4 Injured in 7-Vehicle Crash on Northeast Side: What Kyle, Hays County Drivers Need to Know After a Trucking Collision
The Crash That Changed Four Lives in an Instant
It happened at 2:14 AM on February 22, 2026. A quiet Saturday morning on Nacogdoches Road at the intersection of Judson Road on San Antonio’s Northeast Side erupted into chaos. One vehicle ran a red light. It struck another vehicle with such force that it became airborne, crashing into five additional vehicles. The result: a seven-vehicle collision that left four people injured, one with life-altering injuries.
The driver who ran the red light—the one who set this catastrophic chain reaction in motion—suffered a broken collarbone and a broken shoulder. But the physical pain is only the beginning. The legal and financial consequences of this crash will ripple through the lives of everyone involved for years to come.
This wasn’t just an accident. It was a preventable tragedy. And if you or a loved one has ever been injured in a multi-vehicle collision in Kyle, Hays County, or anywhere in Texas, this incident should serve as a stark warning: trucking and commercial vehicle accidents don’t just happen—they’re caused by negligence, and someone must be held accountable.
The Legal Fallout: Who’s Really Responsible?
When a crash like this happens, the first question everyone asks is: Who’s at fault?
The obvious answer is the driver who ran the red light. But in trucking and commercial vehicle accidents, fault is rarely that simple. Multiple parties may share responsibility—and multiple insurance policies may be available to compensate the victims.
The Driver: More Than Just a Red-Light Runner
The driver who ran the red light will certainly bear significant responsibility. But was this just a momentary lapse in judgment—or was it the result of systemic negligence?
Potential driver-related factors we investigate in cases like this:
- Fatigue: Was the driver operating on too little sleep? Federal hours-of-service regulations limit commercial drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR § 395.3). Violations are common and deadly.
- Distraction: Was the driver using a cell phone, adjusting the radio, or distracted by dispatch communications? FMCSA regulations prohibit hand-held mobile phone use while driving (49 CFR § 392.82).
- Impairment: Was the driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Even prescription medications can impair driving ability.
- Medical Issues: Did the driver have an undiagnosed medical condition that caused loss of control? FMCSA requires regular medical certification (49 CFR § 391.41).
- Training Deficiencies: Was the driver properly trained to handle emergency situations? Many drivers lack adequate training in defensive driving techniques.
The critical question: Was this driver qualified to be behind the wheel in the first place?
The Trucking Company: Where Negligence Often Begins
If the red-light runner was operating a commercial vehicle (even if it wasn’t an 18-wheeler), the trucking company may bear significant responsibility.
Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.
But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:
| Type of Negligence | What It Means | How It Applies Here |
|---|---|---|
| Negligent Hiring | Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers | Did the company check the driver’s background? Previous accidents? Traffic violations? |
| Negligent Training | Failing to properly train drivers | Was the driver trained in defensive driving? Emergency maneuvers? Hours-of-service compliance? |
| Negligent Supervision | Failing to monitor driver performance | Was the driver’s behavior monitored? Were violations addressed? |
| Negligent Scheduling | Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules | Was the driver pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines? |
| Negligent Maintenance | Failing to maintain vehicles properly | Were there known mechanical issues that contributed to the crash? |
FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to maintain Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR § 391.51) containing:
– Employment application
– Motor vehicle record
– Road test certificate
– Medical examiner’s certificate
– Previous employer inquiries
– Drug and alcohol test results
If these files are incomplete or missing, the company may be liable for negligent hiring.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
In complex crashes like this one, multiple parties may share responsibility:
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect contributed to the crash (brake failure, steering malfunction, etc.)
- Parts Manufacturer: If a defective component (tire, brake system, etc.) failed
- Maintenance Company: If improper repairs contributed to the crash
- Cargo Owner/Shipper: If improperly loaded or secured cargo affected vehicle stability
- Government Entity: If poor road design, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed
- Other Drivers: If any of the other drivers involved contributed to the chain reaction
The Evidence: What You Need to Prove Your Case
In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of a crash. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence may be lost forever.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
At Attorney911, we follow a strict 48-hour evidence preservation protocol in every trucking accident case. Here’s what we do—and what you should demand if you’re ever in a similar situation:
1. Electronic Data Preservation
| Data Source | What It Shows | Preservation Window |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box | Speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes | 30 days (can be overwritten) |
| ELD (Electronic Logging Device) | Hours of service, driving time, GPS location | 6 months (FMCSA requirement) |
| GPS/Telematics | Route, speed, location history | Varies by system |
| Dashcam Footage | Video of the crash and driver behavior | Often deleted within 7-14 days |
| Cell Phone Records | Texts, calls, app usage | Requires subpoena |
| Dispatch Records | Communications about routes and deadlines | Carrier-controlled |
The critical action: We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours demanding preservation of all electronic data. Once we notify the trucking company of potential litigation, they have a legal duty to preserve evidence.
2. Physical Evidence
| Evidence Type | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles Involved | Damage patterns, mechanical condition | Proves impact forces and identifies defects |
| Tire Remnants | Tread depth, age, condition | Identifies blowouts or worn tires |
| Brake Components | Adjustment, wear, condition | Identifies brake failures |
| Cargo/Securement Devices | Load distribution, tiedown condition | Identifies cargo shift or spill causes |
| Roadway Evidence | Skid marks, debris patterns | Reconstructs the crash sequence |
3. Documentary Evidence
| Document Type | What It Shows | FMCSA Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Qualification File | Hiring practices, training, medical certification | 3 years (49 CFR § 391.51) |
| Hours of Service Records | Compliance with driving time limits | 6 months (49 CFR § 395.8) |
| Maintenance Records | Vehicle upkeep and known issues | 1 year (49 CFR § 396.3) |
| Inspection Reports | Pre-trip and post-trip inspections | 1 year (49 CFR § 396.11) |
| Drug/Alcohol Test Results | Impairment at time of crash | 5 years (positive), 1 year (negative) |
| Accident Register | Previous crash history | 3 years (49 CFR § 390.15) |
4. Witness Evidence
| Witness Type | What They Can Provide |
|---|---|
| Eyewitnesses | Independent account of what happened |
| First Responders | Initial observations of the scene |
| Medical Personnel | Documentation of injuries |
| Other Drivers | Accounts from other vehicles involved |
The Compensation: What Are the Victims Entitled To?
In Texas, accident victims are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Example for This Case |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Past, present, and future medical costs | Hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, medications, assistive devices |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injuries | Time off work for recovery, reduced earning capacity |
| Lost Earning Capacity | Future income lost due to permanent disability | If injuries prevent returning to previous job |
| Property Damage | Repair or replacement of damaged property | Vehicle repair or replacement |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses | Other accident-related costs | Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications |
Non-Economic Damages
| Damage Type | What It Covers | Example for This Case |
|---|---|---|
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Chronic pain from broken bones |
| Mental Anguish | Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in activities | Hobbies, sports, family activities |
| Disfigurement | Permanent scarring or visible injuries | Scars from surgery |
| Loss of Consortium | Impact on marriage/family relationships | Loss of companionship, intimacy |
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Examples that might apply in this case:
– If the driver was operating while severely fatigued
– If the trucking company pressured the driver to violate hours-of-service rules
– If the driver had a history of violations that the company ignored
The Legal Landscape: How Texas Law Affects Your Rights
Texas has specific laws that affect trucking accident cases. Understanding these is crucial for protecting your rights.
Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This may seem like a long time, but in trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly.
Critical deadlines:
– 48 hours: Evidence preservation window
– 30 days: ECM/black box data may be overwritten
– 6 months: ELD data retention period
– 2 years: Statute of limitations for personal injury
Our advice: Don’t wait. Contact an attorney immediately after an accident.
Texas Comparative Negligence Rule
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:
- You can recover damages only if you’re 50% or less at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything
Example for this case:
– If the red-light runner is found 80% at fault, and another driver is found 20% at fault
– The other driver can recover 80% of their damages
– But if a victim is found 51% at fault, they recover nothing
Why this matters: Insurance companies will try to blame victims to reduce their payouts. Having an experienced attorney is crucial to protecting your rights.
Texas Damage Caps
Texas has no cap on compensatory damages for personal injury cases. However:
- Non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped at $250,000
- Punitive damages are capped at the greater of:
- $200,000, OR
- Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000)
Good news for trucking accident victims: There are no caps on damages in standard personal injury cases, including trucking accidents.
The Bottom Line: What This Crash Means for You
This seven-vehicle collision on San Antonio’s Northeast Side wasn’t just an accident—it was a preventable tragedy that will affect the lives of four families for years to come.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Kyle, Hays County, or anywhere in Texas, here’s what you need to know:
- These crashes don’t just happen—they’re caused by negligence
- Multiple parties may be responsible (driver, trucking company, manufacturer, etc.)
- Evidence disappears fast—you need to act immediately
- Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim—don’t face them alone
- You may be entitled to significant compensation—but you need an experienced attorney to fight for it
The Attorney911 Promise
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by commercial vehicle crashes.
Here’s our promise to you:
- We’ll fight for maximum compensation—we don’t settle for less than you deserve
- We’ll preserve critical evidence—before it disappears forever
- We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies—so you don’t have to
- We’ll treat you like family—because that’s what you are to us
- You won’t pay anything unless we win—our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket
Learn More About Trucking Accidents
Want to understand more about trucking accidents and your rights? Check out these resources from our video library:
-
The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
Learn about the unique dangers of trucking accidents and how to protect your rights. -
Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
Understand your legal options after a trucking accident. -
The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
A comprehensive look at commercial vehicle accidents and the laws that govern them. -
What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
Learn how insurance companies try to minimize claims—and how to protect yourself. -
The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Settlements
Understand how settlements work and how to maximize your compensation.
“The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911