San Antonio’s East Side has grown into a major logistics corridor. When warehouse “yard” traffic spills onto public roads—box trucks, 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and employee vehicles all moving at once—the risk of serious wrecks rises fast. These crashes often look “minor” at first (a sideswipe, a rear-end, a wide turn), but the injuries and insurance issues can get complicated quickly—especially when multiple companies are involved.
Quick Answer
- If you’re hit in heavy delivery traffic near a distribution hub on the East Side, treat it like a commercial vehicle crash, even if it’s a smaller box truck or van. Liability may extend beyond the driver to a company, contractor, or maintenance provider.
- Get medical care early and document symptoms the same day. Delayed treatment is one of the most common reasons insurers discount legitimate injuries.
- Preserve evidence immediately (photos/video, witness info, your route, dashcam files). Commercial footage and driver records can disappear quickly.
- In Texas, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting can cost you critical proof.
- If you’re found more than 50% at fault, Texas law can block recovery.
Why “Warehouse Row” Traffic Creates Unique Crash Risks on the East Side
“Last-mile” routes near large distribution centers create patterns you don’t see in normal commuter traffic:
- Frequent lane changes and sudden stops as drivers look for the right gate, dock, or staging area
- Wide turns and off-tracking (rear wheels cutting corners), especially with trailers and longer box trucks
- Congested entrances/exits where public roads, private drives, and security checkpoints bottleneck
- Mixed vehicle sizes (sedans alongside step vans, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers)
- Shift-change surges that add employee vehicles to the same tight corridors
These conditions also make it easier for insurers to argue “everyone shares blame,” which is why early evidence matters.
The Most Common Crash Types We See in Last-Mile Delivery Corridors
1) Wide-turn and “squeeze” collisions
A truck turns right (or left) and drifts into your lane, pushing you into a curb, another vehicle, or a barrier. This often happens near industrial entrances and tight intersections.
2) Rear-end crashes in stop-and-go congestion
Delivery traffic stacks up at gates, lights, or security points. A distracted driver (sometimes on a dispatch app) hits the vehicle ahead.
3) Unsafe lane changes and merging wrecks
Trucks and vans may merge abruptly to avoid missing an entrance, with limited blind-spot visibility.
4) Backing collisions
Backing on public roads or in shared driveways can be dangerous, especially when there’s no spotter or poor visibility.
5) Underride / side-impact events (higher severity)
When larger trucks are involved, the physics change—side impacts and underride risks can mean catastrophic injury.
Who Can Be Liable? (It’s Often More Than Just the Driver)
Commercial traffic corridors create “layered” responsibility. One key question is who controlled the driver, vehicle, route, and safety policies.
Here’s a practical breakdown:
| Potentially Responsible Party | What They May Have Done Wrong | Evidence That Often Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery driver | Speeding, distraction, unsafe lane change/turn, following too close | Police report, dashcam, witness statements, phone/app activity |
| Employer / motor carrier | Unsafe scheduling, poor training, negligent hiring/supervision | Driver file, training logs, safety policies, prior incidents |
| Contractor / staffing company | Misclassification or poor oversight of “contract” drivers | Contract terms, dispatch records, onboarding materials |
| Maintenance provider | Brake, tire, lighting, or steering issues not corrected | Maintenance logs, inspection reports, repair invoices |
| Shipper / facility operator (limited situations) | Hazardous traffic flow design, poor signage, dangerous ingress/egress (fact-specific) | Site video, incident logs, layout/traffic-control records |
Important: Liability depends on facts. A facility isn’t automatically responsible just because the crash happened “near” it—but the right investigation can reveal whether policies, traffic control, or contracted operations played a role.
What To Do After a Delivery Truck Crash in San Antonio
Step-by-step checklist (what helps your health and your claim)
- Call 911 and request medical help if you’re hurt.
- Photograph the scene: vehicle positions, lane markings, signage, damage, and the truck’s DOT/company info.
- Get driver and company details: name, employer, insurance, and any identifying numbers on the vehicle.
- Identify witnesses: names + phone numbers; short video statements can help if they’re willing.
- Get checked out the same day if you have pain, headache, dizziness, numbness, or stiffness.
- Avoid recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer until you understand what’s being asked.
- Preserve evidence: save dashcam footage, phone photos, and route history.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate These Claims (and Where People Get Tripped Up)
In last-mile truck cases, adjusters commonly focus on:
- Impact severity vs. injury (“minimal damage” arguments)
- Gaps in treatment (delays, missed appointments, switching providers repeatedly)
- Pre-existing conditions (back/neck problems, prior injuries)
- Comparative fault (did you “cut in,” “stop short,” or “drive in a blind spot”?)
- Causation (are your symptoms tied to the crash or something else?)
You don’t beat these arguments with slogans—you beat them with documentation, consistency, and objective evidence.
Key Texas Law Issues That Affect East Side Commercial Vehicle Claims
Texas proportionate responsibility (comparative fault)
Texas uses proportionate responsibility rules. In plain terms: if a jury assigns you more than 50% of the responsibility, you generally cannot recover damages.
That’s why early evidence (scene photos, witness statements, vehicle data) is critical when fault is disputed.
Statute of limitations (usually two years)
Most Texas personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date the claim accrues.
Waiting too long can also mean lost video, overwritten electronic records, and missing witnesses—problems that can arise well before the two-year mark.
Federal safety rules can matter in delivery-truck cases
If a commercial driver is subject to federal Hours of Service rules, fatigue and scheduling can become part of the analysis.
Whether those rules apply depends on the vehicle/operation, but it’s one reason these cases should be investigated as commercial from day one.
Documentation That Strengthens a Claim (Real-World Evidence Checklist)
If you’re able, start gathering:
- Photos of all vehicles and the surrounding roadway (not just close-ups)
- The truck’s company name, USDOT number, license plate, and any unit ID
- Witness contact info
- Your medical records from the first visit after the crash
- A simple symptom journal (pain level, sleep issues, headaches, dizziness, work limitations)
- Proof of missed work and wage loss (pay stubs, attendance records, employer letter)
- Receipts for out-of-pocket costs (meds, copays, mileage)
What a Typical Timeline Looks Like (So You Know What to Expect)
Every case is different, but many follow a pattern:
- First 1–7 days: medical evaluation, imaging if needed, early documentation
- Weeks 2–8: treatment plan develops; insurers begin positioning on fault and causation
- Months 2–6: medical improvement becomes clearer; demand/negotiation often starts (timing varies)
- If unresolved: lawsuit may be filed (especially where liability is disputed or injuries are serious)
- Litigation phase: evidence exchange, depositions, expert review, mediation; trial if necessary
The most important early theme is evidence preservation—commercial records and video don’t always stick around.
Common Mistakes After a “Last-Mile” Truck Crash
- Assuming it’s “just like any other fender-bender”
- Waiting weeks to see a doctor despite symptoms
- Giving a recorded statement while medicated, stressed, or unsure of details
- Posting about the crash or your activities on social media
- Repairing the vehicle before documenting it thoroughly
- Accepting a quick settlement before understanding the injury trajectory
Attorney Insight
In heavy distribution-center corridors, fault disputes are predictable. Drivers may claim you were in a blind spot, “came out of nowhere,” or made an unsafe pass. The best counter isn’t an argument—it’s proof: scene photos that show lane positions, independent witnesses, dashcam footage, and records showing the driver’s route and timing. The earlier you act, the more likely that evidence still exists.
FAQs
Can I sue if the delivery driver says I was in their blind spot?
Possibly. “Blind spot” claims are common, but they don’t automatically excuse unsafe lane changes or wide turns. The outcome often depends on photos, witness accounts, and any available video.
What if the truck was a contractor or a delivery van, not an 18-wheeler?
It can still be a commercial claim. Responsibility may involve multiple layers (driver, contractor, company directing the route, maintenance provider). The vehicle type doesn’t eliminate corporate involvement.
How long do I have to file a case in Texas?
Often two years for personal injury claims, but don’t wait—evidence can disappear long before the deadline.
What if I’m partially at fault?
Texas uses proportionate responsibility. You can still recover in many situations, but if you’re found more than 50% responsible, recovery is generally barred.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Be careful. Adjusters are trained to lock in statements about fault, speed, distances, and symptoms. It’s reasonable to get guidance before giving a recorded statement.
Next Steps If Your Crash Happened Near East Side Distribution Traffic
If you were injured around high-volume delivery routes near major distribution hubs, focus on two things immediately: (1) your medical documentation and (2) preserving evidence that may not be available later. Even straightforward crashes can become complex when multiple commercial parties and insurance policies are involved.
Ryan Orsatti Law
4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
Phone: 210-525-1200
“This blog is for informational purposes only, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future results.”