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 and led to 716 fatalities. 18-wheelers are often carrying heavy cargo and can cause devastating accidents on Austin’s highways and city streets. Due to their sheer size and weight, these accidents frequently result in severe injuries and significant property damage.
These types of accidents pose unique challenges for all involved.
Truck accidents can be quite complicated and as such you need an experienced truck accident lawyer near you to fight to make sure you get the compensation you need. At Sandoval & James, we work hard to fight for our clients by going up against insurance companies, trucking companies, and whoever else might need to be held responsible. If you have been in an accident and need more information from a truck accident lawyer, contact Sandoval & James online or call (512) 382-7707 to book a free consultation.
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.
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 essential in securing 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.
Truck Accident Case Settlement Examples in Texas
Commercial truck accident settlements 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, 18-wheeler accident settlement amounts 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
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. Our catastrophic injury lawyers at Sandoval & James successfully resolved the case after litigation was initiated but without trial.
$1,400,000 – Commercial Vehicle Truck Accident Settlement
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
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)
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.
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).
Contact An Austin, 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. Moreover, understanding the common injuries sustained in commercial truck accidents highlights the severity of these incidents and the importance of pursuing appropriate settlements to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 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.
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