Commercial vehicle accidents happen all too often across the U.S., and the impact can be overwhelming due to the size and force of these large vehicles. Victims of these crashes often endure long-term challenges, and it’s important to have someone on your side to guide you through the aftermath.
Our San Antonio commercial vehicle accident lawyer at Patterson Law Group is committed to protecting your rights and helping you through the legal process. We’re here to support you and work toward justice and fair compensation.
Common Causes of Serious Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents are rarely simple. Many factors can contribute to these incidents, and often, several causes are at play.
Some of the most common reasons for commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road cause drivers to lose focus, leading to dangerous crashes. A tired driver can easily miss something critical.
- Distracted driving: Using a phone or in-cab devices can cause drivers to lose track of the road, putting other cars in danger.
- Intoxicated driving: Driving under the influence is dangerous for anyone, but when a commercial driver is impaired, the consequences can be even more severe.
- Reckless driving: Speeding or aggressive driving maneuvers can easily cause a truck to lose control, endangering everyone nearby.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Without regular upkeep, trucks can malfunction, putting drivers and others on the road at risk.
- Inclement weather conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can make it harder for trucks to operate safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Poor cargo loading: If the cargo is not properly secured or loaded, it can shift while the vehicle is out on the road. This can cause the truck to tip or veer off course.
- Road hazards: Potholes, debris, or sudden changes in the road can be particularly dangerous for large trucks, making them more likely to crash.
- Improper training of drivers: Drivers who aren’t adequately trained may make critical mistakes while operating large commercial vehicles.
- Negligent hiring practices: When companies don’t thoroughly check or train drivers, they risk putting unqualified individuals behind the wheel, leading to accidents.
Identifying the cause of a truck accident is essential for holding the responsible party accountable. As your commercial vehicle accident attorney in San Antonio, Patterson Law Group will investigate every angle to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in Crashes
Commercial vehicle accidents aren’t limited to trucks. Many types of vehicles are involved in serious crashes every year. Some of the most common include:
- Truck and semi-truck accidents: These large vehicles can cause significant damage because of their size and weight.
- Bus accidents: With many passengers on board, the risk of injuries can be higher.
- Delivery van accidents: These often happen in crowded areas, putting other drivers and pedestrians at risk.
- Construction vehicle accidents: These often occur near work zones, where extra dangers are present.
- Ride-sharing and taxi accidents: These cases can be complicated by questions of liability between the driver and the company.
Each type of vehicle presents unique challenges in accident claims. Having an experienced San Antonio auto collision lawyer on your side ensures that all aspects of your case are handled thoroughly.
Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics
In 2023, fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles in Texas accounted for a range of tragic incidents across various vehicle types. These include:
- Tractor-trailer/semi-trailer: 443 fatal crashes
- Van: 162 fatal crashes
- School bus: 5 fatal crashes
- Farm equipment: 10 fatal crashes
- Fire trucks: 3 fatal crashes
If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life in a commercial vehicle accident, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Our San Antonio commercial vehicle accident lawyer is here to guide you through the process and fight for justice.
Common Injuries From Truck Accidents
Injuries from truck accidents are some of the most life-altering. The size of these vehicles means they can cause significant harm and damage to anything they encounter. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Back and neck injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
These injuries can drastically change a person’s daily life, requiring extensive medical care and ongoing physical therapy. Simple tasks that were once easy can become difficult or even impossible. The emotional toll can be just as challenging, with many victims feeling overwhelmed by the changes in their lives.
Having a compassionate injury attorney in San Antonio, TX, by your side ensures you have someone to fight for your rights and help secure compensation so you can ease your burden and focus on your recovery.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Not all truck accidents are the same. The nature of the accident often dictates the severity of injuries and property damage. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Rollover truck accidents: When a truck tips over due to excessive speed or shifting cargo.
- Rear-end collisions: Trucks failing to stop in time and crashing into the vehicle ahead.
- Head-on collisions: One of the deadliest forms of accidents, often occurring when trucks cross into oncoming traffic.
- Jackknife accidents: When the trailer of a truck folds in on itself, often leading to multi-vehicle crashes.
- T-bone accidents: These occur when a truck hits the side of another vehicle, often at intersections.
- Sideswipe accidents: When a truck collides with the side of another vehicle while changing lanes.
- Wide-turn accidents: Trucks require more room to turn, and accidents can occur if other drivers aren’t aware of this.
Each of these accident types presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to establishing liability. The team at Patterson Law Group, your trusted San Antonio commercial vehicle accident lawyer, understands these challenges and will build a solid case on your behalf.
Liable Parties in a Truck Accident
In commercial vehicle accidents, more than one party may be liable for your injuries. Identifying all responsible parties is essential for maximizing your compensation. Commonly liable parties include:
- Truck drivers: If a driver’s actions, such as speeding or driving under the influence, led to the accident, they may be held responsible.
- Trucking companies: Employers may be liable for accidents caused by their drivers, especially if they failed to enforce proper safety measures.
- Manufacturers: Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can contribute to accidents, making the manufacturer partially liable.
- Maintenance companies: Improperly maintained trucks can be a danger on the road, and the company responsible for maintenance may be held accountable.
- Truck owners: Sometimes, the truck owner is different from the trucking company or driver, and they may share liability for improper upkeep of the vehicle.
The legal principle of negligence is key in establishing liability. This involves proving that the liable party breached their duty of care, directly causing the accident and resulting in damages.
Patterson Law Group, your go-to commercial vehicle accident attorney in San Antonio, thoroughly understands how to establish negligence in these cases.
Truck Accidents are More Complex
Truck accidents come with their own set of challenges, making them more complicated than regular car accidents.
- Multiple parties involved: Liability can be shared among various parties, such as the driver, the trucking company, or cargo loaders. Sorting out who is responsible requires extensive investigation.
- Size and weight of trucks compared to other vehicles: Trucks can cause much more damage due to their size, making the injuries and property damage more severe.
- Commercial insurance policies: These policies are often tricky, and trucking companies usually have strong legal teams working to protect their interests.
Working with an experienced San Antonio auto collision lawyer can help you overcome these challenges and ensure your claim is handled properly.
What Damages Are Available After a Truck Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for several damages if you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident. These include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
These damages are designed to help you recover from the financial and emotional toll of the accident. An experienced accident attorney in San Antonio can guide you through the process, ensuring you understand what you may be eligible for. This includes looking beyond immediate costs to consider long-term needs.
Our San Antonio Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident victims in San Antonio must act within the two-year statute of limitations to file a claim. At Patterson Law Group, our trusted San Antonio commercial vehicle accident lawyer, is ready to take action on your behalf. Our team has extensive experience handling truck accident cases, and we know how to fight for the maximum compensation.
Our team operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This lets you focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal fees. Contact our commercial vehicle accident attorney in San Antonio at Patterson Law Group today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
