Austin Truck Accident Attorney

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

Commercial truck accidents occur in many different ways. Some of the most common types include:

• Jackknife Accidents: A truck may fold at the hinge between the cab and trailer, often caused by sudden braking, improper maneuvering, or slippery road conditions.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to their long stopping distances, semi-trucks frequently rear-end smaller vehicles when drivers are distracted or following too closely.
• Underride Accidents: These devastating accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a big rig, often resulting in fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: Improper cargo loading, speeding, or sharp turns can cause a truck to overturn, colliding with multiple vehicles.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Also known as “squeeze play accidents,” these occur when trucks swing wide to turn and trap other vehicles in the process.
• Tire Blowouts: Defective or poorly maintained tires can explode, causing a truck driver to lose control and crash.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Commercial truck accidents are often the result of negligence. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers work long hours, and fatigue remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, GPS use, and in-cab technology often take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Trucks require significantly more time and distance to stop; speeding can quickly lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Improper Loading or Overloaded Cargo: Top-heavy or unbalanced cargo makes trucks difficult to control.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failure, tire defects, and other maintenance problems often contribute to crashes.
• Driving Under the Influence: Although regulations are strict, impairment still plays a role in many commercial vehicle accidents.
• Inadequate Driver Training: Inexperienced drivers may not know how to safely operate a large truck in traffic, poor weather, or congested conditions.

Common Semi-Truck Accident Injuries

Because of the massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries tend to be severe. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries & paralysis
• Multiple fractures
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Severe burns
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

Victims often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and lifelong care. Our Austin truck accident attorneys work to ensure victims receive compensation that reflects the full extent of their injuries.

Where Do Truck Accidents Often Occur in Austin, TX?

Austin’s rapid growth and heavy traffic make it a hotspot for commercial trucking collisions. Common locations include:

• I-35: One of the busiest corridors in Texas, heavily congested with commercial trucks.
• US-290 & SH-71: Frequent construction, high speeds, and mixed traffic contribute to crashes.
• MoPac Expressway (Loop 1): Congestion and merging traffic often lead to truck-involved collisions.
• FM and rural roads surrounding Austin: Commercial trucks servicing surrounding communities often cause accidents on narrow or poorly lit roads.

If you were injured at any of these locations—or anywhere else in the Austin area—Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C. can investigate the crash and help identify who is responsible.

Federal Trucking Laws

Commercial trucking is regulated at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations aim to keep roadways safe and include:

• Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations: Limit the number of hours truck drivers can be on duty to prevent fatigue.
• Commercial Driver License (CDL) Requirements: Drivers must meet strict training, testing, and certification standards.
• Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Rules: Trucking companies must regularly inspect and service their vehicles.
• Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements: Drivers must undergo pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing.
• Cargo Securement Standards: Rules dictate how loads must be tied down and balanced to prevent shifting or falling cargo.

When a trucking company or driver violates FMCSA rules, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Truck Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, and even parts manufacturers.

What compensation can I recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future care needs.

Should I speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Their goal is to minimize your claim. Always speak to an attorney first.

Do truck accident claims require expert witnesses?

Often, yes. Accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and trucking safety consultants are commonly needed.

Ready to Fight for You

If you or a loved one was injured in a semi-truck or commercial vehicle accident in Austin, TX, you deserve a law firm that knows how to take on powerful trucking companies and win. At the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C., we fight for maximum compensation and justice for truck accident victims.