Austin Truck Accident Lawyer
Consult with an experienced and trusted Austin truck accident law firm to help you or your loved one after suffering injuries and property damage from a truck collision. Call 361-400-2036 now for urgent assistance.
Based in Corpus Christi, The Patel Firm believes that anyone injured deserves quality legal representation in seeking compensation and justice. Feel free to read the verified testimonials of our satisfied clients in Austin and across Texas or browse through our five-star reviews on Google.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose The Patel Firm?
- How Can We Help in A Truck Accident?
- About Truck Accidents in Austin
- Where Do Truck Accidents Happen?
- Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
- Types of Damages and Compensation From A Truck Accident Lawsuit
- Role of a Specialized Attorney
- Texas Truck Accident Laws
- Call An Austin-Based Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Why Choose The Patel Firm?
The Patel Firm is comprised of real people who are genuine, passionate and knowledgeable about what we do. We are approachable and are truly dedicated to our clients. Our personalized approach to providing legal solutions yields successful results and a high return rate from our clientele.
The firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, has represented countless injury victims in various cases, including commercial trucking accidents, workplace accidents, oilfield accidents, insurance disputes, and premise liability accidents.
Over the course of his career, Minesh and his legal team have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys in America, and has been recognized as 40 best under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association.
Our tireless work ethic quickly becomes evident after you become our client. We are committed to your case, and we do not cut corners.
We understand the financial strain that a truck accident can bring, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay no upfront fees, and we only receive payment if we successfully secure compensation on their behalf. Contact us at 361-400-2036 for a free case evaluation, or send us a message through our secure and confidential online form.
How Can We Help in A Truck Accident?
At The Patel Firm, our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our clients who have suffered personal injuries. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that can arise from such incidents, and we are committed to bringing justice to our clients’ causes.
Legal Expertise
Our team of skilled truck accident attorneys has a deep understanding of the complexities of motor vehicle-related laws. We leverage our decades’ worth of experience to guide our clients through the entire process, ensuring that their rights are protected and their concerns are properly addressed.
Case Assessment and Strategy
We conduct thorough case assessments to understand the unique circumstances of each case. By developing a customized legal strategy for each client, we strive to achieve the most favorable outcomes, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Communication and Support
We prioritize clear and open communication with our clients, keeping them informed at every stage of their case. Our team provides compassionate support, offering empathy and reassurance throughout the legal proceedings.
Maximum Compensation
We have successfully resolved countless matters and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
No Risk Guarantee
Our fee structure is simple: if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. We never charge a fee unless we win or settle your matter. We also never charge during our initial consultation. It’s always free to see if you have a case.
About Truck Accidents in Austin
Thousands of Texas motorcyclists are seriously injured—or worse, killed—in crashes every year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
In particular, Austin, a thriving metropolis known for its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity, has a bustling urban landscape that presents challenges for motorcyclists navigating its roads.
The city is situated at the edge of the picturesque Texas Hill Country, characterized by rolling hills, steep inclines, and winding roads that can prove treacherous for inexperienced riders.
Blind corners and sudden elevation changes can catch truck drivers off guard, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when combined with factors such as speed, poor visibility, or adverse weather conditions.
Moreover, Austin’s rapid growth and urbanization have led to increased traffic congestion, adding another layer of complexity for motorcyclists. Trucks, being larger and heavier, are particularly more dangerous in heavy traffic situations.
Where Do Truck Accidents Happen?
In our long years of practice in handling truck accidents, we have seen that they commonly occur in the following high-risk areas:
Highways: Truck accidents frequently occur on highways due to high speeds, heavy traffic, and long stretches of road. The combination of these factors can lead to devastating collisions, especially when truck drivers are fatigued or distracted.
Intersections: Intersections are another common location for truck accidents. Large trucks require more time and space to stop or maneuver, making it difficult for them to avoid collisions when other vehicles unexpectedly enter their path or when traffic signals change abruptly.
Ramps and bridges: On-ramps, off-ramps, and bridges can be particularly dangerous for trucks due to their narrow lanes, steep inclines, and sharp curves. These challenging road conditions can cause trucks to rollover or jackknife, leading to serious accidents.
Construction zones: Road construction zones pose unique hazards for trucks, such as uneven pavement, narrow lanes, and sudden lane shifts. These conditions can be difficult for truck drivers to navigate, increasing the risk of accidents.
Rural roads: Truck accidents can also occur on rural roads, where there may be fewer safety features like guardrails or street lights. These roads often have narrow shoulders, sharp curves, and limited visibility, making it harder for truck drivers to spot and avoid potential hazards.
Loading docks and parking lots: Accidents involving trucks can even occur in seemingly safe areas like loading docks and parking lots. These accidents often involve smaller vehicles or pedestrians and can be caused by blind spots, improper backing techniques, or failure to properly secure cargo.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
The common causes of truck accidents are:
Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can take a toll on truck drivers, leading to drowsiness and impaired judgment behind the wheel. When a driver is exhausted, their reaction times slow down, and they may even fall asleep, putting themselves and others at risk of a serious accident.
Distracted driving: Just like any other driver, truckers can become distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other activities that take their attention away from the road. When you’re operating a massive vehicle like a truck, even a momentary lapse in focus can have devastating consequences.
Speeding and reckless driving: Some truck drivers may feel pressure to meet tight deadlines, causing them to speed or engage in other reckless behaviors. However, when you’re hauling tons of cargo at high speeds, it becomes much harder to control the vehicle and avoid accidents.
Improper maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they’re running safely and efficiently. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, they put their drivers and everyone else on the road at risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures like blown tires or faulty brakes.
Inadequate training: Operating a commercial truck is no easy feat – it requires specialized knowledge and skills. If a trucking company fails to provide proper training for their drivers, those drivers may not know how to handle the unique challenges of maneuvering such a large vehicle, increasing the chances of an accident.
Improperly loaded cargo: A truck’s cargo must be loaded correctly to maintain balance and stability. If the load is too heavy, uneven, or unsecured, it can cause the truck to sway, tip over, or even lose cargo on the road, creating hazardous conditions for other drivers.
Types of Damages and Compensation From A Truck Accident Lawsuit
When it comes to personal injury cases in Austin, two crucial elements form the foundation of every claim: liability and damages. Liability refers to the legal responsibility of the person or party who caused the injury, holding them accountable for the resulting consequences.
Damages, on the other hand, serve as the basis for the monetary compensation that the injured party seeks to remedy the harm they have suffered.
While no financial amount can truly undo the pain and suffering caused by a truck accident, it is the closest possible means of addressing the injury-related expenses and losses incurred by the victim.
Here are the types of compensation that you can recover:
Punitive Damages
When a truck accident is caused by someone acting with deliberate disregard for the victim’s safety, the court may award punitive damages. Also known as exemplary damages, these are typically reserved for high-dollar cases involving severe injuries such as traumatic brain damage or paralysis.
Punitive damages are not part of personal injury settlements; instead, courts use them to deter the at-fault party and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse the injured party for their losses, come in two forms: special (economic) and general (non-economic).
Special damages have a pre-determined value and include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages and Income
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Property Damage
General damages, while more challenging to quantify, are the natural consequences of the at-fault party’s negligence. These may include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Disfigurement or Scarring
- Physical Impairment or Disability
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium
By understanding the types of damages available and the evidence required to prove them, truck accident victims can work with experienced personal injury attorneys to secure the compensation they deserve.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
When it comes to truck accidents involving multiple parties, determining negligence can be a complex and challenging process. In such cases, it is crucial to have a specialized attorney who has experience in handling truck accident cases for the following reasons:
Knowledge of trucking regulations: Trucking companies and their drivers are subject to numerous federal and state regulations. A specialized attorney will have in-depth knowledge of these regulations and can determine if any violations contributed to the accident, which can help establish negligence.
Experience with multiple parties: Truck accidents often involve several parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and the vehicle manufacturer. A specialized attorney will have experience dealing with multiple parties and can identify who may be liable for the accident.
Ability to investigate the accident: Specialized attorneys have the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate the accident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. This investigation can help determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Negotiation skills: Truck accident cases often involve negotiations with insurance companies representing the various parties involved. A specialized attorney will have the negotiation skills necessary to advocate for their client’s interests and work towards a fair settlement.
Courtroom experience: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. A specialized attorney will have the courtroom experience necessary to present a strong case and argue for their client’s rights.
Texas Truck Accident Laws
If you have sustained an injury in Texas, it’s crucial to understand the state’s specific laws to ensure you receive proper compensation.
Statute of Limitations
Texas adheres to a Statute of Limitations, mandating the filing of a truck accident case within two (2) years of the initial injury. If you fail to bring a claim within this timeframe, it can result in the forfeiture of your right to pursue it.
Notably, the two-year limit is not the sole consideration. Different rules apply if a state or local government is implicated in the injury. For instance, in Austin, a notice must be provided within 45 days if the injury was caused by the city government’s employee, vehicle or equipment.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Failing to exercise the degree of care expected of someone in order to minimize the risk of harm to another is considered “negligence,” the legal basis for many accident cases.
Texas employs the modified comparative negligence rule to determine liabilities, which allocates damages based on each party’s degree of fault. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the injury, then your damages can be reduced.
However, if you’re the plaintiff in a lawsuit (the person wronged or injured), you may not recover damages if your percentage of fault is found to be greater than 50%.
Call An Austin-Based Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Contact an Austin truck accident law firm to expertly handle your case. The Patel Firm focuses on providing legal guidance and utmost care during unthinkable tragedies, empowering clients with efficient legal solutions.
We understand that negotiating with insurance companies, understanding legal complexities, and investing significant time and resources all contribute to the overwhelming nature of managing a truck accident case – but we’re here to help.
With our vast resources and a determined team of skilled attorneys, we’ll be able to strongly advocate for your rights. We believe in safeguarding the community from harm and dedicate our practice to helping injured survivors seek justice.
Contact us at 361-400-2036 for a free case evaluation, or send us a message through our secure and confidential online form. We are always ready to take your call.
The Patel Firm Austin Car Accident Lawyer
611 S Congress Ave Suite 215D
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 887-1447
