The State of Texas has over 300,000 miles of highway within its borders. Unsurprisingly, the state sees hundreds of truck, semi-truck, and 18-wheeler accidents every year. A significant percentage of those accidents occur in urban areas, like Austin.
The size of commercial trucks, combined with the increased blind spots and time required to accelerate and decelerate mean that truck accidents can be catastrophic.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you need the expertise of an Austin truck accident lawyer who can help you win your case.
The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., will work with you to develop your case and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
What Vehicles Are Considered Trucks?
Commercial truck accidents in Texas can involve different kinds of commercial vehicles.
The following are examples of “trucks”:
- Delivery trucks,
- 18-wheelers,
- Oil and gas trucks,
- Semi-trucks,
- Big rigs,
- Tractor-trailers,
- Box trucks or moving vans,
- Dump trucks,
- Tow trucks, and
- Refrigerated trucks.
The trucks listed above are all significantly larger than passenger vehicles, with large blind spots, and take longer to accelerate and decelerate. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck listed above, you need the help of an experienced truck accident attorney in Austin.
Call The Zimmerman Law Firm, to speak with one of our lawyers and let us help you get the recovery you deserve.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Austin?
Accidents involving trucks, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers can make for complicated legal cases.
Commercial trucking companies and their drivers are regulated by both state (Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code) and federal laws.
It is important to seek the advice of an Austin truck accident lawyer who has experience navigating complicated regulatory industries. To get the best outcome for your case, and the most money, you will need an attorney who has experience in truck, semi-truck, and 18-wheeler accidents.
Our attorneys will meet with you one on one to determine the best strategy for your case, help you collect evidence, file written motions for your claim, and meet with opposing counsel.
If you get an appropriate settlement offer, our attorneys will work with you to make sure your rights are protected. If we believe you are owed more than the other side is willing to offer, we will take your case to trial.
We won’t recover unless you do.
Common Causes of Truck, Semi Truck, and 18 Wheeler Accidents
With significant commercial truck traffic on the nation’s roads and highways, coupled with the sheer size of these vehicles compared to other cars on the road, truck accidents can be devastating—financially and emotionally.
Every year, more truck accidents end in fatality in Texas than in any other state.
Common causes of Austin truck accidents include:
- Speeding,
- Improper lane change,
- Distracted driving,
- Driver fatigue,
- Driving under the influence,
- Defective equipment,
- Overloaded or unbalanced truck loads,
- Aggressive or reckless driving, and
- Improper or insufficient truck driver training.
Whatever the cause of the accident, you will need the help of an experienced truck or oversized vehicle accident attorney to help you pursue the best outcome for your case.
The Zimmerman Law Firm has been serving Waco and Austin communities for nearly 60 years. Our attorneys will work with you to develop your case from the beginning, to help you seek the best outcome after your truck accident.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial trucks, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers can weigh in at over 80,000 pounds, compared to the average 3,000 pounds of most passenger vehicles.
This difference results in higher rates of serious injury or fatality following truck accidents.
Injuries common in truck, semi-truck, and 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Paralysis,
- Amputation,
- Spinal cord and brain injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Internal bleeding,
- Organ damage, and
- Burns.
Due to the seriousness of these injuries, it is important to seek the advice of an attorney who has experience fighting for and winning high dollar damages claims. Contact the Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., to get started on your claim today.
Compensation for Austin Truck Accident Victims
If you have been injured in an Austin truck accident, you may be entitled to a form of financial compensation called “damages.”
Examples of damages available to the victims of truck accidents in Texas include:
- Reimbursement for future, current, and past medical expenses;
- Costs of rehabilitation;
- Lost wages;
- Lost earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Mental anguish.
At the Zimmerman Law Firm, we will fight for you to get the biggest financial award available. Remember to hold onto all financial, medical, and criminal reports you receive related to the accident to help us secure the money you are owed.
When to File a Texas Truck Accident Claim
It is important to act quickly to seek the financial compensation you deserve.
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages. Failure to file within that time may mean you are barred from ever filing suit.
Hiring an experienced Austin truck, semi truck, or 18 wheeler accident attorney will ensure that you don’t miss important deadlines. Texas is a “modified comparative fault” state, where the amount of money you will be able to recover depends on the degree to which the accident was your fault.
If you are more than 50% at fault, according to the court, you will not be able to recover damages. Keep in mind, however, that if you are less than 50% at fault, you may still be able to recover for your losses.
Contact Us
With your financial compensation at stake, you need experienced truck accident lawyers to fight for your case. The Zimmerman Law Firm has been serving Texans since 1962.
Call us at (254) 752-9688 or 1-800-INJURIES or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Our attorneys will work with you every step of the way to develop your case. We want to help you get the recovery you deserve.