San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer

San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer

Jim Adler and Bill Adler
Jim Adler and Bill Adler

San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyers Ready to Fight for You

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you already know how quickly life can change after a serious collision. You may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical expenses, and uncertainty about how your family will manage while you recover. The trucking company and its insurance carrier are already working to protect their interests, and you deserve someone who will fight just as hard for yours.

San Antonio sits at the intersection of some of the busiest freight corridors in the country, and that heavy commercial traffic puts local drivers at serious risk every single day. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Bexar County recorded 2,684 commercial motor vehicle crashes in a recent reporting period, making it the third-highest county in Texas for truck accidents.[1] Many of these collisions happen on the major highways that cut through the San Antonio area, including Interstate 10, Interstate 35, and Interstate 37. The National Safety Council reports that occupants of passenger vehicles account for roughly 70 percent of all people killed or injured in large truck crashes, which means the people in smaller vehicles almost always suffer the worst consequences when these accidents occur.[2]


At Jim Adler, The Texas Hammer®, we have spent more than 50 years helping injured Texans in San Antonio and throughout South Texas take on trucking companies and their insurers, and we are ready to fight for you, too.

Why Injured Texans Turn to a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer?

  • We bring more than 50 years of experience handling serious truck accidents in San Antonio, including collisions involving 18 wheelers, semi-trucks, tankers, and other commercial vehicles.
  • We have represented thousands of injured Texans in settlements, mediations, and jury trials against trucking companies and their well-funded insurance carriers.
  • We use a dedicated team of litigators, investigators, and experts to review crash reports, electronic logging device data, driver qualification files, maintenance records, scene photos, and black box information.
  • We negotiate aggressively and are ready for trial, always aiming to recover every dollar the law allows for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future needs.

San Antonio Truck Accident Cases We Handle

  • Drivers and passengers who are hurt when a negligent truck driver causes a collision on San Antonio roads or highways.
  • Motorists who are struck by 18 wheelers, semi-trucks, tankers, flatbeds, or delivery trucks at intersections, on access roads, or on major interstates.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists who are hit by distracted, fatigued, or speeding truck drivers.
  • Families affected by rollover accidents, jackknife crashes, underride collisions, and cargo spill incidents.
  • Multi-vehicle wrecks where several insurers and multiple defendants dispute who should pay.
  • Catastrophic injury and wrongful death truck accident cases affecting San Antonio families.

 

With offices serving San Antonio and communities throughout Texas, our team can move quickly to protect evidence and start building your truck accident claim. Your first step is a FREE truck accident case review.

Call 1-800-505-1414 now or click here to get started online.

$26M +

Recovery for Texas Truck Accident Victims

Two young women were driving home from work together on a rural Texas highway when a massive tractor-trailer approached from the opposite direction. Despite rainy conditions, the truck driver was traveling near maximum speed and lost control when the rig hydroplaned, crossing into oncoming traffic without warning. The collision killed both women instantly, leaving behind devoted husbands and school-age children who now face life without their wives and mothers. Jim Adler & Associates fought for these families and recovered $26 million to help them cope with their unimaginable loss. If your family has been devastated by a truck accident in San Antonio or anywhere in Texas, The Texas Hammer® is ready to fight for you, too.

Why You Need a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer?

The trucking company already has a team of lawyers and investigators working to protect its money, and they got started the moment the collision happened. Their job is to find ways to blame you or pay you as little as possible, and you should not have to face that kind of pressure alone while you are trying to heal and take care of your family. A San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate what really happened, and fight for the compensation you actually deserve.

Multiple Parties May Be Responsible for Your Injuries

Unlike a typical car accident, where fault usually falls on one driver or the other, truck accidents often involve a complicated web of potentially responsible parties. The trucking company that employed the driver may be held vicariously liable for their driver’s negligence, which means the company can be responsible for injuries caused by an employee acting within the scope of their job. The company may also face direct liability if they failed to properly train their drivers, neglected to maintain their fleet, pressured drivers to violate federal hours-of-service rules, or allowed overloaded cargo or unsecured loads to leave their facilities.

Third parties can share responsibility as well. Manufacturers of defective equipment like faulty brakes or tires may be liable if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash. Cargo loading companies can be held accountable when improper maintenance of loading procedures or overloaded trailers cause a truck driver to lose control. Maintenance contractors who were supposed to inspect and repair the truck may share blame if they missed obvious safety problems. Identifying every responsible party matters because each one typically carries its own insurance coverage, and finding all of them can significantly increase the compensation available to cover your injuries.

How a Lawyer Levels the Playing Field?

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers aggressively defend accident claims because there is so much money at stake. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires most trucking companies to carry liability insurance policies of at least $750,000, and many carry $1 million or more depending on the type of cargo they haul.[3] That means there is real money available to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain this accident has caused, but the insurance company will fight hard to keep as much of that money as it can.

An experienced attorney levels the playing field by conducting a thorough investigation, securing critical evidence before it disappears, hiring expert witnesses who can explain what went wrong, and negotiating from a position of strength. Insurance adjusters know which lawyers are willing to take cases to trial and which ones will accept whatever offer is put on the table. When the defense knows you have a legal team that is ready and able to present your case to a jury, they have much more incentive to offer fair compensation through settlement rather than risk a larger verdict at trial.

Deadlines That Could Affect Your Case

Strict legal deadlines govern how long you have to file a truck accident lawsuit, and missing these deadlines can permanently destroy your right to seek compensation. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.[4] Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years from the date of the victim’s death.[4] Certain exceptions may apply in cases involving minors, late discovery of injuries, or claims against government entities, but these situations require careful legal analysis.

You should also understand how fault affects your ability to recover compensation. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001, you can still pursue damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.[5] If you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible, you cannot recover anything at all.[5] Insurance companies know this rule and often try to shift as much blame as possible onto the injured person, which is one reason why having experienced legal representation matters so much.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in San Antonio, the team at Jim Adler & Associates is ready to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation, and let The Texas Hammer® go to work for you.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Antonio

Truck accidents rarely happen by chance, and most of them trace back to someone failing to follow the rules of the road or cutting corners on safety. The truck driver, the trucking company, or both may have made decisions that put innocent people at risk. Federal regulations exist specifically to prevent these kinds of collisions, yet violations remain alarmingly common across the industry. Understanding how these accidents happen can help you recognize when you have a valid claim against a negligent trucking company or driver.

Driver-Related Causes

Distracted driving has become one of the most dangerous behaviors in the trucking industry. Texting, eating, adjusting GPS devices, and reaching for objects in the cab all take a truck driver’s attention away from the road at the worst possible moment. When a driver operating an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer loses focus for even a few seconds, the consequences for everyone around them can be devastating.

Driver fatigue remains a leading factor in serious truck crashes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered fatigued at the time of their crash.[6] Federal hours-of-service regulations limit property-carrying drivers to 11 consecutive hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty window after taking 10 hours off, and drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight hours behind the wheel.[7] Despite these rules, trucking companies under pressure to meet delivery deadlines sometimes push their drivers to skip mandated rest periods or falsify their electronic logs.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses obvious dangers when the vehicle weighs tens of thousands of pounds. Commercial drivers face stricter alcohol limits than other motorists, with federal regulations setting the blood alcohol concentration limit at 0.04 percent rather than the standard 0.08 percent.[8] An inexperienced driver who lacks adequate training may struggle to handle a large rig in dangerous situations, and some trucking companies respond to driver shortages by lowering their hiring standards or rushing new drivers onto the road before they are truly ready.

Equipment & Cargo Issues

Commercial trucks require constant maintenance to operate safely, yet some trucking companies skip inspections and ignore warning signs to save money and keep their trucks on the road. A tire blowout at highway speeds can send an 18 wheeler veering across multiple lanes without warning, and defective brakes can make it impossible for a driver to stop in time to avoid a collision. When a mechanical defect contributes to a crash, the company that failed to maintain the vehicle can be held responsible for the resulting injuries.

Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo presents another serious danger on Texas highways. Federal weight limits exist because overloaded trailers are harder to stop, more prone to tire blowouts, and more likely to roll over during turns or sudden maneuvers. An unsecured load that shifts during transport can cause a driver to lose control of the semi-truck entirely, leading to jackknife accidents or rollovers that sweep across multiple lanes and strike vehicles that have no way to escape.

Environmental & Third-Party Factors

Poor weather and dangerous road conditions increase the risk of truck accidents, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed or following distance to account for rain, fog, or debris on the roadway. A properly trained driver should anticipate these hazards and take appropriate precautions, and failure to do so can establish negligence even when weather plays a role in the collision.

Other motorists also contribute to truck accidents when they fail to respect the limitations of large commercial vehicles. Cutting off a truck, following too closely behind a trailer, or lingering in a truck’s blind spots can trigger a serious crash. When investigating your accident, our attorneys examine the behavior of all parties involved to determine who should be held accountable and ensure that fault is assigned fairly based on the evidence.

Where Truck Accidents Happen Most Often in San Antonio?

Most truck accidents in and around San Antonio occur on the major highways that carry heavy commercial traffic through the region. Interstate 10 runs east and west through the city, connecting San Antonio to Houston and serving as a primary freight corridor for goods moving across the southern United States. Interstate 35 carries massive volumes of truck traffic between Mexico and destinations throughout the central United States, while Interstate 37 links San Antonio to the Port of Corpus Christi and the Gulf Coast shipping industry. Loop 410, which encircles the city, sees constant 18 wheeler traffic as trucks move between these major interstates and local distribution centers. If you were hurt on one of these roads, you are not alone, and the San Antonio truck accident lawyers at Jim Adler & Associates understand the unique challenges these high-traffic corridors present.

Types of Truck Accidents

If you have been hit by a commercial truck, you already know how terrifying and violent these collisions can be. A fully loaded 18 wheeler can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car, which means the people in smaller vehicles almost always suffer the worst injuries. Understanding the type of accident you were in can help you recognize the challenges ahead and why having an experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer matters.

 

  • Rear-end collisions happen when a truck driver cannot stop in time and slams into slowed or stopped traffic ahead, often causing severe whiplash, spinal injuries, and chain-reaction pileups that involve multiple vehicles.
  • Head-on collisions occur when a truck crosses the centerline into oncoming traffic, and the combined speed of the two vehicles makes these crashes among the deadliest on Texas roadways.
  • T-bone collisions at intersections can crush a vehicle’s door and passenger compartment before anyone inside has a chance to react, often resulting in catastrophic injuries to the occupants on the impact side.
  • Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer swings out from behind the cab at a sharp angle, sweeping across multiple lanes and striking vehicles that have no way to escape the path of the out-of-control rig.
  • Rollover accidents occur when a truck takes a curve too fast, encounters uneven road conditions, or carries an improperly balanced load that shifts unexpectedly, sending the trailer tumbling across the roadway.
  • Wide-turn accidents happen when a truck driver swings left before making a right turn or fails to account for the trailer’s path, crushing smaller vehicles caught between the truck and the curb.
  • Underride accidents are among the most devastating because a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer, often shearing off the roof entirely and causing fatal or catastrophic injuries to the occupants inside.
  • Cargo-securement accidents occur when improperly loaded or unsecured freight shifts during transport or spills onto the roadway, causing the driver to lose control or creating hazards for other motorists.
  • Overloaded truck accidents happen when carriers exceed federal weight limits, making the vehicle harder to stop, more prone to tire blowouts, and more likely to cause severe damage upon impact.
  • Maintenance-related crashes result from mechanical failures that could have been prevented through proper inspections, including brake failures, steering malfunctions, and tire blowouts caused by worn or defective components.

 

No matter what type of truck accident caused your injuries, Jim Adler, The Tough, Smart Lawyer®, is here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries & Damages After a Truck Accident

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that people in passenger vehicles often suffer devastating injuries when these collisions occur. Even accidents at moderate speeds can leave victims with injuries that change their lives forever, requiring months or even years of medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Severe & Catastrophic Injuries

Broken bones from truck accidents are often more severe than those seen in typical car crashes, with shattered pelvises, crushed legs, and compound fractures requiring extensive surgical repair and lengthy recovery periods. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, while traumatic brain injuries may cause lasting problems with memory, concentration, mood, and behavior. Burns from fuel fires or hazardous cargo spills require specialized treatment and can leave victims with permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Other catastrophic injuries include amputations, severe neck and shoulder damage, and internal organ damage that may not show obvious symptoms until the victim’s condition becomes critical. Tragically, many truck accidents result in wrongful death, leaving families to cope with sudden and devastating loss while facing the option of pursuing a claim against the responsible parties.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses for past and future treatment, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and property damage covering vehicle repair or replacement and rental costs. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

 

If your injuries have damaged your relationship with your spouse, your spouse may have a separate claim for loss of consortium under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 41.[9] In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, Chapter 41 also allows for punitive damages when the defendant acted with fraud, malice, or gross negligence.[9]

Case Results

With hundreds of truck accident lawsuits filed, our numbers speak for themselves.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

One of the biggest differences between a regular car accident and a truck accident is the number of people and companies who might share responsibility for what happened. Unlike a crash between two passenger vehicles where blame usually falls on one driver or the other, truck accidents often involve a web of businesses that all played a role in creating a dangerous situation on the road. Figuring out who is responsible matters because each party typically carries its own insurance, and identifying everyone at fault can significantly increase the compensation available to cover your injuries.

  • Truck drivers can be held liable for careless or reckless actions behind the wheel, including speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to follow traffic laws and safety regulations.
  • Trucking companies may face liability for negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, pressuring drivers to violate federal hours-of-service rules, poor fleet maintenance, or violating common-carrier laws that govern the safe transport of goods.
  • Manufacturers and maintenance providers can be held responsible when defective parts like faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning steering systems contribute to an accident that could have been prevented through proper design or repair.
  • Cargo loaders may share liability when improper loading or failure to secure freight causes loads to shift during transport, leading to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or debris spills that endanger other motorists.
  • Other motorists whose negligence contributed to the crash can also be held accountable, and identifying their role ensures that fault is assigned fairly and that you are not wrongly blamed for an accident someone else caused.

 

Our San Antonio truck accident lawyers investigate every link in the chain to make sure no responsible party escapes accountability. The more defendants we can identify, the more insurance coverage becomes available to compensate you for your injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

The moments after a truck accident can be overwhelming, and it is hard to think clearly when you are hurt, scared, and trying to process what just happened. Taking certain steps in the hours and days following your accident may help protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation later. The following suggestions are general guidelines only, and your specific situation may require different actions depending on the circumstances.

1. Get to Safety & Call 911

If you are able to move safely, getting away from traffic and potential hazards such as leaking fuel can help prevent further injuries while you wait for emergency responders to arrive. Calling 911 ensures that police officers document the scene and that emergency medical personnel can evaluate everyone involved in the accident. The police report created at the scene provides an official account of what happened and can be important evidence in your case.

2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important because serious injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries may not show obvious symptoms right away. Medical records created immediately after an accident carry significant weight when pursuing a claim, and delays in treatment can give the insurance company an excuse to argue that your injuries were not caused by the collision or are not as serious as you claim.

3. Document the Scene & Gather Information

Taking photos and videos of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, debris, and road conditions can help preserve important details that may fade or be cleaned up quickly. Collecting names and phone numbers from witnesses who saw what happened can provide independent accounts that support your version of events. You should also write down the truck’s DOT number, the name of the trucking company, and any details you noticed about the driver’s behavior before the accident.

4. Be Careful What You Say

Cooperating with police while avoiding statements that could be misconstrued is wise because anything you say at the scene may be used later by the insurance company to reduce your compensation or shift blame onto you. Avoid apologizing or speculating about what caused the accident, and stick to the facts when speaking with officers.

5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Promptly

Reaching out to a San Antonio truck accident lawyer as soon as possible can be critical because important evidence such as the truck’s electronic control module data and driver logs may be overwritten or erased within days or weeks if no one takes action to secure it. An experienced attorney can send preservation letters to the trucking company, handle communications with insurers, and begin building your case while the evidence is still fresh.

6. Follow Your Treatment Plan & Keep Records

Following your medical treatment plan and keeping records of all diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and expenses helps document the full extent of your injuries and supports your claim for compensation. Missing appointments or ignoring your doctor’s recommendations can hurt your case by suggesting that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.

Every truck accident is different, and you should always prioritize your health and safety above everything else. If you have questions about your specific situation or want to understand your legal options, The Texas Hammer® is here to help with a free case evaluation.

How a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help?

After a serious truck accident, you need more than just a lawyer who will file some paperwork and wait for a check. You need a team that will move fast, dig deep, and fight hard to get you and your family what you deserve. At Jim Adler & Associates, we have been standing up for injured Texans since 1973, and we bring more than 50 years of experience to every case we handle.

Truck Accident? Call Now!

Our San Antonio truck accident lawyers help Texans get the financial compensation they deserve. We only get paid if you win, and we fight to win.

Investigating Your Accident

Trucking companies know that evidence disappears quickly after an accident, and their lawyers and investigators get to work the moment a collision occurs. Electronic data from the truck’s computer can be overwritten within days, surveillance footage from nearby businesses gets recorded over if no one asks for it, and witnesses forget details or move away. Our team moves just as fast as the insurance companies by sending preservation letters demanding that the trucking company secure all evidence related to your accident. We work to obtain the truck’s electronic control module data, driver logs, dash cam footage, and maintenance records before anything gets lost or destroyed. When necessary, we hire accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the physical evidence and explain exactly what happened and why.

Handling Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to protect their company’s money, not to help you. They often reach out to accident victims within hours of a crash, hoping to get recorded statements or quick settlements before people understand the true value of their claims. Our attorneys handle all communications with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about saying the wrong thing or accepting an offer that does not come close to covering your actual losses. We know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we fight back against lowball offers that fail to reflect the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Preparing for Litigation & Negotiating Settlements

The key to getting a good settlement is being fully prepared to go to court if necessary. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to take cases to trial and which ones will accept whatever offer is put on the table, and they adjust their settlement offers accordingly. At Jim Adler & Associates, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial, even while we pursue settlement negotiations. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating Texas courts and procedural rules, and our track record includes multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for truck accident victims. When the defense knows you have a legal team that is ready and able to present your case to a jury, they have much more incentive to offer fair compensation.

No Fee Unless We Win

You should never have to pay out of pocket to find out if you have a case or to get a lawyer working for you. At Jim Adler & Associates, your consultation is free, and we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis.* That means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.* Your job is to focus on getting better, and our job is to handle everything else.

Choosing the Right Truck Accident Lawyer

Not every personal injury lawyer has the experience and resources needed to take on a trucking company and its well-funded insurance carrier. Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car accident claims, and choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision.

“The insurance company wanted me to settle for a lot less and Jim Adler negotiated for me to get a lot more. ” Ariana

Experience & Proven Results

You want a lawyer who focuses on truck accident cases and has a track record of success against trucking companies and their insurers. Ask about past verdicts and settlements, and look for attorneys who have recovered multi-million dollar results for clients with serious injuries. At Jim Adler & Associates, our case results include a $25 million wrongful death settlement and a $16 million recovery for a family who lost a loved one in an 18 wheeler accident. Results like these demonstrate that we know how to build strong cases and fight for full compensation.

Resources & Access to Experts

Trucking accident cases are expensive to fight the right way. You need accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the physical evidence, medical specialists who can explain the full extent of your injuries, economists who can calculate your future losses, and industry specialists who understand federal trucking regulations. Many law firms do not have the financial resources to go up against a big trucking company. Jim Adler & Associates has a team of more than 30 attorneys and 300 legal professionals, and we have the resources to hire the experts your case requires and take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

Personal Attention & Compassion

When you call our firm, you will not be passed off to a call center or left wondering what is happening with your case. You work directly with a dedicated San Antonio truck accident lawyer and a legal team that keeps you informed every step of the way. We know that a truck accident affects your whole family, and we treat you like a person, not just another case number. As The Voice of The Victims™, we understand the long-term physical, emotional, and financial effects of serious injuries, and we fight to make sure every aspect of your suffering is accounted for.

Availability When You Need Us

Truck accident cases move fast, and you need an attorney who is available when urgent questions arise. Jim Adler & Associates offers free consultations so you can understand your options before you commit, and our team is available to speak with you in both English and Spanish. We are here for injured Texans and their families whenever they need us.

San Antonio Truck Accident Statistics & Regulations

Truck accidents are a serious and growing problem across Texas, and San Antonio sees more than its share of these devastating crashes. Understanding the scope of the problem and the safety rules that are supposed to prevent these accidents can help you recognize when a trucking company or driver may have put profits ahead of your safety.

Why San Antonio Roads Are So Dangerous for Drivers?

The numbers paint a troubling picture of truck accident danger on Texas roads. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 4,354 people died in large truck crashes across the country in a recent year, and 65 percent of those deaths were occupants of passenger vehicles rather than the trucks themselves.[10] Texas consistently ranks as one of the deadliest states for truck accidents, and San Antonio sits at a dangerous crossroads where multiple major freight corridors converge. The physical mismatch between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles explains why these crashes are so deadly. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds, which is 20 to 30 times heavier than a typical car. That size difference means passenger vehicle occupants absorb the overwhelming majority of the force in any collision. The IIHS reports that 97 percent of vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger vehicle and a large truck were occupants of the passenger vehicles.[10] Loaded tractor-trailers also require 20 to 40 percent more distance to stop than cars, which means truck drivers have less room for error when traffic slows suddenly or hazards appear on the road.

Federal Safety Regulations That Protect You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes strict rules designed to prevent truck accidents and protect the public. These federal regulations cover everything from how long drivers can stay behind the wheel to how often trucks must be inspected, and violations of these rules can serve as powerful evidence of negligence when accidents occur.[11]

Hours-of-service rules limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and drivers cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty.[7] Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving and cannot exceed 60 or 70 hours of on-duty time in a seven or eight-day period.[7] Trucking companies are required to track these hours using electronic logging devices, and this data can prove whether a driver was illegally fatigued when an accident occurred.[12]

Federal law also requires trucking companies to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial vehicles under their control.[13] Every truck must undergo a thorough annual inspection, and drivers must complete pre-trip inspections before each run to verify that brakes, tires, lights, steering systems, and other critical components are in safe working order. When trucking companies skip these inspections or ignore known mechanical problems to keep trucks on the road, they can be held liable for any accidents that result from equipment failures.

How Regulation Violations Help Prove Your Case?

When a trucking company or driver violates federal safety regulations, that violation can be used as evidence that they failed to meet their legal duty of care. If a driver exceeded hours-of-service limits before causing an accident, electronic logging device records can prove they were illegally fatigued. If a truck’s brakes failed because the company skipped required maintenance, inspection records and repair logs can demonstrate the company knew about the problem and did nothing. Our San Antonio truck accident lawyers know how to obtain these records and use them to build strong cases against negligent trucking companies and their insurers.

Contact Our San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you do not have to face the trucking companies and their insurers alone. The Texas Hammer® has spent more than 50 years standing up for injured Texans, and we are ready to fight for you, too. Our team will investigate your accident, identify every responsible party, and pursue the full compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. You pay nothing unless we win your case, and your initial consultation is completely free.* Call us today or fill out the form on this page to get started.

Find a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston and Surrounding Areas

Find a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston by Zip Code

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyers

After a serious truck accident, you probably have a lot of questions about what comes next and how to protect your family’s future. The answers below address some of the concerns we hear most often from people in your situation. If you have questions that are not covered here, our team is always available to speak with you directly.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators who start working to protect their interests within hours of a crash, and insurance adjusters are trained to minimize what they pay you. An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to obtain critical evidence like electronic logging device records and maintenance logs before they disappear, and can fight to make sure you receive fair compensation rather than a lowball settlement offer. Studies from the Insurance Research Council consistently show that accident victims who hire lawyers recover significantly more than those who try to handle claims on their own. Contact The Texas Hammer® today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Under 
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003

, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.[4] If a loved one died in the accident, wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to seek compensation forever, no matter how strong your case might be. Two years can pass faster than you expect, especially when you are focused on recovering from serious injuries, so we encourage you to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Call us today so we can start protecting your rights before time runs out.

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for what happened. The truck driver is an obvious potential defendant, but the trucking company that employed them can also be held liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate federal hours-of-service regulations . [7] If improper loading caused the accident, the company that loaded the cargo may be responsible, and if faulty brakes or other mechanical failures played a role, the maintenance provider or parts manufacturer could be on the hook as well. Identifying all responsible parties matters because each one typically carries separate insurance coverage , which can significantly increase the compensation available to cover your injuries. [3] Our team investigates every potential defendant to make sure you have access to the maximum recovery available.
Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. In cases involving especially reckless or intentional misconduct, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 41 also allows for punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future. [9] The value of your case depends on the specific facts of your situation, including the severity of your injuries and how the accident has affected your daily life. Let our team evaluate your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

The timeline for resolving a truck accident case varies significantly depending on factors like the complexity of your injuries, how many parties are involved, whether liability is disputed, and how cooperative the insurance companies are. Some straightforward cases settle within a few months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants can take a year or longer. One factor that often extends the timeline is waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement, the point at which your doctors can predict your future medical needs. Settling too early, before you know the full extent of your injuries, can leave you without enough money to cover the treatment you will need down the road. We balance the need for a timely resolution with the importance of ensuring your settlement fully accounts for your long-term needs.

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001 , you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. [5] Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault, so if you were found to be 20 percent at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you would receive $80,000. However, there is an important limit to this rule. If you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you cannot recover anything at all. Insurance companies know this and often try to shift as much blame as possible onto the injured person, which is one reason why having an experienced lawyer on your side is so important. Our attorneys fight back against these tactics and work to make sure fault is assigned fairly based on the evidence.

At Jim Adler & Associates, your initial consultation is completely free, and we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis.* That means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money for you.* You should never have to pay out of pocket to find out if you have a case or to get a lawyer working on your behalf. This arrangement allows injured people to access high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation, and it ensures that our interests are aligned with yours because we only get paid when you do. Call us today to get started at no risk to you.

If you are able to do so safely, gathering evidence at the scene can help strengthen your case. Photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries create a visual record that can be powerful evidence later. Collecting names and phone numbers from witnesses who saw what happened provides independent accounts that support your version of events, and writing down the truck’s DOT number and the name of the trucking company can help your attorney identify the responsible parties. Trucking companies are required to maintain electronic logging device records that can prove whether drivers violated federal rest requirements, but this data can be overwritten within days if no one acts to preserve it. [12] However, your health and safety should always come first. If you were too injured to collect evidence at the scene, call us right away so our team can work to secure critical evidence before it disappears.
Still have questions?

Talk to Jim Adler & Associates Today

After a truck accident in San Antonio, you need a team that knows how to take on trucking companies and their insurers. Jim Adler & Associates steps in to secure evidence, handle insurance communications, and build your case while you focus on recovery. We fight big trucking companies with thorough preparation and aggressive representation, not empty promises. Our team is available to speak with you in both English and Spanish.

We offer a free case review so you can understand your options before you commit. No fee unless we win.* Truck accident cases move fast, and early action protects your rights and preserves critical evidence. The Texas Hammer® is here for injured Texans and their families. If an 18 wheeler turned your life upside down in San Antonio or anywhere in the surrounding area, let our team carry the legal load so you can focus on healing.

References

[1] Texas Department of Transportation, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Involved Crashes and Injuries by County. https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/docs/division/trf/crash-records/2024/30.pdf

[2] National Safety Council, Large Trucks Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/

[3]Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Insurance Filing Requirements, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-filing-requirements

[4] Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 16, Section 16.003, Two-Year Limitations Period. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm

[5] Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 33, Section 33.001, Proportionate Responsibility. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm

[6] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, The Large Truck Crash Causation Study, Analysis Brief. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief

[7] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Summary of Hours of Service Regulations, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations

[8] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Regulations – Alcohol, 49 CFR 392.5, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-392/subpart-A/section-392.5

[9] Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 41, Damages. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.41.htm

[10] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Fatality Facts: Large Trucks. https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks

[11] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Regulations, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations

[12] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Electronic Logging Devices, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices

[13] Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Part 396, Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-396

Get Your FREE Case Review with The Texas Hammer®!

Hurt in an accident? Tell us what happened. We’ll give you straight answers — fast, free, and with no strings attached.*

    Our Locations

    Dallas

    Dallas

    Address
    2711 North Haskell Ave.
    Suite 2500
    Dallas, TX 75204

    Houston

    Address
    1900 W Loop S
    20th Floor
    Houston, TX 77027

    Channelview

    Address
    12605 East Freeway
    Suite 400
    Houston, Texas 77015

    San Antonio

    Address
    7330 San Pedro Ave
    Suite 700
    San Antonio, TX 78216

    CALL NOW