Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys, Austin, Texas
Legal advocacy for victims of semi-truck, tractor-trailer, and other commercial vehicle wrecks
Crashes and collisions involving large trucks can cause devastating injuries. After an accident, victims may face an extended recovery time, long-term complications, and a great deal of medical bills and debt. Loss of income, pain and suffering, and the emotional trauma of a serious crash leaves the survivor of a commercial wreck with undeniable losses.
The complexities of securing compensation for these losses requires experienced legal representation. Trucking companies have the economic power to put a strong army of attorneys on their side, even when they are the negligent party. That’s why the people of Austin rely on the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Slack Davis Sanger. We have the resources and skills to take on even the biggest companies on your behalf. Our in-depth understanding of both Texas and federal trucking regulations make us the best choice for your injury claim.
"Slack Davis Sanger represents the ultimate in professionalism combined with a true caring attitude.” - Colonel Ray Toler, Client
How often do large truck accidents happen?
Commercial truck crashes are unfortunately common here in Texas and across the country. According the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2019 (the most current data available) there were 652 fatal truck crashes in Texas – making our state the deadliest in the nation for commercial trucking accidents.
Throughout the country, the NSC reports a variety of statistics about semi-truck wrecks in 2019. Large trucks were involved in 118,000 accidents causing injuries, and 5,005 trucks were involved in a fatal crash. The majority of deaths in these accidents were occupants of other vehicles, followed by truck occupants, then non-occupants (usually pedestrians or cyclists). More than half of fatal truck crashes happened on rural roads, and about a quarter on highways/interstates. The highest amount of large truck wrecks occurred in September, and the fewest in February.
What are the common causes of Austin truck accidents?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has not studied the causes of large truck accidents since 2003, but launched an updated investigation and study in 2020. This new study will take current issues into account, like smartphones, distracted driving, and new fleet safety technologies. However, many of the same issues that cause car crashes also cause commercial truck accidents.
The difference is the level of damage and injury caused by large trucks – in a collision between an 18-wheeler and a passenger car, the 18-wheeler is always going to win. The attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger investigate the cause of your accident to determine who or what was at fault.
Common causes of commercial truck wrecks include:
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Our attorneys tap into our wide network of expert witnesses and resources to show how your accident occurred, and what factors may have contributed to the crash as well as your serious injuries.
What are the different types of tractor-trailer accidents?
As we mentioned earlier, truck crashes are nearly always catastrophic for the occupant of the passenger vehicle. Further, the type of crash can also make a difference in the severity of the accident and injuries. Common types of semi-truck crashes and collisions include the following:
Jackknifes. Commercial trucks have two parts – the cab and the trailer, connected with a hinge-like joint called a hitch. If a truck driver brakes too quickly or slides on slick roads, they run the risk of the trailer pivoting on the hitch. When this happens, the trailer can swing back toward the cab like a jackknife, causing the driver to lose control of the truck.
Rollovers. Rollover accidents are dangerous for other vehicles and truck drivers as well. Improperly loaded trucks or drivers who take a curve or turn while speeding are at risk for a rollover. Rollover accidents can also occur as a result of a tire blowout.
Tire blowouts. Truck tires blow out when they partially or completely come apart or suddenly deflate during operation. This can happen from worn down tires (sometimes called “tread burn”), defective tires, negligent maintenance, or excessive cargo. A blowout can cause a trucker to lose control of their vehicle.
Underride crashes. Among the most serious types of crashes, these occur when a vehicle slides (or is pushed) under the trailer of a truck. Underride accidents are a type of rear-end collision. However, when they happen with a tractor-trailer, the results can be fatal or catastrophic to the occupants of the passenger vehicle.
Any type of commercial truck accident can leave victims with serious injuries. The attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger will assess the severity of your injuries to ensure you secure fair compensation for your losses and damages.
What are common injuries from semi-truck crashes?
No matter what type of accident or injury you experience, it is crucial you seek medical attention as soon as possible afterward, even if you don’t feel injured in the moment. A physical exam and diagnostic tests will protect your physical health and your legal claim, should you decide to bring one later. Common injuries from commercial truck accidents include:
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These types of injuries can result in a lengthy recovery time, long-term disability, and for some, a lifetime of medical treatment and rehabilitation. The attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger take all of this into consideration when we take your case.
How can you help after an accident with a commercial vehicle?
Not all commercial vehicles are tractor-trailers, or even trucks. Any vehicle used to transport goods – or paying customers – can be considered a commercial vehicle. Delivery vans, stretch limos, and buses are all commercial vehicles, and may be subject to commercial vehicle safety rules.  A  collision with a commercial vehicle can lead to serious injuries.
Slack Davis Sanger represents victims of commercial vehicle accidents, including drivers and passengers. We work to show that another person or entity was responsible for your injuries, and to explain the full extent of those injuries to a jury.
How can your Austin truck accident attorneys help my case?
When you or a loved one are injured in a semi-truck crash, you need a law firm with the experience and resources to handle your case. Commercial truck accidents are not the same as car wrecks – the damage and injuries are much more severe and the law is much more complex. Your claim requires attorneys who understand how to investigate, analyze, and prepare your case for litigation.
Trucking companies have a wide network of resources at their disposal, including teams of attorneys, insurance companies, and investigators to protect themselves after an accident. At Slack Davis Sanger, we put even more effort into protecting your rights and proving fault, working to ensure you secure the financial compensation to which you’re entitled. We also handle the insurance companies on your behalf. Our truck crash lawyers have decades of experience helping the people of Austin, and we can help you, too.
Before you accept any kind of settlement or offer from an insurance company or trucking company, ensure you know exactly what your case is worth.
What is the value of my Austin commercial truck crash claim?
We understand that you are likely anxious to know the potential value of your claim. Serious injuries cause loss of income, medical bills, and other unexpected expenses. However, at Slack Davis Sanger, every client and every case is unique.
We determine the value of your claim based on a variety of factors specific to the circumstances of your accident, including the extent of your injuries and the likelihood of a full recovery. We also take into consideration your lost income as well as your ability to return to work, your current and future medical expenses, and the full scope of your pain and suffering.
Reliable Austin truck accident attorneys
The semi-truck accident attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger work to protect your rights when you are injured in a commercial truck crash. We hold all negligent parties accountable, whether that’s the driver, the trucking company, or a defective parts manufacturer. Talk to our legal team today for immediate help. For more information or to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Austin, Dallas, or Fort Worth, please call 800-455-8686 or fill out our contact form.
Austin Office
6001 Bold Ruler Way
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78746
Main Austin Practice Areas