Who Is Responsible in a 18 Wheeler Accident in San Antonio?

If you are among the thousands affected by 18-wheeler accidents in San Antonio, you already know how devastating these accidents can be for victims and their families. A single collision can cause multiple fatalities and long-term, debilitating injuries. Throughout San Antonio, thousands have suffered immense losses from their injuries or the death of a loved one.

If you are interested in seeking fair compensation for the losses of yourself or a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. However, in order to do so, you will need to establish who was responsible for causing your 18-wheeler accident.

What individuals or entities are most commonly proven liable for big truck accidents? According to data collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the breakdown of liability for 18 wheeler accidents is as follows:

• 87% of collisions caused by drivers
• 10% of collisions caused by vehicle malfunctions
• 3% of collisions caused by other environmental factors

The majority of 18-wheeler accidents in San Antonio are caused by the negligence of the commercial driver. However, what if the driver of the 18-wheeler was not responsible for the accident (or only partially responsible)? There are a variety of other parties that can contribute to causing serious 18-wheeler accidents.

One of the first things your truck injury attorney will need to establish before filing your claim are the individuals and/or entities that caused your 18-wheeler collision.

Some third-parties who could be the cause of your accident include:

Firstly, the driver’s employer may not have provided them with adequate training or rest to operate an 18-wheeler. All trucking companies must abide by state and federal guidelines to ensure the safety of their employees and other drivers.

The distribution, weight, and type of cargo in an 18-wheeler affects the overall performance of the vehicle. Improper loading can cause shifting while driving, uneven weight distribution, or other issues that can lead to serious accidents.

18-wheelers are complex machines that must be manufactured and tested rigorously before they are leased or sold to trucking companies. The manufacturers of big trucks have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure their vehicles are safe to operate before they ever drive on Texas roads and highways.

In some cases, a trucking company may not own their trucks but will lease them from a third-party owner. These owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are regularly maintained and inspected.

City traffic management is responsible for maintaining streetlights, speed limits, and signage. If an 18-wheeler accident is caused by malfunctioning traffic lights or dangerous roads, they could be held financially responsible for any resulting injuries.

Lastly, the negligence of a third party driver could be the cause of a collision. For example: A drunk driver could swerve into another lane, causing the vehicles behind to slam on their brakes, leading to a pile-up with an 18-wheeler.

In some cases, there may be multiple parties who can be held liable for your injuries. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine which parties can be held liable and for what damages.

Big truck accident victims and their families deserve justice, no matter who is responsible for their injuries. The experienced big truck injury attorneys of Carabin Shaw will not rest until we have helped you seek fair compensation from those responsible for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. Over the past three decades, Carabin Shaw’s client reviews have reflected our attorneys’ experience, expertise, and dedication.

Carabin Shaw’s truck injury lawyers offer no-cost, no-obligation case review to 18-wheeler accident victims like you. To schedule your consultation, call our 24/7 English and Spanish-speaking staff toll-free at 800-862-1260.