Bexar County's Danger Zone - How I-35 and I-10 Fuel Texas's Catastrophic Truck Accident Crisis

San Antonio, Texas, is a bustling hub for the shipping industry, with a comprehensive highway system that includes I-35 and I-10. It’s no wonder San Antonio’s Bexar County is a hot spot for big rig crashes, with 2,684 in 2024 alone.

The San Antonio personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw work with accident victims who were hurt on I-35 or I-10. If you have been injured, our compassionate team is available 24/7 at 800-862-1260. Call us now to schedule your free case review in English or Spanish.

Motorists navigating congested thoroughfares, such as I-35, are particularly vulnerable to serious crashes. Key risk factors include:

• A high amount of commercial truck traffic
• Narrowing lanes through downtown
• Heavy stop-and-go traffic
• Frequent lane closures and construction projects

Injuries in commercial truck crashes can be catastrophic, often requiring substantial medical treatment and time off work. Victims of these accidents need a Bexar County 18 wheeler accident attorney to help them pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other related losses.

The conditions on busy roads, such as I-35, leave little room for error. Unfortunately, truck drivers may be operating vehicles while tired, distracted, or even driving under the influence. Motorists can also encounter trucks that aren’t adequately maintained or improperly loaded.

If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, your lawyer will investigate the accident to determine the cause. If another party was at fault, your legal team will hold that party accountable and seek damages for your injuries. Common causes might include:

• Truck driver error (speeding, distracted driving, or drowsy driving)
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
• Poorly maintained vehicles that are prone to malfunctions
• Failure by the trucking company to properly train drivers
• Violations of regulations like allowable driving hours

Your attorney will use evidence like accident reports, eyewitness statements, and trucking company logs to identify and prove fault in your accident. If the driver or truck company was responsible, you may file a personal injury claim with the company’s insurance company. Your legal team will then work with the insurance representative to negotiate a fair settlement that covers all the costs and losses you incurred as a result of your accident.

Trucking companies and their employees are required to adhere to strict state and federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established hours-of-service rules that truck drivers must follow to reduce the risk of drowsy driving. For example, drivers have an 11-hour driving limit after 10 hours of off-duty time, and they must take a 30-minute break following 8 hours of driving.

The Texas Transportation Code provides guidelines for the size and weight of vehicles, requiring trucks that exceed these limits to obtain a special permit. These rules aim to maintain the safety of big rigs on the road and other motorists traveling alongside them.

When trucks fail to follow state and federal regulations, your lawyer can establish that the truck driver’s or the trucking company’s negligence led to your accident and injuries. Once your legal team establishes negligence, they can hold the driver or the trucking company liable for your injuries, seeking damages including:

• Economic damages like medical bills and lost wages
• Non-economic damages like loss of consortium and emotional distress
• Punitive damages in the case of gross negligence or malice

Catastrophic truck accident lawyers in Texas are critical for investigating your accident, holding responsible parties liable, and ensuring you receive all the damages you are entitled to.

If you were hurt by a big rig on I-35, you are not alone. Our client reviews feature other victims who have suffered similar experiences. Our Texas attorneys protect the rights of our clients and fight to ensure they receive all the compensation they are entitled to.

We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you receive our expertise at no cost to you until we win your case. Call us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• FMCSA
• Texas Statutes 621
• Texas Statutes 41