San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Fighting for 18-Wheeler Crash Victims

The Serious Threat of Truck Accidents in San Antonio

San Antonio’s position at the intersection of major interstate highways makes our city a hub for commercial trucking—and a danger zone for truck accidents. I-35 and I-10 carry constant streams of 18-wheelers through Bexar County, moving freight between Mexico, the Texas coast, and markets throughout the United States. This heavy truck traffic creates elevated risks for San Antonio drivers every day.

The statistics are sobering. Texas leads the nation in fatal truck accidents, recording 705 fatal truck and 18-wheeler crashes in 2023—more than any other state. Those accidents killed 235 people, including 153 passenger vehicle occupants. In total, Texas saw over 35,000 crashes involving commercial trucks that year, averaging nearly 100 truck accidents every single day across the state.

Bexar County consistently ranks among the top three counties in Texas for commercial vehicle collisions, trailing only Harris County (Houston) and Dallas County. The constant flow of 18-wheelers on I-35, I-10, Loop 410, and Loop 1604 creates dangerous conditions that San Antonio drivers cannot avoid.

When a massive commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. One in four Texas truck crashes results in injury, and one in ten causes the most severe injuries or death. The physics are simply overwhelming—a fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds.

True Litigation Firm Ready to Take on Trucking Companies

Truck accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident cases. Major trucking companies and their insurers deploy teams of lawyers, accident investigators, and experts immediately after serious crashes. They work to protect corporate interests, minimize liability, and limit payouts to victims.

Harper Law Firm is not intimidated by these tactics. As a true litigation firm, we prepare every truck accident case for trial from day one. Our comprehensive approach includes:
• Immediate investigation and evidence preservation before trucking companies can alter or destroy records • Analysis of driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and hours-of-service compliance • Examination of truck maintenance records and inspection histories • Review of the trucking company’s safety record and prior violations • Consultation with accident reconstruction experts • Identification of all liable parties and insurance policies • Aggressive negotiation backed by genuine trial preparation
Unlike settlement mills that want to resolve cases quickly, we invest the time and resources necessary to build compelling cases against trucking companies. Insurance adjusters know which firms actually try cases—and they know Harper Law Firm is prepared to go to trial when necessary.

Local Knowledge of San Antonio’s Truck Corridors

Harper Law Firm is based right here in San Antonio. Our attorneys navigate the same highways where these devastating crashes occur, and we understand the specific dangers facing local drivers:
• I-35’s heavy north-south freight traffic through downtown • I-10’s east-west commercial corridor • Loop 410’s truck traffic around the city • Loop 1604’s growing suburban truck volumes • The intersection dangers where these highways converge
This local knowledge strengthens our representation of truck accident victims throughout Bexar County.

Why San Antonio Sees So Many Truck Accidents

I-35: A Critical and Dangerous Freight Corridor

Interstate 35 stretches 588 miles through Texas, from the Oklahoma border to Laredo on the Mexican border. This critical north-south corridor passes directly through San Antonio’s downtown, carrying enormous volumes of commercial truck traffic between Mexico and the U.S. heartland.

I-35 has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of Texas’s most dangerous highways. In 2018 alone, over 20,000 traffic accidents were reported on I-35, killing 153 motorists. The highway’s constant commercial truck presence contributes significantly to these numbers.

Contributing factors on I-35 include:
Massive truck volumes. Cross-border trade ensures constant 18-wheeler traffic through San Antonio.
Frequent lane changes. The number of lanes on I-35 increases and decreases with little warning, requiring sudden decisions from both truck drivers and passenger vehicle operators.
Complex interchanges. Vehicles entering and exiting via numerous interchanges create constant conflict points with truck traffic.
Construction zones. Ongoing highway improvements create additional hazards for navigating around large trucks.

I-10: East-West Commercial Highway

Interstate 10 runs east-west through San Antonio, connecting Houston’s port facilities and refineries with West Texas and points beyond. This major freight corridor carries heavy commercial traffic through Bexar County daily.

I-10 was ranked the most dangerous road in all of Texas in 2023, with 126 fatal crashes—many occurring along the San Antonio stretch. The combination of high speeds, heavy truck volumes, and complex interchanges creates constant hazards.

Growing Truck Traffic and Inadequate Infrastructure

According to the Texas Tribune, the number of 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers on Texas roads is expected to grow by more than 22% by 2030—far exceeding the volume these highways were built to handle. San Antonio’s infrastructure struggles to accommodate current truck traffic, let alone projected increases.

This growth comes without corresponding investment in road safety improvements, enforcement, or truck driver training requirements. The result is increasingly dangerous conditions for San Antonio drivers.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Antonio

Driver Fatigue

Federal hours-of-service regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate between rest breaks, but violations remain common. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to fatigued driving.

A drowsy truck driver operating an 80,000-pound vehicle at highway speeds poses extreme danger to surrounding traffic. Fatigue slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel.

Distracted Driving

Long hours behind the wheel make truck drivers particularly vulnerable to distractions. Cell phone use, GPS adjustments, eating while driving, and other distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road at critical moments.

At highway speeds, even a few seconds of distraction can be deadly when operating a massive commercial truck.

Inadequate Training

Driver shortages have led some trucking companies to hire inexperienced drivers who lack proper training. Operating an 18-wheeler requires specialized skills that many new drivers simply don’t possess.

Improper Loading

Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing trucks to become unbalanced or even roll over. Cargo that breaks free can strike other vehicles or create road hazards.

Equipment Failure

Federal regulations require regular truck inspections and maintenance, but some trucking companies cut corners to reduce costs. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems cause preventable accidents.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Pressure to meet delivery deadlines leads some truck drivers to speed, tailgate, and make aggressive maneuvers. These behaviors are especially dangerous given the size and stopping distance requirements of commercial trucks.

Substance Abuse

Despite mandatory drug testing requirements, some truck drivers operate under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications that impair driving ability.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

Rear-End Collisions

When a fully loaded 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. These crashes frequently occur when truck drivers fail to maintain safe following distances or are distracted when traffic slows.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. These dangerous incidents typically result from sudden braking, slippery roads, or equipment failure, and can sweep multiple vehicles into the crash.

Underride Accidents

Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer in a collision. These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries or death as the trailer shears through the passenger vehicle’s cabin.

Rollover Accidents

Top-heavy loads, excessive speed on curves, and sudden maneuvers can cause trucks to roll over. Rollover accidents may crush nearby vehicles or scatter cargo across roadways.

Wide Turn Accidents

18-wheelers require significant space to complete turns, often swinging wide into adjacent lanes. Vehicles caught in these spaces can be crushed or pushed off the road.

Blind Spot Accidents

Large trucks have massive blind spots—called “No Zones”—on all four sides. Drivers who can’t see surrounding vehicles may change lanes into them or fail to notice vehicles beside them when turning.

Lost Cargo Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, striking other vehicles or creating road hazards that cause subsequent crashes.

Tire Blowouts

Truck tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control, and the debris from failed tires creates hazards for following vehicles.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties—a key difference from standard car accident claims. Our attorneys investigate all possible sources of liability and recovery:

The Truck Driver

Drivers who cause accidents through negligence—including distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or impairment—can be held personally liable.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be held liable for:
• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers • Inadequate driver training • Pressure to violate hours-of-service regulations • Failure to maintain vehicles properly • Negligent supervision of drivers
Under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior,” trucking companies may also be vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence while operating company vehicles.

Cargo Loaders

Companies responsible for loading truck cargo can be liable when improper loading causes accidents.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective trucks, trailers, or component parts that contribute to accidents can create product liability claims against manufacturers.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party companies that perform maintenance on commercial trucks may be liable when inadequate maintenance causes equipment failures.

Government Entities

In some cases, dangerous road conditions or inadequate signage may contribute to truck accidents, potentially creating claims against government entities.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Commercial trucking is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations establish minimum safety standards that trucking companies and drivers must follow:

Hours of Service Rules

Federal regulations limit driving hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents:
• Maximum 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty • Maximum 14-hour workday window • Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving • Maximum 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days

Electronic Logging Devices

Most commercial trucks must use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to automatically record driving hours. These devices provide crucial evidence in truck accident cases, showing whether drivers exceeded legal limits.

Driver Qualification Requirements

Federal regulations establish minimum qualifications for commercial truck drivers, including:
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements • Age requirements (21 for interstate commerce) • Physical qualification standards • Drug and alcohol testing requirements

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must maintain trucks in safe operating condition and conduct regular inspections. Drivers must perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects.

Cargo Securement

Federal regulations specify how cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling during transit.
Violations of these regulations often serve as powerful evidence of negligence in truck accident cases.

Compensation in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident victims often face catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Compensation may include:
Economic Damages: • Emergency medical treatment • Hospitalization and surgery costs • Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation • Physical therapy and occupational therapy • Future medical expenses • Lost wages during recovery • Reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities • Vehicle replacement and property damage • Home modifications for disability accommodations • Medical equipment and assistive devices
Non-Economic Damages: • Physical pain and suffering • Mental anguish and emotional trauma • Loss of enjoyment of life • Disfigurement and permanent scarring • Loss of consortium for spouses
Punitive Damages: • Available when trucking companies or drivers acted with gross negligence • May apply when companies knowingly violated safety regulations • Designed to punish egregious conduct and deter similar behavior

Commercial trucks are required to carry substantially higher insurance coverage than passenger vehicles—typically $750,000 to $1 million or more for general freight carriers. This greater coverage potential makes pursuing maximum compensation even more important.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in San Antonio

At the Accident Scene:
Call 911 immediately—truck accidents often cause severe injuries requiring emergency response
Do not approach the truck if there’s any risk of fire, cargo spillage, or other hazards
Seek medical attention for any injuries
Document everything possible—photograph vehicles, road conditions, truck markings, license plates, and DOT numbers
Collect witness information
Do not give statements to trucking company representatives who may arrive at the scene
Note the trucking company name displayed on the vehicle

After the Accident:
Seek comprehensive medical evaluation—truck accident injuries may not be immediately apparent
Follow all treatment recommendations
Do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel
Contact Harper Law Firm immediately—evidence in truck cases can be altered or destroyed quickly

Why Immediate Legal Representation Matters

Trucking companies begin investigating accidents immediately, often sending teams to the scene within hours. They work to preserve evidence favorable to their interests while potentially allowing unfavorable evidence to disappear.

Federal regulations require trucking companies to preserve certain records after accidents, but these requirements have limited duration. Prompt legal representation ensures that critical evidence—including electronic logging device data, driver qualification files, maintenance records, and dispatch communications—is preserved before it can be destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are truck accident cases different from car accident cases?

Truck accidents involve significantly higher stakes, more complex liability questions, multiple potentially responsible parties, federal regulations, and commercial insurance policies. The trucking industry’s resources mean victims need experienced legal representation to level the playing field.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Truck accident cases often involve catastrophic injuries and substantial compensation. Value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, long-term impact, and the strength of evidence against the trucking company. We provide honest case evaluations during free consultations.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas law generally provides two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, truck accident evidence can be destroyed much sooner. We recommend contacting an attorney immediately to preserve crucial evidence.

What if the trucking company offers a settlement quickly?

Early settlement offers from trucking companies are almost always inadequate. They hope victims will accept before understanding the full extent of their injuries and damages. Never accept a settlement without consulting an experienced truck accident attorney.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. Trucking companies often try to shift blame to victims—experienced legal representation protects against these tactics.

Serving San Antonio and Throughout Texas

Harper Law Firm represents truck accident victims throughout San Antonio and Bexar County, as well as crashes occurring on Texas highways statewide:
• I-35 corridor from Laredo to Dallas • I-10 from Houston through San Antonio to El Paso • Loop 410 and Loop 1604 around San Antonio • Highway 281, Highway 151, and US-90 • All Bexar County roads and highways

Contact Harper Law Firm for Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in San Antonio, you need experienced attorneys who understand the complexity of these cases and are prepared to fight major trucking companies.

Texas leads the nation in fatal truck accidents. Bexar County ranks among the state’s most dangerous areas for commercial vehicle collisions. When negligent trucking companies and drivers cause devastating injuries, you deserve aggressive legal representation from a true litigation firm.

Harper Law Firm offers free, no-obligation consultations where we’ll review your accident, explain your legal options, and provide honest assessment of your potential case.

Contact Harper Law Firm today. Your San Antonio truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for you.