Truck accidents are the most serious type of motor vehicle crash on our Austin roads. If you’ve been involved in a crash with a commercial truck, an experienced Austin truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights. You may be dealing with injuries, stress, and big medical bills. Getting a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side is important.
18-Wheelers and semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. When they hit passenger cars, the injuries for the other vehicle occupants are usually serious, if not fatal.
Our truck accident attorney helps truck accident victims in Austin, Texas. We handle the legal process and fight to get you every penny you deserve. Our team knows how to handle these cases. We fight hard to hold the people responsible for your accident accountable.
Results Matter
Not only do we remain undefeated in commercial vehicle accident cases, but we have continued to achieve incredible results for our clients.
Confidential Multi-Million Dollar Settlement– The highest ever paid by the trucking company for the family of a man killed in an accident with a big rig. The defense blamed the victim.
$3.1 Million-For a man who was injured after being struck in the rear by a commercial vehicle on US 290.
$5.75 Million – For a truck driver who lost control of his tractor-trailer and jackknifed across the highway, killing two innocent victims. Noteworthy is the fact that we got more money for the injured trucker than the other “truck accident lawyers” got for the families of the innocent victims.
About Our Truck Accident Attorney?
Attorney Greg Baumgartner is a nationally recognized truck accident attorney. We have recovered maximum compensation for hundreds of victims of truck accidents, drawing on more than 40 years of experience. We have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for families in Austin and across Texas.
Many things can cause a truck accident. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Driver error: Speeding, not following traffic rules, or making unsafe lane changes
Poor truck maintenance: Worn brakes, bad tires, or broken parts
Reckless driving: Aggressive moves and ignoring road conditions
Tired drivers: Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes breaking federal rules about rest time
Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or using devices while driving
Blind spots: Not looking for other vehicles
Our lawyers know how to find out what caused your accident. We review every detail to build a strong case and hold the truck driver and the trucking company responsible
Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
There are many different types of commercial vehicle accidents. We have handled cases involving:
semi-trucks,
buses,
delivery trucks, and other company vehicles.
These accidents include rear-end collisions, jackknife crashes, rollovers, underride collisions, and multi-vehicle pileups.
No matter what type of commercial vehicle accident you were in, we are ready to help you get fair payment for your injuries and losses.
Texas has the highest number of commercial vehicle accidents in the country. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, we had 39,393 crashes last year. In Travis County, 13 people died, and hundreds were hurt in 646 crashes.
After a truck accident, everything can feel overwhelming. Our skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer can handle the legal steps and fight for a settlement that covers your medical costs, lost pay, and other losses. If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident, get help right away to protect your rights.
Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?
Because truck accidents can cause such severe damage, holding all parties accountable is Important in serious injury and fatal accidents. If the truck driver caused the accident, the trucking company will share responsibility, and others may also be liable.
Here are others we may investigate:
Maintenance companies
Cargo loaders
Maker of the vehicle
Because we have been handling truck accident lawsuits for more than 4 decades, we know how to hold all parties responsible. We will obtain the necessary evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for full compensation for your damages. Including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, adds more.
While we handle the legal work, you can focus on getting better.
Over 40 Years of Experience with a 100% Success Rate
Truck accidents in Austin most often occur on the busiest highways where many big rigs travel. Interstate 35, which cuts right through the middle of the city, is one of the most dangerous roads for trucks. This highway gets very crowded, and there’s almost always construction, which makes safe driving harder.
Award-Winning Attorney
Other roads that see a lot of truck crashes include US-183, Loop 1 (also called MoPac), and Highway 130 on the east side of town. The spots where these highways meet, like where I-35 and US-183 cross, tend to have even more accidents involving large trucks.
You need a lawyer who specializes in these commercial vehicle accident cases.
Greg Baumgartner has never lost a truck accident case. We focus on serious injuries and wrongful death claims. We know the federal trucking rules (FMCSA) and use Tande safety regulations to build a strong case and maximize your damages.
Our founding attorney is widely known as one of the best truck accident lawyers in the nation. When you work with Greg, you get personal attention because we limit the number of cases we accept to provide the best possible service. We fight hard to get you all the money you deserve.
When You Must Act to Protect Your Rights After an Accident near Austin, TX
In Texas, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit (known as the statute of limitations). This rule applies to personal injury cases in Texas.
Start the Investigation Right Away for Serious Accidents
A truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash. They will find out how it happened and who is responsible. Parties who can be held liable for a truck accident include the truck driver, the trucking company, and other entities. Investigators will use evidence to help their case. This includes the truck’s electronic control module, driver’s logbooks, trucking company schedules, and maintenance records. They will also look at other evidence.
How Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer Helps
Having a lawyer by your side increases your chances of being successful in a claim. The FMCSA sets the federal regulations for trucking. They include hours-of-service requirements for truck drivers, alcohol and drug testing procedures, and other regulations. A truck accident lawyer in Austin from TX Truck Accident Lawyers can explain the law in detail and identify if a violation of federal trucking regulations caused your accident.
Finding Violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Driving a commercial truck is a very different experience from driving a passenger car, SUV, or van. Commercial truck drivers must meet specific requirements to be hired. These requirements include a commercial driver’s license, a valid medical certificate, and a background check.
In many cases, truck accidents are caused by truck drivers’ errors. The truck driver may:
Violate a Texas statute
Speeding
Make an unsafe lane change, or
Engage in distracted driving while operating their vehicle.
The at-fault truck driver or trucking company may violate one or more of the state or federal motor carrier regulations.
Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Wrecks
18-wheeler collision cases are extremely complex and require the careful examination of evidence that is not typically present in other types of wrecks. This includes things like:
A truck’s electronic control module (black box)
Driver’s logbooks,
Trucking company schedules
Maintenance records
Cell phone records
Inspection reports
And any other evidence that may show the true cause of the truck accident.
Truck accidents in Austin are unlike any other kind of accident. The weight of the vehicle plays a significant role in determining the severity of an accident. Trucks and 18-wheelers are heavy vehicles, and as a result, anything that crashes into them could receive serious damage.
If you have been injured in a truck accident that occurred in or around Austin, Texas, a knowledgeable Austin truck accident lawyer near you is ready to help. Our team can investigate the circumstances behind your truck accident, file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and pursue monetary compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, mental distress, and physical pain and suffering, among other types of damages.
Why You Need an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a truck accident can be incredibly complex.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be incredibly complex, making it essential to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer. The issues can involve multiple parties, extensive investigations, and a thorough understanding of specific regulations. This complexity can be even more challenging when dealing with truck accident claims, particularly in cases involving a car accident.
Victims greatly benefit from hiring an experienced Austin 18-wheeler accident lawyer, as this can lead to the best possible outcome. They possess the acumen to identify, acquire, evaluate, and utilize the evidence required to prevail in the case.
Undefeated Track Record: 100% success rate in truck accident cases for over 40 years. Insurance companies know we will not accept less than fair payment.
Two Law Degrees and Elite Training: Attorney Greg Baumgartner has two law degrees (less than 1% of lawyers have this) and graduated from the famous Trial Lawyers College.
Specialized Expertise: We only handle serious injuries like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatal injuries from truck accidents. We do not take minor fender-benders.
Experience with Complex Cases
Given the complex nature of truck accident cases that involve multiple parties and extensive investigations, the expertise of an experienced truck accident lawyer becomes indispensable for effectively navigating these complexities. They have dealt with numerous complex cases, such as:
Our expertise can guide you through the insurance claim, medical bill payments, and settlement process, providing invaluable advice and support throughout the case.
How Our Legal Process Works
Step 1: Free Consultation
We start with a free case review. Our lawyer will review your claim and determine if we can help you. You will talk directly with an attorney, not just a case manager. We will also explain Texas personal injury law, including the two-year time limit for filing a claim. We will also explain Texas’s comparative negligence rule, which means you can still get compensation if you are less than 50% at fault.
Step 2: Thorough Investigation
If we take the case, we act quickly to obtain important evidence, such as black box data and driver logs, and document the scene. We find vital proof of who caused the accident: the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loaders, or others.
We also look for violations of federal trucking rules, like driving too many hours or poor truck maintenance. We bring in experts, such as accident reenactments, to build a strong case. Also working with treating doctors and other medical professionals to document your injuries and their impact on your life. Most cases settle out of court, but we are fully ready for trial if needed.
Step 3: Maximum Recovery
Whether through tough negotiation or a courtroom trial, we pursue payment for your medical costs, lost wages, future medical needs, and pain and suffering. We calculate your damages to the maximum possible compensation. In cases where someone acted recklessly, we may also seek punitive damages.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. We typically charge 33% to 40% of your final settlement. You pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Damages for Austin Truck Accident Victims
Compensation for Austin truck accident victims can include economic and non-economic damages, helping you recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
Understanding the various types of compensation and how they apply to your situation is crucial to ensuring the support you need for your recovery. Get a consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney as a first step in getting the compensation you deserve.
Economic Damages
Economic damages encompass the financial losses resulting from the accident, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. These damages can help you cover the costs of necessary medical treatments, replace lost wages, and repair or replace damaged property.
Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you accurately calculate and pursue these economic damages, ensuring you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate victims for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages can be challenging to quantify, but an experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine a fair amount based on the extent of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the duration of your recovery.
Pursuing non-economic damages can be an essential part of your compensation package, helping you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of the accident.
What to Do if You are Injured in an Accident near Austin:
1. Call the police
If you can speak with the police officer investigating the crash, tell the officer your story. Your only chance to talk with the officer may be at the hospital. Truck drivers are very defensive in protecting their commercial driver’s license and often deny responsibility when they cause a crash.
Consulting a truck accident lawyer can be very helpful in these situations. Police reports can provide valuable evidence, particularly in serious injury accidents, as the officer may reconstruct or reenact the incident. Regardless of whether the officer’s opinions can come into evidence in a trucking accident lawsuit, the officer’s factual observations, such as the scene of the crash, debris, and markings on the highway, as well as witness information, weather, etc., may well be admitted in a trial.
2. Take photographs
Use your cell phone to photograph the accident scene, the vehicles, and the resting position of the big rig and your vehicle. If possible, photograph the location where the impact occurred and any skid marks or other markings on the highway safely.
3. Identify witnesses
Some of the most powerful evidence can come from independent witnesses to the crash. These are usually fellow motorists who were in the area at the time of the accident and witnessed it. It is essential not to rely solely on the officer investigating the crash to record the names and contact information of witnesses. Often, officers are more concerned with scene safety than with documenting independent witnesses.
4. Record statements by the driver
If the truck driver talks to you regarding how the accident happened, it is important that you record those statements either by video on your smartphone or by writing down what the driver said. This can be as simple as the driver saying, “I didn’t see you. I’m sorry.”
5. Get the necessary medical treatment
Most of the time, after an 18-wheeler collision, the surviving victims are taken to the hospital by ambulance. Victims of commercial vehicle crashes must follow their physician’s instructions. Do not “tough it out” or miss appointments, as your health and happiness can be at risk. Additionally, it is essential to recognize that emergency rooms are intended for emergencies. Many hospitals will not treat non-life-threatening conditions that require surgery. The hospital will refer you to a specialist or primary care physician for follow-up care.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Austin?
The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Austin is two years from the accident date.
It is essential to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is submitted before the deadline.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, if you were partially at fault for the accident in Texas, you may still be able to recover compensation if your degree of responsibility is less than 50%.
Under Texas law, if you are found to be less than 50% at fault for an accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your damages; however, the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is known as comparative negligence.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Be very cautious in accepting an offer. If you accept an offer, you will be bound by it. Consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer to evaluate the settlement offer from the insurance company and determine if it is fair.
How long will it take to resolve my truck accident case?
It is difficult to determine exactly how long your truck accident case will take to resolve. In some instances, we may be able to settle your case in 6 months. If the case requires litigation, the time could be extended to over one year. However, an experienced attorney can better assess the timeline based on factors such as the liability and damages, as well as the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed in a truck accident?
Yes, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed in a truck accident.
This type of claim can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and other damages.
Do Austin truck accident claims require special expertise?
Yes, do not trust your case simply because a law firm claims to have Austin truck accident attorneys. Real truck accident lawyers will have case results to prove their experience and reputation. Truck accidents require special skills and knowledge – don’t settle for less with your truck accident case.
Why Contact an Expert Austin Truck Accident Attorney?
If you have been hurt in an accident with a commercial vehicle, getting expert legal help is vital to receiving full compensation. Insurance companies know the attorneys who fight to the end and those who settle quickly and cheaply. Don’t settle for less; get the best truck accident attorney for your case.
Texas law limits how long you must file a claim after a truck accident. Don’t delay, act today! Evidence from trucks can disappear quickly. Black box data, dash cams, and more may be overwritten or difficult to obtain. Trucking companies often send legal teams to the scene right away to protect themselves.
Contact Our Law Firm Now for Your Free Case Evaluation
Every Austin truck accident case we handle is on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover damages for your truck accident injuries.
No recovery, no fee. An experienced attorney from our firm is ready to review your claim today.