San Antonio’s position as a commercial and logistics hub means that commercial vehicle traffic is on the city’s streets and roads at all hours of the day and night. This density, which has increased in the wake of the pandemic, means that when accidents involving large trucks, delivery vehicles, and other commercial transports occur, it often leads to severe injuries and substantial property damage.
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we understand the serious impact a commercial vehicle accident can have on your life. Based in San Antonio, our dedicated team of attorneys provides strong representation for clients affected by these incidents. With years of experience in handling truck and other commercial vehicle accident cases, we are equipped to pursue the compensation you deserve. Trust our proven track record and commitment to excellence to guide you through this challenging time.
Why Hire Us For Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Case in San Antonio?
Commercial vehicle accidents can be extremely complicated to resolve due to the higher stakes involved. These motor vehicle collisions can result in serious injuries like traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, and trucking firms often rely on their expensive legal teams to minimize their liability. At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, our skilled lawyers in San Antonio are dedicated to helping you find justice and achieve the compensation you deserve.
- Extensive Experience: Our team has years of experience handling commercial vehicle accident cases. We understand the specific laws and regulations involved, which allows us to build strong cases that get results.
- Client-Focused Approach: At Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, your needs and concerns are our top priority. Our truck accident attorneys take the time to listen to your story, understand your situation, and tailor our legal strategy accordingly.
- Proven Track Record: Our law firm has a history of successful case outcomes. We are results-oriented and committed to fighting for your rights.
- Experienced Team: Each case is assigned to a team led by an experienced attorney. This approach ensures that no detail is overlooked and that you receive total support throughout the legal process.
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations to gather all necessary evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies. This approach helps us build a compelling case on your behalf.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Our seasoned attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to handle these tactics and secure fair settlements for our clients.
When you choose Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, you are choosing a law firm that is dedicated to achieving justice and providing exceptional legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on the path to recovery.
Who Pays Your Bills in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Recovering from a semi-truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to covering medical expenses, property damage, and other associated costs. Determining who is responsible for paying these bills is a critical step in the recovery process. At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we are here to help you identify the negligent party or parties and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
- The Truck Driver: The driver of the commercial truck may be held accountable if their negligence or reckless behavior caused the accident. This includes actions such as distracted driving, reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The Commercial Trucking Company: The company that employs the driver can often be held liable for trucking accidents. This is especially true if the truck company fails to conduct proper background checks, neglects to maintain their vehicles, or violates federal safety regulations.
- The Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the commercial vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be held responsible. This includes issues like faulty brakes, steering systems, or tires. Product liability laws allow for holding manufacturers accountable for such defects.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a commercial vehicle to become unstable and result in an accident. The company or individuals responsible for loading the cargo may be liable if their negligence in securing the load contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance Providers: Companies or individuals responsible for maintaining and repairing the commercial vehicle can be held liable if poor maintenance or faulty repairs led to the 18-wheeler accident. This includes neglecting regular inspections, failing to replace worn-out parts, or not addressing known mechanical issues.
- Other Drivers: In some cases, another driver on the road may have contributed to the accident. If another motorist’s actions caused or worsened the collision, they could be held liable for the resulting damages.
- Government Entities: If the motor vehicle accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, such as poor signage, inadequate road maintenance, or construction-related issues, a government entity responsible for the roadway’s upkeep might be held accountable. These cases require thorough investigation and specific legal procedures.
Understanding who is responsible for paying your bills after a truck crash is essential for pursuing the compensation you need. At Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
Compensation in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
When you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident, securing fair compensation is essential for covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In Texas, the law allows victims to claim various types of compensation to help them recover from their catastrophic injuries and losses.
- Medical Expenses: You can claim compensation for all medical bills related to the commercial truck accident. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care required due to the accident.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This covers the wages you would have earned during your recovery period. If your ability to work in the future is impacted, you can also seek compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Compensation can be claimed for damage to your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in a big rig accident. This includes repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other belongings.
- Pain and Suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the 18-wheeler accident. This type of non-economic damage considers the severity and duration of your pain and the impact on your quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This covers the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the accident.
- Disability and Disfigurement: If the accident results in a permanent disability or disfigurement, you can claim compensation for the long-term impact on your life. This includes mental anguish and other emotional and psychological effects of living with a disability or disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, our skilled personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you in pursuing all forms of compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Antonio
Commercial vehicle accidents in San Antonio involve a range of vehicles, each presenting unique risks and challenges.
- Large Trucks: Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, which often exceed 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, are frequently involved in serious accidents. These vehicles have large blind spots, long stopping distances, and require skilled handling. When a collision occurs, the sheer force of impact can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries.
- Delivery Vans: With the increase in online shopping, delivery vans have become a common sight on the roads. These vehicles often operate on tight schedules, leading drivers to rush or take shortcuts. The frequent stops and starts can also contribute to accidents, especially in busy urban areas.
- Buses: Public transportation and school buses carry several passengers, making accidents particularly dangerous. The safety of dozens of people can be at risk in a single incident. Buses have limited maneuverability and large blind spots, increasing the likelihood of collisions, especially in crowded traffic conditions.
- Construction Vehicles: Dump trucks, cement mixers, and other construction vehicles are essential for urban development but pose significant risks. These vehicles are often large and cumbersome, with limited visibility and slow braking. Accidents in construction zones can be particularly hazardous due to the presence of other heavy machinery and workers.
Common causes of commercial vehicle accidents in San Antonio include:
- Driver Fatigue: Commercial vehicle drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Federal regulations mandate rest periods, but these are sometimes ignored due to tight deadlines.
- Distracted Driving: The use of mobile devices, eating, adjusting controls, or other distractions can divert a driver’s attention from the road. For commercial drivers, even a momentary lapse in attention can result in serious accidents due to the size and speed of their vehicles.
- Speeding: To meet strict delivery schedules, commercial drivers in San Antonio may exceed speed limits. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increases the severity of collisions.
- Improper Maintenance: Commercial vehicles require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Equipment failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems due to inadequate maintenance can lead to accidents.
- Overloaded Vehicles: Exceeding the weight limits of commercial vehicles can affect their stability and braking ability. Overloaded delivery trucks are harder to control and more likely to roll over or experience brake failure, leading to severe accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or ice, can make driving hazardous. Commercial vehicles are particularly vulnerable as they require longer stopping distances and are more prone to skidding or losing control in bad weather.
- Inexperienced Drivers: A shortage of experienced commercial drivers can lead to hiring less qualified individuals. Inadequate training and lack of experience can result in poor decision-making and mistakes on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
How Can a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
To begin with, a truck accident lawyer will conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the accident. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and crash scene photos. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who could be held liable, such as the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance provider. Your lawyer will identify all responsible parties to ensure that everyone accountable is pursued for compensation. They will also handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance providers, advocating on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
By hiring a San Antonio truck accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover. Contact the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS today for a free consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can assist you.
Speak to a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in San Antonio
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, our dedicated team of attorneys is here to support you after a commercial vehicle accident. From conducting thorough investigations and identifying liable parties to handling insurance companies and representing you in court, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. To learn more or schedule a free, no-risk consultation with a personal injury attorney, call (210) 800-0000 or contact us online today.
