasing braking distance and increasing response times. 

Moreover, when a truck and a passenger vehicle collide at highway speeds, the car absorbs most of the impact of the crash. The size and height of trucks protect them from some of the impact, and the freight itself can buffer impacts and protect truck drivers. These factors mean that truck accidents are much more likely to cause catastrophic injuries to other parties, resulting in brain or spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. 

What Are The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can be complex and have many causes. In many cases, there is more than one factor that contributed to the collision. For example, a truck driver may have been distracted on the road, but their vehicle may also have been poorly maintained or loaded, so both factors contributed to the accident. A truck accident victim may have a basis to file a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver, and against the company responsible for maintaining or loading the truck. It is important to investigate truck accidents thoroughly and to identify all the negligent parties who may share responsibility. 

Our San Antonio truck accident lawyer can investigate many possible causes of truck accidents. These most common causes of truck accidents are:

• Driver error or distraction, including fatigue, speeding, driving under the influence or using mobile devices while driving
• Failure by the truck company to follow safety requirements, including improper truck maintenance, failure to investigate safety hazards on the truck or a lack of driver training and supervision
• Defects by the truck manufacturer, including faulty design or a manufacturing defect
• Failure by a shipping or cargo company to properly load a truck or follow safety guidelines when securing cargo

In cases where there are multiple liable parties, it is possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against everyone who contributed to the accident. But it is important to contact a San Antonio truck accident attorney as soon as possible, in order to preserve evidence and conduct a thorough investigation. 

What Are Some Common Damages Suffered in a Truck Accident?

From serious personal injuries to significant damage to your vehicle, damage and injuries that result from truck crashes can be quite severe.

The most common damages that result from truck crashes include:

• Personal injuries that incur the cost of medical bills, hospital stays and services, pharmacy bills, rehabilitative therapies, and more
• Damage to your vehicle that incurs the cost of repair or replacement, as well as the cost of temporary transportation
• Pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident
• Loss of income, if you are unable to go to work due to an injury
• Loss of future income, if you are injured so severely that you are unable to continue your current occupation at the same wage
• Mental anguish, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of everyday activities may all be included as non-economic damages

What Does the Process of Bringing a Claim in a Truck Accident Entail?

The first step in a truck accident case is to fully investigate the facts of the accident. This requires reconstruction and analysis of the events that led up to the crash, as well as the need to collect relevant evidence. It also requires collecting parties’ and witnesses’ statements and building a case based on what you can prove happened in the accident.

Navigating such a complex area of law can be difficult without the help of a knowledgeable and experienced San Antonio truck accident attorney. Not only is it essential to pay attention to the facts, but it is equally important to understand and apply the complex legal issues involved. In a truck crash, Texas personal injury laws cover most of the claims, but truck drivers are also required to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. An experienced trucking accident lawyer in San Antonio Texas understands the laws and regulations that apply to all relevant parties and can hold them accountable.

The second step in a truck accident lawsuit is to prove damages. Truck accident victims and their loved ones should keep detailed records of all costs, expenses, treatments, and losses related to the crash.

An experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer will also help negotiate with the other parties and their insurance companies if a settlement is offered. Because many different parties may be involved, it is possible that you’ll need to work with several insurance carriers. That can be a daunting and complicated process, and insurance companies may not offer all the compensation you deserve. It’s important to have an expert truck accident lawyer in San Antonio who will negotiate for everything you are entitled to, and who isn’t afraid to take negligent companies to court.

How Can Aaron Allison Help?

The San Antonio personal injury lawyer at Aaron Allison Law Firm helps truck accident victims recover compensation for their damages. Our law firm has successfully litigated accident cases throughout Texas, and we are passionate about vindicating the rights of those injured by reckless freight truck drivers and negligent trucking companies. 

Take the first steps towards justice today. Call 512-474-8346 or contact us online. The initial consultation is free, and we do not collect attorney fees until we get you compensation.