Texas has ranked first in the country for most large truck crashes every year since 2016. In 2019, Texas had more tractor-trailer accidents than Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Arizona, Mississippi, and Nebraska combined, with 685 fatalities. In 2018, 305 truck drivers involved in fatal accidents tested positive…
Texas is a hub for economic activity. Our state has thriving industries related to energy, technology, finance, as well as other areas. This large amount of activity means that there are a large number of semi-trucks on the road at any given time, leading to more truck accidents. Unfortunately, commercial trucking collisions can leave the victim seriously injured, as most of us are not driving a vehicle that matches a semi-truck in size or force. Recovering damages in such a situation can be complicated, and victims should retain an attorney experienced in such matters. Our Austin truck accident lawyers handle such matters in Travis County and throughout the state. En Español
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Client Victories
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$2 MILLION
Commercial Truck AccidentObtained a $2 million settlement for a grieving family who lost their loved one due to the negligence of a commercial truck driver and company. This family truly deserved justice for their loss, and we’re proud to have been able to deliver. The family received $1,444,071.21 after attorney fees, medical liens and expenses.
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$1.3 MILLION
Pedestrian AccidentRepresented the adult children of an elderly pedestrian who was killed by a negligent motorist backing out of a parking lot. The children received $805,972.82 after attorney fees, medical liens and expenses.
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$934,000
Rideshare Car AccidentWe represented a rideshare driver who was on his way to pick up a client when an individual ran a red light and collided with our client. The client received $276,460.60 after attorney fees, medical liens and expenses.
Why Choose DC Law to Represent Your Truck Accident Case
We’re one of Austin’s top-rated law firms
DC Law has received many accolades for its high level of service and expertise. We were named one of the best Austin law firms in 2020 by the Austin American-Statesman. We’ve also received the highest rating (AV) from the legal consulting firm Martindale-Hubbell, recognized by Texas Monthly as a “SuperLawyer,” listed in the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and more.
We have over 80 combined years of record verdicts
We’re one of the most experienced personal injury law firms in Texas. Our attorneys have over 80 years of combined experience and have taken over 200 cases to trial, leading to record-setting verdicts across the state.
We’re a veteran-owned law firm
Founder and lead-counsel, Dan Christensen, is a proud military veteran. Dan served in the U.S. Army for more than 10 years and received several honors and achievements during his service including a Distinguished Military Graduate Award, Airborne and Air Assault qualifications, and Expert Marksmanship designations. Dan’s passion for service led him to found DC Law and fight for the rights of those injured by another party’s negligence.
We specialize in personal injury cases
Attorney Dan Christensen is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is listed among the small percentage of licensed attorneys in the state of Texas (about 7%) who have earned the right to publicly represent themselves as a specialist in a select area of the law. This distinct designation sets DC Law apart as being a law firm with the highest public commitment to excellence in the field of personal injury law.
You pay us nothing unless we win your case
Our firm works on a contingency basis. This means that you pay us nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, hidden fees, or expenses. We assume all of the upfront costs and risks associated with your case and only get paid if and when we negotiate a settlement or win a verdict on your behalf.
Truck Accident Causes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that of the roughly 4,000 truck accident fatalities that occur each year, roughly 73 percent involve passengers in other vehicles. In comparison, only 17 percent of these fatalities involved the truck driver themselves.
The NHTSA lists the following as among the common causes of these accidents:
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions
- Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and failure to yield
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances
- Distracted driving, such as using cellphones and texting
- Drowsy driving, and falling asleep behind the wheel
- Motorists caught in trucking blind spots, or ‘no zones’
The large size and heavy loads most tractor-trailers and other big rigs carry make it more difficult for drivers to respond to sudden changes in road or traffic conditions. It also makes severe and potentially fatal accidents more likely when other motorists are involved.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial vehicle collisions often cause injuries due to the sheer size of trucks compared to passenger vehicles. The injuries sustained are often catastrophic and may even result in wrongful death.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in a trucking accident:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- And more
Truck accident injuries are often severe and prevent you from working while you heal. On top of this, you’ll also likely face mounting medical expenses. If a negligent truck driver is responsible for your injuries, they should also be held responsible for all financial losses.
You may be entitled to financial compensation, including:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and income
- Disability
- Reduced earning capacity
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral expenses
- And more
How Can a Truck Wreck Attorney Help Me?
Determine All Negligent Parties
Truck accident cases can become highly complicated, as multiple parties may be liable for the collision. First, the driver of the semi-truck can be named as a party if he or she was negligent or reckless. Second, if the truck was owned by someone other than the driver, then the owner may be responsible for negligent hiring and negligent supervision. Finally, depending on the circumstances, the person contracting with the truck for delivery may be responsible if they were aware of a dangerous condition. It is crucial that all parties to a lawsuit be determined in order to ensure the greatest possible financial recovery to adequately compensate the victim.
Gather Evidence to Build a Strong Case
Even if you were struck by a big rig, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can sue. Instead, you need to show that the truck driver or another party was at fault for the collision. Generally, you can prove fault if you show how the driver did not operate their truck safely.
Some helpful evidence can include:
- Witness testimony — Someone might have seen the truck driver speeding or driving recklessly.
- Physical evidence — The field of debris or skid marks on the road can help establish how the accident unfolded.
- Surveillance video or dashcam footage, if it exists.
- Information from the truck’s “black box.”
- The truck driver’s statements after the crash— They could have admitted to falling asleep, for example.
As you are recovering from your injuries, an experienced semi truck accident attorney can perform the investigation necessary, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Handle Communication with Insurance Companies and Opposing Counsel
Trucking companies have very deep pockets, but for that reason, they tend to more aggressively defend against these cases. Although you can sue the truck driver who was careless, in many situations, you can also sue the trucking company as the employer.
The truck company will have an investigator on the scene within an hour of the crash. This investigator will immediately begin collecting evidence to use for their case. You should have a semi truck accident lawyer by your side for if/when the investigator tries to talk to you about what happened.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries like amputations, brain damage, or paralysis. Your medical bills are probably considerable, and you might need medical care permanently, especially if you are disabled. Throw in lost wages and a truck accident can send many of our clients into bankruptcy.
If you try to negotiate on your own, you might make a key mistake that costs you time and money. Fortunately, we can negotiate a settlement if you have a valid claim. We will do everything in our power to get you compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Some of our clients have received large settlements, which can help them take care of themselves going forward.
We understand that a trucking accident victim has likely been seriously injured. Our Austin truck accident lawyers strives to provide compassionate service to all of our clients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our truck wreck attorneys.
Learn More About Trucking Accidents on Our Blog
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