Austin truck accidents can occur in a variety of locations, but they are especially common on busy interstate highways. These accidents typically result from negligence by a truck driver or trucking company.
If you sustained injuries in an Austin truck crash, the skilled legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can help. Our attorneys will aggressively fight for your rights, negotiate with insurance company adjusters, and pursue the settlement or litigation compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Austin truck accident attorney, please call us at (205) 957-4995 or contact us online to learn more.
Why Choose Us?
Injuries in Austin trucking accidents can be extremely serious. Therefore, you want a knowledgeable and experienced team of attorneys in your corner advocating for your rights. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to aggressively fight for your rights and obtain the compensation award you deserve. Over the years, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured accident victims, and we welcome the opportunity to litigate your case all the way to trial if that step becomes necessary.
You can see some of our most recent client testimonials by clicking here. Let us help you recover the full compensation you deserve for your Austin truck accident losses right away.
How Much Money Can I Recover in My Austin Truck Accident Case?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Austin, Texas, you may be wondering exactly how much you can potentially recover and what types of damages are available. The value of your case will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the effects on your life, and the specifics of your accident.
Types of Damages
- Economic Damages – These are tangible losses that can be quantified. They include:
- Medical Expenses – This covers all costs related to your treatment, such as hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Future medical costs may also be included if your injuries require long-term care.
- Lost Earnings – If you can’t work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost income. This also includes loss of future earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Property Damage – Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle – or any other property damaged in the accident – may also be included.
- Non-Economic Damages – These damages are more subjective and include:
- Pain and Suffering – This can cover emotional distress, physical pain, ongoing suffering, and any negative effects on your quality of life.
- Loss of Enjoyment – If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy hobbies or activities in which you once participated, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Punitive Damages – These damages are less common and are intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. In truck accident cases, punitive damages are typically awarded if the trucking company or driver’s conduct was grossly negligent – such as where the truck driver was intoxicated.
Determining the Amount
The amount you can recover in a truck accident case varies based on factors like the extent of your injuries and the evidence you present. Insurance companies and courts will consider these elements when calculating your compensation.
To get a precise estimate of what you may recover, consult with an experienced Austin truck accident attorney. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will carefully evaluate your case, gather important evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies, to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Most Common Locations for Truck Accidents in Austin
In Austin, Texas, commercial trucking accidents often occur in specific locations due to negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. Some of the most frequent locations for these accidents include:
- Highways and Interstates – Major roads like Interstate 35, Highway 183, and Highway 71 are frequent sites for truck accidents. These highways are heavily traveled, and truck drivers are often under pressure to meet deadlines. Speeding, tailgating, and improper lane changes can lead to accidents in these locations.
- Traffic Intersections – Busy intersections, such as those at major crossroads or where highways meet local roads, are common accident spots. Trucks drivers making turns or navigating through congested traffic can struggle with visibility and maneuverability. Negligence like failing to yield or running red lights can cause collisions.
- Work Zones – Austin has many construction projects that can disrupt traffic patterns. Truck drivers navigating through these zones may encounter poorly marked detours or sudden lane changes. Negligence from either the truck driver or the construction crew, such as inadequate signage or speeding, can lead to serious accidents.
- Urban Areas – Downtown Austin and areas with dense traffic, like South Congress Avenue, see frequent trucking accidents. In these urban environments, truck drivers may face challenges with tight spaces, frequent stops, and pedestrian traffic. Negligence, such as distracted driving or failing to account for pedestrians, is a common cause of accidents in these locations.
- Parking Lots and Rest Areas – Truck parking lots and rest areas can also be risky. Trucks maneuvering in tight spaces or backing up may cause accidents if drivers are not careful. Negligence like failing to properly secure cargo or ignoring safety procedures can contribute to accidents in these areas.
Most Common Categories of Austin Truck Accidents
In Austin, Texas, trucking accidents often fall into specific categories due to negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies:
- Rear-End Collisions – These accidents occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. This often happens because the truck driver is following too closely, not paying attention, or misjudging the stopping distance. Heavy trucks require more time and distance to stop, making rear-end collisions a frequent result of negligence.
- Jackknife Accidents – A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a V-shape with the cab. This type of accident can result from sudden braking, overloading, or improper trailer maintenance. In Austin’s heavy traffic, such accidents are common if truck drivers are not cautious or fail to manage their loads correctly.
- Wide Turn Accidents – Trucks making wide turns often require more space and may swing into adjacent lanes. Accidents can occur if the truck driver fails to signal properly. This type of negligence is especially common at busy intersections and narrow streets.
- Rollovers – Truck rollovers happen when a truck tips over onto its side. This can happen due to sharp turns, high speeds, or poorly secured cargo. In Austin, where road conditions and traffic patterns vary, rollovers can result from the truck driver’s failure to adjust driving behavior or from inadequate cargo management by the trucking company.
- Cargo Spills – When cargo is not properly secured, it can spill onto the road, causing accidents. This negligence may occur due to improper loading or failure to use adequate restraints. Cargo spills can create hazardous conditions for other drivers and lead to serious accidents.
- Blind Spot Accidents – Trucks have large blind spots, and accidents frequently happen when a truck driver fails to check these areas before changing lanes or merging. This can result from distracted driving or insufficient training, leading to collisions with vehicles in the truck’s blind spots.
Most Common Injuries in Austin Trucking Crashes
In an Austin truck accident, victims can suffer from a range of serious injuries due to the force and size of commercial trucks. Some of the most common injuries in Austin truck collisions include:
- Head and Brain Injuries – These injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The impact from a truck accident can cause severe jolting or direct blows to the head, leading to these types of injuries. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to long-term cognitive impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. This type of injury often results from the sudden collision or jolting forces in a truck accident, causing severe pain, loss of movement, or loss of sensation in various parts of the body.
- Broken Bones – Bone fractures are also common in trucking accidents due to the high force of impact. These injuries often require surgery, prolonged recovery, and physical therapy.
- Internal Injuries – Truck collisions can also cause internal organs to become damaged or ruptured, including injuries to the kidneys or liver. Internal bleeding or organ damage can also become life-threatening in certain situations.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – These injuries include sprains, strains, and tears in ligaments, tendons, or muscles. While not as immediately visible as broken bones, soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain and limit mobility, affecting the victim’s daily activities.
- Chest Injuries – The force of the collision can cause rib fractures, sternum injuries, or lung contusions. Chest injuries may result in difficulty breathing, severe pain, or complications such as collapsed lungs.
- Whiplash – This common neck injury results from the sudden forward and backward movement of the victim’s head during a truck crash. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Fighting the Insurance Company after an Austin Truck Accident
Fighting the insurance company after a truck accident in Austin can be challenging – especially when truck driver or trucking company negligence is involved. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, here’s how we can assist you throughout this process:
- Gathering Evidence – We will collect and review evidence from the accident scene, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. This evidence helps establish the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence and supports your claim.
- Determining Liability – Understanding who is at fault for the trucking accident is crucial. We will thoroughly investigate the accident circumstances to identify all responsible parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or even vehicle manufacturers if equipment failure plays a role.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts to injured truck accident victims. We will handle all settlement negotiations on your behalf, using our extensive knowledge of the law and previous cases to argue for a fair settlement offer. We’ll also ensure that the insurance company does not undervalue your claim or pressure you into accepting a low offer.
- Calculating Damages – We can determine the full extent of your accident-related damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We will use this information to argue for the compensation you truly deserve.
- Filing a Lawsuit – If the insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit in the Texas Court System on your behalf. We will also represent you in court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Handling Legal Procedures – Navigating legal procedures and paperwork can be complex. We will manage all of the necessary steps, ensuring that deadlines are met and procedures are followed.
Steps to Take after an Austin Truck Collision
After being involved in an Austin truck accident, it’s important that you take the following steps:
- Gather and Retain Important Evidence – Collect as much evidence as possible from the truck accident scene, including photos of vehicle damage, the scene itself, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses, along with a copy of the police report, which can provide crucial details about the trucking accident.
- Complete All of Your Accident-related Medical Treatment – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter and attend all recommended follow-up appointments. Keep records of all medical treatments, as these will be important for your truck accident claim or lawsuit.
- Speak with a Skilled Austin Truck Accident Attorney – At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers; we will gather additional evidence on your behalf and aggressively negotiate with insurance companies in pursuit of the monetary damages you deserve.
Talk with an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Austin Today
If you sustained injuries in an Austin trucking accident, it’s essential that you seek out experienced legal counsel for representation right away. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will do everything possible to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries – either through settlement or litigation.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an Austin truck accident lawyer, please call us at (205) 957-4995 or contact us online.