If you or someone you love has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in San Antonio, it can be a confusing and overwhelming time. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries and even death, and the legal process can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 18-wheeler accidents and how to find the right lawyer to represent you.
What is an 18 Wheeler Accident?
An 18-wheeler accident is a type of trucking accident that involves a large commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig. These types of accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including driver error, equipment failure, poor road conditions, and more. Due to their size and weight, 18-wheelers can cause devastating damage in the event of an accident.
Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents
Some common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Inexperienced drivers
- Adverse weather conditions
- Poor road design or maintenance
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in San Antonio, there are several important steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries.
- Call the police to report the accident and request an accident report.
- Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
- Take photos of the accident scene and any damages.
- Contact an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio.
Why You Need an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
An 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can assist with:
- Investigating the accident to determine liability
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court
- Ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages
How to Choose the Right 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in San Antonio
When choosing an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio, it’s important to consider the following:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer who has experience handling 18-wheeler accident cases specifically.
- Reputation: Check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the lawyer’s reputation.
- Communication: Choose a lawyer who is responsive and communicative throughout the legal process.
- Fees: Ask about the lawyer’s fee structure and whether they offer contingency fees, which means you only pay if they win your case.
The Benefits of Working with an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Working with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio can provide many benefits, including:
- Peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced legal professional on your side
- Access to resources and experts that can help strengthen your case
- Improved chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages
- Assistance in navigating the complicated legal process
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the accident?
- Yes, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident.
- What if the 18-wheeler driver was an independent contractor?
- The legal process can be more complicated if the driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee of a trucking company. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you navigate this situation.
- How long does it take to resolve an 18-wheeler accident case?
- The timeline for resolving an 18-wheeler accident case can vary depending on the specifics of the case. Some cases may be resolved through negotiations with insurance companies, while others may require going to trial.
- What types of damages can I recover in an 18-wheeler accident case?
- You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
- Can I still file a lawsuit if the accident occurred outside of San Antonio?
- Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit in Texas even if the accident occurred outside of San Antonio. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer can advise you on the specifics of your case.