Austin Truck Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims of Truck Crashes Receive Compensation in Texas

In the United States, commercial truck-related fatalities are at their highest level in over 30 years.  Accidents involving 18 wheeler trucks kill approximately 5,000 people each year in the U.S. and injure almost 115,000.  These crashes often leave families mourning the loss of a loved one, left to cope with life changing injuries, and facing a mountain of unexpected expenses.  If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury in an accident with an 18 wheeler, consult a semi truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Experienced Representation After Semi Truck Accidents

Sharing the road with huge commercial trucks can be nerve wracking for even the most skilled drivers. Most of us have felt our car shake as an 18 wheeler passes us on the highway.  It’s no surprise that a collision between these large tractor trailers and other vehicles can have catastrophic or deadly consequences–a 4,000 pound car is no match for an 80,000 pound big rig, especially at high speeds.

To maximize roadway safety, trucking companies must comply with state and federal regulations designed to protect truck drivers and other motorists. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road each day/week, specifies required break periods, requires that drivers keep log books of each trip, and sets requirements with regards to driver licensing, vehicle maintenance/inspection records, and truck weight limits.  Of course, truck drivers are prohibited from using alcohol, drugs and prescription medications that would impact their ability to drive safely and may not drive while distracted by mobile phones. 

Why Are There So Many Dangerous Truck Crashes?

These regulations have doubtlessly prevented many crashes, but still accidents are on the rise.  The majority of deadly truck crashes happen due to negligence (on the part of the truck driver or another motorist), distracted driving, or fatigue, even though there are federal regulations aimed at trying to minimize these problems.

Sometimes, in an effort to maximize profits, a trucking company will ask a truck driver to bend the FMCSA rules (or indirectly suggests that they do so) in order to meet a delivery date. When this happens, the company is breaking the law and is liable for any accident that takes place and owes restitution to the victims that are injured due to this willful negligence.  If you have been in an accident with a big rig, you need an experienced semi truck accident lawyer who will thoroughly investigate the incident and determine who should be held accountable for your injuries.