How Much Will You Get Paid if an 18-Wheeler Hit You in Texas?
Unfortunately, Austin, Texas, sees its fair share of truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. These massive vehicles, while essential for commerce, were involved in over 38,000 crashes on Texas roads in 2022, leading to 716 fatalities. 18-wheelers are often carrying heavy cargo, which can result in devastating accidents on Austin’s highways and city streets. Due to their sheer size and weight, these accidents frequently cause severe injuries and significant property damage.
These types of accidents present unique challenges for all parties involved. Truck accidents can be quite complicated, and as such, you need an experienced, skilled, and dedicated truck accident lawyer near you to fight for the compensation you deserve. At Sandoval & James, we work hard to fight for our clients by going up against insurance companies, trucking companies, and whoever else may be responsible for your losses.
If you have been in a truck accident and need more information or legal assistance, call the proven and compassionate auto accident law firm of Sandoval & James at (512) 382-7707 to schedule a free consultation or email us.
Truck Accident Case Settlement Examples in Texas
Commercial truck accident settlements in Texas can range greatly depending on the unique circumstances of the accident. Our Austin, TX law firm, Sandoval & James, has recovered compensation for many clients who have been involved in commercial vehicle accidents. Although it can be difficult to state an average amount to expect for a truck accident claim settlement, according to the cases on this page, commercial truck accident settlement amounts in Texas range anywhere from $500,000-$4,500,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case, which is why there is no accurate average settlement amount for truck accidents in Texas.
$4,500,000 – Commercial Vehicle Truck Accident Settlement in Texas
Clients sustained head, neck, back, and shoulder injuries in a motor vehicle accident with a commercial vehicle. Defendant failed to maintain an assured clear distance from the vehicle around him resulting in a rear-end collision. Clients underwent multiple surgeries as a result of the collision and suffered serious injuries that impacted their ability to work and perform daily activities. Our catastrophic injury lawyers at Sandoval & James successfully resolved the case after litigation was initiated but without trial through negotiation and representation.
$1,400,000 – Commercial Vehicle Truck Accident Settlement in TX
Our client sustained shoulder, back, and neck injuries in a motor vehicle. The defendant was driving a commercial vehicle and failed to maintain an assured clear distance from our client, which resulted in a rear-end collision and caused our client’s vehicle to be pushed into another vehicle. Client underwent multiple surgeries as a result of the accident. Sandoval & James successfully resolved the case after litigation was initiated but without trial.
$500,000 – Commercial Vehicle Truck Accident Settlement Amount in Texas
Client sustained serious injuries to the back, and neck in a motor vehicle accident. The defendant was driving a commercial vehicle. Multiple surgeries were alleged by the client as a result of the accident. Sandoval & James successfully resolved the case for a substantial amount. Sandoval & James reached a settlement after litigation was initiated but without trial.
$850,000 – Truck Accident / 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas
Our client was injured in a motor vehicle accident where they sustained mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and back injuries requiring lumbar spine surgery (back surgery). On the date of the crash, our client was travelling south on Country Club Drive in Fayette County, Texas. The road he was on had hard curves and obstructed views. The Defendant, who was driving a tractor-trailer in the opposite direction on Country Club Drive, veered into the lane occupied by our client, crashing into their vehicle. Austin trucking accident lawyers Sandoval and James successfully resolved the case after mediation, before trial.
Why Are 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas More Complicated Than Regular Car Accidents?
Every accident involving vehicles has its own complexities. However, truck accidents in Texas tend to be more complicated than accidents for a number of reasons.
- Complex Liability Issues: Determining liability in an 18-wheeler accident can be more intricate than in regular car accidents. Multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and more. Identifying the responsible party or parties can be challenging and may involve various legal theories of liability against the trucking company.
- Federal Regulations: Commercial trucks are subject to federal regulations, such as hours of service requirements and weight restrictions. Violations of these regulations can contribute to accidents, and proving non-compliance can be a significant factor in a settlement.
- Extensive Damage: Due to their size and weight, 18-wheelers can cause extensive damage to vehicles and property. The cost of repairing or replacing damaged vehicles and property can be substantial, making it crucial to pursue appropriate compensation.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Understanding common factors in truck accidents is important for seeking compensation. These may include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers who drive while exhausted pose dangers on the road.
- Speeding: Operating commercial vehicles at high speeds can reduce reaction time.
- Improper Lane Change: Failing to check blind spots when changing lanes can cause side-impact collisions.
- Cargo Securement Failure: Improperly loaded cargo may shift during transport, causing loss of control.
- Overweight Truck: Exceeding weight limits can compromise braking and stability.
- Tire Blowout: Worn or defective tires may be more likely to explode, causing the driver to lose control.
- Brake Failure: Inadequate maintenance of braking systems can lead to collisions.
- Jackknife Accident: If the trailer loses traction and swings out, it can potentially block multiple lanes.
- Rollover Accident: A high center of gravity can cause trucks to tip over under certain conditions.
- Blind Spot Accident: Large areas around trucks, known as ‘No-Zones’, can severely limit a driver’s visibility and can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles.
Common Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents in Texas
Due to the heavy nature of these impressive vehicles, 18-wheeler truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer force involved. Some common injuries that occur during 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact of a truck accident can lead to head injuries, ranging from concussions to severe TBIs, with long-term consequences.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact collisions can cause spinal cord damage, resulting in paralysis or chronic pain.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones and orthopedic injuries are prevalent due to the force of the collision.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can lead to internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
- Psychological Trauma: Truck accidents can have a lasting impact on mental health, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Whiplash: Neck injuries from impact that can cause pain and require treatment.
- Amputation: Severe injuries may result in loss of limbs requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation.
- Burn Injuries: Fires and explosions can cause severe burns requiring long-term care.
Understanding Your Legal Rights and the Claims Process
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may have questions about what to expect:
How Long Will My Case Take?
The timeline for truck accident cases often varies depending on the complexity of liability and the severity of injuries. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and provide a perspective timeframe based on your circumstances.
How Do I Pay for a Lawyer?
Sandoval & James operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront cost and no lawyer fees unless we win your case. This arrangement ensures access to meaningful representation.
What Evidence Do I Need?
Building a case often requires documentation such as reports, medical records, and witness statements. Our resources help us gather and preserve evidence.
What If I’m Partially at Fault?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still receive a settlement as long as you are not more than 50% liable. While your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, our attorneys will fight to maximize your compensation.
What If the Driver Has No Insurance or Is Underinsured?
Commercial trucks are required to carry liability insurance. If the at-fault driver is underinsured, you may be able to recover through other avenues, such as uninsured or underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage under your policy.
How Much Time Do I Have to File?
Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims, which is typically (but not always) two years from the date of injury. However, it is important to promptly contact an attorney, in order to better ensure your rights are protected.
Should I Accept the Insurance Offer?
Initial offers may not reflect the full value of your claim, especially if treatment is still ongoing. Because a settlement is often final and permanent, consider consulting an attorney to evaluate whether an offer is reasonable.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Victims may be entitled to recover economic damages, including medical expenses and lost income, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress. Our attorneys will precisely document all such damages in order to ensure you are fully compensated for all of your injuries.
Why Choose Sandoval & James for Your Truck Accident Case
Our firm at Sandoval & James brings experience and a client-focused approach to every case. Our attorneys have courtroom knowledge and settlement expertise, backed by the best investigative resources.
Wrongful Death Claims in Texas Truck Accidents
When a truck accident results in a fatality, certain surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation. Our compassionate attorneys understand the impact of losing a loved one and will handle your claim with sensitivity while pursuing justice.
Contact A Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Near You
18-wheeler truck accident settlements in Austin, Texas, are complex and require thorough investigation and legal expertise. The unique challenges presented by these cases, including multiple liable parties and federal regulations, necessitate experienced attorneys who can help victims secure the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re preparing for a legal proceeding or comparing attorney options, the right legal representation is important. For more information on truck accident injury settlements in Austin, TX contact the team at Sandoval & James online or call (512) 382-7707 to book a free case consultation with our dedicated team who will provide a case evaluation and explain what information you should bring to maximize the value of your claim.
