Published by J.A. Davis & Associates – San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyers

Understanding Liability in Truck Crashes on U.S. Highway 90

U.S. Highway 90 is one of the major east-west highways cutting through San Antonio. It connects West Texas oilfields with key urban hubs and is heavily used by commercial trucks transporting goods to and from the city. As a result, this stretch of highway has become a known danger zone for large truck accidents, particularly involving 18-wheelers. These wrecks can cause devastating injuries and raise complex questions about who is responsible for the damages. More information on this Website

If you've been involved in a truck accident on Highway 90, understanding how liability is determined can help you protect your rights and recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

Why U.S. Highway 90 Is So Dangerous for Truck Accidents

Highway 90 in San Antonio serves as a key corridor for oilfield traffic, construction vehicles, and long-haul truckers. This means drivers frequently share the road with commercial vehicles traveling at high speeds, often carrying hazardous materials or heavy loads. Some of the contributing factors to crashes on this route include:

• Congested interchanges with I-410 and I-35

• Speeding or aggressive driving by truck operators

• Improper merging near access ramps and feeder roads

• Poorly maintained trucks due to high mileage or overuse

• Distracted or fatigued driving after long hauls

• Weather-related hazards that reduce visibility and traction

TxDOT data has shown that the sections of Highway 90 near Cupples Road, General McMullen Drive, and Military Drive have some of the highest rates of commercial vehicle collisions in Bexar County.

What Is Liability in a Truck Accident Case?

Liability refers to the legal responsibility one or more parties may bear for causing an accident. In truck accident cases, determining liability is more complex than in regular car accidents because of the multiple entities involved in the operation of a commercial vehicle.

To prove liability, your attorney must show that:

1. A duty of care was owed (e.g., to drive safely and maintain the truck)

2. That duty was breached through negligent or reckless actions

3. The breach directly caused the accident and resulting injuries

4. You suffered measurable damages as a result

Let’s explore who may be held responsible in a truck accident on U.S. Highway 90.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

1. The Truck Driver

The most obvious potential defendant is the driver of the 18-wheeler. If they were:

• Speeding

• Driving under the influence

• Fatigued

• Distracted

• Following too closely

...they could be held personally liable for their negligent actions.

2. The Trucking Company

In many cases, the employer of the driver can also be held liable under a legal theory called respondeat superior, which holds companies responsible for the actions of their employees. Additionally, the company might also be directly liable for:

• Poor hiring practices

• Failure to conduct background checks

• Inadequate driver training

• Pushing drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines

• Failure to inspect or maintain vehicles

3. Maintenance Companies

If the truck had defective brakes, bald tires, or a mechanical failure that contributed to the crash, the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle could also be liable.

4. Cargo Loaders

Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to tip over or jackknife. If a third-party loading company failed to follow proper safety protocols, they could share fault in the crash.

5. Truck or Parts Manufacturers

If a mechanical defect—such as faulty brake pads, steering systems, or a blown tire—contributed to the accident, the truck or parts manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.

6. Government Entities

Poor road design, broken guardrails, missing signage, or improperly marked construction zones may create dangerous driving conditions. If governmental negligence played a role, a claim may be filed against the responsible agency—though this involves stricter rules and deadlines.

How Is Fault Proven?

To build a successful truck accident case, your attorney will need to gather and analyze multiple forms of evidence, including:

• Police and crash reports from SAPD and TxDOT

• Black box data from the truck’s onboard recording device

• Driver logs showing hours worked and rest periods

• Maintenance records for the truck involved

• Photographs and video footage from dashcams or roadside cameras

• Eyewitness testimony

• Expert accident reconstruction analysis

The sooner you retain legal counsel, the sooner this critical evidence can be preserved.

Comparative Fault in Texas

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover any damages.

For example, if you were speeding but the truck changed lanes unsafely, you may be found 20% at fault. If your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.

Your attorney will work to minimize any claims of comparative fault and strengthen your case against the other parties involved.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Past and future medical bills

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Mental anguish or emotional trauma

• Disfigurement or permanent disability

• Property damage to your vehicle

• Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one)

In certain extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the trucking company for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Why You Need a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident litigation is a different beast than regular car wreck claims. Trucking companies are backed by powerful insurers and legal teams trained to minimize payouts. An experienced San Antonio truck accident attorney can:

• Identify all liable parties

• Preserve critical evidence

• Handle aggressive insurance adjusters

• File your claim within the two-year statute of limitations

• Represent you in settlement negotiations or trial

Look for a lawyer who has a proven track record handling 18-wheeler accident cases on Highway 90 and understands the unique dynamics of this roadway.

Final Thoughts

U.S. Highway 90 is an essential freight corridor for San Antonio, but it’s also a high-risk zone for devastating truck accidents. If you've been injured or lost a loved one in a crash involving an 18-wheeler on this highway, knowing who is liable and how to pursue compensation can make all the difference in your recovery.

Speak with a local truck accident attorney who knows the legal landscape in San Antonio and is ready to fight for the justice you deserve.