Austin Truck Accident Lawyers: Comprehensive Legal Help for All Truck Collisions

Austin truck accident lawyer assisting client

A truck accident in Austin, TX, can be a life-altering event. Due to their immense size and weight, collisions involving commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, or even smaller delivery vans often result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage for those in passenger vehicles. Unlike standard car accidents, these cases are significantly more complex, involving specialized federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and sophisticated defense strategies from well-funded trucking companies.

At Treviño Law, our Austin truck accident lawyers possess the specialized knowledge and proven experience required to navigate these intricate claims. We are dedicated to helping victims recover maximum compensation, holding negligent drivers and powerful corporations accountable for their actions. Whether your case involves a small service truck or a massive tractor-trailer, our team is equipped to fight for your justice and recovery.

Resources for Victims of Truck Accidents

Understanding the Scope of Truck Accidents in Austin

While any vehicle can be involved in a collision, the sheer scale of commercial trucks amplifies the severity of accidents. “Truck accident” is a broad term, encompassing a range of vehicles and regulatory frameworks. We handle claims involving:

  • 18-Wheelers / Semi-Trucks / Tractor-Trailers: These massive vehicles are subject to the strictest federal regulations.
  • Delivery Vans and Box Trucks: Common in urban areas like Austin, these often fall under commercial regulations and strict company policies.
  • Dump Trucks, Garbage Trucks, and Construction Vehicles: Heavy machinery that poses significant risks.
  • Buses and Other Commercial Passenger Vehicles: Accidents involving passenger transport, often with complex liability.
  • Tanker Trucks: Carrying hazardous materials, these pose unique and severe risks.

Each type of truck and accident may involve different regulations, evidence, and parties, making specialized legal counsel critical.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Austin

Truck accidents, particularly those involving commercial vehicles, often stem from a combination of factors, usually rooted in negligence. Our attorneys meticulously investigate causes such as:

  • Driver Fatigue: From long shifts or hours-of-service violations, especially on major corridors like I-35 or Loop 1 (MoPac), leading to impaired judgment.
  • Distracted Driving: Including cell phone use, GPS navigation, or even delivery app usage by drivers under pressure to meet deadlines in busy areas like Downtown Austin.
  • Speeding: To adhere to tight schedules, often through high-traffic zones or residential areas like South Congress.
  • Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Such as faulty brakes, worn tires, or steering issues, which can be linked to negligent inspection by the trucking company or maintenance provider.
  • Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo: Leading to rollovers, jackknifes, or cargo spills, often a fault of the loading company or the carrier itself.
  • Aggressive Driving/Recklessness: Due to pressure from dispatchers or personal habits.
  • Improper Parking or Stopping: In busy commercial or residential zones, creating hazards.
  • Logbook Falsification: Drivers or companies manipulating electronic logging device (ELD) data to conceal hours-of-service violations.
  • Inadequate Driver Training: Trucking companies failing to properly train drivers on vehicle operation, hazardous conditions, or safety protocols.

We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, investigators, and industry specialists to thoroughly identify the root causes and strengthen your claim.

Navigating Texas and Federal Truck Accident Laws

Truck accident claims in Texas involve a complex web of state and federal regulations. Our Austin truck accident lawyers are proficient in navigating these legal frameworks:

  • FMCSA Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial trucking, covering driver qualifications, hours of service (HOS), vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and cargo securement. Violations of these federal rules are often critical evidence of negligence. Learn more about the FMCSA’s regulations here.
  • Corporate Liability: Unlike car accidents, commercial truck cases often involve holding not just the driver, but also the trucking company liable. This can be due to negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure on drivers to violate HOS rules, or failure to maintain their fleet.
  • Statute of Limitations: In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
  • Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. If you are found partially at fault for the accident (50% or less), your compensation may be reduced proportionally. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery.
  • Damages: Our goal is to recover comprehensive damages for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Types of Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries that require extensive and ongoing medical care, leading to significant financial burdens. Our firm fights to secure comprehensive compensation for all your losses, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Covering emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost due to time off work, as well as the projected loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent a return to your previous occupation.
  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged personal property.
  • Wrongful Death: In tragic fatal accidents, surviving family members can pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.

Austin 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Statistics

The statistics underscore the severe reality of truck accidents in Texas. In 2023, Austin reported 12,138 crashes, with 88 fatal accidents resulting in 200 deaths. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Travis County alone saw 598 commercial truck accidents, with 14 fatal crashes causing 18 deaths and 21 serious injury crashes resulting in 25 injuries. Statewide, Texas recorded 38,909 commercial vehicle crashes, including 549 fatal crashes and 1,350 serious injury crashes.

2023 Statewide Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Statistics

  • Total CMV-involved crashes: 38,909
  • Fatal CMV crashes: 549
  • Total fatalities from CMV crashes: 620
  • Suspected serious injury CMV crashes: 1,350
  • Total suspected serious injuries: 1,687

2023 Austin-Specific Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Statistics

  • Fatal CMV crashes in Austin: 14
  • Total fatalities from CMV crashes in Austin: 18
  • Suspected serious injury CMV crashes in Austin: 21
  • Total suspected serious injuries in Austin: 25

These stark numbers highlight the critical need for stricter regulations, better safety measures, and increased awareness. More importantly, they underscore why victims need experienced legal representation to navigate these complex and often devastating claims.

Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident in Austin

The actions you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact the strength of your claim. Protect your rights and future by following these crucial steps:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms until hours or days later. Your medical records are vital evidence.
  2. Report the Accident: Contact the Austin Police Department or relevant law enforcement agency to ensure an official accident report is filed. This report often contains crucial initial details.
  3. Document Evidence at the Scene: If safe to do so, photograph everything: the accident scene from various angles, damage to all vehicles (especially the truck), any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. Note the truck’s company name and DOT number if visible.
  4. Collect Witness Details: Obtain contact information (names, phone numbers, emails) from any eyewitnesses who stopped. Their testimony can be invaluable.
  5. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene, including the truck driver, other motorists, or law enforcement. Do not apologize.
  6. Limit Communication with Insurers: Do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without first speaking with an Austin truck accident lawyer from Treviño Law. Their primary goal is to minimize their payout.
  7. Contact an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer: Reach out to Treviño Law as soon as possible. Critical evidence, like black box data and driver logs, can be lost or destroyed quickly if not legally preserved. Our attorneys can issue spoliation letters to compel companies to preserve evidence.

Trucking Accident Frequently Asked Questions

In Texas, truck accident lawsuits involve gathering evidence, determining liability, and negotiating with insurance companies, as multiple parties—such as the driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturer—could be responsible. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit, which may go to trial if necessary. Since trucking companies and insurers often try to minimize payouts, working with an attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Hiring an accident attorney is often worth it because they can maximize your compensation by negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you receive fair payment for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They handle complex legal procedures, gather evidence, and prove liability, which is especially important if the other party disputes fault. Since most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay unless they win your case. Studies also show that accident victims who hire a lawyer tend to receive higher settlements than those who handle claims on their own.

Truck accident settlements in Texas vary widely, typically ranging from tens of thousands to millions depending on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and liability. Minor injury cases may settle for $10,000–$50,000, while severe injuries or wrongful death cases can reach $500,000 or more. Texas follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your settlement may be reduced if you are partially at fault. Consulting with an attorney can help maximize your compensation by negotiating with insurers and building a strong case.

Truck accidents in Texas are more severe than regular car crashes due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. They often involve multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, or manufacturer) and follow both state and federal regulations, making legal claims more complex.

Truck accident settlements in Austin, TX, vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and liability. Typically, settlements range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. For minor injuries, settlements may fall between $10,000 and $50,000. However, cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death can reach $500,000 or more. Texas follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your settlement may be reduced if you are partially at fault. Consulting an experienced attorney can help maximize your compensation by negotiating with insurers and building a strong case. Learn More.

Austin’s high rate of commercial truck accidents is driven by its dense traffic and rapidly growing population, which mirror statewide trends in Texas. The city’s busy roads, combined with factors like driver fatigue, excessive speed, distractions, and mechanical issues, contribute to frequent collisions. The demanding nature of truck driving, requiring specific expertise and intense focus, also plays a role. These accidents often involve complex causes beyond driver error, highlighting the need for stricter regulations, improved safety measures, and increased awareness to protect all road users. Learn More.

One of the most complex aspects of truck accident litigation is identifying all potentially liable parties. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to cast a wide net and ensure maximum recovery:

  • Truck Driver: For direct negligence like reckless driving, fatigue, impairment (DUI/DWI), or violating traffic laws.
  • Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to violate safety rules, improper maintenance of vehicles, or failing to supervise drivers.
  • Maintenance Providers/Mechanics: If a third-party service failed to properly inspect or repair the truck, leading to mechanical failure.
  • Truck or Parts Manufacturers: For defective components (e.g., brakes, tires, steering systems) that contributed to the crash.
  • Cargo Loaders/Shippers: If an improperly loaded or secured cargo caused the truck to become unstable, leading to a loss of control.
  • Brokers/Dispatchers: If they set impossible schedules that encouraged HOS violations or negligence.

Identifying and building a case against all responsible parties is crucial for maximizing your compensation. This is a key area where our specialized expertise provides significant value. Learn more.

After a truck accident in Austin, TX, take these steps to protect your rights:

  1. Call 911 for medical help and police.
  2. Get medical care to document injuries.
  3. File a police report.
  4. Take photos and collect witness info.
  5. Avoid insurers; don’t admit fault.
  6. Hire an Austin truck accident attorney.

Learn More

Why Choose Treviño Law for Your Commercial Truck Accident Case?

When you’re up against a trucking company and their insurance providers, you need an advocate with an intimate understanding of their tactics. Our Austin truck accident lawyers offer distinct advantages:

  • Specialized Knowledge: We are experts in both Texas trucking laws and the complex federal regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which govern commercial vehicles. This includes hours of service, maintenance, and cargo securement rules.
  • Proven Results: We have a strong track record, having secured over $55 million for injured clients, including substantial truck accident settlements and verdicts. Our case results demonstrate our ability to deliver.
  • Client-Centered Approach: We provide compassionate support and personalized legal strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of Austin residents and truck accident victims.
  • Deep Local Knowledge: With over 16 years practicing in Austin, Texas, we are deeply rooted in the community and understand the nuances of Texas law. Learn more about our firm and our history here.

Insider Advantage: Meet Our Lead Attorney

Lead attorney at Treviño Law, Jaime TreviñoJaime Treviño, founder of Treviño Law, is a dedicated and aggressive advocate for Austin truck accident victims. His career took a pivotal turn after a significant case in Bastrop, TX, shifted his focus from defending large corporations to passionately fighting for the injured. A proud graduate of the University of Texas Law School, Jaime is a Lifetime Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury law, Jaime brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success, having secured tens of millions of dollars in damages for truck accident victims. His 13-year background as an insurance defense attorney provides him with invaluable insights, allowing him to anticipate and effectively counter the sophisticated tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. Choosing Jaime Treviño as your attorney for an Austin truck accident case means gaining both unparalleled professional expertise and a personal commitment to your cause. Learn more about Jaime.

Case Results: Proven Success in Truck Accident Cases

Treviño Law has recovered over $55 million for clients across various personal injury cases, including significant truck accident settlements. Our commitment to securing justice is reflected in these outcomes:

18-Wheeler Collision on Highway 290

$6,300,000

Our client suffered life-altering injuries when an 18-wheeler pulled out on Highway 290. We identified a Houston-based company as liable, filed suit in a favorable jurisdiction, and used a compelling video to highlight the client’s recovery. Secured a $6 million settlement plus $300,000 in UIM benefits.

Rear-End Collision by Delivery Truck

$2,650,000

A mother was rear-ended by a delivery truck, aggravating a prior back condition. Our investigation revealed the driver’s history of collisions and the company’s negligent hiring. After an 18-month battle, we secured a $2.65 million settlement for her surgery and recovery.

See all of our case results here.

Client Testimonials

We have over 500 five-star reviews on Google. Here are just a few:

Jaime is a great person, always willing to help

Jaime is a great person, always willing to help with his knowledge and very professional. Without a doubt super recommended!

Catheryn G.

Mar 11, 2025

He was so professional

He was so professional, took the time to explain everything to me, and treated me and my family with respect!

Andrea B.

Mar 11, 2025

The outstanding result speaks for itself.

Jaime is a great lawyer. I had spoken to other lawyers first but the moment I met him I knew he was the best and would take care of me. The outstanding result speaks for itself.

Edna F.

Mar 11, 2025

Highly recommended!

Trusted by the community with a track record of delivery. Highly recommended!

Charles L.

Mar 11, 2025

Read more of our client testimonials here.

Contact Our Team Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of truck accident in Austin, do not face the complexities of insurance companies and corporate legal teams alone. Treviño Law offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis; meaning no legal fees unless we win your case.

Call us today at (512) 401-3444 or fill out our online form to schedule your confidential consultation. Let us put our experience to work for your justice and full recovery.