A Texas Law Firm Dedicated to Helping Truck Accident Victims Win Their Personal Injury Claims
Texas is a state with a lot of activity. Various industries fuel our vibrant economy, including energy, technology, agriculture, and finance. This heightened activity results in an increased number of semi-trucks on our roads at any given moment, subsequently leading to more large truck-related accidents.
Tragically, collisions involving commercial trucks often result in serious injuries for the victim, as most vehicles on the road don't match a semi-truck's size or power.
Recovering damages in a vehicle accident involving a large truck can be challenging. Financial compensation for severe injuries requires the insight of an experienced truck accident attorney with knowledge of state and federal trucking laws.
Our Austin truck accident attorneys are equipped to represent injured people in truck accident claims in Travis County and across the state, providing the necessary legal support for a successful outcome.
Contact DJC Law to find out how one of our truck accident lawyers in Austin can help you today.
What Are Important Texas Truck Accident Statistics?
Using police crash report data from the Texas Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, the Texas Department of Transportation keeps a record of all accidents involving trucks and other commercial vehicles across the state. According to the Department of Transportation, there were over 38,000 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas in the year 2022 alone.
Of the thousands of truck crashes in 2022, 612 resulted in fatalities, 1,293 resulted in serious or catastrophic injuries, 3,834 crashes led to suspected minor injuries, and 4,678 trucking accidents led to potential injuries. In the year 2021, closer to 800 people were killed, while another 11,000 people were injured in commercial trucking accidents in Texas. In 2021, there were, on average, approximately two truck accident fatalities in Texas daily.
While larger cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio saw more commercial truck accidents than Austin, every serious accident has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. The data shows that the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas were speeding, unsafe lane changes, and distracted driving.
The facts also show that truck drivers rarely suffer the same severity of injuries as the drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles. The sheer difference in size and weight of a big rig compared to most passenger vehicles protects truck drivers while simultaneously delivering absolute devastation to those occupying smaller motor vehicles.
When you contact our personal injury law firm, you will have all our Austin truck accident resources at your disposal. To learn how our Austin truck accident lawyers can assist you with your legal claim, please get in touch with us to schedule your free initial consultation today.
What Should Victims Do After Commercial Truck Accidents in Austin, Texas?
All motor vehicle accidents, regardless of the size of the vehicles in question, can be traumatic events that leave victims feeling disoriented, panicked, and alone. But accidents involving large commercial trucks can often be even more terrifying because of the violence and obliteration delivered by these larger vehicles upon passenger cars, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been in a semi-truck crash, you need to take certain steps to ensure that your health and well-being are taken care of and that your personal injury claim is strong so that you can later recover maximum compensation from the at-fault parties.
Regardless of whether you were the motorist who struck another vehicle or if that vehicle struck you, you must stop and remain at the accident scene. Those who flee the accident scene may be accused of being hit-and-run drivers, which can result in severe penalties, including criminal punishments. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and stop at a safe place along the side of the road to wait for first responders.
Check yourself and any of your passengers for injuries. If you are badly hurt, do not attempt to move. However, if your injuries appear to be relatively minor, attempt to leave your car and check on the injuries of occupants of other vehicles or those otherwise involved in the 18-wheeler accident.
Call 911 to summon law enforcement and paramedics to the crash scene. It's always wise to contact the police following a commercial truck accident, as a police report will be valuable evidence for your Austin truck accident lawyer. If someone was hurt or killed in the collision, you will require an ambulance.
While awaiting first responders to arrive, try to capture photographic evidence of the crash from different angles. Get photos and videos of the vehicles involved in the crash, injuries to yourself and others, debris, skid marks on the roads, weather conditions, road conditions, and anything else that may seem relevant to illustrating how the truck accident occurred.
Exchange insurance company information and contact information with all others involved in the accident. If a truck driver was involved, get their commercial driver's license number, license plate number, and other relevant contact information. Look around at the accident scene for onlookers or witnesses and attempt to get their contact information as well because their eyewitness testimonies will be valuable to an Austin commercial vehicle accident lawyer.
When ambulances arrive at the accident scene, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you are not aware of any serious injuries, it's still important that you get medical treatment as soon as possible. Some injuries may not arise until much later, and others can worsen with time. Medical professionals can identify injuries that would otherwise go unnoticed until it is too late. Additionally, medical records following the big rig accident will be valuable evidence to your attorneys.
Insurance adjusters arrive at the scene of many commercial truck accidents to assess the damages. They may insist on speaking with you and may even act sympathetic to your unfortunate situation. Remember, they are not on your side, but rather, they are there to limit the exposure to insurance companies and the amount of money the insurers need to pay victims. Anything you say, such as admitting fault or diminishing the severity of serious injuries, could be used against your personal injury claim.
If you have not done so already, contact an Austin truck accident attorney at our law firm to discuss your case in more detail. Austin commercial vehicle accident attorneys from our legal team will advise you on your legal rights and help direct you on what to do (and what not to do) in the aftermath of your auto accident.
Schedule a free case evaluation with an Austin 18-wheeler accident attorney today by calling us at (888) 853-8169.
What Types of Truck Accident Cases Does Our Personal Injury Law Firm Represent?
Because of the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, there is no shortage of ways for these trucks to get into various types of accidents. If you've been in a tractor-trailer accident, you need an attorney with experience representing complex truck accident cases so that you can be assured that your rights are defended in pursuit of justice and financial recovery. Our Texas law firm has extensive experience representing clients in a variety of truck accident cases, and we will do everything within our power to prove negligence on the part of the at-fault parties so that you can recover the maximum compensation for your personal injury lawsuits.
Common examples of commercial trucking accidents include the following:
- Blind spot accidents, which commonly occur when semi-trucks merge, turn, or change lanes and strike another vehicle that the truck drivers do not see
- Head-on collisions, which happen when a large commercial vehicle collides with the front end of a smaller passenger vehicle
- Jackknife accidents, which occur when the cab of the semi-truck and the trailer fold into each other at almost a 90° angle, resembling something like a folded pocketknife
- Rear-end accidents occur when a large truck crashes into the back of a smaller passenger vehicle
- Rollover accidents, which involve the tractor-trailer tipping over onto its side
- Underride accidents, which transpire when smaller vehicles get crushed or lodged underneath the trailer being towed by a truck
Our law firm can represent you in semi-truck accidents, UPS accidents, Amazon delivery accidents, tow truck accidents, dump truck accidents, and any other type of commercial vehicle accident.
Many commercial vehicle accidents result in fatalities. If you have lost a loved one in a tragic truck accident, an Austin truck crash lawyer can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties. To learn more about our legal services and how we may assist you during this difficult time, don't hesitate to contact a truck accident attorney in Austin at our law firm to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation today.
Does Your Austin Truck Accident Case Qualify for Compensation?
If you've sustained injuries in a truck accident, it's essential to determine if your case qualifies for compensation.
Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the potential success of your claim:
- Who is responsible for the accident?
- In most cases, truck accidents occur due to negligence on behalf of either the driver or the trucking company.
- Was there any defective equipment involved?
- If faulty equipment played a role in causing the accident, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
- How severe were your injuries?
- Injuries sustained in truck accidents tend to be more severe and require longer recovery times compared to those from regular car accidents. This can significantly impact the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
- Are there any other contributing factors?
- Other factors, such as weather conditions or road hazards, can also play a role in causing truck accidents. It's essential to consider all possible causes when evaluating your case.
- Was there any evidence of reckless driving?
- If the truck driver or company exhibited reckless behavior, such as speeding or ignoring safety regulations, it can strengthen your case for compensation.
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident due to another party's negligence, it's crucial to seek legal representation from experienced and knowledgeable attorneys like those at DJC Law. Our legal team has a proven track record of success in personal injury cases and will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Who Could Be Held Liable in Your Austin Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases can become highly complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties who may share liability for the collision.
Potentially liable parties may include the following:
- Cargo loading companies
- Commercial truck drivers
- Employers of the truck driver
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part
- Truck maintenance companies
- Truck owners
- Trucking companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Other third parties, including the drivers of passenger vehicles
First and foremost, the semi-truck driver can be named a responsible party if they acted negligently or recklessly behind the wheel. This includes behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, or ignoring traffic signals, which can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.
Additionally, if the truck was owned by someone other than the driver, the owner could be held accountable. This responsibility might arise from issues like negligent hiring practices, where the owner fails to conduct proper background checks, or negligent truck maintenance, which involves not adhering to safety regulations or allowing the vehicle to operate with known mechanical issues. Moreover, negligent supervision can come into play if the owner does not adequately monitor the driver's performance or provide sufficient training.
Finally, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident, the person or company that contracted the truck for delivery may also be responsible. If they were aware of existing dangerous conditions, such as hazardous weather or poor road conditions, and still proceeded with the delivery, their actions could contribute to the accident.
Identifying and evaluating all parties involved in a lawsuit is crucial to ensure the greatest possible financial recovery for the victim. A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident can lead to a more thorough understanding of liability, ultimately helping to secure adequate compensation for the injuries and damages suffered. This not only serves justice but also helps victims begin their journey to recovery with the financial support they need.
Our Austin personal injury lawyers will do everything we can to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover the financial compensation you rightly deserve. Contact our Texas law offices to schedule your free case review with our Austin commercial vehicle accident lawyers today.
Do Austin Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Communication with Insurance Companies and Opposing Counsel?
Trucking companies often have very deep pockets, which allows them to defend against truck accident lawsuits aggressively. This financial strength means they are prepared to invest significant resources in legal representation and damage control. While it is possible to sue the negligent truck driver who was careless in causing an accident, many situations also allow for a lawsuit against the trucking company that employs them. This can be critical, as the company may bear a significant portion of the liability.
Following an accident, the trucking company typically has an investigator at the scene within an hour. This investigator's role is crucial; they will immediately start gathering evidence, such as witness statements, accident scene photographs, and data from the truck's black box, all of which will be used to build a defense for the company.
Given the speed and thoroughness with which trucking companies respond, it is essential for anyone involved in a truck accident to have an experienced truck accident lawyer in Austin by their side. A knowledgeable attorney can help protect your legal rights, ensure that you do not inadvertently provide information that could be damaging to your case, and guide you through the complex legal process that follows such incidents.
Can an Austin Personal Injury Lawyer Help You Negotiate a Fair Truck Accident Settlement?
Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries such as amputations, brain damage, or paralysis, which can significantly impact a victim's life. The aftermath of such accidents can leave you with substantial medical bills that may continue to pile up, especially if you require long-term care. In many cases, the medical treatment needed for these severe injuries can be ongoing, resulting in a permanent need for medical attention that places additional financial strain on you and your family. Furthermore, if you find yourself disabled due to an accident, the situation can become even more dire, potentially leading not just to financial challenges but also emotional and psychological stress.
The financial implications don't stop at medical expenses; lost income due to your inability to work can further complicate your situation. This combination of high expenses and reduced earnings can lead many of our clients into financial turmoil or even bankruptcy, creating a cycle of hardship that can feel overwhelming.
If you attempt to negotiate a settlement on your own, you risk making critical mistakes that could cost you both time and money. Understanding the complexities of personal injury law and dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Fortunately, our team is here to help. If you have a valid claim, we can advocate on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement that accounts for all aspects of your suffering.
We aim to do everything in our power to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and the pain and suffering you've endured. We understand that the financial recovery process can be just as crucial as physical healing, and we're dedicated to guiding you through it.
Some of our clients have successfully received large settlements that have not only helped cover their immediate expenses but also provided them with the financial security needed to care for themselves and their families in the long term. With the right support, a path to recovery and stability is possible.
What Are the Required Qualifications of Commercial Truck Drivers in Texas?
Driving commercial vehicles, especially larger commercial trucks, is a much more complicated endeavor than driving most types of passenger vehicles. Because of the many differences inherent in operating such large trucks, commercial truck drivers must meet certain criteria to be legally allowed to drive their semi-trucks.
Some of the various qualifications and requirements in Texas include the following:
- Commercial truck drivers must be at least 21
- Texas commercial truck drivers must speak sufficient English so that they can converse with the general public
- Drivers are required to safely operate the equipment they are assigned
- Must be deemed physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle
- Truck drivers must hold a valid and current commercial driver's license in only one state
- Texas truck drivers must have successfully completed a road test. Failing that, the driver must provide an operator's license or a certificate that their employer accepts as an equivalent to such a road test.
In addition, all Texas commercial truck drivers must refrain from consuming alcohol or illicit drugs, sometimes including certain prescription medications, that would impact their ability to operate their vehicles. Truck drivers are held to a higher standard for blood alcohol content than other motorists. In Texas, a truck driver cannot have alcohol in their system that exceeds .04% of blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
What Are Federal Trucking Regulations?
The United States federal government has established several regulations for the commercial trucking industry to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other motorists who share the roads with them. These rules and regulations are part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and apply to all trucking industry members, including drivers, manufacturers, truck owners, and trucking companies.
Truck drivers, their employers, and anyone else involved in the trucking industry must carefully follow the federal regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the United States Department of Transportation.
Examples of federal trucking regulations include the following:
- Complete detailed background checks on all applicants before hiring them
- Ensure that regular maintenance and inspections are done for commercial trucks
- Limit hours of service and amount of time that drivers can operate their trucks
- Restrict the ability of drivers to operate their trucks when they are sick or tired
- Set policies for retaining documents, using logbooks, and more to create a detailed paper trail of hours worked
- Undergo alcohol or drug testing for truck drivers
In the United States, commercial truck drivers are mandated to follow federal regulations that dictate the number of hours they are allowed to operate their vehicles in a given time window. Truck drivers who haul property and goods for more hours in the day than permitted may have violated the law. Some truck drivers are pushed to violate these rules and regulations by their employers, which can make those employers liable for damages.
How to Prove Negligence in a Texas Truck Accident Lawsuit?
An Austin truck crash attorney will evaluate all the evidence and facts pertaining to your case to maximize the compensation you stand to recover by taking legal action.
Evidence that an Austin semi accident lawyer may utilize for your claim includes the following:
- Accident scene photos and videos often speak louder than words. The same goes for surveillance and traffic camera footage.
- Cargo manifests can provide some understanding of whether a truck was overloaded or improperly loaded.
- Cell phone records, which could tell whether truck drivers were on their phones at the time of the collision.
- Driving history and employment records. An Austin 18-wheeler accident lawyer will examine the past job performance of the driver involved in the crash to determine if they have a history of reckless or aggressive driving.
- Drug and alcohol test results may indicate whether the truck driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.
- Event data recorders or black box logs can give us some indication of various systems and what transpired at the time of the accident.
- Hours of service logs. If there are discrepancies in the logs or reason to be suspicious, hours of service violations could give rise to liability concerns.
- Police accident reports, which provide a third-party point of view of the collision from a trusted source.
- Repair and maintenance records, which could show that a commercial truck was left in disrepair.
- In some cases, an Austin commercial vehicle accident attorney will turn to expert accident reconstructionists to provide testimony.
DJC Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we do not charge attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation in the form of a settlement for your case.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Austin, TX?
Tractor-trailer accidents, like any other type of motor vehicle accident, can be caused in many ways. However, because of the larger truck's size, cargo, and weight, there are additional ways in which these accidents may occur.
Common causes of commercial truck accidents include the following:
- Adverse weather conditions
- Aggressive driving or reckless driving
- Attempting to drive a large commercial vehicle while seriously ill
- Brake failures
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Driver fatigue or drowsy driving
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Failure to yield
- Improper or inadequate truck maintenance
- Improperly loaded trucks
- Insufficient truck driver training
- Loss of control
- Speeding
- Vehicle defects and defective truck parts
- Road debris and road defects
- Road rage
- Third parties or other motorists
- Tire blowouts
- Unbalanced truckloads
- Unrealistic schedules or quotas
- And more
Whatever the cause of your accident, an Austin 18-wheeler crash lawyer from our firm would be proud to represent your interests in pursuit of justice and a financial recovery period. Please schedule a free case consultation with our legal team today.
What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Because of the size and weight of large tractor-trailers, commercial truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and sometimes death.
Common truck accident injuries include the following:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Head injuries, including concussions and open head wounds
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations, cuts, and bruising
- Loss of limbs
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Psychological damage and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Ruptured discs
- Severe back and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, including torn ligaments and muscle strains
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
In general, the more serious the injuries, the more costly the medical bills are. As a result, the compensation demands of a personal injury lawsuit will be greater, and insurance companies will fight harder to avoid paying those expenses. It is often necessary to retain the legal representation of experienced attorneys who are well-versed in the practice areas of personal injury law to ensure that you recover the fair settlement you are owed.
Do Complex Truck Accident Cases Always Go to Trial?
Not all truck accident cases go to trial. Whether your case goes to trial will depend on several factors, including how clear liability is in the case and whether or not the insurance company is willing to pay a reasonable settlement for your injuries and other losses.
While other law firms may hesitate to take cases to trial, DJC Law will not. We are proud of our past experience representing clients in courtroom cases and fighting for the justice and compensation they deserve. We have a proven track record with a 99%-win rate for trial cases, and we will use that experience, knowledge, and confidence to your benefit in the pursuit of the most optimal outcome for your case.
To learn more, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with our experienced trial attorneys today.
Can You Recover Compensation with a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
With a well-argued case, it is possible to recover economic and non-economic damages for your injuries and other losses following a truck accident. While these different forms of financial recovery can go a long way towards making you financially 'whole' again, we understand that they cannot reverse the damage done, particularly when you lose a family member in a truck crash. As your legal representatives, we will do everything within our power to fight for the maximum settlement available for your case so that you may live more comfortably following your tragic event, and the parties responsible will be held accountable for their negligence.
Potential financial compensation may include the following:
- Past medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost income earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle repairs or replacements
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Lost companionship or consortium
- Disability, disfigurement, or dismemberment
- Lost quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
In extreme cases featuring wanton negligence or recklessness, a judge may also award punitive damages to the truck accident victim and their family. Punitive damages are meant to deter others from repeating dangerous behaviors that result in tragic accidents.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Austin Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a trucking accident in Austin, TX, please get in touch with our personal injury law firm to discuss your legal issues with our compassionate attorneys. An Austin truck accident lawyer from our firm will provide dedicated legal guidance to you throughout the process of proving negligence, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and seeking a fair and full settlement for your losses.
Accident victims have limited time to file a truck accident claim in Texas. Do not delay in speaking with professional legal counsel about your case. Reach out to our Austin law firm to schedule a free case evaluation with our legal team today.
DJC Law has law offices in San Marcos, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas. We are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us at (888) 853-8169.