truck accident attorney san antonio

Truck accident attorney san antonio - If you are involved in a truck accident in San Antonio, TX, it can be a very frightening and overwhelming experience. Not only is there a risk of significant property damage, but you and anyone else in your vehicle may also sustain serious injuries.

Due to their large size and weight, big-rig trucks can be much more dangerous than other types of passenger vehicles. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek the assistance of a truck accident attorney in Texas as soon as possible.

When choosing a truck accident lawyer, it is important to carefully consider your options and select the attorney who is best suited to handle your case and meet your needs. It is never a good idea to go without legal representation in the aftermath of a truck accident, as you may face serious penalties and consequences if you do not have an attorney to protect your rights and interests.

A truck accident lawyer is knowledgeable about the law and your specific situation and will work on your behalf to help you obtain fair compensation. Without legal representation, you may be tempted to accept an inadequate settlement offer. An attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Dangers and Causes of Truck Accidents

Transportation accidents are a leading cause of injury and death. Among these accidents, those involving trucks tend to be particularly deadly due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Compared to passenger cars, trucks, especially semi-trucks and eighteen-wheelers, are harder to maneuver and have longer stopping distances, which can lead to catastrophic injuries in a collision. In some cases, trucking companies prioritize profits over driver safety, encouraging their employees to disregard safety regulations.

While some truck accidents are unavoidable, such as those caused by adverse weather conditions, many are the result of driver or other parties' negligence. These causes may include:

• Blind spots,
• Excessively heavy loads,
• Driver fatigue,
• Driver carelessness,
• Highway hypnosis,
• Poor truck maintenance,
• Product liability (lawsuits against companies who manufacture defective vehicles or parts), and
• Speeding.

Frequent Causes of Truck Accidents in San Antonio

There are a number of factors that can contribute to truck accidents in San Antonio. Some common causes include:

1. Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and decreased alertness.
2. Distracted driving: Like all drivers, truck drivers can be distracted by things like texting, eating, or using their GPS while behind the wheel.
3. Improperly maintained vehicles: If a truck is not properly maintained, it can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
4. Poor weather conditions: Inclement weather such as rain, snow, or fog can make it more difficult for truck drivers to see and control their vehicles.
5. Speeding: Truck drivers who are in a hurry may be more likely to speed, which can increase the likelihood of an accident.
6. Substance abuse: Truck drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to be involved in accidents.

Determining Liability in a Truck Accident

In many cases, the truck driver is responsible for a truck accident due to their negligent behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving. If a truck driver fails to follow the law or exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle, they may be held liable for any resulting accidents.

While the truck driver may be held accountable for their actions, they may not have the financial resources to fully compensate a victim for their injuries and damages. In these cases, an experienced truck accident lawyer in San Antonio can help bring claims against other parties to ensure that the victim receives the compensation they need and deserve.

Employers and Trucking Companies: Potential Liability

Many truck drivers are employed by a trucking company, which is typically the owner of the truck or trailer involved in the accident. In some cases, the employer may be held liable for the negligent actions of their drivers through the principle of vicarious liability, even if the driver is fully at fault.

In addition, trucking companies may also be directly liable if their actions contributed to the collision. Examples of negligent behavior by trucking companies might include:

1. Hiring unsafe drivers
2. Failing to supervise or properly train drivers
3. Forcing drivers to work overly long hours
4. Failing to maintain trucks
5. Improperly loading a trailer

Why an Experienced Lawyer Is Needed for Trucking Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation that was established on January 1, 2000, in response to the passage of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act in 1999. The FMCSA's primary goal is to reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

There are many potential causes of commercial trucking accidents, including:

1. Unqualified truck drivers
2. Inadequate safety training programs
3. Driver fatigue
4. Improperly secured load
5. Poor truck maintenance
6. Reckless driving
7. Defective tractor-trailer parts

There are two main types of truck drivers: "owner-operators," who own their own trucks and run their own businesses, and "company drivers," who drive trucks provided by their employer. If a company driver is involved in a commercial trucking accident, their employer may be liable for injuries and damages if the driver is found to be at fault.

Truck drivers are expected to follow strict state and federal trucking regulations to reduce the risk of accidents. However, despite these safeguards, commercial trucking accidents can still occur.

Why Should You Hire an Attorney Right Away?

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, particularly if you have sustained injuries. It is essential to seek legal help as soon as possible to ensure that all relevant evidence is preserved. This may include physical evidence from the scene of the accident and documentation such as driver and company safety records, maintenance logs, and any history of negligence or wrongdoing.

Your attorney will work with investigators and the courts to gather and secure all necessary evidence to establish the liability of the other party. It is important to act quickly, as evidence can disappear or become harder to obtain over time. Your attorney will work diligently to ensure that all relevant evidence is preserved to support your case.