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San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
18-Wheeler & Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Reviewed by Marco Crawford, Trial Attorney · Updated September 2026
San Antonio sits at the crossroads of I-35 and I-10, two of the busiest freight corridors in the country. Every day, thousands of 18-wheelers move through Bexar County, and when a fully loaded tractor-trailer that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic.
Truck accident cases are very different from ordinary car wrecks. Trucking companies and their insurers send investigators to the scene quickly, and critical evidence can disappear. Marco Crawford is a San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer who acts fast to protect that evidence and hold every responsible party accountable.
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Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Trucking companies must follow federal safety rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When they cut corners, people get hurt.
Driver fatigue
Federal hours-of-service rules limit how long drivers can be behind the wheel. Tight delivery schedules push some drivers past those limits.
Distracted driving
Phones, dispatch devices and in-cab screens take a driver's eyes off the road.
Speeding and unsafe lane changes
An 80,000-pound truck needs far more distance to stop than a car.
Poor maintenance
Worn brakes, bald tires and faulty lights can cause devastating crashes.
Improperly loaded cargo
Overloaded or unbalanced trailers can cause rollovers and jackknife crashes.
Inexperienced or unqualified drivers
Companies must check a driver's license, training, driving history and drug and alcohol testing.
Federal Trucking Rules and Texas Truck Accident Claims
Interstate trucking companies must follow safety rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules limit how many hours a driver can be on duty, require electronic logging devices to track driving time, set drug and alcohol testing requirements, and require regular inspection and maintenance of trucks and trailers.
When a trucking company breaks these rules, such as pushing a driver past hours-of-service limits, skipping maintenance or hiring an unqualified driver, those violations can be powerful evidence of negligence. Commercial trucks also carry much larger insurance policies than passenger cars, which can matter when injuries are catastrophic.
Because trucking companies control most of the evidence, speed matters. A preservation letter sent early can require the company to keep logbook data, black box information, dash-cam video, dispatch records and maintenance files that might otherwise be overwritten or discarded.
Who May Be Responsible
Unlike most car wrecks, a truck accident can involve several companies. Identifying all of them can make a major difference in your recovery.
The truck driver
For unsafe driving, fatigue, impairment or distraction.
The trucking company
For the driver's actions on the job and for negligent hiring, training or supervision.
The cargo loader or shipper
For overloaded or improperly secured freight.
Maintenance contractors
For brake, tire or equipment work that was done poorly or not at all.
Parts manufacturers
For defective brakes, tires, couplings or other components.
Brokers and other carriers
Depending on the facts, other companies in the shipping chain may share responsibility.
What You May Be Able to Recover
Under Texas law, people injured by someone else's negligence may be able to recover compensation for losses like these. Every case is different, and an attorney can explain what may apply to yours.
Medical bills
Past and future treatment, surgery, therapy and medication.
Lost wages
Income lost while you recover, plus reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
The physical pain an injury causes.
Mental anguish
The emotional toll of the injury and recovery.
Impairment and disfigurement
Lasting physical limitations and scarring.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle and property.
What to Do Next
The steps you take early can make a real difference. Here's what to do.
- 1Get medical care right awayTruck crashes often cause serious injuries that need immediate treatment and careful documentation.
- 2Get the crash report and the truck's detailsWrite down the trucking company name, USDOT number on the truck's door, and the driver's information if you can.
- 3Photograph everythingThe vehicles, the trailer, skid marks, road conditions and your injuries.
- 4Don't talk to the trucking company's insurerTheir team works to limit what they pay. Talk with a lawyer before giving any statement.
- 5Call a truck accident lawyer quicklyKey evidence like electronic logging device data and black box data can be lost. Call Marco Crawford Law at 210.756.5400.
Why Clients Choose Marco Crawford
Trial-ready preparation
Every case is prepared as if it's going to trial, because insurers pay more when they know you're ready.
Direct access to Marco
You'll talk with your lawyer, not just a case manager.
No fee unless we win
Injury cases are handled on contingency. Nothing up front.
Hablamos español
Your case explained clearly, in English or Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an 18-wheeler accident case different from a car accident?
Truck cases involve federal safety regulations, commercial insurance policies and multiple companies. The evidence, like driver logs, electronic logging device data and maintenance records, is controlled by the trucking company, so acting quickly matters.
What evidence is important in a truck accident case?
Electronic logging device (ELD) records, the truck's event data recorder, dash-cam video, driver qualification files, drug and alcohol test results, maintenance records and cargo documents are often key.
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident claim in Texas?
Most Texas personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash, but evidence can disappear much sooner. It's best to call a lawyer as soon as you can.
Who pays after a crash with a commercial truck?
Depending on the facts, the trucking company, its insurer and other companies involved in the shipment or maintenance of the truck may be responsible.
What does it cost to hire Marco Crawford Law for a truck accident?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
What is a preservation letter in a truck accident case?
It's a formal notice to the trucking company and its insurer to keep evidence like driver logs, black box data, video and maintenance records. Sending it early helps prevent key evidence from being lost.
Can I sue the trucking company and not just the driver?
Often, yes. Trucking companies are generally responsible for drivers acting on the job, and they can also be responsible for their own negligent hiring, training, supervision or maintenance.
Serving San Antonio and Surrounding Communities
San Antonio sits where I-35 and I-10 cross, and I-37 and US-281 carry trucks to and from the Port of Corpus Christi, the Eagle Ford Shale and the border. Truck traffic is especially heavy through the northeast side near Live Oak, Converse and Schertz, along the I-35 corridor to New Braunfels, and on Loop 410 and Loop 1604.
Related Practice Areas
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