When you merge onto I-35 or I-10 in Schertz, Texas, you assume the big rigs on the highway follow state and federal laws to ensure the safety of all the motorists traveling alongside them. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Safety violations are not unusual and can lead to serious accidents when large trucks collide with smaller vehicles.
The Schertz TX injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw witness the devastating consequences of these crashes daily as we help victims hold negligent drivers and companies accountable for their actions. If you’ve been hurt in an accident with a semi-truck, our professionals are available 24/7. Call us now at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free consultation in English or Spanish.
Causes of a Large Truck Accident in Schertz TXSchertz is the largest city in Guadalupe County, where there were over 400 crashes involving commercial vehicles in 2024. The massive weight and size of these rigs spell trouble for smaller cars in an accident, with victims often suffering severe, debilitating injuries. Common causes of these collisions include:
Your Schertz truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident to identify the responsible parties. The truck driver and trucking company may be to blame for many of these factors. A few issues may also be the fault of a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer or maintenance crew. In many cases, more than one party may be at fault.
When a Negligent Truck Driver is to BlameAccident victims can file a claim against a truck driver if the driver's negligence caused the accident. Reasons might include distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When a truck driver fails to perform their job with a standard duty of care (violating traffic laws, for example), your attorney will show that the driver’s negligence led directly to the accident and your injuries.
Understanding Trucking Company LiabilityFreight companies must comply with numerous state laws and federal regulations to ensure their trucks and employees are safe on the road. Any violation can lead to a dangerous situation for the truck driver and other motorists. For example, a company may require drivers to spend more hours on the road than state and federal guidelines permit, resulting in drowsy drivers and a higher risk of crashes.
Third Parties Add Additional ComplexityTrucking companies aren’t the only companies that might contribute to a crash. Cargo loaders must ensure that freight is balanced and secured correctly to prevent problems such as tipping and jackknifing. Maintenance crews must keep vehicles in good operational order to avoid malfunctions with steering, brakes, or other critical components.
Vehicle manufacturers have a duty of care to create parts for vehicles that function correctly. Truck owners who lease their rigs to other companies are responsible for ensuring they are safe. Any of these companies can be liable for your accident, which is why your lawyer must conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for possible negligence.
How to Prove Liability in an 18-Wheeler Collision ClaimTexas operates under the proportionate responsibility rule, which holds all responsible parties liable for accident damages according to their percentages of the fault. While you may seek damages from all parties, you and your attorney must identify the at-fault parties with as much evidence as possible, such as:
Your lawyer must access this evidence as quickly as possible, while memories are still fresh and documents still exist. If you are involved in a semi crash, the sooner you contact a personal injury firm, the sooner they can get started on your case.
Hit and Hurt by a Large Truck? Call Carabin Shaw Today to Book Your FREE CONSULTATION & Get the Compensation You DeserveBig rig accidents are traumatic events that often leave victims seriously injured and feeling helpless. A Schertz commercial vehicle accident attorney at Carabin Shaw can help. In addition to a free case review, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, and our client reviews attest to our ability to hold negligent parties accountable and maximize damages for victims like you. Call our Texas experts toll-free now at 800-862-1260.
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