Austin 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers
Commercial truck accidents are among the most catastrophic collisions on Texas roads. When a fully-loaded 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle crashes into a passenger car, the results can be devastating—often resulting in life-altering injuries or wrongful death.
At Motiwala Legal Concepts, our Austin truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to take on trucking companies, their insurers, and their legal teams. We understand the federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry, and we use that knowledge to hold negligent parties accountable.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims:
Multiple Liable Parties: Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:
- The truck driver (for negligent operation)
- The trucking company (for inadequate training, maintenance, or hiring practices)
- The cargo loading company (for improper loading that caused the accident)
- The truck manufacturer (if a vehicle defect contributed to the crash)
- Third-party maintenance companies (for faulty repairs)
Federal Regulations: Truck drivers and companies must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations covering hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo securement. Violations of these rules can be critical evidence in your case.
Severe Injuries: The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds) means accidents often result in catastrophic injuries including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, and wrongful death.
Insurance Complexity: Commercial trucks typically carry much higher insurance policies than passenger vehicles—often $1 million or more. However, these insurers have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize what they pay out.
Common Causes of Austin Truck Accidents
Our firm has represented clients injured in truck accidents caused by:
- Driver Fatigue: Violations of hours-of-service regulations leading to drowsy driving
- Distracted Driving: Phone use, eating, or other distractions while operating a large truck
- Speeding: Trucks traveling too fast for conditions or over posted limits
- Improper Training: Inexperienced or undertrained drivers operating complex vehicles
- Poor Truck Maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues
- Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo: Causing rollovers or loss of control
- Blind Spot Accidents: Failure to check mirrors before changing lanes or turning
- Jackknife Accidents: Loss of trailer control causing the trailer to swing out
- Wide Turn Accidents: Right-hand turns where trucks swing left first
- Backing Accidents: Failure to check surroundings when reversing
Injuries We See in Austin Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in devastating injuries that impact every aspect of your life. Our firm has experience handling cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe cuts, lacerations, and scarring
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
Types of Commercial Vehicles We Handle
- Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers
- Delivery trucks (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
- Tanker trucks (oil, gas, chemicals)
- Flatbed trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Cement mixers
- Tow trucks
- Box trucks and moving vans
Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
Given the severity of injuries in truck accidents, compensation can be substantial and may include:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery and rehabilitation
- Long-term care or in-home nursing
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Permanent disability accommodations
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Wrongful death damages (funeral expenses, loss of companionship)
Our Approach to Truck Accident Cases
Immediate Investigation: Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence can disappear quickly—including driver logs, black box data, surveillance footage, and vehicle inspection records. We act fast to preserve crucial evidence.
Expert Resources: We work with accident reconstruction experts, trucking industry specialists, medical professionals, and economists to build the strongest possible case.
Thorough Discovery: We obtain and analyze driver logs, maintenance records, hiring practices, safety inspection reports, and company communications to uncover violations and establish liability.
Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation: We’re prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation. Our reputation for fierce advocacy often leads to favorable settlements.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to compensation forever. Don’t delay—contact us today at (512) 262-8456 for your free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Austin, Dallas, or Houston, call Motiwala Legal Concepts now. Every injury matters. Every case counts.