Zinda Law Group
18756 Stone Oak Pkwy STE. 200, San Antonio, TX 78258
Phone: (210) 806-7306
Office Hours: Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week.
The sheer weight and size of commercial trucks can cause severe injuries to those in smaller vehicles. Crash victims often face a growing stack of medical bills and a painful recovery process. If you or a family member have been injured in a truck collision someone else caused, you deserve a fair settlement.
At Zinda Law Group, we understand the complexities of 18-wheeler accident cases. Our team of San Antonio truck accident lawyers has a proven track record of successfully handling such cases. We are here to help you obtain fair compensation and reclaim your life.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
Truck Accidents Are a Growing Risk on San Antonio Roads
Bexar County recorded 2,684 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2024, the third-highest total in Texas behind only Harris and Dallas counties, according to Texas Department of Transportation crash data. Eighteen of those crashes were fatal, and thirty-four resulted in a suspected serious injury. San Antonio sits where Interstate 10, Interstate 35, Interstate 37, and Loop 410 converge, some of the busiest freight corridors in the state, so commercial trucks make up a constant part of local traffic.
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, roughly twenty times more than the average passenger car. That weight difference is a major reason truck collisions so often leave victims with catastrophic injuries.
Meet The Lead Attorney Behind Our Firm
Jack Zinda grew up in a small Texas town where he watched corporations with deep pockets run over ordinary families who had no resources to fight back. That experience is why he built a firm capable of standing up to billion-dollar trucking companies and the insurance carriers behind them, and it still drives our approach to every truck accident case we take on.
Truck accident litigation isn’t something a general practice attorney can pick up on the fly. Reading an electronic logging device, interpreting hours-of-service violations, tracing a maintenance record, or spotting a cargo securement failure takes years of focused experience, and our attorneys have built that experience specifically around commercial trucking cases.
We also cap how many cases we take on at one time, on purpose. A firm juggling hundreds of files can’t give each client individual attention, so we keep our caseload manageable enough that your attorney knows your case by name, returns your calls, and has time to build it properly. That team pairs trial attorneys with accident investigators and staff who handle your medical documentation, all working the file together.
Our goal doesn’t change from case to case: hold negligent trucking companies accountable and get injured victims the compensation a jury or insurer would owe them if the case went the distance.
If a truck accident has upended your life, call (800) 863-5312 or submit our online form for a free case review.
What Our San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyers Can Do for Your Case
The experienced attorneys at Zinda Law Group understand that determining fault requires a thorough investigation, careful analysis of evidence, and a deep understanding of the regulations that govern the trucking industry.
To establish liability, our team will review all available evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We will also examine the driver’s logbooks, maintenance records, and other relevant documents to determine if any safety violations occurred.
We will work tirelessly to gather the necessary evidence, consult with industry experts, and engage in skillful negotiation or litigation to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our goal is to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. We are here to advocate for your rights, whether that means negotiating with the insurance company or presenting your case before a jury.
Our Case Results
CASE RESULTS
Recognition From the Legal Community
Our work on complex trucking litigation hasn’t gone unnoticed. We hold a spot on The Trucking Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 10 list, an honor given to attorneys with a demonstrated record against commercial carriers.
Jack Zinda carries a lifetime membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor limited to attorneys who have secured seven- and eight-figure verdicts or settlements for injured clients, and our team has separately been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
These distinctions reflect the same thing our clients tell us after their case resolves: years spent going after negligent trucking companies and winning real compensation for the people they hurt.
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020) AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021) AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020) LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDAOur Awards
Hear It Straight From Them
“With Zinda Law Group, I was able to get my life back together.” – Jacob
“Zinda was very prepared and very compassionate.” – Marlon
Federal Regulations That Govern Commercial Trucking
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the rules commercial drivers and carriers must follow, and a violation of those rules frequently turns out to be what caused the crash in the first place.
Truck drivers need a valid commercial driver’s license, and carriers must register for operating authority before putting a rig on the road. Hours-of-service rules limit how many consecutive hours a driver can spend behind the wheel before taking a mandatory rest period, and electronic logging devices now record that data automatically, making it harder for a fatigued driver’s hours to go unnoticed. Cargo securement rules govern how freight has to be loaded and tied down, and vehicle inspection requirements set out how often brakes, tires, and lights need to be checked.
Interstate carriers also have to carry liability insurance well above what a typical passenger vehicle policy provides, often $750,000 or more, with higher amounts required for trucks hauling hazardous materials. Our attorneys pull a carrier’s inspection history, out-of-service violations, and prior citations early in an investigation, since a documented pattern of cutting corners can carry as much persuasive weight with an insurer or a jury as the details of your specific crash.
Common Causes of San Antonio Truck Accidents
Truck wrecks can occur due to various factors, many of which are preventable. Our truck accident lawyers in San Antonio have handled numerous cases and have identified the following common causes:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often have demanding schedules and work long hours on the road. Fatigue can impair their judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate the truck safely.
- Distracted driving: Distractions such as looking at a phone or eating while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Impaired driving: Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely, leading to severe accidents with catastrophic consequences.
- Speeding: Commercial trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. Truck drivers exceeding the speed limit or failing to adjust their speed to road conditions greatly increase the risk of a collision.
- Improper truck maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance and inspections can result in mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, causing serious accidents.
- Improper loading or unsecured cargo: Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing instability.
- Inadequate training: Truck drivers must receive proper training to operate a large vehicle safely. Insufficient training can result in errors and dangerous driving practices.
- Negligent hiring practices: Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified and competent drivers. Failure to conduct thorough background checks can contribute to accidents.
- Violations of traffic laws: Truck drivers who disregard traffic laws by running red lights, failing to yield, or making improper lane changes, put themselves and others at risk of serious accidents.
Identifying the cause of an accident is crucial for building a strong case and establishing liability. If you have been injured in a truck crash in San Antonio, our experienced attorneys can thoroughly investigate your case and determine the cause of the crash.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident
More than one party can share responsibility for a commercial truck crash, and identifying every liable party is often the difference between a settlement that covers your bills and one that covers the full cost of your recovery. Parties who may be held accountable include:
- The truck driver, when reckless, distracted, fatigued, or impaired driving caused the crash
- The trucking company, which can answer for its own negligent hiring or training practices, and for a driver’s on-duty conduct under respondeat superior, a legal doctrine that holds employers accountable for what employees do within the scope of their job
- The truck owner, if a mechanical failure traces back to inadequate maintenance
- The company responsible for loading the cargo, if shifting or unsecured freight contributed to the crash
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes or tires
Our investigators examine each of these angles before we file a claim, so no responsible party escapes accountability for what happened to you.
Available Damages in a Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Case
When pursuing a truck accident claim in Texas, victims may be eligible to seek various damages to compensate them for their losses. Our experienced San Antonio trucking accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and can help you pursue the following types of damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages aim to compensate victims for their financial losses from a crash. These damages may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, property damage, lost wages, future medical expenses, and lost earning capacity.
Our attorneys will calculate and present a comprehensive claim for economic damages to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate victims for losses that do not have receipts attached, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
While these intangible losses are more challenging to quantify, our skilled attorneys have the expertise to build a strong case and seek maximum compensation for your non-economic losses.
Punitive Damages
The court may award punitive damages in cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional actions. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim directly but rather to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Our attorneys will assess the circumstances of your case and pursue punitive damages if appropriate.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in San Antonio
The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash can affect both your health and the strength of your claim.
Get Medical Attention First
Adrenaline can mask pain after a crash, and injuries like internal bleeding or a concussion may not show up until hours or days later. A prompt exam protects your health and ties a medical record to the date of the wreck.
Call the Police to the Scene
An officer’s crash report becomes one of the first pieces of evidence in your file, documenting where vehicles ended up, any citations issued, and initial statements from those involved.
Gather Evidence While You Can
Photos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries help later, along with the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened. Details fade fast once people leave the scene.
Let Us Talk to the Insurance Company
Adjusters for the trucking company’s insurer tend to call soon after a crash, often before you’ve even seen a doctor, and a recorded statement given in that window can be used against you later. Send those calls to your attorney instead.
Reach Out to an Attorney Early
Trucking companies typically have their own investigators reviewing the scene within hours. Getting an attorney involved quickly means someone is working to preserve black box data, driver logs, and witness accounts before they disappear.
Texas Filing Deadlines and Comparative Fault Rules
Two rules shape almost every truck accident claim in Texas, and missing either one can cost you your right to recover.
Texas’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Texas law (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003) generally gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case regardless of how strong the evidence is.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so you can still recover damages even if you share some fault for the crash. A jury’s fault finding against you reduces your award by that same percentage, and a finding of 51 percent or more against you eliminates recovery entirely. Say a jury awards $150,000 in damages but assigns you 15 percent of the fault. You would still walk away with $127,500, since the award is reduced by your share of responsibility.
Common Injuries Sustained in Commercial Truck Accidents
Collisions involving 18-wheelers can result in severe injuries due to the weight of these commercial vehicles. The impact of a truck accident can leave victims with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Our Texas truck accident attorneys have seen the following types of injuries in collisions with semis:
- Catastrophic injuries: The force of an 18-wheeler collision can cause devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe fractures, and internal organ damage.
- Back and neck injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other back and neck injuries are prevalent in motor vehicle collisions.
- Broken bones: The force of impact in an 18-wheeler accident can lead to multiple fractures or broken bones.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries in tractor-trailer collisions can result in paralysis, depending on the injury’s severity.
- Burns and chemical exposure: Trucking accidents involving hazardous materials can cause burns or exposure to toxic substances.
- Internal injuries: The force of impact in an 18-wheeler accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to internal organs.
- Wrongful death: Unfortunately, some truck accidents result in fatalities. The loss of a loved one due to a crash is devastating, and the surviving family members may be eligible to pursue wrongful death damages.
If you or a family member has suffered any of these injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, seeking immediate medical treatment and legal representation is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the police report says I was at fault?
A police report reflects the responding officer’s opinion based on limited information gathered at the scene. It isn’t the final word on liability. Our attorneys conduct an independent investigation that often uncovers evidence the officer never had access to.
What is a truck’s “black box,” and how can it help my case?
Most commercial trucks carry an electronic control module that records speed, braking, and engine data in the moments leading up to a crash. That data can show whether a driver was speeding or braking properly before the collision, but carriers are only required to preserve it for a limited time, so it needs to be requested quickly.
Can I still file a claim if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Trucking companies sometimes classify drivers as independent contractors to limit their own liability, but courts look past the label in the contract to how much control the company had over the driver’s day-to-day work. Depending on that relationship, you may have a claim against the company that hired the driver in addition to the driver personally.
What if the trucking company says its driver wasn’t at fault?
Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame quickly, sometimes before a full investigation has even happened. Our attorneys gather police reports, witness statements, video footage, and expert analysis to establish an independent account of what happened, so the company’s version isn’t the only one a jury hears.
How long will my truck accident case take to resolve?
Every case moves at its own pace. Some settle within months, while cases involving catastrophic injuries or contested liability can take a year or longer. Treatment time, the amount of evidence to gather, and how willing the insurer is to negotiate all affect the timeline, and we’ll keep you updated on where your case stands throughout.
Free Consultation With a Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio
If you or a family member have been injured in a truck accident in San Antonio, don’t wait to seek legal help. Zinda Law Group is ready to provide you with the compassionate and effective representation you need. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and answer any questions you may have.
Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, so don’t wait to take action. Since we handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, you don’t pay anything unless we win. Let us help you hold the negligent driver or trucking company accountable for their actions.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
