Trucking Company Safety Ratings & How They May Affect Your San Antonio TX Claim

Known for its tourist attractions like the Alamo and River Walk, San Antonio is also a bustling metropolis for the shipping industry. The area sees many commercial trucks pass through from the busy ports in the south to the rest of the country. Large trucks on the highways also lead to more hazards for smaller vehicles that are more likely to suffer severe damage in a crash.

Accidents involving large, heavy semis can also lead to life-altering injuries for victims. The San Antonio personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have spent over two decades helping these victims seek damages to compensate them for their injuries and losses. Don't wait to get expert legal help if you've been injured. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis and free case reviews, so you pay nothing upfront. Call us 24/7 at 800-862-1260.

Texas was the most dangerous state for commercial truck accidents in 2023, with 20,510 crashes that year alone. Texas also led the country in fatal accidents involving large trucks in 2022, with 810 deaths. These incidents can be catastrophic at any speed, with many victims requiring substantial medical treatment and rehabilitation. In worst cases, families must care for their loved one for a lifetime or, in the event of a fatality, learn to survive without their beloved family member.

Many factors can contribute to a vehicle crash; some may be the fault of the truck driver or the trucking company. Commercial vehicles must follow stringent safety regulations; when they fail, tragedy can result. It is crucial for victims and their families to seek advice from an experienced Texas attorney to maximize their damages and ensure they receive the necessary care and financial support to facilitate a successful recovery.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees federal regulations governing commercial motor vehicles, including:

• Hiring and training requirements for drivers
• Hours-of-service and mandated rest periods
• Impaired driving (illness, fatigue, or substances)
• Truck inspections, maintenance, and repairs

Trucking companies receive a safety rating based on their compliance with these regulations. The ratings are as follows:

• Satisfactory - the motor carrier has met the standards
• Conditional - the carrier does not have controls in place to ensure compliance
• Unsatisfactory - the carrier has had issues due to non-compliance
• Unrated - the motor carrier does not have a safety rating by the FMCSA

Trucks operating in Texas must also comply with state regulations from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. These rules include specific guidelines for commercial driver’s license requirements, service hours, hazmat transport, and other issues. Our attorneys are well-versed in state and federal trucking regulations and will investigate whether any violations contributed to your accident.

Truck accidents may occur because the driver or trucking company fails to follow safety regulations. If the company has a negative safety rating, it also indicates that they have had previous safety violations. These factors indicate negligence may have contributed to your accident, which San Antonio trucking accident lawyers must prove to seek damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

Common accident causes that may involve safety violations include:

• Incomplete hiring practices or insufficient driver training
• Driver fatigue due to extended hours and insufficient breaks
• Distracted driving from eating or talking on the phone
• Reckless driving if the driver is in a rush to their next destination
• Improper loading or securing freight

Your lawyer will gather evidence like driving logs, maintenance records, and the black box from the truck to determine whether any violations were committed. If they can prove the driver or company's negligence led directly to your accident, you can seek damages for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other losses.

A collision with a semi can leave you severely injured and unsure of where to turn. Our 18 wheeler accident attorneys in San Antonio TX at Carabin Shaw will work to protect your rights and maximize damages so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Our client reviews attest to our ability to care for accident victims like you. Call us today and speak to one of our English- or Spanish-speaking professionals at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• The Trucker
• Injuryfacts
• FMCSA
• Tx DMV