What to do after an 18-wheeler accident on I-35 or US-90

San Antonio sits where I-35, I-10 and US-90 carry freight to Laredo, Houston and West Texas. West of the city, US-90 runs through Castroville and Hondo, and I-35 runs past Devine on the way to the border. When an 18-wheeler crashes on one of these highways, the injuries are often serious, and the case is very different from an ordinary car accident.

Quick answer: get medical care, document everything you can, do not talk to the trucking company’s insurer, and get a lawyer involved quickly so the truck’s electronic evidence is preserved.

Why are 18-wheeler accidents different from car accidents?

An 18-wheeler crash involves a trucking company, federal safety regulations, and usually a much larger insurance policy than a passenger car. Trucking companies often send their own investigators to the scene within hours. That means the defense starts building its case right away, so you should too.

What evidence matters in a truck accident case?

Evidence	What it can show
Electronic logging device (ELD) data	Whether the driver broke hours-of-service limits
Engine control module (“black box”)	Speed, braking and throttle in the moments before the crash
Dash camera and phone records	Distraction, lane changes and the crash itself
Maintenance and inspection records	Brake, tire or lighting problems
Driver qualification file	Licensing, training and past violations

Some of this data can be overwritten or discarded. A lawyer can send a preservation letter that requires the company to keep it.

Which federal trucking rules apply?

Interstate truck drivers must follow federal hours-of-service rules. In general, a driver hauling property can drive no more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour work window. Most carriers must record this with electronic logging devices. Violations of these rules, along with inspection and maintenance requirements, can show the company was negligent.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal rules require most interstate carriers hauling general freight to carry at least $750,000 of liability coverage, with higher minimums for oil and hazardous materials. That is far more than the Texas minimum for passenger cars, which changes how much a case can be worth.

What should you do after a truck crash near Castroville, Hondo or Devine?

Call 911, get medical care, and photograph the truck, the company name and DOT number on the cab, and the scene. Get witness names. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer. The Texas deadline for most injury claims is two years, but truck evidence can disappear in days. If you live in Bexar County or a surrounding town, the firm can discuss your case by phone or video. See how the firm serves Castroville, Hondo and Devine.

How Bergmann Law Firm handles truck accident cases

Ryan Bergmann worked on complex, multi-million-dollar litigation at a large firm before opening his own practice. The firm moves quickly to preserve evidence, identifies every responsible company, and deals with the insurers while you recover. Learn more about 18-wheeler accident cases or request a free consultation.