Austin Truck Accident Lawyer
Minesh Patel has dedicated his career to standing up for injured Texans when they need it most. From his base in San Antonio, he leads a team of experienced trial lawyers who fight for truck crash victims throughout Austin and across the state.
Truck accidents are complex, often involving multiple parties, severe injuries, and trucking company defense teams that act fast. The Austin truck accident attorneys at The Patel Firm combine compassionate client care with the resources and skill needed to take on these powerful opponents.
How do I protect my rights in the first 72 hours after a truck accident?
The first few days after a truck crash can determine the strength of your future claim. Evidence such as photos, skid marks, and witness statements can disappear quickly. Even more important is preserving the truck’s “black box” or electronic logging device (ELD) data, which records speed, braking, and hours-of-service compliance.
If your collision happened on I-35, MoPac, SH 71, or Loop 360, we know those corridors see heavy truck traffic and frequent accidents. Our attorneys move quickly to send legal preservation notices so trucking companies cannot destroy or alter vital records.
Seek immediate medical care, even if you feel “okay.” Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be obvious at first. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with an Austin truck accident lawyer at The Patel Firm.
Who might be responsible for my injuries?
Liability in truck accidents is rarely limited to the driver. While a negligent driver may have caused the collision, their employer, the trucking company, is often responsible under vicarious liability laws.
Other parties may share fault. A cargo loading company may have failed to secure freight properly. A maintenance provider might have skipped critical safety checks. In some cases, a truck or parts manufacturer could be liable for defective components. Even a government entity can be held accountable for dangerous road design or poor maintenance.
Compared to car accidents, truck crash cases involve more layers of responsibility and more potential sources of compensation. Identifying each liable party is critical to maximizing your recovery.
How will The Patel Firm prove fault in your truck crash?
Proving fault requires a thorough, methodical investigation. The Patel Firm’s truck accident attorneys in Austin start by securing the truck’s black box/EDR data and reviewing the driver’s logs for violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
We work with accident reconstruction experts to map out the sequence of events. Maintenance records, inspection reports, and drug and alcohol testing results can reveal safety violations. If hours-of-service limits were ignored, fatigue may have played a role (a common cause of catastrophic truck wrecks).
By aligning these violations with Texas negligence laws, we build a compelling case that holds all responsible parties accountable.
What types of Austin truck wreck cases do we handle?
Our team has handled a wide range of truck accident cases in Austin and beyond. Common types include:
- 18-wheeler rear-end collisions
- Underride accidents where a car slides beneath a trailer
- Rollover crashes caused by high speeds or shifting loads
- Fatigue-related accidents from hours-of-service violations
- Overloaded or unsecured cargo incidents on highways
We also have experience with less common but equally devastating truck crash scenarios, such as:
- Fuel tanker hazmat spill collisions
- Refrigerated (“reefer”) truck cargo-shift crush injuries
- Livestock-hauling accidents
- Logging or trash-compactor truck mechanical failures
- Cargo-loader tipping accidents at distribution centers
Each type of case demands specific technical knowledge and an attorney prepared to act fast before key evidence disappears.
What injuries and compensation are common in truck wrecks?
Truck accidents often cause life-altering injuries. The size and weight of commercial vehicles mean collisions can result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Severe burns from fuel or cargo fires
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
Victims may recover economic damages for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages cover pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded, though Texas law caps these at a specific formula.
By documenting every aspect of your injury and its long-term impact, the attorneys at The Patel Firm fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How much time do you have, and what if you’re partially at fault?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to recover compensation. Some exceptions apply, but they are rare.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. If your share of fault is 50% or less, your award is reduced by that percentage. For example, a $100,000 award with 20% fault becomes $80,000.
How does The Patel Firm handle your case from start to finish?
When you call The Patel Firm, the process begins with a free, confidential consultation. If we take your case, we immediately send preservation letters to protect critical evidence.
Next, we launch a detailed investigation with the help of accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and industry specialists. Once liability is clear, we prepare a demand package and negotiate with the insurance companies.
If fair settlement offers are not made, Minesh Patel and our litigation team are ready to take your case to court. Throughout, our focus remains the same: you concentrate on recovery, and we handle the legal battle.
Why is The Patel Firm the compassionate choice in truck cases?
Every client is treated as more than just a file number. Minesh Patel provides personal attention and keeps clients informed at every stage. Our attorneys understand the stress, pain, and uncertainty following a serious truck crash.
We know the Austin area, its courts, and the tactics trucking companies use. With contingency-fee representation, you owe nothing unless we win. Our trial-ready approach often leads to stronger settlement offers because insurers know we will not back down.
“Awesome law firm that gets stuff done! Their social media guy Levi, is fantastic and did a promotional video for my coffee shop in partnership with the firm and it was excellent. Great service, great care, these guys know what they are doing.” – Kenan L.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a truck accident different from a car crash?
Truck accidents involve larger vehicles, more severe injuries, and multiple potential defendants. Federal safety regulations also play a major role.
How is proof different with big rigs vs. cars?
Commercial trucks have electronic logging devices, GPS, and maintenance logs that can provide crucial evidence not available in typical car crashes.
How long will my case take to resolve?
It depends on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Many take several months to over a year.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it will be tried. This readiness often leads to better settlement offers.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer right now?
You can still get legal help. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact The Patel Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Austin, the time to act is now.
Minesh Patel and the attorneys at The Patel Firm are ready to fight for your rights and help you move forward. Located at 611 S Congress Ave #215d, Austin, TX 78704, and reachable at (512) 887-1447, they stand with Austin families and are just a call away.
