Texas Accident & Injury News
Stolen vehicle accidents add a layer of complication to injury claims.
Wrong-Way Stolen 18-Wheeler Collides Head-On with Pickup Truck on Highway 90
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a wrong-way driver in a stolen semi-truck caused a head-on collision on Highway 90.
Police reported the accident happened at around 9:40 p.m. Friday, June 5th, on U.S. Highway 90 and General McMullen on San Antonio’s West Side.
A man driving a Chevy Silverado was exiting Highway 90 eastbound onto General McMullen when a Kenworth tractor traveling the wrong way collided head-on with the pickup.
The suspect fled the scene on foot. Police later discovered the semi-truck had been stolen.
The victim was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
When located, the driver of the stolen 18-wheeler is expected to face charges of Collision Involving Injury.
Did You Know?
Wrong-way drivers caused 2,971 accidents across Texas in 2024, according to TxDOT data.²
Can You Recover Compensation After an Accident Involving a Stolen Vehicle?
Most drivers assume that if another motorist causes a crash, that driver’s insurance company will pay for the damages. Unfortunately, accidents involving stolen vehicles are rarely that simple.
When the vehicle that caused the crash has been stolen, victims often find themselves dealing with a complicated mix of criminal investigations, insurance questions, and uncertainty about where compensation will come from.
The good news is that being hit by a stolen vehicle does not automatically mean you’re out of options.
Who Is Responsible for a Crash Caused by a Stolen Vehicle?
In most cases, the person who stole the vehicle is legally responsible for the accident.
For example, if someone steals a pickup truck from a parking lot and causes a collision an hour later, the thief—not the vehicle owner—is generally responsible for the damages that result.
The law recognizes that vehicle owners are victims of the theft too. Unless the owner did something that contributed to the situation, they are typically not liable for the actions of the person who stole their vehicle.
The Reality: The Responsible Person Usually Can’t Pay
While the thief may be caught and found to be legally responsible, that doesn’t always help injured victims recover compensation.
Many people who steal vehicles:
- Do not carry insurance
- Have few assets to pursue
- Cannot immediately be located by police
- Face criminal penalties but lack the ability to compensate victims
This creates a frustrating situation where the person who caused the crash is financially incapable of paying for the harm they caused.
That’s why these cases often shift away from the thief and toward available insurance coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Becomes Extremely Important
Many Texas drivers carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, often called UM/UIM coverage.
This coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver cannot pay for your damages.
It may apply when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The driver cannot be identified in a hit-and-run
- The vehicle was stolen and no valid coverage applies to the driver
Many accident victims do not realize they have this protection until they need it.
In serious injury cases, uninsured motorist coverage can become one of the most important sources of financial recovery.
Can the Vehicle Owner or Trucking Company Ever Be Liable?
Generally, no. However, there are situations where investigators may look beyond the thief.
For example, questions may arise if:
- A trucking company leaves a truck running and unattended
- A business repeatedly ignores known security issues
- A vehicle is left unsecured under circumstances that make theft foreseeable
These situations are uncommon, but they highlight why investigators examine the full chain of events rather than focusing solely on the person who stole the vehicle.
Why Stolen 18-Wheelers Are Especially Dangerous
A stolen passenger car is dangerous enough. A stolen commercial truck presents an entirely different level of risk.
An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. It requires specialized training to operate safely and significantly more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle.
When someone who is fleeing, impaired, reckless, or unfamiliar with the vehicle gets behind the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Wrong-way crashes involving commercial trucks are particularly dangerous because they often result in head-on collisions, which are among the deadliest accidents on Texas roads.
What Should You Do After a Crash With a Stolen Vehicle?
If you learn the vehicle involved in your accident was stolen, protecting your claim becomes especially important.
You should:
- Seek medical treatment immediately
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Preserve photographs and evidence from the scene
- Keep records of all medical expenses and missed work
- Notify your insurance company
- Speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer
Insurance companies begin evaluating these claims quickly, and early decisions can have a significant impact on your recovery.
Injured in an Accident Involving a Stolen Vehicle? Call Shaw.
Cases involving stolen vehicles create unique insurance challenges. Determining where compensation will come from requires a careful review of all available coverage and potentially responsible parties.
If you were injured in a crash caused by a stolen vehicle, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Medical Bills
- Emergency Treatment
- Hospital Stays
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Future Medical Care
- Wrongful Death
- And More
We can help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use our live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our expert personal injury attorneys. No fees, no obligations—just experienced legal guidance from a firm that puts thier clients first.
We look forward to serving you.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors 2024