Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic events on Texas roadways. When a fully-loaded 18-wheeler weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often fatal or life-altering. Survivors frequently face extensive surgeries, permanent disabilities, and mountains of medical debt.
At The Juris Firm, our Austin truck accident lawyers have the experience and resources necessary to take on major trucking companies and their teams of corporate lawyers and insurance adjusters. We understand the complex federal regulations that govern the trucking industry, and we know how to investigate these accidents to uncover the evidence needed to prove liability and maximize your compensation.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accident claims. Here's why you need an attorney who specializes in these cases:
Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike car accidents where only the driver is typically responsible, truck accidents may involve multiple defendants:
- The truck driver – for negligent driving, fatigue, or impairment
- The trucking company – for negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The cargo loading company – for improperly loaded or secured cargo
- The truck manufacturer – for defective parts or equipment
- Maintenance providers – for negligent repairs or inspections
Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial to maximizing your recovery.
Federal Regulations
Commercial trucks are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which impose strict requirements on trucking companies and drivers, including:
- Hours of Service rules limiting driving time to prevent fatigue
- Driver qualification standards including drug and alcohol testing
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
- Cargo securement standards
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandates
Violations of these regulations can be powerful evidence of negligence in your case.
Evidence Preservation
Critical evidence in truck accident cases can disappear quickly if not preserved. This includes:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing hours of service
- Black box data recording speed, braking, and other factors
- Driver qualification files and employment records
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Truck inspection and maintenance records
- Cargo manifests and loading documentation
We act quickly to send spoliation letters and preserve this evidence before it's lost or destroyed.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Austin
Driver Fatigue
Despite hours-of-service regulations, truck driver fatigue remains a leading cause of accidents. Pressure to meet delivery deadlines pushes many drivers to falsify logs or continue driving when they should rest. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment as severely as alcohol impairment.
Distracted Driving
Texting, using GPS systems, eating, and other distractions are particularly dangerous when operating an 80,000-pound vehicle at highway speeds. A few seconds of distraction can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Improper Loading
Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to tip over, jackknife, or lose cargo on the roadway. Proper weight distribution is essential for safe truck operation.
Inadequate Maintenance
Trucking companies that cut corners on maintenance put everyone at risk. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can all lead to devastating accidents.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Commercial trucks require much longer distances to stop than passenger vehicles. Speeding dramatically increases both the likelihood and severity of accidents.
Impaired Driving
Despite drug and alcohol testing requirements, some truck drivers operate while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications that affect their ability to drive safely.
Types of Truck Accidents
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck's trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, striking multiple vehicles.
Rear-End Collisions
The massive weight of a commercial truck means that rear-end collisions often crush the vehicle in front, causing catastrophic injuries or death.
Underride Accidents
When a smaller vehicle slides under a truck's trailer, the results are often fatal. These accidents can occur at the rear or side of the trailer.
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks require extra space to complete turns. Drivers who misjudge these turns can crush vehicles beside them or strike pedestrians.
Tire Blowouts
When a truck tire blows out at highway speed, the driver may lose control, and tire debris can strike other vehicles.
Cargo Spills
Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, creating hazards for following vehicles or causing the truck to become unstable.
Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the size disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, truck accident injuries are often severe or fatal:
- Traumatic brain injuries – often resulting in permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries – including paraplegia and quadriplegia
- Multiple bone fractures – requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation
- Internal organ damage – potentially life-threatening
- Severe burns – from fuel fires following the collision
- Amputation – loss of limbs due to crushing injuries
- Wrongful death – leaving families devastated by sudden loss
Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
Because truck accident injuries are typically severe, compensation in these cases is often substantial. You may be entitled to recover:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Home modifications for disability
- In-home nursing care
- Assistive devices and equipment
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (for spouse)
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence—such as a trucking company knowingly allowing a driver to violate hours-of-service rules—punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Learn more about damages in Texas →
How We Investigate Truck Accidents
Our Austin truck accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to build the strongest possible case:
- Immediate evidence preservation – We send spoliation letters to prevent destruction of evidence
- Accident scene investigation – Including photographs, measurements, and witness interviews
- Electronic data recovery – Black box data, ELD records, and GPS information
- Company records review – Driver files, maintenance records, and safety history
- Expert consultation – Accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists
- Federal regulation analysis – Identifying all violations of FMCSA rules
Why Choose The Juris Firm for Your Truck Accident Case?
- Experience with major trucking companies – We've successfully taken on large carriers and their insurers
- Resources to fight – We advance all costs and have the financial strength for lengthy litigation
- Trial-ready – Insurance companies know we'll take cases to verdict if necessary
- No fee unless we win – You pay nothing out of pocket
- Personalized attention – Your case won't be passed off to inexperienced staff
Contact Our Austin Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, time is critical. Evidence disappears, and trucking companies begin building their defense immediately. Contact The Juris Firm today for a free consultation.
Call (512) 555-1234 or contact us online. We're available 24/7 for emergencies.