San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer 

San Antonio Personal Injury Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

Truck accidents can cause significant property damage, lead to catastrophic injuries, and even result in death. Being involved in a truck accident can be a life-changing experience. Victims who survive often suffer serious and even catastrophic injuries. It is imperative that you seek the guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.

The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC is committed to helping you find a solution that compensates you for your pain, suffering, and related expenses. With extensive personal injury experience, we have the skill and knowledge needed to effectively resolve truck accident claims while obtaining maximum compensation.

To schedule a free consultation with our San Antonio truck accident attorney, contact us online or at (210) 807-3178 today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Antonio

Truck accidents are perhaps the most damaging and life-threatening types of motor vehicle accidents. Given the sheer size of the truck compared to the car, motorcycle, or pedestrian struck in the accident, truck accidents can be deadly.

Truck crashes are no different from car accidents or motorcycle accidents when drivers behave recklessly behind the wheel. Speeding, tailgating, erratic lane changes, and running red lights are deadly no matter the type of vehicle. They’re especially unacceptable coming from truck drivers, who receive specialized training to get their commercial drivers’ licenses.

However, there are some violations that are especially noted among the top causes of truck driver accidents, both in San Antonio and nationwide:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are on the open roads for hours at a time. The hauls can be long and monotonous, which can strain the eyes and lead to sleepiness, headaches, irritability, and problems with concentration. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set strict hours-of-service regulations for drivers in an effort to reduce truck accidents caused by driver fatigue, but each year more than 750 people die and another 20,000 are injured in fatigue-related truck wrecks.
• Poor Truck Maintenance: FMCSA regulations outline how often a truck must be inspected for properly functioning brakes, tires, headlights, speedometers, and other parts that are needed for safe operation. This is an area where truck owners or other parties tasked with truck care may be liable if an accident occurs because they skimped on maintenance in an effort to save money.
• Drunk Driving or Other Substance Abuse: Driving drunk or while under the influence of drugs is illegal among all motor vehicle operators. But truckers are also vulnerable to crashes when taking over-the-counter or prescription drugs without knowing how it affects their bodies.
• Pressure From Employers: Sadly, truck companies and shipping companies often hound drivers to make early deliveries in order to receive extra profits. That can lead truck drivers to violate the federal hours-of-service requirements, which increases the likelihood of fatigue-induced accidents.
• Defective Parts or Equipment: Defective truck tires can lead to tire blowouts, which may cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. Other truck parts and equipment that can be defective include brakes, airbags, horns, power steering, headlights and brake lights, doors, and locking mechanisms.
• Unsafe Cargo: Dangerous cargo or overloaded trucks can also lead to serious accidents. Trucks that are too heavy or difficult to maneuver cause numerous accidents every year. Improperly secured hazardous waste can also lead to serious accidents.

Liability in Truck Accidents in San Antonio

Because a truck accident involves more parties and insurers than a normal car accident, claims can be difficult to navigate, and liability can be challenging to prove. The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC is determined to properly investigate the accident and uncover the evidence needed to prove negligence.

The negligent party could be:

• The truck driver
• The truck driver’s employer
• The trucking company
• The truck’s primary mechanic
• A government agency
• The truck manufacturer

The liable party may even be more than one of the above. For example, if a trucker causes an accident due to falling asleep behind the wheel, but it’s discovered that their employer was pressuring them to pull an all-nighter, both parties could potentially be held partially liable. We will thoroughly investigate to ensure the responsible party or parties are held accountable.

How Do Truck Accident Claims Work?

Establishing proof in your truck accident case is essential. We possess the resources to quickly identify witnesses, interview police officers, and retain accident reconstruction experts.

Truck accident cases can yield a lot of evidence because drivers are required to keep logbooks that document every single hour of their trips, including where they stopped, when they took a break, and if they performed required safety checks along the way.

However, sometimes drivers falsify their logbooks or give a fake copy to accident investigators. Recognizing this, the San Antonio truck accident attorneys at The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC can obtain fuel and gas receipts, along with other paperwork, to prove the driver’s negligence.

Once liability is established in your truck accident case, the next step is to prove the existence and severity of your personal injuries. We have extensive contacts in the medical community to assist our clients in documenting the severity of their injuries and the long-term consequences faced by injured victims. In many cases, we use economists, medical experts, and other experts to bolster a case.

Our mission is to make sure that you receive compensation for economic and non-economic losses, such as:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages and productivity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Rental car reimbursement
• Costs for assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers
• Travel expenses for doctor’s appointments
• Scars and disfigurement
• Punitive damages (in certain cases)

Give our San Antonio truck accident attorney a call today at (210) 807-3178 for your free consultation.

We Do Not Receive a Fee Until You Reach a Settlement

The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC is dedicated to getting the results you need. At our firm, we understand how important it is for clients to get the compensation they need as quickly as possible, which is why we fight for every dime. Moreover, our contingency fee means that you do not pay us unless we win your case.

Injuries in Truck Accidents

Though many people walk away from truck crashes with little to no injuries, many others, unfortunately, do not. If you have been involved in a truck accident, the injuries you sustained could prevent you from returning to work, leading to a loss in wages and a decrease in your earning potential over time.

On top of that, you will be responsible for expensive medical bills and maybe even ongoing treatment and physical therapy.

Truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, including:

• Neck and spine injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Bone fractures and muscle damage
• Severe lacerations
• Limb loss/amputation
• Paralysis

As your medical bills rack up, you need the support of a skilled San Antonio truck accident lawyer. The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC has the experience and the determination needed to see your case through to a successful resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Antonio Truck Accidents

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in San Antonio?

In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, the first priority should always be safety. If possible, move away from traffic and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries appear minor at first, as symptoms can develop over time. While waiting for emergency services, gather contact information from any other involved parties and witnesses.

Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any identifying details of the truck, such as its license plate and the name of the company. Avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than the authorities, and refrain from admitting fault. Once immediate concerns are addressed, contact a professional attorney from The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC to guide you through the next steps and ensure your rights are protected.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Truck Accident in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a claim related to truck accidents is generally two years from the date of the accident. This timeframe means that any legal actions, including personal injury claims seeking compensation for damages, must be initiated within this period. Exceptions might apply depending on the specifics of the situation, such as the involvement of a governmental entity, which could alter the filing deadlines.

Given the complexity and time-sensitive nature of these legal processes, it is crucial to contact a truck accident lawyer San Antonio shortly after the incident. Early engagement with The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC can help ensure that investigations are conducted promptly, evidence is preserved, and all legal requirements are met. Timely legal guidance is essential to navigating the judicial system effectively and pursuing fair compensation for all damages incurred.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Truck Accident Victims?

Victims of truck accidents in Texas may be entitled to various types of compensation, referred to as damages. These typically cover both economic and non-economic losses resulting from the accident. Economic damages include tangible expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective consequences like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In certain instances, punitive damages may also be awarded if it is proven that the truck driver's or company's conduct was particularly reckless or egregious. Each claim is unique, and the available compensation will depend on the circumstances, including the extent of injuries and the impact on the victim's life. Engaging with The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC, your trusted truck accident attorney San Antonio, ensures a thorough evaluation of your specific situation to seek the comprehensive compensation you deserve.