Injured in a Trucking Accident in San Antonio?

Find Guidance and Support from the experienced personal injury lawyers at J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP.

If you find yourself or a loved one grappling with the aftermath of an accident involving an 18-wheeler, container truck, semi-truck, or any commercial truck, you’re not alone. The road to recovery after an accident begins with hiring our experienced and aggressive San Antonio truck accident lawyers at J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP.

With years of experience handling cases entwined with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations, we stand ready to fight for the justice and fair compensation you rightfully deserve. Our expertise extends beyond 18 wheeler crashes to include car accidents, wrongful death claims, and all types of motor vehicle accident cases throughout San Antonio and South Texas

At J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP, we understand the substantial, severe, and life-altering effects caused by an 18-wheeler accident. Our dedication and commitment to fighting for and protecting your rights are our number one priority as we help you regain your quality of life in the chaotic aftermath of a truck crash in Bexar County.

We understand and have the resources to immediately secure evidence in an accident investigation, such as:

• Dash cam videos and dash cams
• Event data recorder information
• Electronic logging devices data
• Eyewitness testimony
• Engine control module data
• Black box data analysis
• Weight tickets and maintenance records
• Driver qualification files
• Hours of service documentation

We have the connections to ensure you receive the best available medical treatment at no up-front cost, including access to Level 1 trauma facilities and specialized rehabilitation centers.

We ensure that you will receive prompt, professional, and proactive medical treatment.

Types Of Injuries You Could Suffer From A Truck Accident in San Antonio

Catastrophic Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injuries(TBI) and brain damage
• Concussions requiring ongoing treatment
• Spinal cord injuriesleading to paralysis
• Crush injuries from large trucks
• Internal injuries requiring emergency surgery
• Fractures and broken bones
• Joint and soft tissue injuries requiring physical therapy
• Burn injuries from fuel spills or explosions

Many of these injuries require treatment from certified medical specialists, pain management experts, mental health professionals, and life care planners to address long-term care needs.

San Antonio Highway Accident Locations

San Antonio’s position as a major transportation hub creates significant risks for traffic accidents. Interstate 10 is a primary corridor for heavy freight traffic between Houston and El Paso, making it one of the most dangerous highways in Texas for truck/18-wheeler accidents.

Other high-risk areas include Loop 410, Interstate 35, and State Highway 151, all of which carry substantial commercial vehicle traffic serving San Antonio’s logistics and manufacturing sectors. These interstate highways experience frequent accidents involving passenger vehicles and large trucks.

Proving Negligence: Did the Employer Neglect to Verify Driver Qualifications?

Beneath the surface of these semi-truck collisions often lie overlooked details of neglect. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) lay out stringent guidelines that companies are mandated to follow. However, many fail to uphold these critical standards until the weight of legal action reveals their oversights.

Hiring our experienced, resourceful, aggressive attorneys will ensure that all these critical standards are addressed and reviewed and that you, the accident victim, will get the financial compensation you deserve.

Section 391.51 of the FMCSR delves into the General Requirements for Driver Qualification Files, including:

• Maintenance of a truck driver qualification file for every employed driver by the motor carrier
• Inclusion of the truck driver’s employment application and a valid driver’s license
• Copies of motor vehicle records sourced from State records for each driver
• Certificates of driver’s road tests issued to the drivers
• Annual driver record inquiries from State driver licensing agencies
• Documentation related to the annual review of the driver’s driving record
• A list or certificate of violations of motor vehicle laws and ordinances
• The mandatory medical examiner’s certificate or a legible copy of the certificate
• A Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate from a Field Administrator, Division Administrator, or State Director

Peeling Back The Layers of Negligence

Companies and drivers of commercial interstate tractor-trailers (also known as 18-wheelers) are subject to the strict regulations outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA). This framework of federal and state laws outlines the requirements for both motor carriers and drivers to traverse the nation’s highways legally.

Throughout our dedicated litigation pursuits, the resourceful law firm of J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP, has uncovered numerous violations that contributed to negligence, resulting in substantial recoveries. Your claim is solid when we prove any of the points listed below.

Rest assured that our South Texas legal team will not rest till we find the responsible party and make sure that you receive financial compensation for your serious injuries from the accident.

Common Causes of Accidents:

• Distracted Driving
• Truck driver fatiguefrom violating the Hours of Service regulations
• Reckless Driving– Disobeying Traffic Laws – Improper Braking
• Drivers operating without a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Drivers are inadequately trainedfor the demands of the road
• Drivers are negligent in maintaining proper Driver Logs
• Driving too many consecutive hours without rest breaks – Driver Fatigue
• Drivers found operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (Impaired Driving)
• Improper Maintenance –Lack of Regular Maintenance – No Truck Maintenance Records provided
• Mechanical Failure – Brake Failure – Bad Brakes – Tire Blow-Outs – Poor Maintenance
• Defective parts from truck manufacturers
• Cargo Loading Company – Cargo Loaders – Cargo Shifts causing instability
• Companies neglecting to qualify their drivers in alignment with FMCSR regulations
• Companies failing to ensure their drivers meet stringent CDL qualifications
• Violations of trucking industry regulations and safety features standards

Expert Witnesses and Investigation Team

Our cases benefit from working with qualified experts, including:

• Accident reconstructionists who analyze crash dynamics
• Biomechanical engineers who study injury mechanisms
• Trucking industry specialists familiar with FMCSA regulations
• Highway safety engineers who evaluate road design factors
• Forensic economists who calculate financial losses
• Vocational rehabilitation experts who assess work capacity
• FMCSA Compliance Consultants who identify regulatory violations

We also work with courtroom muscle – experienced trial attorneys ready to take your case to court when insurance companies refuse fair settlements.

Compensation For Damages: What Can You Expect?

We pursue three different kinds of damages in accident cases:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses that can be calculated with reasonable certainty:

Medical Expenses: All treatments from the date of the accident and all projected lifetime costs, including:

• Emergency Room and Hospital bills
• Surgery and Medications costs
• Ambulance Fees
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Treatment at Level 1 trauma facilities

Lost Income: Present and future earning capacity, including loss of earning capacity

Property Damages: Car repair or replacement, loss of personal property damaged in the vehicle

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible and subjective, making them difficult to quantify:

• Pain and Suffering – Chronic Pain – Permanent Injuries
• Head Trauma – TBI – Neck Injury
• Severe Burns – Continuous Physical Pain – Long-term Care
• Emotional Trauma – Loss of Companionship – Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages (also called “exemplary damages”) are monetary awards designed to punish defendants for particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code:

• Gross Negligence: Extreme carelessness or recklessness
• Intentional Misconduct: Deliberate harmful actions
• Malicious Conduct: Acting with intent to harm
• Fraud: Deceptive practices that caused harm
• Drunk Driving: Impaired driving causing injury

Wrongful Death Claims

When accidents result in fatalities, we help families pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their devastating losses, including economic support and loss of companionship.

San Antonio Accident Statistics and Highway Safety

We face a real accident problem in and around our city. With all the heavy freight traffic coming from Mexico through Laredo to San Antonio and then North on Interstate 35 to Austin and further north, our highways experience dangerous mixing of passenger cars with large commercial vehicles.

According to Texas Department of Transportation data:

• Total traffic fatalities in San Antonio (2022): 199 people died in 186 fatal crashes
• Truck-specific fatalities (2022): 27 people died in 14 fatal truck crashes
• Truck accidents accounted for 27 out of 199 total traffic deaths in San Antonio in 2022 (13.6% of all traffic fatalities)
• The 338 total truck crashes included fatal, serious injury, minor injury, and possible injury crashes

Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle

Our personal injury law firm handles all types of vehicle accidents, including:

• Semi-truck accidents and 18-wheeler wrecks
• Car accidents involving commercial vehicles
• Motorcycle accidents with large trucks
• Bicycle accidents caused by commercial trucks
• Delivery van accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
• Construction vehicle accidents
• Tanker truck accidents involving hazardous materials

Each type of accident requires specialized knowledge of trucking industry regulations, vehicle safety features, and potential defective truck components.

Federal Regulations and Compliance Issues

Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of federal regulations governing the trucking industry:

FMCSA Regulations

• Hours of Service limitations to prevent driver fatigue
• Electronic Logging Devices requirements for tracking driver hours
• Drug and alcohol testing protocols
• Driver qualification standards and medical certification
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements

DOT Regulations

• Weight restrictions and cargo securement standards
• Commercial driver licensing requirements
• Insurance policy minimums for commercial carriers
• Safety rating systems for trucking companies

American Trucking Association Standards

• Industry best practices for vehicle maintenance
• Driver training and certification programs
• Safety technology implementation guidelines

Insurance Company Tactics and Legal Protection

The insurers representing trucking companies often employ sophisticated insurance defense tactics to minimize payouts. Common strategies include:

• Disputing the extent of injuries and medical expenses
• Challenging the need for ongoing medical treatment
• Questioning the impact on earning capacity
• Attempting to shift blame to other parties
• Delaying claim processing to pressure for quick settlements

Our law firm understands these tactics and fights back with thorough case preparation and aggressive advocacy. We ensure that underwriters cannot take advantage of accident victims during vulnerable recovery periods.

Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation

Accident victims often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation:

• Emergency treatment at Level 1 trauma facilities
• Specialized care from certified medical specialists
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• Pain management from qualified experts
• Mental health counseling for trauma recovery
• Long-term care planning with life care planners
• Adaptive equipment and home modifications
• Vocational rehabilitation for return to work

We coordinate with medical providers to ensure victims receive appropriate care while building strong cases for maximum compensation.

South Texas 18-Wheeler Accident FAQ

If you team up with us, we’ll be there for you from that moment until the day you receive the compensation you’re owed. Here are common questions about 18 wheeler accident cases:

What happens if the truck is from out of state? We handle interstate trucking cases involving drivers and carriers nationwide.

Should I accept the insurer’s offer? Never accept initial offers without consulting experienced truck accident attorneys.

The insurer has asked me to make a statement. Should I? Do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters or company representatives before consulting our lawyer.

How long do I have to file a claim? Texas has a specific statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims.

Do I need to go to court? Many accident injury cases settle out of court, but we’re prepared to go to trial when necessary.

What if loose cargo caused my accident? Cargo loaders and trucking companies can be held liable for improperly secured loads.

Why Choose J.A. Davis & Associates for Your Truck Accident Case

Experience with Maximum-Value Trucking Accident Cases

Our semi-truck injury lawyers have decades of experience handling complex accident cases valued in the millions. We understand Personal Injury Trial Law procedures and have the courtroom muscle necessary to take on major trucking companies and their insurance carriers.

Comprehensive Legal Support

From initial accident investigation through final settlement or trial verdict, we provide comprehensive support for accident victims and their families. Our services include:

• Immediate evidence preservation and accident investigation
• Coordination with medical specialists and rehabilitation centers
• Expert witness testimony from accident reconstructionists and industry specialists
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
• Trial preparation and courtroom advocacy when necessary

No Fee Unless We Win

We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation. This allows injury victims to pursue legal action without worrying about upfront costs while dealing with medical bills and lost wages.