Truck Accident Lawyer in Austin

If you have been involved in an accident involving a large truck, including commercial or 18-wheelers, your mind, body, and emotions will be reeling for days, if not weeks or even months. Not only are you probably already struggling with a lot of physical and mental pain, but you must now deal with the anxiety of paying extensive medical bills and making up for lost income to support your family.

This is where our team at Cofer & Connelly, PLLC steps in. When you have been hit by a truck, the insurance companies will try to cover as little damage as they can get away with. To get proper litigation and compensation, our truck accident attorneys in Austin can provide you with the advocacy you need to fight even the most powerful trucking companies.

Contact us online or via phone at (512) 991-0576 so that our personal injury law firm can work together on building your case.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Austin

Following an accident with a truck, it is crucial to open an investigation as soon as possible. In fact, the moment you have called an ambulance and have confirmed the relative safety of yourself and other passengers, you should begin taking photos and videos, and gathering contact information and witnesses from the scene. In addition to visual confirmation and evidence of the damage to the car and your person, you should also get the police report, and any eyewitness accounts. An 18-wheeler’s black box is essential to get ahold of as well, since the computer data inside can demonstrate vital clues, such as whether the vehicle was speeding or braking unsafely.

Every second counts in securing evidence. It's beneficial to also note weather conditions, road conditions, and any traffic signals that may have been involved. Prompt action not only strengthens your claim but also mitigates distortion of facts that can occur over time.

What Compensation Is Available to Truck Accident Injury Victims?

As soon as we begin collecting evidence from the accident scene, our knowledgeable Austin truck accident lawyers can then start assessing and organizing a plan to gain back legal damages as compensation for your pain and suffering.

Just some of the compensation that we have successfully helped our clients gain through Texas liability claims include:

• Medical bills and hospital expenses that are occurring in the past, present, and future
• Mental suffering, physical pain, and emotional anguish that is occurring in the past, present, and future
• Lost income and reduced capacity to earn, whether in the past, present, or future
• Physical disability or impairment resulting from the accident
• Any damages for wrongful death or survival
• Need for childcare and transportation due to a partial or total disability or impairment

Victims of truck accidents can pursue compensation not just for immediate expenses but for ongoing and future costs associated with the accident. This can encompass long-term rehabilitation, physical therapy, and necessary adjustments to lifestyle or living conditions. Engaging a lawyer early in the process ensures that all potential forms of compensation are considered, securing a financial future that covers all aspects of recovery and adaptation post-accident.

Early, Proactive Investigation

Many people do not realize that trucking companies themselves send an immediate response team after an accident to assess and then attempt to minimize the damage. Sometimes such teams are dispatched even before the injured have been transported to the hospital. These insurance companies seek to claim that there was no extensive harm done at the scene in order to deny culpability. This is why time is of the essence. Get in touch with us today, so our Austin truck accident attorneys can work with you quickly to begin building your case and keep you at the same level of preparation as the companies seeking to excuse liability.

Our proactive approach also involves collaboration with seasoned investigators who can reconstruct the accident scene to clarify the true sequence of events. By analyzing traffic patterns, vehicle positions, and impact points, we reinforce the factual basis of your claim. Such thoroughness counters attempts by trucking companies to obfuscate details and resist liability.

Understanding Texas Trucking Laws & Insurance Challenges

Texas has specific laws governing the operation of trucks, particularly 18-wheelers, given their potential to cause severe damage in accidents. These laws encompass strict guidelines on driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading to ensure road safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also plays a crucial role in regulating interstate trucking operations. Familiarity with these laws enables our team to identify any legal violations that could have contributed to the accident, thereby strengthening your claim. Understanding these regulations empowers victims to realize when they have been wronged by negligent parties and allows our team to demand accountability effectively.

Moreover, Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule, which means compensation can be awarded as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. This legal landscape means having experienced advocates like our truck accident lawyers in Austin can be pivotal in ensuring liability is fairly assessed and proven, minimizing any unfair blame shifted by powerful trucking companies. Our comprehensive knowledge of Texas trucking laws ensures that every avenue for justice and compensation is pursued thoroughly.

The Role of Highway Conditions in Austin Truck Accidents

Highway conditions in and around Austin are a significant factor in trucking accidents. Austin’s rapidly expanding infrastructure, coupled with increasing traffic volumes, particularly on highways like I-35 and State Highway 130, often contributes to congestion and potential hazards. These conditions require drivers and trucking companies to exercise heightened caution to prevent accidents. Truckers must adapt their driving to accommodate road conditions, including construction zones, high-speed limits, and variable weather patterns which can reduce visibility and traction.

When investigating truck accidents, our team considers these local conditions, understanding how they could influence an accident's circumstances. For instance, highway design or maintenance issues might play a role in an accident’s occurrence. By incorporating local knowledge into our investigation, we ensure that all contributory factors are accounted for, providing a comprehensive understanding of your accident. This insight allows us to build a robust case, asserting your rights for appropriate compensation while highlighting negligence that may involve more than just driver error.

FAQs About Truck Accident Claims in Austin

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Truck Accident in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including truck accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it's crucial to act swiftly as evidence can deteriorate over time, and eyewitnesses may become difficult to locate. Prompt action ensures that you have ample time to build a strong case while adhering to legal deadlines.

What Should I Do if the Trucking Company Contacts Me After the Accident?

It's advisable to consult with a lawyer before speaking to the trucking company or their insurance representatives. These parties may attempt to minimize liability or offer a quick settlement that may not fully cover your damages. Our Austin truck accident lawyers can communicate with these parties on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected, and you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Types of Evidence Are Crucial in Truck Accident Claims?

In truck accident claims, crucial evidence includes the accident report, eyewitness statements, photographs of the scene, medical records, and data from the truck’s black box. This device records information about the truck's operation, such as speed and braking patterns, which can be pivotal in determining fault. Gathering and preserving this evidence promptly is critical to supporting your claim.

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Establishing fault in a truck accident involves investigating the actions of all parties involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, and other motorists. Factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance records, and driver logs are analyzed. Our team employs expert investigators to reconstruct the accident scene and analyze all variables, ensuring a thorough and accurate determination of liability.

Can I Afford Legal Representation for My Truck Accident Case?

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and only pay if we recover compensation for you. This approach ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal advocacy, regardless of their financial situation, allowing us to focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Being in an accident of any kind is a terrible experience, but the force of being hit by something as massive as a truck is psychologically even more traumatic. Call us today at (512) 991-0576 or contact us online so that Cofer & Connelly, PLLC can protect your rights to compensation.