18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Alamo Heights, Texas

Every year, thousands of catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents occur on Alamo Heights’ highways and interstates. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Alamo Heights, Texas, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes right here in Alamo Heights and throughout Bexar County.

Why Alamo Heights Trucking Accidents Are Different

We know Alamo Heights’ trucking corridors like the back of our hand. From the heavy commercial traffic on US-281 and Loop 410 to the distribution centers along McCullough Avenue, we understand the unique challenges that Alamo Heights truck drivers face. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a significant advantage when building your case.

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Alamo Heights, not the exception. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars on Alamo Heights’ roads, the results are often devastating.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Alamo Heights

Alamo Heights’ unique geographic position creates specific accident patterns:

Jackknife Accidents on Alamo Heights Highways

These terrifying accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On Alamo Heights’ wet roads or during sudden traffic slowdowns on US-281, jackknife accidents are particularly common and dangerous.

Underride Collisions – The Deadliest Alamo Heights Truck Accidents

Underride accidents are among the most fatal types of truck crashes in Alamo Heights. When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath, the trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. These accidents frequently result in decapitation or catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Rollover Accidents on Alamo Heights’ Curves

With Alamo Heights’ mix of urban and suburban roads, rollover accidents are a significant concern. When trucks take curves too fast on roads like Basse Road or Harry Wurzbach Road, the high center of gravity can cause the trailer to tip over, often crushing nearby vehicles.

Tire Blowouts on Alamo Heights’ Hot Roads

Alamo Heights’ extreme heat causes tire blowouts, especially on long-haul routes. When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, drivers can lose control completely. These blowouts often occur on I-10 or I-35, creating sudden hazards for nearby vehicles.

Brake Failures – A Major Concern in Alamo Heights

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On Alamo Heights’ hilly terrain and during sudden traffic stops on crowded roads, brake failures can have catastrophic consequences. We’ve seen cases where poorly maintained brakes caused trucks to plow through intersections at full speed.

Rear-End Collisions – Alamo Heights’ Most Common Truck Accident

Rear-end collisions are the second most common type of large truck crash in Alamo Heights. A fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. When Alamo Heights drivers suddenly stop at intersections or in congested areas, trucks often cannot stop in time.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Alamo Heights Trucking Accident?

In Alamo Heights trucking accident cases, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving on Alamo Heights roads
Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety. They may be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

The driver was an employee (not independent contractor)
Acting within the scope of employment
Performing job duties when accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

Negligent Hiring: Failed to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, or hours of service regulations
Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance or ELD compliance
Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

The companies that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for:

Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

Defective brake components
Defective tires causing blowouts
Defective steering mechanisms
Defective lighting components

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for:

Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores
Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

Negligent entrustment of vehicle
Failure to maintain owned equipment
Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
Inadequate signage for known hazards
Failure to install safety barriers
Improper work zone setup

FMCSA Violations We Commonly Find in Alamo Heights Trucking Cases

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations apply to every 18-wheeler on Alamo Heights’ roads. When trucking companies and drivers violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

Hours of Service Violations – The #1 Cause of Fatigue-Related Crashes in Alamo Heights

Hours of service regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. The rules limit how long drivers can operate:

11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
30-Minute Break Rule: Must take 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
34-Hour Restart: Can restart weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off

Fatigued driving is a major problem in Alamo Heights, especially for drivers making long hauls to or from the Port of Houston or crossing multiple states. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their logs to appear compliant while driving dangerously long hours.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate

Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that:

Automatically record driving time
Synchronize with vehicle engine to record objective data
Cannot be altered after the fact (unlike paper logs)
Record GPS location, speed, engine hours

ELD data is critical evidence in Alamo Heights trucking cases. It proves:

Exactly how long the driver was on duty
Whether breaks were taken as required
Speed before and during the accident
GPS location history
Any HOS violations

Driver Qualification Violations

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

Employment application
Motor vehicle record
Road test certificate
Medical examiner’s certificate
Annual driving record review
Previous employer inquiries
Drug and alcohol test records

In Alamo Heights cases, we often find missing or incomplete DQ files, which prove negligent hiring. For example, we’ve uncovered cases where drivers with multiple DUI convictions or suspended licenses were hired without proper background checks.

Vehicle Maintenance Violations

FMCSA requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all CMVs. Common violations we find in Alamo Heights cases:

Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
Improper brake adjustments (too loose)
Air brake system leaks or failures
Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
Contaminated brake fluid
Defective brake components
Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
Deferred maintenance to save costs

Cargo Securement Violations

Cargo must be properly secured to prevent shifting or spilling. Violations include:

Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength)
Improper loading distribution
Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
Overloading beyond securement capacity
Failure to re-inspect cargo during trip
Loose tarps allowing cargo shift

Critical Evidence in Alamo Heights Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. In Alamo Heights, we act fast to preserve:

ECM/Black Box Data

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data:

Speed Before Crash: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
Brake Application: Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
Throttle Position: Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
Following Distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
Hours of Service: Proves fatigue and HOS violations
GPS Location: Confirms route and timing
Fault Codes: May reveal known mechanical issues driver ignored

This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, which is why we send spoliation letters immediately.

ELD Records

Electronic Logging Devices record:

Driver hours of service
Duty status changes
GPS location
Driving time
Malfunction alerts

ELD data is crucial for proving hours of service violations and driver fatigue.

Driver Qualification File

The DQ file contains:

Employment application and resume
Background check and driving record
Previous employer verification
Medical certification and exam records
Drug test results
Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Maintenance Records

We obtain:

Maintenance and repair records
Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
Out-of-service orders and repairs
Tire records and replacement history
Brake inspection and adjustment records
Parts purchase and installation records

Poor maintenance records prove negligence.

Dispatch Records

Dispatch records show:

Trip assignments
Delivery deadlines
Communications between driver and company
Pressure to violate HOS regulations

These records can prove the company pressured drivers to violate safety rules.

Drug and Alcohol Tests

We obtain:

Pre-employment test results
Random test results
Post-accident test results
Reasonable suspicion test results

Failed tests or missing tests prove negligence.

Cell Phone Records

Cell phone records prove:

Distracted driving
Texting while driving
Phone calls while driving
GPS and app usage

GPS and Telematics Data

GPS systems record:

Real-time location history
Speed history
Route taken
Driver behavior (hard braking, rapid acceleration)

Dashcam Footage

Dashcams record:

Video of the road ahead
Some record cab interior
Driver behavior
Traffic conditions
Accident sequence

Dashcam footage is often overwritten within days, so we act fast to preserve it.

Catastrophic Injuries from Alamo Heights Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents in Alamo Heights often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In Alamo Heights trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime Care Costs:

Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only – not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or must be surgically removed due to severe damage.

Ongoing Medical Needs:

Initial surgery and hospitalization
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Occupational therapy for daily living skills
Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from:

Fuel tank rupture and fire
Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
Friction burns from road contact
Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries in Alamo Heights trucking accidents:

Liver laceration or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Texas law allows surviving family members to recover compensation through wrongful death claims.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas:

Surviving spouse
Children (minor and adult)
Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
Estate representative

Damages Available:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
Punitive damages if gross negligence

Texas Trucking Accident Laws You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

Damage Caps

Texas has no cap on compensatory damages for personal injury cases, including:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

However, Texas does cap punitive damages at:

2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000 OR
$200,000

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil/petroleum or large equipment
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials or passengers

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Alamo Heights

Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video if possible
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call an Alamo Heights 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Critical Evidence Preservation

Evidence in Alamo Heights 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies in Alamo Heights and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to demand preservation of:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Dispatch records
Drug and alcohol test results
Cell phone records
GPS and telematics data
Dashcam footage
The physical truck and trailer

Medical Treatment

Seek medical attention immediately after an Alamo Heights trucking accident. Adrenaline masks pain, and internal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

Common injuries that may not show immediate symptoms:

Traumatic brain injury
Internal bleeding
Spinal cord damage
Organ damage
Soft tissue injuries

Do NOT Talk to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Their job is to pay you as little as possible. We know their tactics because our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Alamo Heights Trucking Case?

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience handling 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle accident cases across Texas. He has recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims and has federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. He spent years on the other side, watching adjusters minimize claims and seeing how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.

Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We have documented multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases, including:

$5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
$2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Federal Court Experience

Our federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

Fluent Spanish Services

At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Alamo Heights speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Offices Serving Alamo Heights and All of Texas

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Alamo Heights. Our Alamo Heights clients typically work with our San Antonio-area team, who know the local courts, judges, and trucking corridors.

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

We’ve built our reputation on taking cases that other firms won’t touch. If you’ve been told your case isn’t worth pursuing, call us. We evaluate every case on its merits and fight for victims who have been turned away elsewhere.

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

Personal Attention Like Family

We treat our clients like family, not case numbers. Our 4.9-star Google rating with over 251 reviews speaks to our commitment to client service.

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Faster Than the Competition

We solve cases faster than other firms. While some firms take years to resolve cases, we often achieve results in months.

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

Our Alamo Heights Trucking Accident Case Process

1. Free Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to all Alamo Heights trucking accident victims. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to speak with an attorney immediately.

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.

3. Comprehensive Investigation

We gather all available evidence, including:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Dispatch records
Drug and alcohol test results
Cell phone records
GPS and telematics data
Dashcam footage
Witness statements
Accident reconstruction

4. Medical Care Coordination

We help connect you with medical providers and ensure you receive the treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance.

5. Demand Letter

We send a comprehensive demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance carrier, calculating all your damages.

6. Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. Most cases settle at this stage.

7. Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way to verdict if necessary.

8. Resolution

Your case resolves either through settlement or jury verdict. We only get paid if we win your case.

What Your Alamo Heights Trucking Case Is Worth

Every case is unique, but several factors determine case value:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Texas caps punitive damages at:

2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000 OR
$200,000

Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

While every case is different, recent verdicts demonstrate what juries award in serious trucking cases:

$730 Million – Texas (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
$462 Million – Missouri (2024) – Underride decapitation case
$160 Million – Alabama (2024) – Rollover left driver quadriplegic
$150 Million – Texas (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
$141.5 Million – Florida (2023) – Defunct carrier case
$90 Million – Texas – Truck driver burned in explosion
$37.5 Million – Texas (2024) – Trucking verdict
$35.5 Million – Texas – Family injured in truck accident
$35 Million – Fort Worth, TX (2025) – Largest in Tarrant County

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations.

Common Questions About Alamo Heights Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Alamo Heights?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Alamo Heights, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video if possible
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Alamo Heights hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Alamo Heights?

Document everything possible:

Truck and trailer license plates
DOT number (on truck door)
Trucking company name and logo
Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
Photos of all vehicle damage
Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
Photos of your injuries
Witness names and phone numbers
Responding officer’s name and badge number
Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Alamo Heights?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Alamo Heights?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

The truck driver
The trucking company/motor carrier
The cargo owner or shipper
The company that loaded the cargo
Truck or parts manufacturers
Maintenance companies
Freight brokers
The truck owner (if different from carrier)
Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Engine RPM and throttle position
Whether cruise control was engaged
GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Cell phone records
Insurance policies
The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
Impose monetary sanctions
Enter default judgment in extreme cases
Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find in Alamo Heights cases:

Hours of service violations (driving too long)
False log entries (lying about driving time)
Brake system deficiencies
Cargo securement failures
Drug and alcohol violations
Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

Employment application
Driving record check
Previous employer verification
Medical certification
Drug test results
Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Alamo Heights?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents in Alamo Heights often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Amputations
Severe burns
Internal organ damage
Multiple fractures
Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Alamo Heights?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Alamo Heights?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Alamo Heights?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Alamo Heights, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Alamo Heights trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Alamo Heights trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies in Alamo Heights and across Texas. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that experience to work for your case.

Worried about affording an attorney? Don’t be. Attorney911 works on contingency – you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation.

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in an Alamo Heights 18-wheeler accident – traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, or worse – you need an attorney who has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts for families just like yours. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a trucking company’s negligence takes a loved one, justice requires holding them fully accountable. Our Alamo Heights wrongful death attorneys have the experience and resources to fight for your family. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a compassionate, confidential consultation.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win. 24/7 availability. One number to remember: 1-888-ATTY-911.

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Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.