Disabled 18-Wheeler Clogs Major Central Texas Highway: What San Antonio Drivers Need to Know About Their Rights

One moment you’re driving home on a familiar San Antonio highway. The next, traffic grinds to a halt behind a disabled 18-wheeler blocking multiple lanes. Hours pass. Tempers flare. And somewhere in that gridlock, another preventable trucking accident may be unfolding.

This isn’t hypothetical. On February 25, 2026, a disabled 18-wheeler brought traffic to a standstill on a major Central Texas highway. While the incident itself didn’t result in reported injuries, it represents a growing danger on Texas roads – one that too often leads to catastrophic accidents when trucking companies fail to follow federal safety regulations.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how these seemingly minor incidents can escalate into life-altering tragedies. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent 25+ years fighting for Texas families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. We know the patterns. We know the violations. And we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in San Antonio or Bexar County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast – we send preservation letters within hours to protect your rights.

The Incident: What Happened on February 25, 2026

On the afternoon of February 25, 2026, a disabled 18-wheeler brought traffic to a complete standstill on a major Central Texas highway. The truck, which was reportedly blocking multiple lanes, created significant congestion and delays for motorists traveling through the area.

While no injuries were reported in this specific incident, the situation highlights a critical safety issue that San Antonio drivers face every day. Disabled commercial vehicles on busy highways create hazardous conditions that can lead to secondary collisions, rear-end accidents, and other serious crashes.

The Dangers of Disabled Trucks on Highways

When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler becomes disabled on a highway, the risks extend far beyond mere inconvenience:

• Secondary Collisions: Drivers approaching the scene may not have enough time to stop, especially if visibility is poor or traffic is moving at high speeds
• Rear-End Accidents: Following vehicles may collide with the disabled truck or with each other in chain-reaction crashes
• Underride Collisions: Smaller vehicles can slide underneath trailers if proper warning devices aren’t deployed
• Emergency Response Delays: Blocked lanes prevent police, fire, and EMS vehicles from reaching other accidents or emergencies
• Driver Frustration: Congestion and delays can lead to aggressive driving behaviors that increase accident risks

“Every minute a disabled truck blocks a highway lane, the danger multiplies,” explains Ralph Manginello. “Trucking companies have a legal obligation to maintain their vehicles and respond quickly when breakdowns occur. When they fail in this duty, innocent drivers pay the price.”

Why This Incident Matters for San Antonio Drivers

While this particular breakdown occurred in Central Texas, the same risks exist on San Antonio’s highways every day. Our city sits at the crossroads of major trucking corridors:

• I-10: The primary east-west route connecting San Antonio to Houston, El Paso, and beyond
• I-35: The NAFTA corridor running from Laredo through San Antonio to Dallas and beyond
• I-37: Connecting San Antonio to Corpus Christi and the Gulf Coast
• US-281: A major north-south route through the city
• Loop 410 and Loop 1604: High-volume beltways with heavy truck traffic

These corridors see thousands of 18-wheelers daily, transporting everything from consumer goods to industrial equipment. When breakdowns occur, the potential for disaster is real.

Local Factors That Increase Risks

San Antonio’s unique characteristics create additional challenges:

1. Extreme Heat: Our scorching summers cause tire blowouts and engine failures
2. Heavy Traffic: Congestion on I-10, I-35, and Loop 410 increases the likelihood of secondary collisions
3. Construction Zones: Ongoing highway projects create lane shifts and reduced visibility
4. Military Traffic: Heavy equipment transport for Lackland AFB and Fort Sam Houston
5. Tourism Season: Increased traffic during Fiesta, holidays, and summer travel

“San Antonio drivers face a perfect storm of trucking risks,” says Manginello. “Our highways are congested, our weather is extreme, and our location makes us a trucking hub. When companies cut corners on maintenance or safety, our families are the ones who suffer.”

The Legal Obligations of Trucking Companies

Federal regulations establish clear responsibilities for trucking companies when vehicles become disabled on highways. These rules exist to protect public safety – and when companies violate them, they can be held legally accountable.

FMCSA Regulations for Disabled Vehicles

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific requirements for disabled commercial vehicles:

49 CFR § 392.22 – Emergency Signals; Stopped Commercial Motor Vehicles

This regulation requires that:
– Whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped on the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder for any cause other than necessary traffic stops, the driver must immediately activate hazard warning signal flashers
– Within 10 minutes, the driver must place warning devices (reflective triangles or flares) at specific locations to warn approaching traffic
– The warning devices must be placed:
– One on the traffic side of the vehicle, 4 paces (approximately 10 feet) from the vehicle in the direction of approaching traffic
– One at 40 paces (approximately 100 feet) from the vehicle in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the vehicle and in the direction of approaching traffic
– One at 40 paces (approximately 100 feet) from the vehicle in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the vehicle and in the direction away from approaching traffic

49 CFR § 396.3 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

This regulation requires motor carriers to:
– Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all motor vehicles subject to their control
– Ensure that vehicles are in safe operating condition at all times
– Maintain records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance

49 CFR § 392.7 – Equipment, Inspection and Use

This regulation requires drivers to:
– Be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving
– Review the last driver vehicle inspection report
– Sign the report to acknowledge responsibility for the vehicle’s condition

Common Violations in Disabled Truck Incidents

In our experience at Attorney911, disabled truck incidents often reveal multiple FMCSA violations:

“These violations aren’t just paperwork problems,” explains Manginello. “They’re safety failures that put lives at risk. When we investigate these cases, we’re looking for patterns of negligence that show a company’s disregard for public safety.”

How Disabled Truck Incidents Lead to Catastrophic Accidents

While this particular incident didn’t result in reported injuries, disabled trucks on highways frequently lead to devastating accidents. Here’s how these situations escalate:

The Chain Reaction Effect

1. Initial Breakdown: A truck experiences mechanical failure or becomes disabled
2. Inadequate Warning: The driver fails to properly deploy warning devices or notify authorities
3. Approaching Traffic: Drivers don’t see the disabled truck in time to stop
4. Secondary Collision: A vehicle strikes the disabled truck or swerves to avoid it
5. Chain Reaction: Additional vehicles collide in the resulting congestion
6. Catastrophic Injuries: The force of multiple impacts causes severe trauma

Common Accident Scenarios

Rear-End Collisions:
– A following vehicle strikes the rear of the disabled truck
– Common when warning devices aren’t properly deployed
– Often results in underride collisions where smaller vehicles slide underneath trailers

Sideswipe Accidents:
– Vehicles attempt to pass the disabled truck in adjacent lanes
– Can occur when trucks block multiple lanes
– Often leads to loss of control and rollover accidents

Underride Collisions:
– Smaller vehicles slide underneath trailers
– Among the most deadly trucking accidents
– Federal regulations require rear impact guards, but many are inadequate

Multi-Vehicle Pileups:
– Chain reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles
– Often occur in low visibility conditions
– Can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities

Emergency Vehicle Collisions:
– Police, fire, or EMS vehicles strike disabled trucks while responding to other incidents
– Blocked lanes prevent emergency access
– Can delay critical medical treatment for accident victims

Real Cases: When Disabled Trucks Turn Deadly

While this particular incident was resolved without injury, history shows how quickly these situations can turn tragic. Here are real cases that demonstrate the dangers:

$462 Million Underride Verdict (2024)

In 2024, a Missouri jury awarded $462 million to the families of two men who were decapitated when their vehicle slid underneath a disabled trailer. The trucking company had failed to properly deploy warning devices and the trailer lacked adequate underride guards.

$160 Million Rollover Verdict (2024)

An Alabama jury awarded $160 million to a driver who became quadriplegic when his vehicle struck a disabled truck that had rolled over on I-65. The trucking company had a history of maintenance violations and the driver was fatigued at the time of the incident.

$730 Million Texas Verdict (2021)

In one of the largest trucking verdicts in history, a Texas jury awarded $730 million after a Navy propeller being transported on an oversized load fell off and killed a 73-year-old woman. The case involved multiple violations of safety regulations for oversized loads.

$150 Million Werner Settlement (2022)

Werner Enterprises paid $150 million to settle a case involving two children killed when their family’s vehicle struck a disabled truck on I-30. The truck had been parked improperly and lacked proper warning devices.

“These cases show what’s at stake when trucking companies fail to follow safety regulations,” says Manginello. “The verdicts reflect what juries think of companies that prioritize profits over people.”

What San Antonio Drivers Should Do If They Encounter a Disabled Truck

If you encounter a disabled 18-wheeler on San Antonio highways:

1. Slow Down Immediately: Reduce speed well before reaching the scene
2. Increase Following Distance: Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead
3. Change Lanes Safely: Move over if possible, but don’t make sudden maneuvers
4. Turn on Hazard Lights: Warn drivers behind you of the hazard
5. Be Prepared to Stop: Assume you may need to brake suddenly
6. Watch for Warning Devices: Look for reflective triangles or flares
7. Report the Hazard: Call 911 to report the disabled vehicle if it appears unsafe
8. Document the Scene: If safe to do so, take photos/video of the situation
9. Check for Emergency Vehicles: Be prepared to yield to police, fire, or EMS
10. Stay Calm: Avoid aggressive driving behaviors that increase risks

What to Do If You’re Injured in a Disabled Truck Accident

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident involving a disabled 18-wheeler:

Immediate Steps

1. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle positions, damage, warning devices, road conditions
4. Collect Information: Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance information
5. Identify Witnesses: Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident
6. Preserve Evidence: Don’t let anyone move vehicles until police arrive
7. Don’t Give Statements: Avoid talking to insurance adjusters without legal representation

Critical Next Steps

1. Contact an Attorney Immediately: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Preserve Evidence: We’ll send spoliation letters to preserve black box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs
3. Investigate Thoroughly: Our team will gather all available evidence to build your case
4. Identify All Liable Parties: We’ll determine who’s responsible – the driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, or others
5. Calculate Full Damages: We’ll work with medical experts to document all your injuries and future needs
6. Negotiate Aggressively: We’ll fight for maximum compensation from all available insurance policies
7. Prepare for Trial: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court to get the justice you deserve

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Choose Our Firm

When you’re facing the aftermath of a trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with specialized expertise and a track record of success. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. His experience includes:

• Recovering multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Handling cases against major trucking companies
• Litigating complex trucking cases in federal court
• Securing justice for families devastated by catastrophic injuries

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our team includes attorneys who previously worked for insurance defense firms. We know exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims – and we know how to counter every tactic.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast to preserve critical evidence:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
• ELD Records: Show hours of service violations and driver fatigue
• Maintenance Logs: Prove deferred repairs and poor upkeep
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within days
• Witness Statements: Memories fade quickly

Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigations go beyond the surface to uncover all liable parties:

• Trucking companies
• Drivers
• Maintenance providers
• Cargo loaders
• Manufacturers
• Brokers
• Government entities

Proven Results

Attorney911 has secured significant recoveries for trucking accident victims:

• $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 wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we know Texas trucking corridors inside and out. We understand the unique challenges San Antonio drivers face on I-10, I-35, and our other major highways.

Compassionate Representation

We treat our clients like family. As one client, Chad Harris, said: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Common Questions About Disabled Truck Accidents

Who can be held liable in a disabled truck accident?

Multiple parties may share liability:

• The Truck Driver: For failing to properly deploy warning devices, conduct pre-trip inspections, or respond appropriately to the breakdown
• The Trucking Company: For negligent maintenance, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules
• Maintenance Providers: For failing to properly service vehicles or identify safety issues
• Manufacturers: For defective parts that caused the breakdown
• Cargo Loaders: For improper loading that contributed to the incident
• Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident

What damages can I recover?

Victims of disabled truck accidents may be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injuries and recovery
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies begin building their defense immediately.

What if the trucking company claims the accident was my fault?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Even if you share some responsibility, you may still be entitled to compensation. Our job is to gather evidence that proves the trucking company’s negligence.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is unique, but factors that affect case value include:

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

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This allows for larger recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.

The Bigger Picture: Why These Incidents Keep Happening

The disabled truck incident on February 25, 2026, wasn’t an isolated event – it’s part of a larger pattern of trucking industry practices that prioritize profits over safety. Here’s what’s really happening on our highways:

The Pressure to Keep Moving

Trucking companies operate on tight schedules and thin margins. Drivers face intense pressure to:

• Meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
• Drive beyond legal hours of service limits
• Skip proper vehicle inspections
• Defer necessary maintenance

This pressure leads to preventable breakdowns and inadequate responses when they occur.

The Maintenance Crisis

Many trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save costs:

• Delaying brake repairs
• Using worn tires beyond safe limits
• Ignoring engine warning lights
• Skipping required inspections

These practices lead to preventable breakdowns that endanger everyone on the road.

The Training Gap

Properly responding to a breakdown requires training and experience. Many drivers:

• Don’t know how to properly deploy warning devices
• Aren’t trained in emergency procedures
• Don’t understand their legal obligations
• Are pressured to keep moving rather than take time for safety

The Regulatory Loopholes

While FMCSA regulations exist, enforcement is often lax:

• Inspections are infrequent
• Penalties are often minimal
• Companies can continue operating despite poor safety records
• Many violations go unreported

The Insurance Factor

Trucking companies carry high insurance limits, but insurers work hard to minimize payouts:

• Quick lowball settlement offers
• Denying or minimizing injuries
• Blaming victims for accidents
• Delaying claims to pressure victims into accepting less

How Attorney911 Fights Back

At Attorney911, we’ve developed a proven system for holding trucking companies accountable:

Immediate Action

• Same-Day Response: We act immediately when you call
• Spoliation Letters: Sent within hours to preserve critical evidence
• Emergency Investigation: We deploy experts to the scene when necessary

Comprehensive Investigation

• Black Box Analysis: We download and analyze ECM/EDR data
• ELD Review: We examine hours of service records for violations
• Maintenance Audit: We review maintenance logs for deferred repairs
• Driver Qualification Review: We check for hiring and training violations
• Accident Reconstruction: We work with experts to determine exactly what happened

Aggressive Litigation

• Identify All Liable Parties: We pursue every responsible entity
• Maximize Insurance Coverage: We identify all available policies
• Build Strong Cases: We gather irrefutable evidence of negligence
• Negotiate from Strength: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• Fight for Maximum Compensation: We never settle for less than you deserve

Client-Centered Approach

• Direct Attorney Access: You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello
• Regular Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way
• Compassionate Representation: We treat you like family
• No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation

The San Antonio Trucking Landscape

San Antonio sits at the heart of Texas’s trucking industry. Our location makes us a critical hub for freight movement, but it also exposes our families to significant risks.

Major Trucking Corridors in San Antonio

Local Industries That Increase Truck Traffic

San Antonio’s diverse economy generates significant truck traffic:

• Military: Lackland AFB and Fort Sam Houston require heavy equipment transport
• Manufacturing: Automotive, aerospace, and medical device industries
• Retail: Distribution centers for major retailers
• Energy: Oil and gas equipment transport
• Construction: Building materials for our growing city
• Agriculture: Produce and livestock transport

Unique Local Challenges

San Antonio drivers face unique challenges:

• Extreme Heat: Our scorching summers cause tire blowouts and engine failures
• Flash Floods: Sudden storms create hazardous driving conditions
• Construction Zones: Ongoing highway projects create lane shifts and congestion
• Tourism Traffic: Increased congestion during Fiesta, holidays, and summer travel
• Military Convoys: Large equipment transport creates additional hazards

What This Incident Means for San Antonio Families

The disabled truck incident on February 25, 2026, serves as a wake-up call for San Antonio families. It reminds us that:

1. Trucking accidents can happen anywhere, anytime – even on familiar roads
2. Preventable breakdowns create real dangers – not just inconveniences
3. Trucking companies often prioritize profits over safety – putting our families at risk
4. Evidence disappears quickly – making immediate action critical
5. Legal rights exist to hold negligent companies accountable – but you must act fast

“Every disabled truck on our highways represents a potential tragedy,” says Manginello. “These incidents aren’t just traffic problems – they’re safety failures that put lives at risk. When companies cut corners on maintenance or training, they’re gambling with our families’ lives.”

The Bottom Line: Your Rights After a Trucking Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in San Antonio or anywhere in Bexar County, remember:

1. You have rights – even if the trucking company claims the accident was your fault
2. Evidence disappears fast – black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage can be lost within days
3. Multiple parties may be liable – the driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, and others
4. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers – you need experienced representation on your side
5. You may be entitled to significant compensation – for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more

Take Action Now: Protect Your Rights

The disabled truck incident on February 25, 2026, could have ended in tragedy. The next one might. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in San Antonio or Bexar County, don’t wait to take action.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Our team is standing by 24/7 to:

• Provide a free, no-obligation case evaluation
• Send immediate spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence
• Launch a comprehensive investigation into the accident
• Identify all liable parties and available insurance coverage
• Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Why Choose Attorney911?

• 25+ years of trucking litigation experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting for accident victims since 1998
• Insider knowledge of insurance tactics – Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys
• Immediate evidence preservation – We act fast to protect critical evidence before it’s lost
• Comprehensive investigations – We leave no stone unturned in building your case
• Proven results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims
• Local knowledge – We know San Antonio’s highways and trucking corridors
• Compassionate representation – We treat our clients like family

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. They’ll try to:

• Offer quick lowball settlements
• Blame you for the accident
• Destroy or hide critical evidence
• Pressure you into accepting less than you deserve

Don’t face them alone. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for the experienced representation you need to fight back.

Free Consultation – No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There’s no risk, no upfront costs, and no obligation.

Hablamos Español

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

The Time to Act Is Now

Every minute you wait, evidence in your case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is already building their defense.

Don’t let them get away with it. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and start building your case.

Remember:

• 24/7 Availability: We answer calls immediately, day or night
• Free Case Evaluation: No obligation, no pressure
• No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation
• Direct Attorney Access: You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello
• Compassionate Representation: We treat you like family

Your Fight Starts With One Call: 1-888-ATTY-911

The disabled truck incident on February 25, 2026, could have been a tragedy. The next one might be. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in San Antonio or Bexar County, don’t wait to get the help you need.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.

Learn more about your rights after a trucking accident:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
• I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in San Antonio or Bexar County, call Attorney911 now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📞 (888) 288-9911
📞 (713) 528-9070

📧 ralph@atty911.com
📧 lupe@atty911.com

🌐 https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.