Sharing the road with semi-trucks and 18-wheelers is an everyday reality in Texas, especially along major highways like Interstate 35. While commercial trucks play a critical role in transporting goods across the country, their massive size and weight can make them extremely dangerous for passenger vehicles. When an accident occurs, the consequences are often catastrophic, leaving victims with life-altering injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are So Dangerous
Unlike standard passenger cars, an 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This sheer size means that any collision between a truck and a smaller vehicle is rarely minor. Victims often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal bleeding. Recovery can take months or even years, and some injuries result in permanent disability.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 30% of 18-wheeler accidents are linked to driver fatigue, making it one of the leading causes of crashes. Fatigued drivers often have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel a deadly combination when operating a massive truck on busy highways.
Laws Governing the Trucking Industry
To minimize risks, the trucking industry is governed by strict federal and state regulations. Drivers must hold a Class-A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and comply with rules designed to protect everyone on the road. These regulations include:
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Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules: Drivers are required to take mandatory rest breaks after a set number of hours behind the wheel to prevent fatigue.
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Driver Logs: Truckers must keep accurate records of their driving and rest periods. Any falsified or missing entries can indicate negligence.
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Weight Restrictions: Overloaded trucks are harder to control, require longer stopping distances, and are more likely to cause accidents.
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Vehicle Inspections: Regular maintenance and inspections are mandated to ensure that brakes, tires, and other critical components are functioning properly.
Unfortunately, trucking companies and drivers sometimes cut corners. The pressure to meet delivery deadlines often pushes drivers to ignore rest periods, falsify logbooks, or overload trailers putting profits above safety.
The Reality on Interstate 35 in San Antonio
Interstate 35, which cuts through San Antonio, has become one of the busiest trucking corridors in Texas. The rapid growth of commercial traffic has also led to a sharp rise in 18-wheeler accidents in the area. For local drivers, this means increased risk every time they get behind the wheel.
The aftermath of such accidents can be devastating. Victims often face:
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Long hospital stays and costly surgeries
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Months or years of rehabilitation
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Lost income due to inability to work
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Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
Medical bills from these incidents are frequently astronomical, making fair compensation not just important but essential.
Why You Shouldn’t Deal with Insurance Companies Alone
After a crash, trucking companies move quickly. They often dispatch a team of insurance adjusters, lawyers, and investigators to the accident scene within hours. Their goal is simple: to protect the company’s financial interests. Victims may be pressured to give statements, accept blame, or settle for compensation far below what their claim is truly worth.
That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced San Antonio personal injury attorney on your side. A skilled lawyer can:
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Investigate the accident thoroughly and gather crucial evidence
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Review driver logs, truck maintenance records, and black box data
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Work with medical experts to assess long-term injury costs
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Negotiate aggressively with the trucking company’s insurance carrier
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Ensure you receive the maximum compensation available for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Attempting to handle these cases without legal help often results in victims being taken advantage of. With the right representation, you level the playing field against large trucking corporations and their insurers.
Taking the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in San Antonio, time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and the trucking company’s defense team will already be working against you. Seeking immediate medical care and contacting a trusted attorney are the two most important steps you can take.
Don’t face this battle alone. With professional legal support, you can focus on recovery while ensuring that your rights and your future are fully protected.
