An accident involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. In Texas alone, over 600 fatal crashes occur each year due to commercial trucks, with 18-wheelers accounting for a significant portion of these accidents. San Antonio semi-truck accident attorney Reynaldo Diaz is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process and helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Recover damages from a commercial
vehicle crash
18-wheeler accidents occur when a large commercial truck collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or infrastructure. Due to the massive size and weight of these trucks, the impact is catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. These can occur for various reasons, including driver fatigue, excessive speeding, and poor road conditions. The consequences are far more severe than typical car accidents due to the weight discrepancy, as 18-wheelers weigh up to 80,000 pounds, significantly heavier than the average passenger vehicle.
In Texas, 18-wheeler accidents are governed by both state traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. These include rules on driver hours, vehicle inspections, and liability insurance. Multiple parties may be legally responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, or even the cargo owner. Mr. Diaz is well-versed in these legal nuances. If you or a loved one has been affected, contact Reynaldo Diaz to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Common reasons for
18-wheeler accidents:
- Driver fatigue or exhaustion from long hours on the road
- Distracted driving due to mobile phone use or other distractions
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance or failure to inspect key components
- Improperly loaded cargo leading to instability or imbalance
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or icy roads
- Failure to follow safety regulations or traffic laws
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving or road rage incidents
- Mechanical failure, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts
If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, contact San Antonio semi-truck accident attorney Reynaldo Diaz today.
Why call an 18-wheeler accident attorney
18-wheeler accident cases often involve multiple parties, complex regulations, and significant damages. An experienced attorney can help you protect your rights, investigate the crash, and seek the compensation you may be entitled to. Without skilled legal guidance, it’s easy to feel lost or pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.
Here are a few reasons why calling an attorney is essential:
- Investigating the cause of the accident thoroughly and accurately
- Identifying all potentially liable parties, including trucking companies
- Preserving crucial evidence before it is lost or altered
- Handling communications with insurance adjusters and legal teams
- Evaluating the full extent of your medical and financial damages
- Negotiating for a fair and comprehensive settlement
- Preparing your case for trial if a fair offer isn’t made
Common types of 18-wheeler accidents we handle
Accidents involving 18-wheelers can take many forms, each with its own unique set of challenges. Reynaldo Diaz is experienced in handling various types of truck-related accidents and is committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Below are some of the most common types of 18-wheeler accidents we handle:
Rear-end accidents
Rear-end collisions with 18-wheelers are often the result of sudden stops, driver inattention, or insufficient braking distance. Given the truck’s size and weight, the damage caused is typically severe, often leading to serious injuries for those in smaller vehicles.
Rollover accidents
Rollover accidents occur when an 18-wheeler loses control and tips over, often spilling its cargo. These can happen due to sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or speeding. Rollover accidents can be especially hazardous due to the risk of cargo spilling onto the road.
Multi-vehicle accidents
When an 18-wheeler is involved in a multi-vehicle crash, the damage can be extensive due to the size disparity between the truck and other vehicles. These accidents often involve chain reactions where the truck’s inability to stop quickly leads to multiple vehicles colliding.
Uninsured drivers
Accidents with uninsured or underinsured motorists can complicate the process of securing compensation. While Texas law requires drivers to carry insurance, many truck drivers and companies fail to meet the legal requirements. Our San Antonio semi-truck accident attorney, Reynaldo Diaz, can handle cases with uninsured or underinsured truckers. Contact us today.
Drunk driving accidents
If an 18-wheeler driver operates under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their reaction time and decision-making abilities are impaired, increasing the risk of accidents. Victims of drunk driving may have grounds for both personal injury claims and punitive damages.
Hit-and-run accidents
In a hit-and-run accident involving an 18-wheeler, the truck driver may flee the scene, leaving the victim with little information to track them down. We work diligently to investigate and identify the driver or their employer to ensure you receive compensation.
Texting and driving accidents
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, and it’s even more hazardous when an 18-wheeler is involved. A truck driver who texts while driving risks missing traffic signals or stopped vehicles, which can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Rideshare app accidents
When commercial trucks collide with rideshare vehicles like Uber or Lyft, the resulting damage can be extensive. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, as it may involve the truck driver, the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, and others.
Steps to take immediately
after 18-wheeler accidents:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor
- Call law enforcement to report the accident and get an official report
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photos and videos of the vehicles and damage
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and other parties involved
- Collect witness contact information if available
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later
- Notify your insurance company about the accident
- Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options
- Keep detailed records of medical treatments and any expenses incurred
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with the other party directly
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Semi-Truck Accidents FAQs
How do I know if the insurance company's settlement offer is fair?
Insurance companies are known to minimize payouts, especially in high-value truck accident claims. A fair settlement should cover all economic losses, including medical bills, rehabilitation, property damage, and lost wages, non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress, and even punitive damages in cases of severe negligence.
Always have a skilled truck accident attorney review any offer before you sign: early settlements rarely reflect the full value of long-term recovery needs or lost earning potential.
What should I look for when hiring a lawyer?
Truck accident cases require specialized legal and technical expertise. You should ideally choose an attorney with proven experience in commercial vehicle litigation, familiarity with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations, and a strong and consistent record of verdicts or settlements involving 18-wheelers. Always ask about prior results, access to expert witnesses, and how often they personally handle cases (not delegate them).
What is the average compensation after a semi-truck accident?
The compensation varies widely based on injury severity, liability, and insurance coverage.
Truck accident settlements generally range from $50,000 to over $5 million or more, depending on the extent of medical care and permanent disability. Here’s a general range:
- $50,000 to $100,000 for minor injuries
- $100,000 to $500,000 for moderate injuries
- $500,000 to $2 million or more for severe injuries
- $1 million to $5 million or higher for fatalities
The FMCSA notes that crashes involving large trucks cause over 5,000 fatalities annually and result in some of the highest average payouts of any motor vehicle accident category. Catastrophic injury or wrongful death cases often reach multi-million-dollar verdicts.
Will being uninsured hurt my truck accident case?
If you were not at fault, your lack of insurance should not bar recovery.
Texas follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault party (or their insurer) pays for damages. However, being uninsured may limit certain benefits, like personal injury protection (PIP), and could result in fines or penalties unrelated to your injury claim. An attorney can still pursue full compensation from the negligent driver or trucking company.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Fees are typically 30-40% of the recovered amount, and if your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you owe no attorney’s fees. This ensures you can access justice regardless of your financial status.
Why choose Reynaldo Diaz after 18-wheeler accidents?
Reynaldo Diaz is a dedicated and experienced San Antonio semi-truck accident attorney who understands the complexities of 18-wheeler accidents. With decades of experience in personal injury law, he works tirelessly to protect his clients’ rights and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Whether dealing with insurance companies, trucking companies, or complex legal regulations, Mr. Diaz is committed to guiding you through every step of the process. If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, schedule a consultation today to discuss your case.
