San Antonio Walmart Truck Accident Lawyer
Legal representation when you’re injured by a Walmart truck in Texas
Walmart has an extensive fleet of trucks to help make sure that shelves are stocked and goods are delivered on time throughout the nation, including here in San Antonio, Texas. Although these commercial trucks are essential for the company to operate, accidents involving Walmart semi-trucks can have tragic consequences. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a Walmart truck, the team at Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of accidents can Walmart trucks cause?
- Why are Walmart truck accidents so dangerous?
- What causes Walmart truck accidents?
- What safety measures has Walmart taken to address this?
- What regulations govern commercial trucking in Texas?
- What should I do after an accident with a Walmart truck?
- How can your San Antonio Walmart truck accident lawyers help with my case?
- Do you have a San Antonio Walmart truck accident lawyer near me?
What kinds of accidents can Walmart trucks cause?
Some of the most common types of accidents involving Walmart trucks include:
- Rear end: Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks require a much longer stopping distance. If a Walmart truck driver is distracted or following too closely, they may not be able to stop in time to prevent a crash.
- Jackknife: When a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle, it can create a deadly hazard for surrounding vehicles.
- Improperly loaded cargo: When cargo is improperly loaded, it can cause a truck to tip over, potentially crushing nearby vehicles.
- Blind spot crashes: Walmart trucks have large blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” where smaller vehicles can be hidden from the driver’s view.
- Underride crashes: Underride accidents can occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a Walmart truck, often resulting in fatal injuries.
Because of this, victims of Walmart truck accidents often suffer from life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
Why are Walmart truck accidents so dangerous?
Commercial trucks, like those used by Walmart, are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars and trucks. A fully-loaded Walmart semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – compared to the average passenger vehicle, which weighs in at around 4,000 pounds. This huge weight difference means that even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
One high-profile case that brought national attention to the dangers of truck accidents involved comedian Tracy Morgan. In 2014, Morgan was severely injured when a Walmart truck, driven by a fatigued driver who hadn't slept for over 24 hours, collided with his limousine on the New Jersey Turnpike. The crash resulted in the death of Morgan's friend and mentor, James McNair, and left Morgan with life-threatening injuries. This incident highlighted the catastrophic consequences of driver fatigue and led to a substantial settlement between Morgan and Walmart.
What causes Walmart truck accidents?
A variety of factors can contribute to accidents involving Walmart trucks, including the following:
- One of the most common causes of Walmart truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers often work long shifts and might be under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. Federal regulations limit how many hours a truck driver can be on the road, but many drivers push beyond their limits. Fatigue can slow reaction time, impair judgment, and increase the risk of accidents.
- Some Walmart truck drivers may speed or engage in reckless driving to meet delivery deadlines. Speeding increases the stopping distance required for a truck and can reduce the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
- Trucks require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they’re safe for the road. Failing brakes, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning lights can all contribute to truck accidents. Walmart has a responsibility to maintain its fleet according to federal safety regulations.
- San Antonio’s unpredictable weather, like heavy rain and fog, can make driving hazardous. Truck drivers need to exercise extra caution in poor weather conditions. However, not all drivers do. Failing to adjust for weather conditions can lead to serious Walmart truck accidents.
- Like anyone, truck drivers may be tempted to use their phones, adjust GPS settings, or engage in other distractions while driving. Given the size of Walmart trucks, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a disastrous accident.
- If a Walmart truck’s cargo isn’t properly loaded or secured, it can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control. Unbalanced loads can also increase the risk of truck rollovers.
What safety measures has Walmart taken to address this?
In response to such incidents, Walmart has implemented several safety protocols to enhance the safety of its trucking operations:
- Walmart emphasizes comprehensive training programs to ensure their drivers are well-prepared for various road conditions and challenges.
- Routine inspections and maintenance of their fleet are prioritized to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
- Walmart enforces strict policies to prevent driver fatigue, including adherence to hours-of-service regulations that limit driving hours and mandate rest periods.
What regulations govern commercial trucking in Texas?
Texas has specific regulations that govern commercial trucking to ensure road safety:
- Truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and undergo periodic evaluations.
- Drivers are limited in the number of consecutive hours they can operate a vehicle to combat fatigue.
- Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles to meet safety standards, including regular inspections.
What should I do after an accident with a Walmart truck?
If you or a loved one are injured in an accident with a Walmart truck in San Antonio, you should take the following steps to protect your rights and your physical health:
- Check for injuries and seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
- Report the accident to local law enforcement to officially document the incident.
- Collect details from the scene, including the truck driver’s information, vehicle identification information, and any witness statements.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Inform your insurer about the accident promptly, but avoid making any statements that might indicate you were at fault.
- Consult our truck accident lawyer at Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney. We can help you understand your rights and your potential for compensation.
How can your San Antonio Walmart truck accident lawyers help with my case?
Accidents involving commercial trucks, like those operated by Walmart, often involve complicated legal and insurance issues. Our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys can help you work through these complexities by:
- Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the accident scene.
- Identifying all responsible parties, which may include the driver, Walmart, or third-party maintenance providers.
- Handling communications with the insurance companies to seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses and damages.
- If necessary, we can represent you in court, advocating on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected.
Do you have a San Antonio Walmart truck accident lawyer near me?
Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference or an in-hospital visit.
Contact our San Antonio Walmart truck accident lawyer today for help
Walmart truck accidents in San Antonio can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a Walmart semi-truck, seeking legal representation is essential. An experienced truck accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve and hold Walmart accountable for any negligence. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we are committed to helping victims of Walmart truck accidents in San Antonio. Fill out our contact form or call our San Antonio offices to request a free initial consultation with an experienced and compassionate attorney today.