Large truck accidents cause thousands of deaths and injuries each year in the United States. Over three-fourths of the victims in truck accidents are occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. “Large trucks” include semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs, and other large commercial trucks.
Texas consistently has the highest number of fatal truck crashes in the United States. Our Austin truck accident lawyers at FVF Law help victims and their families receive the compensation they need after devastating crashes.
We encourage you to contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with one of our Austin truck driver error accident lawyers at (512) 982-9328. You are not under any obligation to hire us after receiving free legal advice about your rights and options after an accident in Austin, Texas.
How Our Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Truck Accident Caused By Driver Error
Most truck accidents occur because of negligence and intentional wrongdoing by truck drivers. Truck drivers can be held liable for damages when they cause an accident. The trucking company and other parties could also share liability.
At FVF Law, we’ll pursue all parties who could be accountable for your injuries. Our goal is to obtain full and fair compensation for your truck accident claim.
When you hire the award-winning legal team at FVF Law, you can expect us to:
- Monitor the accident investigations by state and federal agencies
- Conduct an independent investigation to determine the cause of the truck crash
- Identify all parties who contributed to the truck accident or who could be liable for damages
- Work with industry experts, accident reconstructionists, and other expert witnesses to gather evidence
- Document the severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages
- Calculate how much your claim is worth and work diligently to recover that amount
- File a personal injury lawsuit and argue the case in court, if necessary
You do not need to handle a truck accident claim alone. We are here to help. Contact our law office to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys in Austin, TX.
Common Causes of Truck Driver Error Accidents in Austin, TX
Truck drivers make mistakes and errors that lead to devastating truck crashes. In some cases, their mistakes are nothing more than lapses in judgment. In other cases, truck driver error is intentional wrongdoing.
Common causes of truck accidents due to truck driver error include:
- Failing to check the blind spots
- Driver fatigue and drowsiness
- Intentionally exceeding the hours of service laws for truck drivers
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Failing to maintain trucks, including failing to make truck repairs
- Distracted driving
- Improper turns and lane changes
Trucking companies that hire inexperienced truck drivers increase the risk of truck accidents. Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers are more likely to make errors that seasoned truck drivers might not make.
Damages Recoverable After a Truck Driver Error Accident
Because Texas is an at-fault state for accident claims, you must prove that the truck driver’s error directly and proximately caused the accident to recover damages. For instance, suppose a truck driver was speeding. Speeding in itself does not always result in a truck accident.
However, the truck driver’s speed drastically reduced the stopping distance. Therefore, the truck driver could not stop before striking a car stopped in congested traffic. The truck driver’s error was a direct and proximate cause of the truck accident.
When you prove the elements of a negligence claim, you can recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. These damages include, but are not limited to:
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, including personal care, assistance with household chores, and travel to and from medical appointments
- Reimbursement for loss of wages, benefits, and other income
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Future lost wages and a decrease in earning capacity
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
- Reimbursement for the cost of diagnosing and treating injuries, including ongoing medical bills and expenses
A victim might also receive punitive damages in some truck accident cases. Punitive damages “punish” a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit for grossly negligent conduct—for instance, a truck driver who causes a DUI accident.
The amount you receive for a truck driver error accident claim depends on many factors. The strength of your evidence, the severity of your injuries, contributory fault, and whether you hire an experienced Austin truck accident attorney are a few factors that can impact the outcome of your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Austin Truck Accident Law Firm
Negligent truck drivers and trucking companies should be held liable for the catastrophic injuries they cause. We will stand up for your rights. Call now to request a free consultation with an experienced Austin truck accident lawyer.