Truck accidents in Austin result in devastating injuries far more severe than typical vehicle collisions. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck strikes a passenger car, victims face catastrophic consequences. The physical trauma is just the beginning, as medical bills quickly exceed insurance limits while trucking companies and their insurers deploy teams of lawyers to minimize their liability.
Since 1959, Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP has represented victims of serious truck crashes throughout Texas. Our trial lawyers have recovered over $100 million for injured clients and maintain a 98% success rate in handling high-stakes trucking litigation. We understand the federal regulations governing commercial carriers, the tactics insurers use to deny claims, and how to prove negligence when trucking companies fail to maintain safe operations.
What Makes Austin Truck Accidents Different From Car Crashes?
Truck accident cases involve multiple parties and federal regulations that differ from those applicable to standard vehicle collisions. Commercial carriers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards covering driver qualification, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Violations of these regulations often contribute to serious crashes.
When a truck driver causes an accident in Austin, liability extends beyond the individual operator. Trucking companies face vicarious liability for driver negligence, direct liability for inadequate training or supervision, and potential responsibility for maintenance failures. Third parties, such as cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and vehicle manufacturers, may also share fault depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
How Do Texas Laws Affect Your Truck Accident Claim in Austin?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You are barred from recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault for your injuries. Insurance companies exploit this standard by shifting blame onto victims. They scrutinize your actions before the crash. They may claim you contributed by any of the following actions:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield
Our attorneys counter these tactics by conducting independent investigations that establish the truck driver’s responsibility.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. However, truck accident cases require immediate action to preserve critical evidence. Electronic logging devices that record driver hours automatically overwrite data after six months. Black box information, including speed, braking, and mechanical function, disappears if not secured promptly.
Why Do Truck Accidents Cause Severe Injuries?
The size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles creates catastrophic impact forces. These forces are present during collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 72% of people killed in large truck crashes in 2021 were occupants of other vehicles. The physics involved mean occupants of smaller vehicles absorb the majority of crash energy.
Common serious injuries from Austin truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries requiring extensive rehabilitation and causing permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord damage resulting in partial or complete paralysis affecting mobility and independence
- Multiple bone fractures necessitating surgical intervention and prolonged recovery periods
- Internal organ damage causing life-threatening complications and requiring emergency surgery
- Severe burn injuries from post-collision fires resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement
These injuries generate substantial medical expenses. Initial emergency treatment costs tens of thousands of dollars, while ongoing care for catastrophic injuries can exceed millions over a lifetime. Victims lose income during recovery and may never return to their previous employment due to permanent disabilities.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
Texas law allows injured victims to pursue economic and non-economic damages from negligent parties. Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Future care costs
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter similar behavior.
How Do You Prove Negligence in Truck Accident Cases in Austin?
Establishing liability in truck accident litigation requires detailed investigation and expert analysis. Our legal team examines driver logs to identify hours of service violations, reviews maintenance records for evidence of deferred repairs, and analyzes employment files for inadequate training or hiring practices.
The black box in commercial trucks records critical information, including:
- Speed
- Brake application
- Engine performance
- Driver behavior in the moments before impact
This data often contradicts driver statements and reveals unsafe practices. We also investigate whether cargo was properly secured, as shifting loads contribute to rollover accidents and loss of vehicle control.
Why Choose Experienced Austin Truck Accident Attorneys?
Trucking companies and their insurers employ sophisticated strategies aimed at reducing liability and minimizing payouts. They have extensive resources and legal teams working to protect their interests from the moment an accident occurs. Without equally skilled representation, victims struggle to obtain fair compensation.
Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP has handled serious truck accident cases for 65 years. We’re true trial lawyers who have achieved favorable outcomes in court when insurers refuse reasonable settlements. Our attorneys are recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms in the United States. We’ve represented families in high-profile cases and built a reputation for obtaining results through thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
Contact Experienced Austin Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Truck accident injuries require immediate legal attention to protect evidence and preserve your right to compensation. Our team handles every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery. We work on contingency, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP today by calling (512) 454-3751 or completing our contact form. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your truck accident case with us and learn how we can help you.