San Antonio Truck Accident FAQ

San Antonio Truck Accident FAQ

Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident in San Antonio? Our truck accident lawyers at The Edwards Law Firm can help you get the justice you deserve. Contact our Texas personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.
The aftermath of a San Antonio truck accident can be a whirlwind of emotions and confusion. Serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages leave you grappling with immediate challenges while facing a complex legal landscape.

Here, we’ll explore some frequently asked questions specific to San Antonio truck accident cases, empowering you with knowledge as you navigate this difficult period. If you think you might have a case, call our San Antonio truck accident lawyers for a free case review.

My loved one tragically passed away in a San Antonio truck accident. What legal options do we have?

If a truck accident tragically results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in San Antonio. Wrongful death lawsuits aim to recover compensation for the losses suffered due to the decedent's passing. These losses can include:

• Loss of financial support: This covers the income the deceased would have provided to the family if they had survived.
• Loss of companionship: Compensation can be sought for the emotional loss of companionship, guidance, and love the deceased provided.
• Loss of inheritance: If the deceased had a future earning potential, the lost inheritance potential for surviving family members can be factored into the claim.
• Medical and funeral expenses: The costs associated with the deceased's medical care leading up to their passing and funeral expenses can be recovered.

The specific legal options and potential compensation will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the relationship between the deceased and surviving family members. Consulting with an experienced San Antonio wrongful death lawyer specializing in truck accidents is crucial to understand your rights and explore potential legal avenues for seeking compensation.

I was a passenger in another car involved in a San Antonio truck accident caused by the truck driver. Can I still sue the trucking company even if I wasn't directly hit by the truck?

In San Antonio, the legal doctrine of "respondeat superior" applies to truck accident cases. This principle holds employers liable for the negligent actions of their employees while on the job. Therefore, if the truck driver's negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, even if you were not directly struck by the truck itself, you can potentially sue the trucking company. An attorney can investigate the details of the accident, such as the truck driver's behavior leading up to the collision, their adherence to driving hours regulations, and the overall cause of the accident. By establishing that the truck driver's negligence was the primary factor, you can build a strong case against the trucking company for your injuries.

The truck that caused the accident was a leased vehicle. Who is liable for my injuries – the leasing company or the trucking company that hired the driver?

Liability in San Antonio truck accident cases involving leased vehicles can be complex. Several factors determine who is ultimately liable, including:

• The terms of the lease agreement: The specific language in the lease agreement outlining responsibility for vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and insurance coverage plays a critical role.
• Control over the driver: If the trucking company maintained significant control over the driver's work schedule, routes, and overall operations, they might be held liable even if the truck was leased.
• Maintenance responsibility: Determining who was responsible for maintaining the leased vehicle is crucial. If a mechanical failure caused by improper maintenance contributed to the accident, the party responsible for maintenance could be liable.

I shared some fault for the San Antonio truck accident. Does this automatically disqualify me from receiving compensation?

Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that even if you're partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover some compensation, but the amount will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you're found 30% at fault for the accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would potentially receive $70,000 in compensation. Determining the degree of fault attributed to you and the truck driver is crucial.

An attorney can analyze the accident scene, witness statements, and traffic laws to present evidence that minimizes your percentage of fault and maximizes your potential compensation.

The evidence in my San Antonio truck accident case seems complex – data recorders, driver logs, and technical aspects of truck maintenance. Should a lawyer handle this?

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with sophisticated data recorders, often referred to as "black boxes." These devices capture vital information about the truck's speed, braking activity, and other data points at the time of the accident. Extracting and interpreting this data can be complex and requires specialized knowledge. Similarly, driver logs and truck maintenance records can be crucial pieces of evidence, but deciphering them often necessitates expertise.

A skilled San Antonio truck accident lawyer can handle the complexities of evidence in your case:

• Data recorder retrieval and analysis: Your attorney has the resources and experience to know how to access and analyze data from the truck's "black box." They can work with specialists who can interpret the data and translate it into evidence that supports your claim.
• Driver log review and interpretation: Federal regulations mandate that truck drivers maintain detailed logs documenting their hours of service, routes, and pre-trip inspections. An attorney can review these logs to identify potential violations of driving regulations that might have contributed to the accident.
• Truck maintenance record investigation: Proper maintenance is vital for truck safety. Your lawyer can analyze maintenance records to uncover any neglected repairs, faulty equipment, or overdue inspections that might have played a role in the accident. They can consult with mechanics and experts to understand the technical aspects of these records and how they connect to the cause of the accident.
• Accident reconstruction specialists: In complex cases, accident reconstruction specialists can be invaluable. These experts can analyze the accident scene, vehicle damage, and physical evidence to recreate the events leading up to the collision. Their findings can be crucial in establishing the truck driver's negligence and the cause of the accident.

I'm overwhelmed by the legal process and the thought of dealing with insurance companies. Can a lawyer handle these aspects of my San Antonio truck accident case?

The legal process following a San Antonio truck accident can be intricate and time-consuming. Navigating deadlines, paperwork, and complex legal issues can be daunting while you're recovering from injuries. A skilled truck accident lawyer can handle these aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing. Here are some of they services we can provide:

• Case management: Your lawyer will handle all aspects of your case, ensuring adherence to deadlines, gathering evidence, and managing communication with all parties involved.
• Legal research and documentation: Building a strong legal case requires thorough research and meticulous documentation. Your attorney will handle this legwork, ensuring your claim is supported by relevant laws, regulations, and evidence.
• Negotiation with insurance companies: Truck accident cases often involve multiple insurance companies, each with their own adjusters and negotiation tactics. Your lawyer has the experience and skill to navigate these negotiations and fight for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
• Court representation (if necessary): If necessary, your attorney will represent you in court and present a compelling case to a judge or jury.

Contact a San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney Today

The aftermath of a San Antonio truck accident can be a challenging and stressful time. Understanding the complexities of your legal options and having skilled legal representation on your side is crucial. The Edwards Law Firm's team of experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and securing the compensation you deserve.

We offer a free consultation where you can discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you navigate this difficult process. Don't hesitate to reach out by calling 361-320-6752 – let us fight for you while you focus on healing. Remember, you are not alone.