In the bustling transportation hub of San Antonio, commercial trucks are a constant presence on our major highways. While these vehicles are essential for our economy, they also present significant safety concerns when accidents occur. At Ryan Orsatti Law, our experienced truck accident lawyers have seen firsthand the devastating impact these collisions can have on victims and their families. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents on San Antonio’s busy highways—particularly I-35, I-10, and Loop 410—can help drivers stay safe and potentially prevent these dangerous situations.
The Unique Dangers of San Antonio’s Major Highways
San Antonio’s highway system presents unique challenges for both commercial truck drivers and passenger vehicles. Each of our major highways has specific risk factors that contribute to truck accidents:
Interstate 35 (I-35)
I-35 runs through the heart of San Antonio and serves as a major corridor for commercial traffic between Mexico and the United States. This highway sees some of the heaviest truck traffic in Texas, with several factors contributing to accidents:
- Congestion: The section of I-35 through downtown San Antonio frequently experiences severe traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. This stop-and-go traffic creates hazardous conditions when trucks with limited maneuverability must frequently brake.
- Construction zones: Ongoing construction along I-35 creates narrowed lanes and unexpected merges, challenging for large trucks to navigate safely.
- Cross-border traffic: The high volume of international shipping trucks creates unique safety challenges, including potential language barriers and different regulatory standards.
Interstate 10 (I-10)
As the southernmost transcontinental highway in the United States, I-10 brings a significant amount of cross-country shipping traffic through San Antonio:
- Long-haul fatigue: Truck drivers traveling the full length of I-10 may experience dangerous levels of fatigue by the time they reach San Antonio.
- Weather changes: I-10’s east-west orientation means truckers may encounter multiple weather systems, creating challenging driving conditions.
- High speeds: Outside the urban core, I-10 has higher speed limits, increasing the severity of truck accidents when they occur.
Loop 410
As San Antonio’s inner beltway, Loop 410 presents its own set of truck accident risks:
- Frequent merges: The numerous entrance and exit ramps create points of conflict between trucks and passenger vehicles.
- Mixed traffic: Loop 410 combines local commuter traffic with commercial through traffic, creating a dangerous mix of driving patterns and speeds.
- Interchanges: Complex interchanges with other highways, particularly the I-10 and I-35 intersections, create challenging navigation for large trucks.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Antonio
While location-specific factors contribute to accident risk, several common causes of truck accidents appear consistently across San Antonio’s highway system. Understanding these factors is crucial for prevention and establishing liability after an accident occurs.
Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of serious commercial vehicle accidents. Despite federal hours-of-service regulations, many drivers feel pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading them to drive while dangerously tired. The monotonous nature of highway driving, particularly on long stretches of I-10 and I-35, can exacerbate fatigue and reduce reaction times.
Our truck accident attorneys have observed that fatigue-related accidents often occur during early morning hours (2 a.m. to 6 a.m.) when the body’s natural circadian rhythm is at its lowest point. These accidents frequently involve trucks drifting from their lanes or failing to notice slowed or stopped traffic ahead.
Distracted Driving
The cab of a modern commercial truck contains numerous potential distractions, from dispatch communications to GPS navigation systems. Additionally, like all drivers, truckers may be tempted to use personal electronic devices while driving. On busy highways like Loop 410, even a momentary distraction can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Common truck driver distractions include:
- Cell phone use (texting, calls, social media)
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting in-cab entertainment or navigation systems
- Paperwork related to deliveries or routes
Improper Loading and Cargo Securement
San Antonio’s position as a major logistics hub means that many trucks passing through our highways carry heavy or hazardous loads. When this cargo is improperly secured or unevenly distributed, it significantly affects the truck’s handling and stability. On curved sections of Loop 410 or during high winds on elevated portions of I-35, an improperly loaded truck becomes particularly dangerous.
Problems with cargo can cause:
- Rollover accidents when a truck’s center of gravity is too high
- Jackknifing when uneven loads affect braking
- Road debris accidents when items fall from improperly secured loads
- Hazardous material spills with potential for widespread harm
Inadequate Training and Experience
The ongoing truck driver shortage has led some companies to rush drivers through training programs or place inexperienced drivers in challenging situations. Navigating San Antonio’s complex highway interchanges, such as where I-35 meets I-10, requires specific skills and experience. Without proper training, truck drivers may make critical errors that lead to serious accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Commercial trucks require rigorous maintenance schedules to remain safe on the road. When trucking companies neglect maintenance to save costs or keep trucks on the road, the results can be catastrophic. Brake failures are particularly dangerous on San Antonio’s hilly sections of I-10 west of the city, while tire blowouts at high speeds on any highway can cause a driver to lose control.
Common maintenance-related factors in truck accidents include:
- Brake failures
- Tire defects or improper inflation
- Steering system problems
- Lighting or signal malfunctions
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
The pressure to meet delivery deadlines often leads truck drivers to exceed safe speeds or engage in aggressive driving behaviors. This is especially dangerous on San Antonio’s congested highways, where a truck’s stopping distance is already significantly longer than that of passenger vehicles. When combined with the weight differential between trucks and cars, speeding dramatically increases both the likelihood and severity of accidents.
Impaired Driving
While strict regulations prohibit commercial drivers from operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impaired driving remains a factor in some truck accidents. Beyond illegal substances, some drivers may be impaired by prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness or affect reaction time.
Legal Implications of Truck Accident Causes
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident, understanding the cause is crucial for determining liability and seeking appropriate compensation. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loading companies
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Government entities responsible for road conditions
As experienced truck accident lawyers, the team at Ryan Orsatti Law conducts thorough investigations to identify all contributing factors and responsible parties. This often involves:
- Analyzing the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Reviewing maintenance records
- Examining driver qualification files and training records
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
- Obtaining witness statements
- Reviewing traffic camera footage when available
How to Prevent Truck Accidents on San Antonio Highways
While you cannot control the actions of truck drivers or companies, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a truck accident on San Antonio’s highways:
Understanding Truck Blind Spots
Commercial trucks have significant blind spots—often called “no-zones”—on all four sides. These areas are particularly dangerous on multi-lane highways like I-35, I-10, and Loop 410, where frequent lane changes occur. Always remember:
- If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely cannot see you
- Never linger alongside a truck, especially on the right side where the blind spot is largest
- Allow extra space when merging in front of a truck
- Be cautious of wide turns at interchanges and exits
Maintaining Safe Following Distances
The stopping distance for a fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at highway speeds can be up to 600 feet—nearly two football fields. On San Antonio’s highways, where sudden traffic slowdowns are common, maintaining a safe following distance behind trucks is essential. This is especially important in construction zones on I-35 and during rain, which is frequent during San Antonio’s spring and fall months.
Avoiding Distracted Driving
Just as truck drivers should avoid distractions, so should passenger vehicle drivers. Put away phones, pre-set navigation, and avoid other distractions, particularly when traveling near commercial vehicles on high-speed sections of I-10 or in heavy traffic on Loop 410.
Using Caution in Poor Weather Conditions
San Antonio’s weather can change rapidly, with sudden heavy downpours creating slick road conditions. Trucks are particularly vulnerable to hydroplaning and reduced visibility in these conditions. During bad weather, increase following distances and reduce speed, especially on elevated sections of highways like the upper level of I-10 near downtown.
Being Predictable
Make your intentions clear by using turn signals well in advance and avoiding sudden lane changes or stops in front of trucks. This is particularly important in high-merge areas along Loop 410 and at major interchanges.
When Prevention Fails: What to Do After a Truck Accident
Despite best efforts at prevention, truck accidents still occur on San Antonio highways. If you’re involved in a collision with a commercial truck, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Gather information from the truck driver, including company name and insurance details
- Document the scene with photos if it’s safe to do so
- Obtain contact information from witnesses
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before consulting with a truck accident lawyer
Why You Need a Specialized Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations, industry standards, and potentially multiple liable parties. A general personal injury attorney may not have the specialized knowledge needed to maximize your recovery. At Ryan Orsatti Law, our truck accident lawyers understand the unique aspects of these cases, including:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Hours-of-service requirements and logging systems
- Commercial driver qualification standards
- Trucking industry practices and standards
- Complex insurance coverage issues specific to commercial vehicles
Contact Ryan Orsatti Law: Your San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on I-35, I-10, Loop 410, or any San Antonio roadway, the experienced team at Ryan Orsatti Law is here to help. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Our truck accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, identify all responsible parties, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation. We handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery.
Don’t face the trucking companies and their insurers alone. Contact Ryan Orsatti Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the path to recovery.
