San Antonio’s role as a transportation hub makes it one of the busiest freight cities in Texas. Every day, thousands of commercial trucks travel along I-10, I-35, I-37, US-90, Loop 410, Loop 1604, and Highway 151, carrying goods across the state and through Port San Antonio. This heavy traffic brings economic strength to the region but also increases the risk of devastating collisions. A single moment of inattention or equipment failure involving an 18-wheeler can lead to catastrophic injuries and loss. We help families and injured drivers understand their legal rights after these crashes, providing clear guidance and steady support from the first consultation through resolution.
Our attorneys are familiar with the local agencies and procedures that shape trucking accident investigations. We work with the San Antonio Police Department, DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, and the Texas Department of Transportation to collect official crash data and evidence. Because deadlines are strict, it is important to act quickly—Texas generally allows two years to file a personal injury claim, but waiting too long can make it harder to obtain key reports or eyewitness accounts.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
Selecting a lawyer after a serious truck accident is about more than legal skill—it’s about finding a team that will guide you with compassion while protecting every detail of your case. We combine our knowledge of federal trucking laws with practical understanding of San Antonio’s freight corridors to help clients recover both financially and emotionally.
Compassionate, Family-Focused Representation
We approach every case with empathy, recognizing the immense stress families face after a major crash. Our role is to handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery, rehabilitation, and rebuilding your life.
Local Insight and Court Experience
We understand how Bexar County courts manage large-scale injury cases and how scheduling, mediation, and trial preparation differ across venues. This familiarity allows us to move your case forward efficiently while maintaining attention to every filing and deadline.
Bilingual Service and Community Commitment
We proudly serve San Antonio’s diverse population with bilingual legal support and community outreach. Clear communication ensures that every client understands their rights, the progress of their case, and what to expect at each stage.
Proven Knowledge of Trucking Law and Safety Standards
Our attorneys understand how federal and state trucking regulations apply to real-world crashes. We coordinate with safety experts, medical professionals, and investigators to interpret data and ensure that all responsible parties are identified, from drivers to carriers and brokers.
Why San Antonio’s Freight Corridors Create High Risk
The same highways that make San Antonio a center for logistics also create danger for local drivers. Long-haul trucks, construction zones, and heavy commuter traffic intersect daily across the city’s freight network. Knowing how these routes operate helps reveal the patterns behind many preventable collisions.
I-35 and I-10: The NAFTA Freight Spine
I-35 connects the United States and Mexico, carrying high volumes of commercial freight through downtown San Antonio. Congestion, lane shifts, and fatigue among long-distance drivers increase the chance of serious crashes. I-10 adds another layer of risk with mixed urban and industrial traffic moving east-west across the city.
I-37, Loop 410, and Loop 1604: Complex Merge and Construction Zones
Frequent construction and merging lanes along these highways cause bottlenecks that make it difficult for large trucks to stop or change lanes safely. We review San Antonio Traffic Management Center (SA-TMC) camera footage and TxDOT maintenance logs to pinpoint where roadway conditions may have contributed to an accident.
Highway 151 and Port San Antonio Routes
Highway 151 connects major distribution centers and industrial parks near Port San Antonio. Tight delivery schedules, heavy equipment loads, and night driving create heightened risk for both truck drivers and surrounding motorists. Understanding how these corridors function is essential to identifying each liable party.
Urban and Suburban Freight Intersections
Beyond the main highways, secondary roads feeding into industrial areas such as South Zarzamora Street and Military Drive see frequent truck-related incidents. These locations combine commercial vehicles with local traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, increasing both injury severity and evidentiary complexity.
First Steps After a Truck Accident in San Antonio
The moments following a collision with a commercial vehicle can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to do first ensures that your health and your rights are protected.
Reporting and Obtaining Crash Documentation
Start by contacting law enforcement. The San Antonio Police Department and DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will typically respond and create official crash reports. These reports include driver information, witness statements, and vehicle identification numbers. We help clients request SAPD and TxDOT CR-3 reports through the appropriate channels and confirm their accuracy once received.
Preserving Tow and Storage Records
Commercial vehicles are often towed to inspection yards where their data is downloaded and stored. We send formal preservation notices to tow companies and storage facilities to prevent the loss of logs, inspection sheets, or photographs that may later prove critical.
Accessing DPS CVE and Weigh-Station Data
When enforcement officers perform inspections, they record violations such as brake failure, overweight cargo, or expired maintenance certifications. We request these records directly from DPS CVE to demonstrate whether regulatory breaches contributed to the crash.
Seeking Immediate Trauma Care
Victims of 18-wheeler accidents often suffer severe injuries requiring emergency transport to University Hospital, Methodist/Medical Center, or Baptist Downtown. Early diagnosis and treatment create essential documentation for linking injuries to the collision. We assist clients in obtaining and organizing these medical records for insurance and legal use.
Where Truck Accident Claims Are Filed in Bexar County
Venue selection determines how efficiently a case moves and what procedures apply. Understanding which court has jurisdiction ensures that filings are timely and compliant.
Bexar County Civil District Courts
Most serious trucking injury cases are filed in the Bexar County Civil District Courts, which handle complex matters involving multiple defendants and substantial damages. We prepare petitions that comply with local court rules and monitor all docketing updates to keep your case on schedule.
Justice Precinct and Small-Value Claims
Smaller property or vehicle damage claims may be heard in Justice of the Peace precinct courts. We evaluate each situation to decide whether these forums or district courts are best suited for resolution.
Interstate and Federal Jurisdiction
Trucking cases often involve interstate carriers or companies headquartered outside Texas. When federal jurisdiction applies—especially in cases involving diverse parties or federal safety issues—we coordinate filings to meet all procedural requirements.
Common Causes and Crash Patterns in San Antonio
Trucking accidents in San Antonio follow identifiable patterns linked to driver behavior, road conditions, and logistics pressure. Understanding these patterns allows for more effective prevention and stronger case strategy.
Merging and Lane-Change Collisions
Busy interchanges such as I-35 and Loop 410 create merging conflicts between large trucks and smaller vehicles. These incidents often stem from limited visibility, fatigue, or excessive speed.
Construction-Zone Crashes on Loop 1604 and I-10
Changing lanes, reduced shoulders, and narrow work zones make it difficult for commercial vehicles to maneuver safely. We use TxDOT construction records and contractor schedules to evaluate whether signage and lighting met safety standards.
Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Long shifts and unrealistic delivery demands can cause drivers to exceed the federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) limits. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) record these violations, and we obtain this data to show when driver fatigue may have contributed to an accident.
Load-Shift and Equipment Failure Accidents
Improperly secured cargo can cause trailers to overturn or jackknife. Maintenance logs and bills of lading help determine whether the carrier or loading company failed to follow safety protocols.
Multi-Vehicle and Comparative Fault Collisions
On congested corridors, chain-reaction crashes are common. We analyze traffic flow data, black-box readings, and eyewitness statements to establish the sequence of events and clarify shared liability among multiple defendants.
Building a Strong Truck Accident Case With Local Evidence
Evidence collection begins immediately after the crash and requires coordination among multiple agencies and private companies. Every record, photo, and digital log can add value to a claim when preserved correctly.
SA-TMC and Corridor Surveillance
The San Antonio Traffic Management Center operates cameras along key highways, including I-35, I-10, and Loop 410. We submit formal requests to secure footage before it is overwritten, documenting traffic speed, signal changes, and vehicle movement leading up to the collision.
Business and Industrial CCTV Footage
Warehouses, gas stations, and shipping yards along freight corridors often have surveillance systems facing the road. We contact these businesses promptly to obtain copies of relevant video files before automatic deletion occurs.
Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) Data
Most modern commercial trucks store information about speed, braking, and throttle position in an onboard data recorder. Our team works with qualified specialists to extract this information safely and interpret it in accordance with federal standards.
Telematics, Dispatch Logs, and Maintenance Records
Carriers use telematics and dispatch software to track fleet movement. We request these logs to verify whether a driver exceeded speed limits or missed scheduled maintenance. This data often reveals systemic safety failures beyond individual driver error.
Critical Trucking Documents That Strengthen Your Claim
Trucking accidents often hinge on documentation that reveals what happened before, during, and after the collision. These records help determine whether the trucking company followed federal safety standards and whether negligence occurred at any level. We work diligently to gather and analyze this information early in the case to prevent it from being altered or lost.
Hours-of-Service and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records
Federal law limits how long commercial drivers can operate their vehicles before resting. These rules are enforced through electronic logging devices, which record driving hours automatically. We obtain these logs to identify violations, such as excessive hours or falsified records. Patterns of fatigue are a strong indicator of negligence and can support claims for unsafe company practices.
Bills of Lading and Dispatch Records
Bills of lading document what cargo was being carried, where it originated, and who was responsible for loading it. Dispatch records can show scheduling pressure that contributed to reckless driving or skipped maintenance checks. We review these materials to determine whether deadlines, load weight, or improper securing of cargo played a role in the accident.
Maintenance and Inspection Logs
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require carriers to maintain vehicles through regular inspections. We request maintenance logs, repair receipts, and inspection reports to verify compliance. Missing or incomplete records can indicate negligence in keeping the truck in safe operating condition.
Weight Tickets and Weigh-Station Records
Trucks that exceed weight limits pose serious risks to other motorists and may violate both state and federal law. We seek weigh-station records and inspection citations from DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement to show whether the truck met safe operating standards at the time of the crash.
Communication and Telematics Data
Modern fleets use telematics systems such as Qualcomm to track driver speed, braking, and GPS location. Dispatch messages between the driver and company may reveal that unsafe instructions were issued. We ensure that this information is preserved through spoliation letters sent immediately after representation begins.
Understanding Insurance and Liability in Commercial Crashes
Trucking accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance coverage and shared liability between different parties. Understanding who is responsible and how insurance policies overlap is key to recovering full compensation.
Motor Carrier Coverage and Policy Limits
Commercial trucks typically carry higher policy limits than personal vehicles, but insurers often dispute coverage or attempt to shift blame. We review all active policies—including primary, excess, and umbrella coverage—to identify every potential source of recovery. This layered approach prevents important compensation opportunities from being overlooked.
Broker and Shipper Liability
In some cases, the company that hired the trucking carrier or arranged freight logistics can share responsibility. Brokers and shippers may be liable if they selected unsafe carriers or imposed schedules that encouraged violations of safety laws. We analyze contractual relationships and communication records to determine where liability extends beyond the driver and carrier.
Uninsured and Underinsured Claims
If a trucking company lacks adequate coverage or becomes insolvent, victims may still pursue compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies. We guide clients through this process, ensuring all notices and filings comply with their insurance requirements.
Property and Cargo Damage Recovery
Truck crashes frequently cause extensive property damage, both to vehicles and to transported cargo. We calculate replacement value, repair costs, and diminished value for personal or business property affected by the collision, ensuring that all losses are accounted for in the demand package.
Medical Treatment and Billing After a Truck Collision
Serious injuries from truck accidents require careful medical management and documentation. Coordinating this information properly helps demonstrate the extent of physical and financial harm caused by the crash.
Emergency and Hospital Care
Severe injuries are often treated at University Hospital, Methodist/Medical Center, or Baptist Downtown—facilities equipped to handle high-impact trauma cases. We assist clients in obtaining their records, including diagnostic scans, surgical notes, and rehabilitation orders, to build an accurate medical timeline.
Ongoing Rehabilitation and Specialist Referrals
Recovery from spinal, orthopedic, or neurological injuries may take months or years. We connect clients with specialists and therapy providers to ensure continuous care. These records demonstrate long-term medical needs that must be reflected in settlement or verdict calculations.
Managing Medical Liens and Letters of Protection
When bills are deferred until the case concludes, liens or letters of protection allow treatment without upfront payment. We manage communication between healthcare providers and insurers to confirm that these arrangements remain valid and that liens are paid correctly once compensation is received.
Evaluating Medical Expenses and Future Care
Medical costs from trucking accidents can include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and long-term physical therapy. We compile detailed billing summaries and work with experts to project future expenses for ongoing treatment, home modifications, or assistive equipment.
Timelines and Legal Process for Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident claims in Bexar County follow structured timelines set by both local courts and state law. Understanding each stage helps clients anticipate what comes next and maintain realistic expectations.
Mediation and Settlement Practices
Bexar County courts encourage mediation in most serious injury cases. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes confidentially and avoid lengthy trials. We prepare clients by reviewing all available evidence, calculating damages, and outlining negotiation strategies that align with their goals.
Discovery, Experts, and Scheduling Orders
Courts issue scheduling orders that outline deadlines for exchanging documents, designating experts, and conducting depositions. We track these requirements closely to prevent delays and maintain compliance with court expectations. Expert witnesses—such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, or economists—are often critical in explaining complex evidence to juries.
Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines
Texas law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, though exceptions may apply for government entities or delayed discovery of an injury. Acting early ensures that records, electronic data, and witness testimony remain available when the case moves forward.
Preparing for Trial
Even when settlement is likely, every case is prepared as though it will be tried before a jury. This level of preparation strengthens negotiation positions and ensures that clients are ready for any outcome. We work with local trial consultants familiar with Bexar County juries to present clear, fact-driven arguments that emphasize accountability and fairness.
Complex and Specialized Trucking Scenarios
Some truck accidents involve special cargo, unique regulations, or industrial routes that add layers of complexity. We adapt our strategy to address the specific details of each case.
Hazardous Materials and Oversized Loads
Hazardous material carriers must comply with strict labeling, routing, and safety procedures. When a spill or fire occurs, federal reporting requirements under the Department of Transportation come into play. Oversized loads require escort vehicles and permits; failure to follow these rules can establish negligence.
Delivery Fleets and Industrial Zone Collisions
Local delivery trucks operating near Highway 151 and Port San Antonio frequently navigate narrow roads and high-traffic intersections. Crashes in these areas may involve multiple contractors or employers. We review company policies, training materials, and route logs to clarify liability among all involved parties.
Coordination With Federal and State Agencies
Accidents involving interstate carriers often trigger investigations by the FMCSA or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). We monitor these reviews closely and incorporate their findings into civil cases when available. Working with both state and federal agencies ensures that all regulatory violations are documented and addressed.
Injured in San Antonio? Contact Patterson Law Group
When a commercial truck accident disrupts your life, you deserve help from attorneys who understand both Texas law and the realities of San Antonio’s freight network. We investigate every detail, coordinate with medical providers, and guide you through each step of the legal process with care and precision.
Schedule your free consultation today to learn how we can help after a trucking accident on I-10, I-35, I-37, or any major corridor in Bexar County. During your consultation, we will review your situation, explain your options, and outline the path toward fair compensation. You do not have to face this process alone—contact Patterson Law Group today to begin moving forward.
San Antonio Truck Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in San Antonio?
After a collision with a commercial truck, your first priority is safety. Call 911 so law enforcement and emergency responders can assist anyone who is injured. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Request that officers from the San Antonio Police Department and DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement document the scene and file an official crash report. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, since adrenaline can mask serious trauma. If you can, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and nearby signs, and collect contact information from witnesses. Once your condition is stable, contact an attorney who can help preserve evidence and handle communication with insurance companies.
Who can be held liable in a Texas truck accident case?
Responsibility can extend to several parties depending on how the crash occurred. The truck driver may be liable for negligent operation, such as speeding or driving while fatigued. The trucking company could share fault for poor maintenance, improper loading, or unsafe scheduling practices. Cargo loaders, brokers, or manufacturers may also be responsible if defective equipment or unsecured freight contributed to the incident. Identifying every liable party early is critical, as multiple insurance policies may apply and evidence can quickly be lost.
What makes truck accident cases different from regular car accidents?
Truck accident cases are more complex than car accidents because they involve federal and state regulations, multiple potential defendants, and commercial insurance policies with higher limits. Investigations often include electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance logs, and driver qualification files. These cases also tend to result in more severe injuries, which means damages must account for long-term medical care and lost earning capacity. Experienced attorneys know how to interpret trucking records and apply federal safety laws to establish liability.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?
In most cases, Texas law allows two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. However, exceptions may apply if a government vehicle was involved or if a fatality led to a wrongful death claim. It is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible so evidence such as video footage, ECM data, and witness recollections can be preserved before they disappear. Acting quickly also helps ensure compliance with all federal and state procedural requirements.
What types of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?
Victims of trucking accidents may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other out-of-pocket losses. Non-economic damages address pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability. In cases involving gross negligence—such as drunk or fatigued driving—courts may also award exemplary damages intended to deter future misconduct. Every case is unique, and the value depends on injury severity, recovery time, and insurance coverage limits.
What evidence is most important in a Texas truck accident investigation?
Strong cases rely on official crash reports, driver logs, electronic data recorders (EDRs), maintenance and inspection records, weigh-station documents, and photographs from the scene. Witness statements, dashcam video, and SA-TMC corridor footage can also support claims. Attorneys often obtain dispatch records and telematics data that show speed, braking, and communication between the driver and carrier. Preserving this evidence immediately after the crash is essential, as trucking companies are only required to keep certain records for limited time periods under federal law.
Can multiple parties be responsible for the same truck accident?
Yes. Many truck accidents involve shared responsibility among several parties. A driver may be negligent for fatigue or distraction, while the carrier may have violated maintenance regulations. Brokers and shippers might also share fault if they pressured drivers to meet unsafe schedules. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning compensation is divided based on each party’s percentage of fault. Identifying and proving this allocation requires detailed investigation and expert analysis.
What are the most common causes of truck accidents in the San Antonio area?
The most frequent causes include speeding, fatigue, improper lane changes, and mechanical failures. Heavy congestion on I-35, I-10, and Loop 410 contributes to frequent merging collisions and rear-end crashes. Construction zones on Loop 1604 and industrial traffic around Port San Antonio also create hazards. Other causes include overloaded trailers, defective brakes, and distracted driving. Many of these accidents are preventable with proper training, maintenance, and adherence to federal safety rules.
What if the truck driver was working for a large trucking company?
When a truck driver is employed by a carrier, the company may be held liable for the driver’s negligence if the act occurred within the scope of employment. Carriers are also responsible for ensuring that drivers meet licensing requirements, receive safety training, and comply with Hours-of-Service regulations. If the company fails in these duties, both the driver and the carrier may be named in the lawsuit. Large carriers often have their own insurance defense teams, which is why having experienced representation is vital to protect your interests.
How do federal trucking regulations impact my case?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern nearly every aspect of commercial trucking, from driver rest periods to cargo weight and inspection schedules. Violations of these rules can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. For example, if a driver exceeded maximum driving hours or if a carrier failed to conduct required brake inspections, these violations may directly link to the cause of the crash. Attorneys familiar with these regulations know how to obtain and interpret the relevant documentation to strengthen your case.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Texas uses a comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the crash. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20 percent at fault, your net compensation would be $80,000. Establishing an accurate fault percentage often depends on thorough analysis of traffic data, vehicle damage, and witness accounts.
How much is a typical truck accident settlement worth in Texas?
There is no standard settlement amount for truck accident cases because each one depends on the facts. Settlements typically reflect the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and the strength of available evidence. Claims involving permanent disability, wrongful death, or multiple defendants tend to result in higher awards. A lawyer can estimate a fair value after reviewing medical documentation, insurance coverage, and liability findings from investigators.
How long does it take to settle a truck accident case in San Antonio?
The timeline varies based on complexity, severity of injuries, and the cooperation of insurance companies. Straightforward claims with clear liability may resolve in a few months through negotiation or mediation. Cases involving multiple defendants, disputed evidence, or extensive medical treatment can take a year or more. Our firm maintains consistent communication with clients throughout each stage so you always know the status of your case and the next steps toward resolution.
What if the trucking company’s insurance provider refuses to pay fairly?
If an insurer refuses to make a fair offer, the next step may be formal litigation in Bexar County Civil District Court. We prepare each case as though it will proceed to trial, gathering expert testimony and documentary evidence that supports your claim. This approach increases leverage during negotiation and ensures readiness if a jury trial becomes necessary. Courts in Bexar County often require mediation before trial, offering another opportunity to resolve the dispute efficiently while protecting your right to full compensation.
What types of injuries are common in large commercial truck collisions?
Crashes involving 18-wheelers often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Common injuries include spinal cord trauma, fractures, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims may also suffer severe lacerations, burns, or amputations. Recovery can take months or years, with ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. These serious injuries emphasize the importance of pursuing compensation that covers both immediate treatment and long-term medical needs.
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