The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
When a collision with an 18-wheeler occurs, the aftermath can be devastating. Victims often face severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term recovery challenges. That’s why working with skilled personal injury attorneys in San Antonio, or your specific area, especially those experienced in trucking accidents, is essential. These legal professionals understand the complexities of trucking laws and the aggressive tactics insurance companies use to reduce or deny valid claims. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, a dedicated personal injury lawyer can be the difference between a denied claim and a full financial recovery.
Photo by Tom Jackson on Pexels
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Accidents involving large commercial trucks differ from standard vehicle collisions in several critical ways. First, the size and weight of 18-wheelers mean that even low-speed impacts can cause catastrophic damage. Second, trucking companies must follow strict federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including limits on driver hours, maintenance standards, and load requirements.
A personal injury lawyer with experience in 18-wheeler crashes understands how to identify violations of these rules. Whether it’s evidence of driver fatigue, improperly secured cargo, or a failure to maintain the truck, your attorney will know how to uncover the facts that can determine liability.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Truck Accident
From the moment an accident occurs, trucking companies and their insurers begin working to protect themselves. They dispatch investigators, adjusters, and even defense lawyers to the crash scene or victims’ hospital rooms. This is why having your own legal advocate, such as an experienced personal injury lawyer, is so important.
Your attorney will immediately begin investigating the crash, gathering evidence such as:
- Driver logs
- Black box (event data recorder) information
- Maintenance records
- Surveillance footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Police and crash reports
This information is crucial to building a strong case. In many instances, personal injury attorneys in San Antonio or your specific area will also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how and why the crash occurred.
Navigating the Legal Process
A truck accident claim involves multiple parties, potentially the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party contractor. Your personal injury lawyer will identify all liable parties and file the appropriate claims.
Most cases are resolved through negotiation, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to trial. Trucking companies have large legal teams, and without skilled representation, victims may be pressured into accepting far less than they deserve.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
Texas law generally gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time. Acting quickly ensures that your personal injury lawyer can secure records before they are lost or destroyed.
For official information on crash statistics and reporting in Texas, visit the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS), a government-maintained database used by legal professionals and the public.
The journey from the crash site to the courtroom is filled with legal, medical, and financial challenges. But with the right personal injury lawyer on your side, especially one experienced in 18-wheeler collisions, you can focus on healing while your attorney fights for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Full disclosure: She Owns It partners with others through contributor posts, affiliate links, and sponsored content. We are compensated for sponsored content. The views and opinions expressed reflect those of our guest contributor or sponsor. We have evaluated the links and content to the best of our ability at this time to make sure they meet our guidelines. As links and information evolve, we ask that readers do their due diligence, research, and consult with professionals as needed. If you have questions or concerns about any content published on our site, please let us know. We strive to only publish ethical content that supports our community. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.