18-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorney in Austin, TX

An accident involving a semi-truck or 18-wheeler can be one of the scariest accidents there is. The size alone can instill fear in all of us. Once the dust has settled, it’s time to sort out the damages and start the healing and repair. That’s where our Austin semi-truck accident lawyer can help. Hospital, vehicle, and injury costs can add up quickly. You deserve a team that can help get you the compensation you not only need immediately but for any long-term requirements.

What Makes Semi-Trucks Dangerous

Many factors contribute to the hazardous nature of big trucks.

Size

Tractor-trailer trucks are the largest vehicles on the road. In Texas, a truck and trailer combination may be up to 59 feet long, with some exceptions for combinations up to 82 feet in length. The average mid-size sedan is 14.7 feet. Due to the size difference, collisions between a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck can have catastrophic consequences.

Weight

Even when empty, a commercial truck weighs several tons. When loaded, it could weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is about 400 tons. The average mid-size sedan weighs two tons, making them approximately 200 times heavier than most vehicles on the road.

Blindspots

Passenger vehicles have a rear window, enabling them to see the traffic behind the car. Semi-trucks do not have that feature, and drivers rely on mirrors to see the vehicles behind them. As a result, 18-wheelers have significant blindspots. This means they may be unable to see the traffic directly behind them, or in the passing lane.

Stopping Distance

The heavier the vehicle and the faster its speed, the more time and space it needs to stop. If an 18-wheeler is traveling at 55 mph on drive pavement with good brakes, it could take more than 200 feet to stop. This distance increases when hauling a heavy load and in poor travel conditions.

An 18 wheeler accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your crash and utilize forensic investigations and other professionals’ expertise. They work to establish who is responsible for the collision and negotiate a settlement or go to trial when necessary.

Why Do You Need a Semi-truck Accident Lawyer in Austin, TX?

Dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be extremely daunting. These incidents often lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and complicated legal battles. Hiring an Austin semi-truck accident lawyer can provide the support and expertise needed to handle these complexities. With a lawyer by your side, you can focus on recovery while they manage the legal intricacies, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses.

An Austin semi-truck accident lawyer brings valuable knowledge and experience to your case. They understand the specific laws and regulations governing the trucking industry and can effectively investigate the accident to determine liability. Here are a few reasons why engaging a lawyer is crucial:

• Thorough Investigation: Lawyers have the resources to conduct detailed investigations, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and trucking company records.
• Negotiation Skills: They negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf, striving to secure a settlement that truly reflects the extent of your damages.
• Legal Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court, advocating for your rights and interests.

Choosing to work with a dedicated semi-truck accident lawyer in Austin can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, helping you achieve justice and financial relief during a challenging time.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Thousands of truck accidents occur every year. Some of the most common contributing factors include:

• Overloaded trucks
• Improper maintenance
• Inadequate driver training
• Hazardous weather conditions

Trucking companies typically have their own team of attorneys that refute negligence claims aggressively and deny responsibility. An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney understands how to fight back and ensure your rights are protected.

Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents: What You Need to Know

When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the sheer size and weight disparity often result in severe injuries for those in the smaller vehicle. Understanding the types of injuries commonly sustained in these accidents can be crucial for victims seeking legal recourse. As your trusted Austin semi-truck accident attorney, we are committed to helping you navigate the aftermath of such traumatic events and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Victims of 18-wheeler accidents often face a long road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. These injuries can range from visible, immediate trauma to hidden, life-threatening conditions that may not manifest until days after the accident. Below are some of the most common injuries seen in these devastating collisions, each requiring prompt medical attention and, often, extensive rehabilitation.

Common Injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Severe impacts can cause brain injuries, leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting quality of life and mobility.
• Whiplash: Sudden jolts can strain neck muscles and ligaments, causing pain and reduced range of motion.
• Internal Bleeding: Blunt force trauma can cause internal injuries, which are often life-threatening if not treated immediately.
• Broken Ribs: The force of an impact can fracture ribs, leading to significant pain and potential damage to internal organs.
• Fractured Limbs (arms or legs): The impact can break bones in the arms or legs, requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Psychological Injuries (e.g., PTSD): The emotional toll of an accident can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, affecting mental health and daily functioning.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it is essential to seek both medical and legal help promptly. An experienced Austin semi-truck accident attorney can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the complexities of your case and pursue justice on your behalf.

What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Austin

After an 18-wheeler accident, it’s important that you stay calm and follow this procedure. Once you’ve checked everyone for injuries, call 911. In some states, you are legally required to call the police even if it’s a minor fender-bender. The police officers will document the scene and fill out an accident report. This report will help you with your claims process so make sure you obtain a case ID from the police officer evaluating the scene.

In order to gather full information about the accident, it’s important that you also document the damage done to any cars or vehicles with pictures. Also, take pictures of the accident scene as best you can. Exchange information with the other driver, such as full name and contact information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and the type of vehicle(s) involved in the accident.

If the authorities do not arrive at the scene, it is even more imperative that you obtain as much information at the scene as you can in order to avoid any issues with filing your claim.

Big truck accidents are complex. There are often multiple vehicles involved and devastating injuries. An Austin personal injury attorney at Campos Law Group can help you handle the aftermath of your crash.

Our Austin 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney Is Here For You, 24/7

We’re here to help you get the financial compensation you deserve after an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, call us at (512) 881-6491 or fill out the form to the right to get your free case evaluation.