Semi-Trailer Truck Accidents in Texas


Texas is a major state for commercial truck activity, with millions of 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers using its highways annually. The size, weight and design of a semi-trailer create unique crash risks. Semi-truck accident cases have various legal elements that make them more complex than typical car accident claims in Texas. Speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in San Antonio.

Texas Truck Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2023. This represented an 8.4 percent decrease from 2022, but a startling 43 percent increase in the last 10 years. 

Statistics published by the Texas Department of Transportation show that 430 fatal semi-trailer accidents occurred in Texas in 2024. The majority of these deadly accidents took place on rural roads (309). A total of 39,393 commercial vehicle accidents were reported in Texas in 2024.

Most Common Causes of Semi-Trailer Truck Accidents in Texas

Drivers who are hired to operate semi-trailers must be specially trained and have valid commercial driver’s licenses. They must properly and prudently operate their big rigs based on the appropriate standards of care and Texas’s traffic laws.

Unfortunately, semi-trailer truck drivers can engage in many dangerous practices, such as:

In addition to driver error, other common causes of semi-truck accidents include poor vehicle maintenance, part defects, equipment breakdowns, improperly loaded or secured cargo, and trucking company negligence.

Types of Semi-Trailer Truck Accidents

Many things make semi-trailer truck accidents unique. One is the way that they crash. A large truck that is towing a trailer behind it can experience issues such as jackknifing or a lost cargo load. A jackknife accident refers to the trailer swinging outward at an angle away from the cab, making the driver lose steering control. Other examples include underride and override accidents, No Zone accidents, wide-turn accidents and rollovers.

Injuries From Semi-Trailer Truck Accidents

Because a semi-truck is so large and heavy, it can inflict severe damage on smaller cars and their occupants. Victims of commercial truck accidents in Texas can suffer injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, permanent disfigurement or disability, internal injuries, and amputations. These catastrophic injuries can lead to a lifetime of medical costs and related lost wages.

When to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Texas

Recovering from a semi-trailer truck accident with the answers, justice and financial compensation that you deserve may take help from an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Antonio. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal issues and nuances involved in your case. A lawyer can gather the unique types of evidence that may be involved, such as the truck’s black box information.

Your semi-truck accident claim may also deal with multiple liable parties. An attorney can go up against a trucking corporation, independent contractor, truck manufacturer and other powerful adversaries on your behalf to fight for fair results. Meanwhile, you can focus on healing from your serious injuries and restoring your life as much as possible. Contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation about your semi-trailer truck accident case.

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