September 2, 2025

What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident: Steps, Rights, and What to Expect

A semi-truck crash can shake a person to the core. The noise, the sudden impact, the confusion on the roadway, and then the long stretch of questions that follow. People in San Antonio see 18-wheelers on I-35, I-10, Loop 410, and Highway 90 every day. When a tractor-trailer collides with a smaller vehicle, the damage can be severe. And the path to recovery often runs through clinics, body shops, and yes, insurance adjusters. This guide explains what to do after a semi-truck accident, what rights the law gives, and what to expect as a claim moves forward. It is written for San Antonio drivers, passengers, and families who want clarity and a steady plan.

First priorities at the scene

Safety comes first. Move to a safe area if possible and call 911. Medical care matters more than anything else. A person with back pain, headache, dizziness, or abdominal pain should not brush it off. Trauma from a semi-truck impact can cause internal injuries that do not show up right away. EMS will document symptoms, and that record can help both health and legal claims later.

If safe, take photos and short videos of the scene. Show the positions of all vehicles, debris, skid marks, trailer landing gear, underride damage, and road signs. San Antonio roads can be tricky near construction zones, ramp merges, and tight frontage road turns. Photos help establish sight lines and timing. If traffic is heavy, even a few quick shots can make a major difference.

Get the truck’s DOT number from the door panel, the trailer number, the license plates, and any company branding. Ask for the driver’s name, license, and employer. And look for cameras. Many trucks have forward-facing or driver-facing cameras. Businesses near the crash may also have video. Note the camera locations so your semi-truck accident lawyer can request footage before it is erased.

If no police arrive, file a crash report with San Antonio Police Department or Texas DPS as soon as possible. And if anyone appears impaired, distracted, or fatigued, say so to the officer. These details carry weight for liability.

Medical care and why timing matters

Many people try to “tough it out.” That choice can hurt both health and the case. Spine injuries, concussions, and internal injuries sometimes appear hours or days later. Documenting symptoms early builds a clear link between the crash and the condition. Keep all records, from EMS notes to ER records to physical therapy plans.

If a doctor prescribes rest or modified work, follow that plan. Insurance companies look for gaps or missed appointments and use them to downplay injuries. A steady medical record tells a clear story. In San Antonio, common treatment after heavy-impact crashes includes imaging at Methodist or University Hospital, followed by specialist visits and therapy. Consistency helps both recovery and the claim.

Why semi-truck cases are different from car wrecks

Trucking claims involve layers. There can be a driver, a motor carrier, a trailer owner, a broker, a freight shipper, and a maintenance vendor. Each layer adds a policy or a defense. Federal and state rules also apply, including hours-of-service limits, pre-trip inspections, weight limits, and driver qualification standards. These rules can point to fault when a driver falls asleep, a brake fails, or cargo shifts.

Common risk factors in San Antonio include high truck traffic along the I-35 freight corridor, tight construction zones on I-10, and crowded lanes near the Pearl, Southtown, and the Medical Center. Rear-end crashes often occur at merge points and on Loop 410 feeders. Side-swipe collisions can happen when a trailer off-tracks through a turn near downtown or the Quarry Market area. Each scenario calls for focused evidence.

A semi-truck accident lawyer knows to demand driver logs, electronic logging device data, dashcam video, event data recorder downloads, dispatch notes, and maintenance records. Quick action matters because some data can be overwritten in days.

Preserving evidence fast

Time works against an injured person. Companies rotate trucks. Mechanics replace parts. Video loops over. Sending a preservation letter early can stop the loss of evidence. This letter should cover ELD data, GPS records, driver qualification files, drug and alcohol test results post-crash, bills of lading, and trailer inspection logs. A good letter lists exact categories and requests the trucking company to hold them. If the carrier fails to preserve evidence after notice, courts can impose sanctions. But the request has to go out promptly.

Witnesses help, too. In Bexar County, many crashes occur on busy corridors where other drivers or store staff may have seen the event. Collect names and numbers on the spot if it feels safe. Later, a lawyer can take recorded statements while memories are fresh.

Understanding fault in Texas

Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. If a person is 51 percent or more at fault, recovery is barred. If the person is 50 percent or less at fault, compensation reduces by that percentage. So evidence of truck driver negligence can matter a great deal. Common negligence includes speeding, unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, fatigue, improper following distance, and failure to secure cargo.

Liability can also extend to the motor carrier for poor hiring, training, or supervision, or for pushing delivery schedules that reward unsafe hours. Maintenance vendors can share fault if poor brake service or tire defects contributed to the crash. And if a shipper loaded cargo incorrectly, that detail can shift part of the blame. The goal is a fair assignment of responsibility across all parties who caused the harm.

What compensation may cover

Compensation depends on the injuries, the medical course, and the impact on life. People often think only about medical bills and car repairs. Those matter, but a strong claim also accounts for lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of household services. In serious cases, future care can include surgeries, injections, therapy, mobility devices, or home modifications.

For families facing fatal crashes, a wrongful death claim may include lost financial support, loss of companionship, emotional pain, and funeral costs. In Texas, statutes set who can file and what damages apply. The facts drive the value, and a semi-truck accident lawyer can help document the full scope.

Insurance realities in truck crashes

Commercial policies often have higher limits than personal auto policies. That helps, but it also invites a tougher defense. Adjusters may contact an injured person early and ask for a recorded statement. And they may seem friendly. That statement can still harm the claim. People under stress sometimes miss details or minimize pain. Later, the transcript can be used to suggest the injuries were mild.

Trucking carriers often have rapid response teams. They send investigators to the scene, talk with witnesses, and collect data. That does not make them neutral. Their goal is to reduce the payout. This is why many people choose to direct all communications through a lawyer. It levels the playing field.

A simple step-by-step plan after the crash

  • Call 911, get medical care, and document symptoms the same day.
  • Take scene photos and video, collect the truck DOT and trailer numbers, and ask for witness contacts.
  • Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking insurer before legal guidance.
  • Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts, and follow treatment plans.
  • Contact a San Antonio semi-truck accident lawyer quickly to send preservation letters and start the claim.

The San Antonio angle: roads, neighborhoods, and local proof

Local knowledge helps. Certain corridors have patterns. On I-35 near downtown, sudden lane shifts can cause rear-end impacts with 18-wheelers. Along Loop 1604 near Stone Oak, speed changes at ramps create pinch points. The tight turns near the Pearl or South Flores can lead to off-tracking, where a trailer swings wide and clips a vehicle or a cyclist. And on Highway 90 near Lackland, military traffic mixes with heavy freight. Each area shapes how a claim is https://www.carabinshaw.com/semi-truck-accidents-18-wheeler-accidents.html built.

Nearby hospitals, orthopedic clinics, and imaging centers also matter. Records need to move quickly between providers and insurers. And if a person works on the River Walk, at the Medical Center, at Toyota in the South Side, or at Port San Antonio, wage loss documentation needs to reflect actual schedules, shift differentials, bonuses, and overtime patterns. A local team can gather the right proof and speak with the right offices.

How long does a truck accident claim take

There is no single timeline. Some cases resolve in a few months if injuries are limited and liability is clear. Others take a year or more, especially if surgeries are needed or if multiple defendants fight over fault. Medical care often sets the pace. It is wise to reach a point of maximum medical improvement, or close to it, before discussing final settlement. Otherwise, future costs may be ignored.

If a case goes into litigation, Texas courts set schedules for written discovery, depositions, expert work, and mediation. Many cases settle before trial, but it depends on the evidence and the insurer’s posture. A person should prepare for a marathon, not a sprint, while still pushing each step forward.

Dealing with property damage and rental cars

Trucks destroy cars. Adjusters may declare a total loss. Bring maintenance records and any custom equipment receipts to help set fair value. If repairs are possible, choose a shop you trust. Texas law gives the right to choose the repair shop, not the insurer. Keep receipts for towing and storage. And do not forget about child car seats. After a serious crash, seats often need replacement, even if no child was present.

For rentals, insurers usually pay for a comparable vehicle while repairs proceed or until a total loss payment goes out. If the rental expires before payment, ask for an extension in writing. If the claim drags, a lawyer can press the issue.

What to expect from a semi-truck accident lawyer

Expect clear advice, frequent updates, and a plan for evidence. Early on, the lawyer should identify all potential defendants and all available insurance. They should send preservation letters and request data sets like ELD logs, engine control module data, and camera footage. If problems appear, they should involve experts such as accident reconstructionists, human factors experts, or life care planners in major injury cases.

Good communication is key. Clients should understand the next step at each stage, from initial claim to demand package to negotiation or litigation. Fees are typically contingency-based, meaning the lawyer gets paid from the recovery, not upfront. Costs and percentages should be explained, in writing, before work begins.

Common insurance tactics and how to respond

An adjuster may suggest the injuries are pre-existing. Medical records help draw a clear line between past issues and new trauma. An adjuster may argue a minor impact could not cause major injury. Photos of vehicle damage, especially underride or intrusion, help counter that. And they may question time away from work. Detailed wage records and doctor’s notes can support the time loss.

Another tactic is delay. Adjusters ask for more records, then more time. A firm yet professional stance, backed by a thorough demand package, can move the file. And sometimes the answer is to file suit. That step does not mean a trial is certain. It does mean deadlines and consequences apply to the defense if they fail to act.

Pain, trauma, and the human side

Trucking crashes carry a heavy emotional load. Sleep can be hard. Driving near trailers can trigger panic. Families worry about bills and jobs. And recovery can feel slow. This is normal. Mental health care, even short-term counseling, can help. When documented, it also supports the claim for non-economic damages. Judges and juries understand that pain is not just physical. A complete case tells the full story.

A short example from local cases: a teacher rear-ended by a tanker on Loop 410 struggled with migraines and anxiety on the drive to school. Therapy notes, medication logs, and testimony from coworkers painted the picture. The settlement recognized both medical bills and the day-to-day struggle, which would not have been clear with bills alone.

Settlement ranges and realistic outcomes

Every case is different. Two crashes can look similar at first glance but yield different outcomes based on fault allocation, medical care, and policy limits. Be wary of anyone who quotes a number on day one. Solid results come from hard evidence: clear liability, consistent medical documentation, honest testimony, and credible experts where needed. Patience helps, but so does pressure at the right time.

Why acting quickly in San Antonio matters

Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, often two years from the date of the crash. Some claims against government entities have shorter notice deadlines. Evidence can fade fast in the freight corridor. Cameras overwrite. Trucks go back on the road. Witnesses move. Getting a semi-truck accident lawyer involved early can protect the claim and let the injured person focus on healing.

FAQs from San Antonio drivers

Do I have to talk to the trucking company’s insurer? No. You can refer them to your lawyer. You should report the crash to your own insurer, but keep statements factual and brief.

What if I was partly at fault? Texas law may still allow recovery if fault is 50 percent or less. The percentage reduces the final amount. Evidence can shift the numbers, so do not assume the worst.

How do lawyer fees work? Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee. They explain the percentage and case costs in writing before starting.

What if I cannot work for months? Lost wages and reduced earning capacity can be part of the claim. Collect pay stubs, W-2s, schedules, and any doctor notes about restrictions.

Will my case go to trial? Many cases settle. Some go to trial if liability is contested or offers are too low. The right move depends on the facts and your goals.

A closing word, and a clear next step

A semi-truck crash can change a life in seconds. Recovery takes longer, but a plan brings order to a messy time. Get medical care. Save evidence. Keep records. And bring in help early. A San Antonio semi-truck accident lawyer can protect rights, push for fair compensation, and guide each step, from the first phone call to the final resolution.

For a free case review in San Antonio, call to speak with a team that handles truck collisions on I-35, I-10, Loop 410, Loop 1604, and beyond. Ask questions. Get clear answers. And move forward with a plan that fits the facts of your case.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice; consult with experienced lawyers for personalized guidance Attorney Advertising: The information contained on this page does not create an attorney-client relationship nor should any information be considered legal advice as it is intended to provide general information only. Prior case results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Carabin Shaw, PC provides personal injury representation in San Antonio, TX. For more than three decades, our attorneys have represented clients in auto accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle crashes, workplace injuries, and wrongful death cases. With hundreds of years of combined experience, our legal team focuses on standing up for victims and holding insurance companies and negligent parties accountable. Our offices are located in San Antonio and across Texas, offering clients accessible legal support when they need it most.

Carabin Shaw, PC

875 E Ashby Pl #1100
San Antonio, TX 78212, USA

Phone: (210) 222-2288

Website:


I am a dynamic entrepreneur with a varied knowledge base in project management. My adoration of revolutionary concepts spurs my desire to found thriving companies. In my professional career, I have realized a reputation as being a tactical visionary. Aside from growing my own businesses, I also enjoy counseling driven leaders. I believe in nurturing the next generation of business owners to fulfill their own goals. I am always seeking out revolutionary initiatives and partnering with complementary visionaries. Challenging the status quo is my inspiration. Besides focusing on my startup, I enjoy lost in unfamiliar spots. I am also involved in outdoor activities.