Austin Truck Accident Lawyer – Pursue the Justice You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Austin, you may be facing severe injuries, escalating medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. An experienced Austin truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Why Choose Our Austin Truck Accident Lawyers?
At Traub Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and the challenges victims face when dealing with large trucking companies and their insurers. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the maximum compensation available for your case.
- Proven Track Record: Successfully recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims.
- Experienced Legal Team: Decades of experience handling truck accident claims in Texas.
- Client-Centered Approach: Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Austin
Truck accidents often occur due to negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion and impaired judgment.
- Distracted Driving: Using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving.
- Speeding & Reckless Driving: Excessive speed makes it difficult to stop a heavy truck in time.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unsecured or overloaded cargo can cause rollovers or loss of control.
- Poor Truck Maintenance: Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire defects, increase accident risks.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use by truck drivers leads to dangerous driving behavior.
- Negligent Hiring & Training: Trucking companies that fail to properly vet or train their drivers can be held liable.
If your accident was caused by any of these factors, you may have a strong case against the negligent party.
Understanding Liability in Texas Truck Accidents
Determining liability in truck accidents can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility.
Truck Driver
The driver may be responsible if they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, impaired, or violating traffic or trucking laws. Driver error is a common factor in truck crashes.
Trucking Company
Employers may be responsible if they failed to enforce safety regulations or pushed drivers to exceed legal work hours.
Truck Owner
Not all drivers own the trucks they operate. A separate owner could be liable if the vehicle was poorly maintained or known issues were ignored.
Truck Manufacturer
If the truck had any defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, the truck manufacturer could also be included in a lawsuit.
Cargo Loaders
Improperly secured cargo can lead to accidents, making loading companies liable.
Maintenance Providers
If inadequate repairs or deferred maintenance contributed to the accident, the company or individuals responsible for upkeep can face claims.
Government Entities
If poor road maintenance or design contributed to the accident, the local or state government may be liable.
In Texas, it is possible to hold more than one party liable for a car accident.
How Trucking Regulations Affect Accident Claims
Truck accidents involve more than just what happened on the road – there are state and federal rules in play that can impact who’s at fault and how claims are handled. These regulations are designed to keep everyone safe, and when they’re not followed, it can make a big difference in a case.
- Hours of Service (HOS) Limits: Truck drivers have strict limits on driving hours and rest periods.
- Vehicle Maintenance Requirements: Trucking companies need to keep their vehicles in good shape.
- Driver Qualifications: Truck drivers need the right licenses and training.
- Cargo Securement Rules: Cargo needs to be loaded and secured properly.
- Alcohol and Drug Testing: Truck drivers get tested regularly for drugs and alcohol.
When an accident happens, figuring out who broke the rules can be key to getting compensation. By digging into what went wrong, you can build a stronger case and get the help you need.
How Modified Comparative Fault Works in Texas Accident Claims
In Texas, accident claims work under a modified comparative fault system. This means that after an accident, the fault is divided up between everyone involved based on how much each person is to blame. If you’re found to be partially at fault, the amount of money you can get will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Here’s the crucial part: if you’re more than 50% at fault, you won’t get any compensation. Insurance companies will often try to pin as much blame on you as possible to avoid paying out. That’s why gathering evidence, like witness statements and documentation, is key to building a strong case and getting the compensation you deserve.
How Negligent Hiring, Supervision, or Retention Increases Liability
When it comes to 18-wheeler accidents, the responsibility doesn’t always fall solely on the driver. Trucking companies themselves can also be held liable if their actions, or lack thereof, contribute to a crash. One common scenario involves negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.
If a trucking company fails to properly vet its drivers by overlooking a history of driving infractions or ignoring a spotty record, it may bear responsibility if that driver causes an accident. The same goes for poor supervision. Companies are expected to monitor their drivers’ conduct on the road, enforce regular training, and intervene if a driver isn’t following safety regulations.
Continuing to keep a driver with repeated violations behind the wheel can be considered negligent retention. For example, if a driver has previously been cited for reckless driving or failed drug tests but remains employed, and then later causes a serious accident, the company could be held accountable for not taking action sooner.
In these cases, both the driver and the company can be named in a lawsuit, increasing the chances of securing compensation for victims. This is why investigating the trucking company’s hiring and management practices is a critical part of building a strong case after a major trucking accident.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims in Austin
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work and potential loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Costs for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was lost in a truck accident, families may seek compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Every case is unique, and our skilled Austin truck accident lawyers will work to ensure you receive fair compensation based on your specific damages.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Austin
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can help protect your legal rights:
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries may appear later.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Get Contact Information: Collect details from the truck driver, witnesses, and other parties involved.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurers: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim—speak with a lawyer first.
- Contact an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer: The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of securing full compensation.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You
Our team will handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence such as truck logs, surveillance footage, and black box data.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Protecting you from lowball settlement offers.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: Taking your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Providing Expert Legal Guidance: Ensuring you understand your rights and options every step of the way.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Texas
Under Texas law, truck accident victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Don’t wait—contact our Austin truck accident attorneys as soon as possible to start your claim.
Speak with an Experienced Austin Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Austin, don’t face the legal battle alone. Let our experienced attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact a qualified legal expert today to protect your rights. If you need an Austin truck accident lawyer, call the Traub Law Office at (512) 246-9191 to speak to an attorney.
