18-Wheeler Accidents in Selma, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Selma, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex legal battles of your life. The massive size of commercial trucks—often weighing 80,000 pounds or more—means accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas, and we understand the unique challenges Selma residents face when dealing with these devastating incidents.

Why Selma Trucking Accidents Are Different

Selma sits at a critical juncture in Bexar County, where major transportation corridors intersect. Our city’s strategic location makes it a hub for commercial trucking activity:

• I-35 corridor – One of the nation’s busiest freight routes, connecting Mexico to Canada
• I-10 intersection – A major east-west artery carrying goods across the southern United States
• FM 78 and FM 1103 – Local routes that see heavy truck traffic serving distribution centers and manufacturing facilities
• Nearby Randolph AFB – Military logistics create additional trucking activity
• Proximity to San Antonio – Just 15 miles from downtown, Selma serves as a trucking gateway to the city

This high volume of commercial traffic means Selma sees more than its share of trucking accidents. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Bexar County experiences hundreds of commercial vehicle crashes annually, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents in Selma

The physics of trucking accidents make them particularly deadly. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 25 times more than a passenger vehicle. When these massive vehicles collide with cars, the results are often catastrophic:

• Traumatic brain injuries from the extreme forces involved
• Spinal cord damage that may result in permanent paralysis
• Amputations when limbs are crushed or severed in the impact
• Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures or cargo fires
• Internal organ damage from the crushing forces
• Wrongful death – trucking accidents kill hundreds of Texans each year

In Selma, we’ve seen these tragic outcomes far too often. The local hospitals—including University Hospital and Methodist Hospital—regularly treat victims of commercial truck crashes. These injuries often require months or years of rehabilitation, and many victims never fully recover.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Selma

Our experience handling trucking cases in Selma has revealed several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers in Selma frequently violate federal hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395). These rules exist to prevent fatigue-related accidents:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window maximum
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart

Despite these regulations, we consistently find drivers pushing beyond these limits, often under pressure from their employers. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now make it harder to falsify logs, but violations still occur. When we investigate Selma trucking accidents, we subpoena ELD records to prove these violations.

Distracted Driving

Selma’s truck drivers face numerous distractions:

• Cell phone use – Texting while driving is illegal for commercial drivers (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Dispatch communications – Many drivers use in-cab computers for route updates
• GPS navigation – Programming GPS while driving is a common distraction
• Fatigue – Long hours on I-35 or I-10 can lead to drowsy driving

We’ve seen cases where distracted truck drivers failed to notice stopped traffic on I-35 near Selma, leading to devastating rear-end collisions.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of truck accidents. In Selma, we frequently encounter:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments (49 CFR § 393.48)
• Air brake system failures
• Deferred maintenance to save costs
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

The Texas heat and heavy loads on Selma’s highways accelerate brake wear. When brakes fail on the steep grades of I-35 or during stop-and-go traffic on I-10, the results can be deadly.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents in several ways:

• Shifting loads that destabilize the truck
• Falling debris that strikes other vehicles
• Overweight loads that exceed legal limits
• Hazardous material spills creating additional dangers

We’ve handled cases in Selma where improperly secured construction equipment or agricultural products fell from trucks, causing multi-vehicle accidents.

Dangerous Road Conditions in Selma

Selma’s roads present unique challenges for truck drivers:

• I-35 construction zones – Frequent lane shifts and reduced speeds
• FM 78 and FM 1103 intersections – High-risk areas for truck-car collisions
• Rural roads with poor lighting – Increased risk of wildlife encounters
• Heavy traffic near Randolph AFB – Military convoys and civilian traffic mix
• Sudden weather changes – Flash flooding and high winds affect truck stability

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Selma Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents in Selma often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate all potential defendants to maximize your compensation:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because they carry the highest insurance limits. They can be liable for:

• Vicarious liability – Responsibility for their employees’ actions
• Negligent hiring – Failing to properly vet drivers (49 CFR § 391.11)
• Negligent training – Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver behavior
• Negligent maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
• Scheduling pressure – Encouraging HOS violations

In Selma, we’ve gone up against major carriers like Swift Transportation, Werner Enterprises, and Heartland Express, as well as local trucking companies serving the area.

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The companies that own and ship the cargo can be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

Loading Companies

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

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers can be liable for defective products:

• Brake system failures
• Tire defects causing blowouts
• Steering component failures
• Lighting system defects
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC)

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or incorrect parts

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier safety records

The Critical Evidence in Your Selma Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We act fast to preserve critical evidence:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD Records – Prove hours of service compliance (required retention: 6 months)
• GPS/Telematics Data – Shows route, speed, and location history
• Cell Phone Records – Prove distracted driving
• Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File – Employment application, driving record, medical certification
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results – Pre-employment and random testing
• Training Records – Safety and operational training
• Previous Accident History – Pattern of unsafe driving

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance and Repair Records – Show deferred maintenance
• Inspection Reports – Pre-trip, post-trip, annual inspections
• Out-of-Service Orders – Previous safety violations
• Tire Records – Age, tread depth, replacement history

Company Records

• Dispatch Logs – Show schedule pressure and HOS violations
• Bills of Lading – Cargo documentation
• Safety Policies – Company safety culture
• CSA Scores – FMCSA safety rating

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Selma Trucking Cases

The injuries we see in Selma trucking accidents are often life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is common in trucking accidents due to the extreme forces involved. We’ve represented clients with:

• Mild TBI (concussion) – Headaches, confusion, memory problems
• Moderate TBI – Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI – Permanent cognitive impairment, coma

The lifetime cost of TBI can exceed $3 million, depending on severity.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent disability:

• Paraplegia – Paralysis below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Paralysis of all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries – Some nerve function remains

These injuries require lifetime medical care, home modifications, and assistive technology.

Amputations

Crushing injuries in trucking accidents often result in:

• Traumatic amputations – Limbs severed at the scene
• Surgical amputations – Limbs removed due to severe damage

Amputations require prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation, and psychological support.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires cause devastating burns:

• First-degree – Superficial damage
• Second-degree – Blistering, potential scarring
• Third-degree – Full thickness burns requiring skin grafts
• Fourth-degree – Damage to muscle and bone

Burn victims often require multiple reconstructive surgeries and face permanent scarring.

Internal Organ Damage

The crushing forces in trucking accidents can cause:

• Liver and spleen damage
• Kidney injuries
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries often require emergency surgery and have long recovery periods.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

What Your Selma Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values in Selma trucking accidents vary widely based on:

• Injury severity – Catastrophic injuries command higher settlements
• Medical expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost income – Time missed from work and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional distress
• Degree of negligence – Gross negligence can lead to punitive damages
• Insurance coverage – Trucking companies carry higher limits

While every case is unique, we’ve seen these ranges in Selma trucking cases:

Texas does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases, unlike some states. This means Selma juries can award full compensation for pain and suffering.

The Legal Process for Your Selma Trucking Case

Step 1: Immediate Action (First 48 Hours)

• Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
• Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene – Take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions
• Get driver and witness information – Names, contact info, insurance details
• Contact Attorney911 – We send spoliation letters immediately

Step 2: Investigation (Days 1-30)

• Preserve evidence – ECM data, ELD records, dashcam footage
• Obtain police report – Critical for establishing liability
• Interview witnesses – Before memories fade
• Analyze accident scene – Road conditions, signage, visibility
• Subpoena records – Driver files, maintenance records, dispatch logs

Step 3: Medical Treatment and Documentation

• Follow all medical advice – Insurance companies monitor compliance
• Document all symptoms – Keep a pain journal
• Attend all appointments – Gaps in treatment hurt your case
• Get expert opinions – On future medical needs and prognosis

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

• Calculate damages – Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
• Send demand letter – Formal claim to insurance company
• Negotiate settlement – Most cases settle at this stage
• Prepare for litigation – If settlement offers are inadequate

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

• File lawsuit – Before the 2-year statute of limitations expires
• Discovery process – Exchange of evidence, depositions
• Expert reports – Accident reconstruction, medical experts
• Mediation – Attempt to settle before trial
• Trial – If settlement cannot be reached

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Selma Trucking Case?

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s taken on the biggest trucking companies in America—including Swift, Werner, and Heartland Express—and won multi-million dollar verdicts.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This is critical for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of Selma and Bexar County

We understand Selma’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges of Bexar County cases. Our local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Spanish-Language Services

Selma has a growing Hispanic community, and we’re proud to serve Spanish-speaking clients. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual case managers.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What to Do Right Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Selma, time is critical:

1. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 – We answer 24/7
2. Don’t give statements to insurance adjusters – They work for the trucking company
3. Follow all medical advice – Your health and your case depend on it
4. Document everything – Keep records of medical visits, expenses, and how your injuries affect your life

We’ll send spoliation letters to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed. We’ll investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Selma Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Selma?

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries
• Get the truck driver’s information and company details
• Collect witness contact information
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Selma?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately—evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

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 and present the strongest possible case.

How much is my Selma trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical car accidents.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to trial—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready lawyers.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

Selma Trucking Accident Hotspots

Our experience handling trucking cases in Selma has identified several high-risk areas:

• I-35 at FM 78 – Heavy truck traffic and frequent congestion
• I-35 at FM 1103 – Complex interchange with merging traffic
• FM 78 at Judson Road – High volume of local and commercial traffic
• FM 1103 at Lookout Road – Rural road with poor lighting
• I-35 construction zones – Frequent lane shifts and reduced speeds
• Randolph AFB access points – Military and civilian traffic mix
• Local distribution centers – Heavy truck traffic in and out of facilities

Recent Selma Trucking Accident Cases

While we can’t discuss specific cases due to confidentiality, we’ve handled numerous trucking accidents in Selma involving:

• Rear-end collisions on I-35 during rush hour
• Jackknife accidents on FM 78 during wet conditions
• Underride collisions at poorly lit intersections
• Cargo spills on I-10 causing multi-vehicle accidents
• Fatigue-related crashes involving long-haul drivers

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After a trucking accident in Selma, the trucking company and their insurers will move quickly to protect their interests. They have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize your claim. You need someone fighting for you.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all their tactics. We preserve evidence before it disappears. We identify all liable parties. And we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hablamos Español.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

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

Don’t wait—evidence disappears fast. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re ready to fight for you.