Truck accidents can be very destructive, be it an 18-wheeler, big rig truck, semi-truck or an oil field truck. But here's the real question: how do you find a qualified and experienced truck accident lawyer in San Antonio, Texas, to safeguard your rights and secure the fair compensation you deserve?
Looking for a dependable truck accident attorney can be quite a task. With billboards on every corner and a barrage of commercials, it's easy for you to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
In this article, we've gathered a list of the top 18-wheeler accident attorneys in San Antonio. These are the professionals who have a proven track record of success and have earned their stripes as stalwarts of justice and champions of compensation. Also, we will also delve into the importance of hiring an attorney and guide you on what to watch out for before signing any agreement.
Exploring the Causes of Semi-Truck Crashes in San Antonio
Several government agencies, like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), have been established to regulate the trucking industry and improve safety for drivers on the road. These rules and regulations limit what trucking companies and drivers can and cannot do.
In addition to FMCSA regulations, the Texas Department of Public Safety enforces its own Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service laws. All vehicles traveling through the Lone Star State must adhere to these laws, ensuring the safety of lives and properties.
Unfortunately, for at least 11 consecutive years, Texas has had the highest number of fatal commercial vehicle accidents compared to any other state in the United States. So, what are some of the most common causes of these truck accidents?
1. Alcohol and Drug Use:
The FMCSA regulations stringently ban the use of drugs and alcohol while on duty. Did you know that according to the Texas Department of Transportation, alcohol was the primary factor in almost 1,600 crashes in a single year, causing injuries to over 708 individuals? Commercial truck accidents have more severe consequences than accidents involving other vehicles, prompting the FMCSA to set a strict 0.4% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for truck drivers.
2. Speeding:
Speeding is another major culprit behind big truck crashes in San Antonio. While truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver on time, they must always observe the speed limits set by law.
3. Defective or Faulty Trucks:
Commercial trucks typically cover vast distances, so thorough inspections are a must before setting off on a journey or after coming back from one. However, some trucking companies neglect these inspections, or overlook certain issues, deeming them as "minor." But let's be clear; a faulty truck is a hazard not only to the driver but also to all other road users.
4. Distractions:
A distracted driver is an accident waiting to happen. Despite their professional obligations, truck drivers sometimes fall into the trap of distraction. Long routes can be tedious, and truck drivers may be tempted to use their phones, adjust their radio, or snack during the drive. These seemingly minor distractions can take the driver's attention off the road for a moment — a moment long enough for an accident to happen.
Did you know that truck drivers who text are 23 times more likely to cause a road accident? The FMCSA has imposed a strict ban on texting for truck drivers, with penalties reaching up to $2,750 and the potential loss of their commercial driver's license.
5. Poor Road Conditions:
From missing signs to road work crews, and from poorly designed roads to lack of maintenance, all can contribute to truck accidents.
6. Incorrect Cargo Loading:
The FMCSA has implemented cargo securement rules that guide weight management. While a regular car can weigh around 4,000 pounds, a fully loaded truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. When the FMCSA weight limits and protocols are ignored, the truck can become unbalanced and pose a significant threat to other road users.
Also Read: Personal Injury Attorney in Texas: All You Need to Know
What To do After a Truck Accident
When you or your loved one is involved in a truck accident, here are a few things to in the aftermath of such event
1. Safety First:
If you are physically capable, move yourself and others away from the accident scene to prevent further injuries.
2. Call for Help:
Dial 911 to alert the authorities and request medical help. Even if you don't see any visible injuries, you might have suffered internal injuries. It's always best to have a medical professional check you over.
3. Gather Evidence:
If you are capable, gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This includes taking photos or videos, noting down the truck's registration number, and gathering contact information from any witnesses. Your lawyer can use all of this information when building your case.
4. Inform Your Insurance Company:
Report the accident to your insurance company. However, it's crucial to avoid speculating about the cause of the accident or discussing your injuries in detail without consulting with your lawyer.
5. Hire a Lawyer:
The legal processes following a truck accident can be complex and time-consuming. When you contact a truck accident law firm for a lawyer, you get to save time and increase your chances of securing the best possible compensation.
How can a San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney help?
Truck accidents are different from car accidents. Other than the truck driver, there are several parties that can be held liable for damages and only a good San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help out. Here's how they can assist:
Accident Investigation:
The lawyer will commence their work by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident. They will gather crucial evidence, interview witnesses, examine the truck's black box data, and analyze police reports to establish liability and build a strong case for you.
Identifying Liable Parties:
Liability in a truck accident is not always straightforward. Other than the driver, other parties such as the trucking company, truck manufacturer, or maintenance company could also be held responsible. Your attorney, having in-depth knowledge of this field, can identify all parties liable for the accident and hold them accountable.
Insurance Claims Handling:
Insurance companies can be challenging to deal with, especially in cases involving severe accidents like truck crashes. Often, they aim to deny or minimize the compensation they pay out. An experienced truck accident lawyer can negotiate effectively with the insurance companies, fighting to get you the fair compensation you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit:
If negotiations with the insurance company don't yield a satisfactory outcome, your lawyer can proceed to file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
How a Truck Accident Claim Process works
Nothing
is automatic. When you hire an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in San
Antonio to handle your truck accident case, your claim will go through
the following stages:
1. Evidence Collection:
Your attorney's first job is to gather as much information about your accident as possible. This may involve examining the accident scene, talking to witnesses, and reviewing police and medical reports. Your own evidence, such as photographs or video footage of the crash scene or your injuries, can greatly aid this process.
2. Treatment Phase:
The focus now shifts to your medical treatment. The nature and extent of your injuries will significantly impact the eventual compensation amount. The more severe your injuries and the more they impact your life, the higher the potential compensation.
3. Negotiations:
After you complete your medical treatment, your attorney will have a clear idea of the total damages incurred. They can then negotiate with the trucking company or their insurance provider. Ideally, your lawyer will aim to recover 100% of your medical bills, property damage, and compensation for any pain and suffering. Many claims are resolved during this phase. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your case may need to go to court.
4. Litigation:
This final stage involves presenting your case in court. Your truck accident attorney will detail your experience, explain the impact of your injuries, and argue for your deserving compensation. Remember, the defendants will also have legal representation to contest your claims. However, if your lawyer makes a strong enough case, you can win your lawsuit and receive your compensation.
How do you find the right semi-truck accident lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve? What should you look out for?
Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Texas by area:
How To Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio
Selecting the right truck accident lawyer can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time dealing with such a situation. Here are some factors to consider to help you make the right choice:
Experience:
Reputation:
A lawyer's reputation can give you a sense of their credibility and the level of service they provide. You could read online reviews, testimonials, or even ask around to find out more about their reputation.
Communication Skills:
Communication is key in any legal case. Your lawyer should be able to clearly and concisely explain to you the process, your rights, and what to expect at each stage. They should also be good listeners, taking the time to understand your concerns and answer your questions.
Availability:
Time is of the essence in any legal claim. Ensure that your lawyer is ready and available to handle your case promptly. Prolonged cases could lead to the loss of critical evidence, making it harder to prove your claim.
Fees:
Most truck accident lawyers operate on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Make sure to clarify this aspect before hiring your lawyer.
Truck Accident Lawyers Near Me:
Truck
accidents happen and are often due to the negligence of the truck
driver, the trucking company, manufacturer or the three of them. If
you're looking for a legal representation to help with an accident case,
consider
the following top-rated truck accident attorneys in San Antonio.
1. Hill Law Firm
Hill Law Firm is a Texas-based law firm with some of the best truck accident attorneys in San Antonio. Founded in 2015, this truck accident law firm is dedicated to the principle that every client deserves a zealous advocate and their day in court. Founding attorney Justin Hill is a trial lawyer representing individuals and businesses in South Texas since 2007. In his career, Justin has won many awards.
He was named a Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star for consecutive years since 2012; he is also a member of the Million-Dollar Advocates Forum and has been listed as one of America's top 100 personal injury lawyers in 2019. Justin Hill has a 10. AVVO rating and has published papers discussing trucking litigation that have been presented at multiple continuing legal education programs. This San Antonio truck accident lawyer is certainly good at what he does and can undoubtedly secure the best possible outcome for your case.
2. Thompson Law LLP
When searching for a good 18-wheeler accident attorney in San Antonio, Thompson Law LLP is an excellent place to start. With over 350 years of combined experience in legal representation, these attorneys have recovered over $1.8 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients. These legal professionals have relentlessly sought justice for their clients, which has seen them obtain two of the Top 5 personal injury verdicts in Texas in 2020. Some of their record cases include an $11,991,670 death verdict in a truck accident, a $3,107,629 death verdict in an auto accident and a $3,999,297 death settlement in a truck wreck.
Founding attorney Thompson Ryan has dedicated his entire career and substantial resources to representing accident and injury victims across Texas and, in the process, has earned several awards and recognitions, which include: Texas Super Lawyers, Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Lifetime Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum etc. This 18-wheeler lawyer certainly has what it takes to influence the maximum outcome for your case.
3. The Law Offices of Carabin Shaw
Since 1992, these attorneys have advocated for and provided legal representation to victims and their families affected by trucking accidents. With Over $1 billion recovered for clients and successful results in some of the most significant trucking cases recorded in the last ten years, this law firm is undoubtedly a place to be when searching for a top-rated 18-wheeler accident attorney in San Antonio.
The Law Offices of Carabin Shaw was founded over 28 years ago and have a combined experience of over 200 years in personal injury law. These dedicated attorneys focus solely on advocating for the rights of individuals who have been injured or tragically lost their lives in accidents and have had record results, including a $1.9 Million settlement in an 18-Wheeler Collision case, a $2 Million death settlement in a trucking accident and a $1.47 Million settlement in a commercial vehicle accident case.
4. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, have top-rated truck accident attorneys in San Antonio with over 120 combined years of experience and have recovered over $400 million in settlements. These guys have helped over 40 thousand clients gain settlements for their injuries and have earned national recognition for their high-quality legal service, such as recognition from America's Top 100 High Stake Litigators, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Super Lawyers.
Some of their record success include a $1.7 million compensation for a truck accident victim, a $775,000 compensation for a father and son who sustained severe injuries when a large pickup truck slammed into the back of their small SUV, and a $3,850,000 verdict in a semi-truck accident that resulted in a brain injury. Matthew Dolman founded the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers Firm in 2004 and has since become a reliable 18-wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio.
5. The Wyatt Law Firm
The attorneys at Wyatt Law Firm have many years of experience and a history of successfully taking on insurance companies and negligent corporations in San Antonio and across the nation. These law professionals have decades of experience and have recovered over $500 Million in settlements for clients. If you're looking for an aggressive truck accident attorney for your case, rest assured that the Wyatt Law Firm is here to support you and is prepared to deliver the outcomes you seek.
Some record cases handled by these attorneys include a $3,113,963 death compensation in an 18-wheeler accident case, a $19.5 million verdict in an 18-wheeler incident case, a $2.95 million settlement for a commercial truck accident case and a $10.25 million settlement for a wrongful death by a large truck. Wyatt Law Firm has a 30-year history of winning and has received several awards and recognition from Super Lawyers, Multimillion-Dollar Advocates Forum and named Top Ten Personal Injury Law Firm.
Conclusion
Suppose you want to receive the highest possible compensation for your losses in accidents caused by negligent truck drivers or trucking companies. In that case, having a reliable 18-wheeler accident attorney is essential.