Texas highways see their share of massive trucks moving freight day and night. But when one of these trucks loses control, crashes can unfold in ways that smaller vehicles simply don’t. Among the most serious San Antonio truck crashes are jackknife and rollover accidents, which can scatter debris, block lanes, and cause devastating injuries in moments.
In San Antonio, busy corridors like I-10 and I-35 make these crashes a real concern for drivers and families. They often cause mayhem on our highways, leaving widespread damage, serious injuries, and traffic chaos that lingers for hours.
For those injured in a rollover or jackknife accident, or their families dealing with the consequences, the road to recovery can be long and uncertain. Crash victims often wonder how such violent accidents can happen so easily, who might be responsible, and what rights they have under Texas law when it comes to seeking compensation.
Call us at (210) 941-1306 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.
How Jackknife and Rollover Crashes Happen
Crashes involving large trucks rarely just happen because of a fluke. There’s usually a preventable cause—a mechanical issue, driver error, poor road conditions, or a combination of these.
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s cab and trailer swing toward each other at an angle, forming a V-shape. Once this happens, the driver can lose nearly all control. The trailer may slide across lanes, colliding with cars in its path. Speed, sudden braking, and slick roads can trigger a jackknife incident in seconds.
Rollover crashes, on the other hand, involve the truck flipping onto its side or roof. Factors like high speed, sharp turns, improperly loaded cargo, or soft shoulders on Texas highways often contribute. Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them far more prone to tipping over than smaller vehicles.
Both crash types can block multiple lanes, cause secondary collisions, and create chaos for drivers stuck behind the wreck. And they’re alarmingly common on interstates threading through San Antonio, such as I-10, I-35, and Loop 410.
Texas Personal Injury Laws That Matter After a Crash
Dealing with the fallout of a truck crash in Texas involves more than sorting out who hit whom. Texas law sets clear rules for how victims can pursue compensation.
Texas uses a comparative negligence system. You can recover money for your injuries even if you’re partly at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you lose your right to recover damages.
Equally important is Texas’s statute of limitations. For personal injury claims, you usually have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, the court can bar your claim entirely. Some exceptions also exist that could affect the timeline of your case, so don’t wait to speak with an experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer if you need to file a claim.
These rules make timing and thorough investigation critical. Evidence fades, truck companies may repair or dispose of vehicles, and logbooks might be altered. Acting quickly helps ensure you have the best chance to build a strong case.
Common Injuries From Jackknife and Rollover Truck Accidents
Few events on Texas roads are as violent as a truck jackknife or rollover. The size and momentum of a commercial truck can unleash devastating forces, leading to life-changing injuries for anyone involved in the crash.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are tragically common, even when airbags deploy. Victims may suffer memory problems, headaches, mood changes, or permanent cognitive difficulties.
- Spinal injuries are another serious outcome. Herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis can result when crash forces twist or compress the spine.
- Crush injuries and fractures often occur if a vehicle is struck by the trailer swinging out during a jackknife. Bones can break in multiple places, sometimes requiring surgeries and hardware like pins or rods.
- Internal injuries are frequent in rollovers. Seatbelts help, but rolling vehicles create violent, unpredictable forces that can tear organs or cause internal bleeding.
- Emotional trauma is less visible but every bit as destructive as many serious injuries. Many victims suffer from PTSD, sleeplessness, anxiety, and fear of driving again after being injured in a truck crash. These are real struggles that deserve recognition and treatment.
Who’s Liable in a San Antonio Truck Jackknife or Rollover Crash?
Determining fault in a truck crash isn’t always straightforward. A jackknife or rollover accident might appear simple on the surface, but the deeper truth often lies in trucking industry practices.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck drivers, if they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, or following too closely.
- Trucking companies, if they pushed drivers to meet unrealistic schedules or failed to maintain vehicles properly.
- Cargo loaders, if the trailer was overloaded or cargo shifted because it wasn’t secured.
- Truck manufacturers, if defective parts like brakes or tires contributed to the crash.
Evidence plays a key role. Attorneys often examine driver logs, black box data, dashcam footage, maintenance records, and witness statements. Sometimes, lawyers discover logbook fraud, manipulated hours-of-service records, or maintenance shortcuts that put profits over safety.
The sooner these records are secured, the better your chances of proving how the crash happened and who should pay.
Insurance Companies and Settlement Tactics in Truck Accident Claims
When you’re dealing with injuries and medical bills, a fast settlement offer from the trucking company’s insurer can be tempting to accept. But these offers almost always fall short of covering the full cost of a serious injury.
Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators. They might imply your claim isn’t worth much or that you share blame for the crash. They may even delay communications to pressure you into settling for less.
Trucking companies carry large insurance policies because of the risk involved in operating 18-wheelers. A single crash can lead to multiple claims and millions of dollars in damages.
In jackknife and rollover cases, settlements need to cover more than just initial hospital bills. You may have ongoing costs for rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, assistive devices, future surgeries, and other needs.
Consulting a lawyer early helps you understand the true value of your claim and avoid signing away your rights for less than the full value of your damages.
Why Preserving Evidence Is Urgent After a Truck Crash
One of the most pivotal parts of any truck accident claim is preserving evidence. Trucking companies are allowed to destroy certain records after specific time frames under federal regulations. Without swift action, key evidence could vanish.
A spoliation letter sent by your attorney can demand that the trucking company preserve items such as:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Maintenance records
- Driver qualification files
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Physical inspection of the truck and trailer
This evidence can prove driver fatigue, excessive speed, or mechanical failures. For example, ELD data might show the driver exceeded hours-of-service limits before the crash.
Truck crashes are unique in how quickly evidence can slip away. Having someone in your corner who knows how to lock down critical records is often the difference between a strong claim and a lost case.
Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Rollover or Jackknife Crash
The weeks and months after a truck crash can feel like a tidal wave of expenses and life changes. Beyond physical pain, many victims face a financial strain that lasts long after leaving the hospital. Texas law allows you to pursue compensation for the full scope of losses, both the visible costs and the hidden ways your life has changed. These damages include:
Economic damages
These damages cover measurable financial losses, including:
- Medical bills, from emergency care to surgeries and physical therapy
- Lost wages if you can’t work during recovery
- Reduced future earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your job
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
Non-economic damages
Acknowledge and compensate for the personal toll of serious injuries, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Wrongful death damages
These damages provide financial help and recognition of the profound personal loss families endure, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income or benefits that the loved one would have provided
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
Although no amount of compensation can replace someone you’ve lost, a wrongful death claim can bring some measure of accountability and help ease financial burdens during a deeply painful time.
In certain cases where a trucking company’s actions were especially reckless, Texas law allows punitive damages to punish and deter dangerous conduct. These damages are rare but can significantly increase the value of a case.
Every truck accident case is unique. Two people could suffer similar injuries in a jackknife truck accident and end up with very different outcomes based on medical needs, age, career, and the emotional impact of the trauma.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Crash
If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash, getting medical attention is always the first priority. Many people are already under a doctor’s care for their injuries. But if you haven’t seen a doctor yet, even if you think you’re okay, consider doing so soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and waiting too long can also hurt your legal claim later.
Beyond medical care, there are other steps you can take to protect your health and strengthen your case:
- Hire a lawyer. Truck accident claims are complex. An attorney can act quickly to secure evidence, handle insurance companies, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Keep all medical appointments and follow treatment plans. Missing appointments or ignoring medical advice can give insurers an excuse to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
- Write or video journal your experience. Record your pain levels, how your injuries affect your daily life, and your emotional struggles. These details can be powerful evidence for how the crash has changed your world.
- Document the crash scene if possible. Photos of vehicles, debris, road conditions, and visible injuries can help prove what happened.
- Get witness information. Names and contact details may be crucial if your case goes to court.
- Refer insurance companies to your lawyer. Insurers come to injured victims armed with strategies and tactics to minimize and deny claims.
Truck crashes involve legal deadlines and fast-moving investigations. Acting quickly, with help from someone who knows how these cases work, can make all the difference in securing full and fair compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Jackknife and rollover crashes are among the most dangerous San Antonio truck accidents, often causing catastrophic injuries.
- Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings toward the cab, while rollovers involve the truck tipping over due to speed, cargo shifts, or road conditions.
- Trucking companies carry large insurance policies, but their adjusters work hard to pay as little as possible on claims.
- Evidence like ELD data, maintenance records, and dashcam footage can vanish quickly if steps aren’t taken to preserve it.
- Damages in truck accident claims include both economic losses, such as medical bills and lost income, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
- After a crash, getting medical attention, preserving evidence, and speaking to an attorney can protect your health and legal rights.
- Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock has the experience and resources to handle complex truck accident cases and fight for the full and fair compensation you’re owed.
FAQs About San Antonio Truck Jackknife and Rollover Crashes
What is the deadline for filing a truck accident claim in Texas?
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Some exceptions exist, but waiting too long could permanently block your right to compensation.
What happens if I’m partly at fault for the crash?
Under Texas law, you can still recover compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 30% at fault, your compensation drops by 30%.
Can I sue the trucking company instead of just the driver?
Yes. Trucking companies are usually liable for their drivers' actions, especially if they fail to maintain vehicles, enforce safety rules, or properly train employees.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you will pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if they win your case, and fees come out of the settlement, not out of your pocket.
What if the truck driver was working for Amazon, UPS, or FedEx?
Crashes involving major carriers like Amazon or FedEx often involve significant resources and aggressive defense teams. These companies can be held accountable, but handling claims against them requires extensive legal experience and evidence gathering.
Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock Is Ready to Stand by You
Jackknife and rollover crashes can reshape your life in ways few people truly understand. Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock has handled some of the toughest trucking cases in and around San Antonio.
We have dedicated our practice to helping people recover after life-changing truck accidents. We know how to hold trucking companies accountable, sift through complex evidence, and push for settlements or verdicts that reflect the true cost of your injuries. Call (210) 941-1306 or connect with us online to get started.
Call us at (210) 941-1306 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.