San Antonio Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys

Colliding with a commercial vehicle like a delivery van, construction truck, or tractor-trailer can change your life in a matter of seconds. These types of accidents often involve serious injuries, complex liability questions, and big insurance companies that may not have your interests at heart. In a major metro area like San Antonio or any of the other booming cities throughout Texas, the increased traffic of commercial vehicles means that the likelihood of becoming involved in one of these crashes is more likely than ever.

Injured victims of commercial vehicle accidents need an experienced law firm on their side. Our commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Gamez Law Firm fight for victims against big corporations and their insurance companies. Our experienced attorneys can sit down with you for a free consultation and help guide you through the first steps of your claim. 

Contact Gamez Law Firm at 210-736-4040 and meet with one of our lawyers who can fight for your rights and future.

The Risks of Driving Near Commercial Vehicles

Because commercial vehicles tend to be larger and carry heavy weights, they can cause devastating accidents quickly. The continuing growth of cities like San Antonio, Houston, and Austin has led to a boom in commercial vehicle traffic throughout Texas. The increasing frequency of large trucks on the road has given rise to new trends and risk factors in commercial accidents. 

Common risk factors to keep in mind when driving near commercial vehicles throughout Texas include:

• The driving behavior of truck drivers
• How fatigued a truck driver may be
• Whether a truck driver is familiar with the roads
• If a truck driver is familiar with the technology they’re using
• If a truck driver can see you in their side mirrors

Emerging Trends in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the rapid growth of last-mile delivery services. Companies striving to fulfill promises of same-day shipping are often pushing their drivers to log long hours and meet tight deadlines. The result is a greater risk of fatigue-related crashes. High turnover throughout the state has also resulted in fleets that are younger and less experienced behind the wheel of big vehicles. 

In addition to the skill, age, and experience of a driver, the technology they use can also impact their ability to drive safely. Technology can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to safety. Unfortunately, when technology fails or systems malfunction, devastating crashes can occur. 

These emerging trends highlight the growing need for individuals and businesses alike to work with legal teams that understand the evolving landscape of commercial vehicle accidents. Each of these factors can impact how liability is determined and which parties may be held responsible.

FMCSR’s Role in Texas Commercial Vehicle Accidents

One of the most important, yet least known, factors of a commercial vehicle accident claim includes the role of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) within your case. These are national standards created to reduce crashes involving large trucks and buses. The regulations include, but are not limited to:

• The qualifications of drivers
• The hours of service that certain employees are allowed to put in
• Maintenance requirements
• Inspection requirements
• Drug and alcohol screening 
• Driver background checks and qualifications

Determining Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident 

The FMCSR can also play a key role in determining liability in a Texas commercial vehicle accident case. If the trucking company failed to abide by one of the safety rules listed in the FMCSR, it can lead directly to their fault. 

For instance, if a truck driver was on the road for longer than the federal limit allows and an accident resulted, the truck company can be held liable, as they did not follow safety standards. A skilled commercial vehicle accident lawyer from our firm can work with you to determine liability in your case and identify whether a business was adhering to FMCSR guidelines.

Understanding Third-Party Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Commercial vehicle accidents are seldom as straightforward as they seem. At first glance, the driver of a truck or van may appear to be the at-fault party. However, in many instances, there are other parties behind the scenes who could be found liable for what happened as well. This legal concept is known as third-party liability under Texas law. 

Third-party liability laws allow you to file claims against other people or companies that caused or contributed to the crash you were involved in. At Gamez Law Firm, we can evaluate your case and help you determine all liable parties to ensure you receive the compensation you’re rightfully owed. 

Liability Beyond the Driver

In most commercial vehicle accident cases, the trucking company will be held liable for some portion of the accident. However, liability can also extend beyond the operator or owner of the vehicle. 

For example, if a commercial vehicle’s brakes malfunction, even after passing all inspections and maintenance tests, the third-party service provider who created, distributed, or maintained the brakes may also be held liable for negligence. Working with a knowledgeable commercial vehicle accident attorney from Gamez Law Firm gives you the strongest chance of determining liability and holding all negligent parties accountable. 

Faulty Equipment or Parts

Companies that make parts for trucks, such as tires, brake systems, or steering components, can also be held liable if a defective component played a role in your collision. Even with correct driver actions, an accident becomes inevitable if it involves faulty component designs.

Cargo Loaders

Third-party loaders or logistics contractors might be responsible when cargo is found loaded improperly. An improperly secured load that shifts or spills on its own can cause a loss of control or rollover. This is especially true with flatbeds and tanker trailers. Our commercial vehicle accident attorney at Gamez Law Firm can conduct detailed investigations to uncover all responsible parties, not just the ones who are immediately visible.

Hidden Injuries After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Not all injuries are apparent in the minutes or even hours after a crash. During high-impact commercial vehicle accidents, the body often masks pain sensations because of shock or adrenaline. As a result, many victims walk away from crashes thinking they are fine when, in fact, they are not. Instead, many victims may not feel symptoms for days. These delayed injuries can result in long-term complications if they are not accurately diagnosed and treated.

Soft Tissue Damage

Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries are common injuries that result from vehicle accidents and do not show up on X-rays. These injuries can be extremely painful and limit mobility, and they include stiffness, limited range of motion, or an inability to move at all, or a deep, dull ache (especially in the shoulder, back, or hip). Other muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries include strains and sprains, which, if left untreated, can get worse. Receive medical attention after an accident, even if you do not feel pain right away. 

Nerve Injuries

Compression or damage to a nerve may be caused by blunt-force trauma, especially if it occurs to a person’s spine or limbs. While tingling sensations combined with numbness or burning might be mistaken for temporary discomfort, they can actually suggest serious medical issues such as nerve damage that could require surgical treatment.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are some of the most serious injuries an individual can sustain because there are often no visible symptoms at first. A severe blow to the abdomen, for example, can damage internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Symptoms of internal bleeding or ruptured organs may not show for hours or days. However, waiting to seek treatment may be fatal. 

Psychological Trauma

Mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and sleep disorders, can also occur as a result of a violent crash. The emotional impact of a traumatic event can be just as real as a physical injury. 

In some cases, injuries may not be apparent until a few days or even weeks after an accident. Seeking medical attention early on, even if you do not believe you have any significant injuries, can help to protect your health and legal rights in the future. 

4 Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Commercial vehicle accidents happen suddenly and seldom result in positive outcomes for those involved. Insurance companies want to move fast to limit their payouts. This means that victims need to act quickly and methodically to preserve their legal rights. If your claim involves a trucking company, third-party logistics firm, or national insurer, you need to understand how to protect your rights and your claim. 

The following are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future after a commercial vehicle accident:

1. First, seek medical treatment. Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, you should get a professional medical evaluation. Injuries may not appear right away, and a gap in treatment can be used against you at a later time. A detailed medical report plays a key role in proving the harm an accident caused and the damages you deserve.
2. Second, do not discuss fault at the scene. Even innocent remarks might misleadingly suggest responsibility for an accident. Stay calm, provide the facts, and allow the investigating officer to determine liability.
3. Third, preserve evidence. Take pictures of the crash site along with any vehicle damage and road conditions, including skid marks and visible injuries. These will help reconstruct the crash. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information. Witness statements can significantly strengthen a claim.
4. After the initial accident, you should contact a skilled commercial vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible. A knowledgeable lawyer from Gamez Law Firm can help you better understand your rights, your legal options, and how to hold liable parties accountable for the damages you’ve endured. 

Some additional things you can do following a crash that can strengthen your claim include:

• Request a copy of the police report.
• Keep a record of how the crash affects your daily life.
• Save all bills related to the accident, such as medical bills and property repair costs.
• Avoid making social media posts that could be misinterpreted.

The unfortunate truth is that commercial accident claims are more complicated than standard automobile collisions. There are more entities involved, and the legal process is often more complex. Taking the right steps early with a commercial vehicle accident lawyer at Gamez Law Firm can be the difference between a dismissed claim and a successful recovery.

Choose Gamez Law Firm

At Gamez Law Firm, we’re not just a personal injury law firm; we’re family. San Antonio is our home, and our founder, Joe A. Gamez, is a native who grew up on the city’s west side with a passion for defending friends and neighbors in their times of need. That sense of community service continues to be the driving force behind everything we do.

Gamez Law Firm has evolved into a multigenerational family practice where clients are treated with compassion, honesty, and respect. We understand what you’re going through because we’ve been there, too. When Mr. Gamez’s own family was involved in a serious car accident, it gave the firm a new level of insight into how overwhelming and frustrating the recovery process can be. It also instilled an even deeper level of empathy and a desire to help others get the help they need and deserve.

You will have direct access to your Gamez Law Firm attorney, who can work with you to find the doctors, transportation, and answers you need without charging you upfront fees. When we fight for you, we fight hard. At Gamez Law Firm, you’re never just a case number. You’re family.

Contact Gamez Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t delay getting the help you need. At Gamez Law Firm, we can stand by your side and fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. With over 40 years of experience serving San Antonio and other Texas cities, we understand the challenges that come with commercial vehicle accidents.

Contact Gamez Law Firm today at 210-736-4040 to schedule your free consultation with our team.