Speeding Semi-Trucks Accidents

In San Antonio, semi-truck related accidents happen all the time. It's a simple fact that 18 wheeler semi-trucks weigh much more than a typical car on the road. In Texas, the general maximum gross weight is 80,000 pounds, subject to axle, axle-spacing, and roadway restrictions. Exceeding the applicable limit generally requires a permit or a specific legal exception. Texas vehicle weight limits

Such heavy vehicles generally must be operated by drivers with the appropriate commercial driver's license. These drivers must comply with additional commercial vehicle safety requirements. They must understand how their trucks differ from other vehicles, in weight and in mobility. For example, a loaded semi-truck generally requires a greater stopping distance than a typical sedan traveling at the same speed. Actual stopping distance depends on speed, load, brakes, road conditions, and driver reaction time. Because of this difference, a driver must have a proper reaction time and maintain a safe speed of the 18 wheeler, in order to keep the roads safe. FMCSA truck safety guidance

According to NHTSA's 2024 data, an estimated 548,521 large trucks were involved in police-reported crashes nationwide. These were not all caused by speeding, and the category covers both commercial and noncommercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR--not exclusively semi-trucks. Crashes involving large trucks killed 5,340 people in 2024, equivalent to approximately one death every 99 minutes. This figure includes truck occupants, people in other vehicles, pedestrians, and other nonoccupants. NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: Large Trucks

Speeding, distraction, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines can contribute to unsafe driving. However, the cause of any particular crash must be established through evidence. San Antonio is no stranger to semi-truck related crashes, but these national figures do not establish how its crash totals compare with other major cities.

If you live in San Antonio and have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, contact a San Antonio Speeding Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer at Carabin Shaw today. Our lawyers make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Hospital bills can add up depending on how serious your injuries are. If your injuries are severe, you will be out of work and will need the compensation from your accident in order to support yourself. Carabin Shaw will help you file your claim and get the settlement that you need.

The most common causes of semi-truck accidents are speeding and distracted driving. Although there are some measures in place that help drivers follow safe operating practices, speeding semi-truck accidents still tend to happen often. The driver of an 18 wheeler is elevated much higher than most other drivers on the road. This is to increase the drivers visibility of traffic in front of the vehicle which gives the driver extra time to get ready for stopped traffic ahead. Many 18 wheelers have data recorders stored on the vehicle which tracks speed and other relevant data that can be recovered after an accident with special equipment. This is used as a deterrent to speeding because the driver can be held accountable for his driving even if there is no accident. This data also makes it easier to see if speed was a factor in the case of an accident. Often times speeding semi-truck accidents are rear end collisions.

Rear end collisions are not the only types of semi-truck accidents that are generally attributed to speed as the main factor though. Rollover and jackknife accidents are also most often caused by the vehicle being operated at excessive speeds for the current conditions. Semi-truck drivers will still continue to speed and be negligent drivers.

If you are involved in an accident with one of these negligent drivers, let the attorneys at Carabin Shaw’s San Antonio location investigate your accident. Our experienced lawyers enjoy getting you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a semi-truck, contact an attorney at Carabin Shaw day or night, 7 days a week, for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys with no obligation. We speak Spanish. Se habla Español. Call us at 800-862-1260 today.