Austin Truck Accident Lawyers

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Austin?

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
2. Contact the Austin Police Department to file an official report
3. Document the scene with photos and videos if possible
4. Obtain contact information from witnesses
5. Do not provide statements to insurance companies without legal counsel
6. Contact an experienced Austin truck accident lawyer promptly

Our Austin truck accident lawyers are here to help if you suffer injuries in a trucking crash. Contact us today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION, and get started on your recovery journey.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

When dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. At Thompson Law, we’re committed to providing exceptional service and results for our Austin clients. Here’s why many truck accident victims trust us with their cases:

• Over $1.9 billion recovered for our clients
• 350+ years of combined legal experience
• Recognized as a top personal injury firm with several awards.
• Extensive knowledge of Texas and Austin-specific trucking regulations
• No fee unless we win your case

Call our Austin truck accident lawyers today if you or a loved one were injured in a large commercial truck collision.

Trusted Facilities in Austin for Truck Accident Emergencies

You want to know exactly where to go when life hits the brakes. Accidents may happen anytime, and these Austin facilities can handle just about any critical injury situation:

• Dell Seton Medical Center (University of Texas):  Right in the heart of downtown, this Level 1 trauma center is where you’d want to be if things get bad. They’re experts in major crashes.
• St. David’s Medical Center: Their doors are open 24/7 and trusted by locals for decades. Their trauma team moves fast and knows what to look for, even when injuries aren’t obvious.
• Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin:  From orthopedic surgeons to neuro specialists, this place has a deep bench. It’s a solid option if you’re dealing with bone fractures, spine injuries, or post-crash complications.
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Austin:  They’re great for moderate to severe injuries and they handle recovery well — especially if you’re looking at long-term physical therapy.
• Texas Orthopedics, Sports & Rehabilitation Associates:  Not a hospital, but absolutely worth a mention. If you walked away from a wreck with torn ligaments, back pain, or mobility issues, this team can help you heal the right way.

Truck Accident Statistics in Austin, TX

Austin’s Trucking Safety Snapshot

In 2021, our roads in Travis County saw some concerning truck accident numbers:

• 550 truck crashes occurred
• Sadly, 7 of these crashes resulted in fatalities

These local incidents are part of a larger picture across Texas, where there were:

• 20,041 truck crashes statewide
• 611 lives were lost in these accidents

Looking at the national scene, large trucks play a significant role in road safety:

• They make up 9% of vehicles in fatal crashes
• Yet, they account for 14% of deaths in these accidents

This means truck crashes tend to be more deadly than average.

What This Means for Austin Drivers

These numbers highlight the importance of staying alert on our local roads, especially on busy truck routes like I-35 and MoPac Expressway. While we can’t control everything on the road, knowing these risks can help us all drive more safely.

Remember, behind each of these statistics is a real person – someone’s family member, friend, or neighbor. That’s why at Thompson Law, we’re committed to helping victims of truck accidents and working towards safer roads for everyone in Texas.

Sources: FMCSA,  NHTSA. TXDOT.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Austin

Truck driver error is the leading cause of truck crashes. Some common causes of truck accidents in Austin, TX, include:

1. Speeding, especially on congested roads like Lamar Boulevard or Congress Avenue
2. Driver fatigue, often due to long hauls on I-10 or I-35
3. Distracted driving, including texting or using navigation systems
4. Impairment, drunk or drugged driving
5. Improper loading, leading to cargo shifts on winding roads like Loop 360
6. Inadequate vehicle maintenance, causing brake failures or tire blowouts
7. Equipment failures, brake defects, tire blowouts, trailer detachments, and other parts failures.
8. Improper lane changes, failing to check mirrors and signals
9. Lack of experience, inadequately trained drivers or truckers without a valid CDL
10. Unfamiliarity with Austin’s complex road network, particularly for out-of-state truckers

The Austin truck accident lawyers at Thompson Law are standing by, ready to help you and your family no matter what caused your truck wreck. CALL US TODAY to get started on your case.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. Here are some of the most frequent types of truck accidents our Austin truck accident lawyers see:

• Rear-End Collisions: Caused by distracted or fatigued drivers, these accidents are especially dangerous because of the heavy force of a truck’s impact.
• Jackknife Accidents: Sudden braking or slick roads can cause a truck’s cab and trailer to fold into a V-shape, often blocking multiple lanes and leading to pile-ups.
• Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles sliding under the rear or side of a truck often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Rollover Crashes: Trucks can tip over during sharp turns or due to improperly loaded cargo, putting nearby vehicles and pedestrians at risk.
• Blind Spot Crashes: Large blind spots on all sides of a truck make lane changes and turns hazardous for vehicles in these areas.
• Tire Blowouts: A sudden blowout can cause a truck to lose control, leading to dangerous multi-vehicle accidents.
• T-Bone Collisions: These side-impact crashes typically happen at intersections when a truck runs a red light or stop sign.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks need extra space for turns, and misjudging this can result in collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Comprehensive Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accident victims in Texas can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Here’s what that entails:

Economic Damages:

• Medical Expenses: Covers costs like hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and any future earning potential affected by the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and damaged personal items.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Includes expenses like transportation to medical appointments, childcare, or other accident-related needs.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: Financial relief for physical pain and emotional distress endured due to the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities or hobbies you once loved.
• Emotional Trauma: Covers conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression stemming from the accident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving or blatant safety violations, additional damages may be awarded to penalize the at-fault party.

This broad range of compensation ensures victims receive the support they need to rebuild their lives after a devastating truck accident.

Possible Negligent Parties in a Truck Accident

Negligence often plays a significant role in truck accidents, and determining the responsible parties is key to ensuring accountability and fair compensation. Here are the potential negligent parties in a truck accident:

Truck Driver

The truck driver may be liable if they were:

• Driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Violating Texas traffic laws, such as speeding, failing to yield, or tailgating.
• Engaging in distracted driving, such as texting or using a GPS improperly.

Trucking Company

The trucking company can be held responsible for:

• Failing to properly maintain the vehicle, leading to mechanical failures.
• Hiring unqualified or poorly trained drivers.
• Violating federal trucking regulations, such as hours-of-service rules or cargo restrictions.
• Allowing unsafe practices, like pressuring drivers to meet unreasonable delivery deadlines.

Cargo Loading Company

If cargo loading is outsourced, the loading company may be negligent if they:

• Failed to secure the cargo properly, leading to shifting or spillage.
• Overloaded the truck, exceeding weight limits.
• Distributed the cargo unevenly, creating a risk of rollovers.

Vehicle Manufacturer

If the truck or its parts were defective, the manufacturer could be liable for:

• Faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems.
• Design flaws that created dangerous driving conditions.
• Failure to recall defective parts in a timely manner.

Federal Trucking Regulations and Industry Compliance

Trucking companies and drivers are required to follow strict federal regulations aimed at maintaining safety on the roads. Violations of these rules often play a significant role in accidents. Key regulations include:

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

• Drivers can drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
• Weekly driving hours are capped at 60-70 hours, depending on the work schedule.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandatory to track compliance with these limits.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections

• Trucks must be regularly inspected to ensure brakes, tires, lights, and other systems are functioning correctly.
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are required to catch and address potential safety issues.

Cargo Securement Standards

• Loads must be properly secured, balanced, and within weight limits to prevent shifting during transit.
• Improperly loaded cargo can cause rollovers or falling debris, creating hazards for other drivers.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

• Drivers are prohibited from consuming alcohol within four hours of driving.
• Regular drug and alcohol testing is mandatory for all commercial drivers.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

• Drivers must complete rigorous training and pass testing to earn a CDL.
• Additional endorsements are required for transporting hazardous materials or operating double/triple trailers.

Proving Negligence in a Truck Wreck

Even when negligence seems obvious, proving it in a truck accident case can be more complex than you might expect. Details can easily be overlooked without the right expertise. That’s why our experienced Austin legal team meticulously gathers all evidence to ensure nothing is missed in building a strong negligence claim.

Four Elements of Negligence in a Truck Accident Case

1. Duty of Care:
   Truck drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles with attention, caution, and care to avoid causing harm to others on the road.
2. Breach of Duty:
   We must show that the truck driver or another party failed to meet their duty of care, such as by violating traffic laws, driving recklessly, or ignoring federal safety regulations.
3. Causation:
   Our attorneys will prove that this breach of duty directly caused your injuries, linking the negligent actions to the accident and its consequences.
4. Damages:
   We’ll demonstrate the extent of your physical, emotional, and financial damages with evidence like medical records, bills, proof of lost income, and details of how the accident has impacted your daily life.

Our Austin truck accident lawyers are committed to proving these elements to secure the maximum settlement for your injuries. With a tenacious approach and attention to detail, our legal team will fight to win your case and deliver the justice you deserve.

Common Truck Accident Injuries in Austin, TX

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. In Austin, major highways see heavy truck traffic, and these accidents can be particularly devastating and cause permanent disability or even death.

Here are some of the most common injuries we see in truck accident cases:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The forceful impact of a truck collision can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to concussions or more severe brain trauma.

These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation. If you’ve suffered a TBI, our Austin brain injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and options.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The tremendous force in truck accidents can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Our Austin spinal cord injury attorneys specialize in handling these complex cases.

Bone Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

Multiple fractures, crushed bones, and joint injuries are common in truck accidents. These can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for multiple surgeries.

Our Austin orthopedic injury lawyers can help you seek compensation for these painful injuries.

Burn Injuries

When trucks carrying flammable materials are involved in accidents, victims may suffer severe burns. These injuries can be excruciatingly painful and often require extensive treatment, including skin grafts.

Our Austin burn injury attorneys have experience in handling these sensitive cases.

Internal Injuries

The impact of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, and other hidden injuries. These can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

Our Austin internal injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases.

Amputation Injuries

In severe truck accidents, victims may suffer injuries so extreme that amputation becomes necessary. These injuries have a profound impact on a person’s life and future.

Our Austin amputation injury attorneys can help you navigate the challenges of these cases.

Orthopedic Injuries

The severe impact of a truck collision often shatters bone and causes tearing of tendons and ligaments, generally in the form of joint injuries. Broken ribs are common, given the crushing forces.

Burn Injuries

Burns may occur when a victim is trapped in a burning vehicle after a crash. Leaking hazardous chemicals or fuels the truck carries can also cause disfiguring chemical burns. Friction with the roadway can lead to painful abrasions and loss of skin.

Psychological Trauma

While not physically visible, the emotional and psychological impact of a truck accident can be severe. Many victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a traumatic collision.

At Thompson Law, our team of specialized attorneys is equipped to handle the full spectrum of truck accident injuries. We’re committed to helping you get the comprehensive care and compensation you deserve. Contact our Austin truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accidents often cause serious injuries or even death because of the large size and weight of commercial vehicles. These cases can be legally complicated, so it’s important to have a lawyer who understands trucking laws and regulations to protect your rights and help you through the process.

At Thompson Law, we focus on truck accident cases and work hard to get the best compensation for our clients. We investigate causes like driver fatigue or poorly loaded cargo, help you get the medical care you need, deal with insurance companies, and only charge fees if we win your case.

If you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s important to act quickly. Texas law gives you two years to file a claim, so don’t wait to learn your rights. Contact our Austin truck accident lawyers today for trusted legal help.

Contact Our Austin Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Our Austin truck accident lawyers are committed to helping truck accident victims navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation they deserve.

Our team stays up-to-date on the latest changes in Texas trucking regulations and Texas traffic laws to provide you with the most effective representation. Don’t let trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of you. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Austin truck accident lawyers.

Remember, in Texas, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). Don’t wait – contact Thompson Law today and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Truck Accident Cases in Austin

What should I do if the trucking company contacts me after the accident?

Do not speak to the trucking company or their insurer without legal representation. Anything you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Refer them to your lawyer and let your legal team handle all communication on your behalf.

How is a truck accident claim different from a regular car accident claim?

Truck accident claims are more complex due to federal regulations, larger insurance policies, and the potential for multiple liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or manufacturers. These cases often require in-depth investigations and expert analysis.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case in Austin?

The timeline varies depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and whether the claim is settled or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more.

What evidence is most important in a truck accident case?

Key evidence includes the police report, truck driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, dashcam or surveillance footage, medical records, and witness statements. Your attorney will help secure and analyze this evidence to build a strong case.

What damages can I claim after a truck accident in Austin?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning potential, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages if extreme negligence was involved.

What if the truck was from out of state or a different company?

It doesn’t matter if the truck was based out of state. As long as the accident occurred in Texas, you can file a claim in the state. Your lawyer will determine jurisdiction and pursue legal action against any responsible out-of-state or corporate entities.

Do truck drivers have special legal obligations in Texas?

Yes. Truck drivers must follow both state traffic laws and federal trucking regulations, including limits on driving hours, strict maintenance schedules, and licensing requirements. Violations of these rules can be critical in proving negligence.