Austin Truck Accident Lawyer
Austin Truck Accident Attorneys: Your Advocate for Justice and Recovery
At Treviño Law, our Austin truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of truck crashes in Austin, TX, recover fair compensation. These collisions often cause severe injuries due to trucks’ size and weight. Whether you were injured by a delivery van or service truck, our attorneys hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. For specialized commercial truck cases, visit our Austin commercial truck accident attorney page.
Why Choose Treviño Law for Your Truck Accident Case?
Our Austin truck accident lawyers combine local expertise with a proven track record:
- Specialized Knowledge: Experts in Texas trucking laws and accident investigations.
- Proven Results: Secured over $55 million for injured clients, including truck accident settlements.
- Client-Centered Approach: Compassionate support with tailored legal strategies for Austin residents.
Jaime Treviño, with over 20 years of experience and 13 years as an insurance defense attorney, uses his insider knowledge to counter insurance tactics and maximize your compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Austin
Truck accidents, including those involving delivery vans and service vehicles, often result from:
- Driver fatigue from long shifts on I-35 or Loop 1 (MoPac).
- Speeding to meet delivery deadlines in areas like Downtown Austin.
- Distracted driving, including delivery app usage.
- Improper vehicle maintenance, such as brake or tire failures.
- Improper parking or loading in busy areas like South Congress.
We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to identify causes and strengthen your claim.
How to Prevent Truck Accidents
Accidents involving 18-wheelers can cause significant damage due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Often, multiple vehicles are involved, resulting in increased damage and injuries. The aftermath of such accidents is typically chaotic, with emergency personnel arriving swiftly, roads being closed, and investigations commencing to determine the cause.
To reduce truck accidents, it is crucial for both truck drivers and other motorists to adhere to safe driving practices. Truck drivers must ensure they are well-rested and attentive, complying with all traffic laws. Other drivers should maintain a safe distance from large trucks, avoid blind spots, and refrain from sudden lane changes or tailgating.
Tackling the issue of truck accidents requires a comprehensive strategy centered on prevention and safety. Within the trucking industry, fostering a strong safety culture goes beyond merely following regulations—it involves surpassing them. This includes providing drivers with extensive training programs and ensuring their physical and mental readiness through wellness initiatives. The goal is to prevent fatigue and identify risky driving behaviors swiftly, aided by technology that monitors vehicle and driver performance in real-time.
However, the focus isn’t solely on actions within trucking companies. Raising awareness among all road users is equally important. Public campaigns can educate people about the dangers of remaining in a truck’s blind spot, the necessity of giving these enormous vehicles ample space, and recognizing the additional challenges they face due to their size and weight. The aim is to encourage respect and cooperation on the roads, ultimately reducing truck accidents and their consequences.
Ensuring road safety requires a collective effort. This involves advocating for stricter regulations when necessary, promoting the adoption of life-saving technology in trucks, and ensuring our roads are safe for both large and small vehicles. By providing companies with appropriate incentives to prioritize safety, we can achieve a notable decrease in truck accident rates.
In the end, preventing truck accidents hinges on teamwork. This includes the trucking industry’s commitment to safety, each driver’s awareness and patience on the road, and policies advocating for a safer driving environment. By collaborating, we can greatly enhance road safety for everyone.
Navigating Texas Truck Accident Laws
Truck accident claims in Texas involve complex legal challenges. Our Austin truck accident lawyers address:
- Liability: Holding drivers, companies, or maintenance providers accountable for negligence.
- Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Texas.
- Comparative Negligence: If you’re partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced under Texas law.
- Damages: Recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Liability in truck accidents may involve multiple parties, including:
- Truck Driver: For reckless driving, fatigue, or impairment.
- Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices.
- Maintenance Providers: For failing to properly service vehicles.
- Manufacturers: For defective parts like brakes or tires causing the crash.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and build a robust case.
Types of Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents may recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages and Earnings: Income lost due to injuries and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other property.
- Wrongful Death: Funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering for surviving family members.
Case Results: Proven Success in Truck Accident Cases
Treviño Law has recovered over $55 million for clients. Recent successes include:
Delivery Van Rear-End Collision
$6,300,000
A mother and her children were rear-ended by a delivery van. Our investigation uncovered the driver’s drug use and the company’s failure to conduct proper background checks, revealing prior drug convictions. We secured a $6.3 million settlement after proving negligence.
Delivery Truck Collision
$1,275,000
A single mother was injured when a delivery truck ran a stop sign, requiring minor back surgery. Our team secured a $1.275 million settlement, ensuring her financial recovery and pain relief.
See all of our case results here.
Austin Truck Accident Statistics
In 2023, Austin reported 12,138 crashes, with 88 fatal accidents resulting in 200 deaths. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Travis County 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. These statistics highlight the need for experienced legal representation to navigate truck accident claims.
According to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), here are more truck accident statistics specific to Texas in 2023:
Statewide 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
Austin-Specific 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
With Austin’s dense traffic and growing population, the city reflects the broader trucking accident trends seen statewide. These numbers highlight the need for stricter regulations, better safety measures, and increased awareness to protect drivers, pedestrians, and passengers alike.
Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions
How do truck accident lawsuits work?
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.
Is it worth it to hire an accident attorney?
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.
How much are most truck accident settlements?
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.
How are truck accident cases different from regular car accidents?
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.
What are the average truck accident settlements in Austin, TX?
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.
Why does Austin have a high rate of commercial truck accidents?
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.
Who is liable in a truck accident in Austin, TX?
Liability may fall on the truck driver (for speeding, fatigue, or distraction), trucking company (negligent hiring or maintenance), cargo loaders, manufacturers, or other drivers. Texas’ comparative negligence rule reduces compensation if you’re partly at fault. Learn more.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Austin, TX?
After a truck accident in Austin, TX, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 for medical help and police.
- Get medical care to document injuries.
- File a police report.
- Take photos and collect witness info.
- Avoid insurers; don’t admit fault.
- Hire an Austin truck accident attorney.
About Jaime Treviño, Your Austin Truck Accident Lawyer
Jaime Treviño, founder of Treviño Law, is a dedicated advocate for Austin truck accident victims. A pivotal case in Bastrop, TX, shifted his career from defending corporations to fighting for the injured. A 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 experience as an insurance defense attorney provides him with valuable insights, allowing him to anticipate and effectively counter the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. Learn more about Jaime.
Choosing Jaime Treviño as your attorney for an Austin truck accident case means gaining both professional expertise and a personal commitment to your cause.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Austin
Protect your claim by following these steps:
- Seek Medical Care: Get evaluated immediately, even for minor injuries.
- Report the Accident: Contact the Austin Police Department for an official report.
- Document Evidence: Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Collect Witness Details: Obtain bystander contact information.
- Contact an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer: Reach out to Treviño Law before speaking with insurers.
Testimonials from Our Clients
“Jaime is a great person, always willing to help with his knowledge and very professional. Without a doubt super recommended!” – Catheryn G.
“Mr. Treviño is the best!! He made the process a breeze.” – Ivan Z.
“He was so professional, took the time to explain everything to me, and treated me and my family with respect!” – Andrea B.
“Jaime is a great lawyer…The outstanding result speaks for itself.” – Edna F.
“Trusted by the community with a track record of delivery. Highly recommended!” – Charles L.
Contact Our Austin Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Austin, don’t face insurance companies alone. Treviño Law offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis—no fees unless we win. Call us at (512) 401-3444 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation.