San Antonio, like many urban centers, faces a growing problem with 18-wheeler accidents. The significant increase in these accidents is partly due to the bustling highways and the growing population, making the risks of truck accidents more prevalent. As attorneys at Ryan Orsatti Law, we focus on representing victims involved in such catastrophic accidents, offering guidance on how to seek compensation and ensuring negligent trucking companies are held accountable.
Statistics Highlight the Risks of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas The statistics paint a concerning picture. In 2018, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported over 4,000 fatalities involving large trucks. A significant portion of those accidents occurred in Texas, highlighting the state’s high volume of commercial traffic and the inherent risks. San Antonio, in particular, is among the cities most affected. The city’s accident rate continues to climb, with more than 37,000 crashes per year. Bexar County ranks third in Texas for the highest number of collisions, making it critical for drivers to understand the risks associated with sharing the road with 18-wheelers.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen So Frequently in San Antonio? Several factors contribute to the frequency of 18-wheeler accidents in San Antonio. While the size and weight of these trucks make any collision potentially devastating, the underlying causes often include driver fatigue, reckless driving, and failure to follow safety protocols. Trucking companies sometimes push drivers to exceed legal limits on driving hours, increasing the chances of accidents caused by fatigue or impaired judgment. Additionally, inadequate maintenance, improper cargo loading, and failure to ensure driver competency further heighten the risks.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Regulations Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest. Despite these rules, many drivers are pressured to meet tight deadlines, leading them to violate hours of service regulations. Fatigue plays a substantial role in truck accidents, as tired drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make critical errors on the road.
Distracted Driving Like passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers are susceptible to distractions. However, the consequences of a distracted truck driver can be much more severe. Whether a driver is using a cell phone, adjusting a navigation system, or simply not paying attention to the road, the weight and size of an 18-wheeler mean even a momentary lapse in focus can result in catastrophic damage.
Trucking Company Negligence The responsibility for accidents often extends beyond the truck driver. Many crashes can be traced back to negligent hiring practices, poor supervision, or improper vehicle maintenance by the trucking company. These companies have a legal duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained, licensed, and fit for the job. Unfortunately, to cut costs, some companies skip important steps, such as thorough background checks and drug testing.
Cargo Loading and Maintenance Failures Improper cargo loading is another frequent cause of truck accidents. Uneven or unsecured loads can shift during transit, leading to a loss of control or a rollover. In some cases, mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, result from poor maintenance practices, further increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Legal Recourse for Victims of 18-Wheeler Accidents If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation to protect your rights and secure compensation. Trucking accidents are more complex than typical car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and possibly even third-party maintenance providers. The legal landscape surrounding these accidents involves federal regulations, which makes it essential to have an attorney with experience in handling such cases.
At Ryan Orsatti Law, we focus on helping accident victims pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We understand the complexities of these cases, including gathering evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to establish liability.
Proving Negligence in 18-Wheeler Accidents Proving negligence in a truck accident case requires an in-depth investigation. Our legal team at Ryan Orsatti Law works diligently to collect evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. One of the critical aspects of these cases is determining whether the trucking company was negligent in hiring or training the driver or maintaining the vehicle.
Damages Available in Truck Accident Cases Victims of 18-wheeler accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash. The following are common types of damages that can be pursued in truck accident claims:
- Medical Expenses: Truck accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Victims may seek compensation for current and future medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: If injuries prevent victims from working, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including future earnings if they cannot return to work in the same capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Truck accident victims often experience significant physical and emotional pain, which can be compensated under Texas law.
- Property Damage: Victims can also seek compensation for damage to their vehicles and other personal property involved in the crash.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the truck driver or trucking company acted with gross negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Texas Law and Comparative Negligence Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that victims can still recover compensation as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. This makes it crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can advocate for your rights and minimize any claims of contributory negligence.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Handling a truck accident case requires specialized knowledge of federal trucking regulations and Texas personal injury laws. At Ryan Orsatti Law, we understand the nuances of these cases and how to navigate the legal system to achieve the best outcome for our clients. Our team works tirelessly to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take the case to trial.
Truck accidents in San Antonio are more common than many people realize, and the consequences can be devastating. The size and weight of 18-wheelers make them a constant threat on Texas highways, and the negligence of trucking companies often exacerbates the risks. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, Ryan Orsatti Law is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to handle complex truck accident cases and hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact Ryan Orsatti Law today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
