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Austin Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Contact the Carlson Law Firm for Help

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Call 512-346-5688
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11606 N. Interstate 35
Austin, TX
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135 W Slaughter Ln Austin, TX

Standing Up for Austin Drivers Hurt by Commercial Vehicle Operators

Get the Money You Deserve After a Semi Collision

Every day, thousands of commercial vehicles move through Austin’s busy roadways, from delivery vans along South Congress to 18-wheelers on I-35. When one of these massive vehicles collides with a smaller car, the results can be catastrophic.

Victims often face life-altering injuries, financial stress and uncertainty about their future. The Austin truck accident lawyers at The Carlson Law Firm are here to help victims of these crashes seek accountability and the compensation they need to rebuild.

That’s why it’s crucial for victims to have a strong legal team protecting their rights from day one. Get in touch with The Carlson Law Firm now by calling (512) 346-5688, or fill out the form on our website, and let us help.

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Our firm has represented Texans for more than 45 years, and we’ve seen the devastation that truck crashes cause. We know that commercial carriers and their insurers move fast after a collision to limit their liability.

Why Truck Accidents Are Different in Austin

Unlike ordinary car accidents, crashes involving commercial vehicles are governed by both Texas traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. These include driving limitations, vehicle maintenance rules and cargo-securement standards.

When any of these rules are violated, serious accidents can happen. Austin’s rapid growth and heavy construction have also contributed to an increase in commercial vehicle traffic.

These accidents can result in serious or life-changing personal injuries, including these common ones:

  • Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
  • Severe burns or lacerations
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Organ damage and internal injuries
 

From Mopac to US-183, delivery trucks, tankers and semis share space with commuters and cyclists and the combination can be dangerous.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

While every crash has unique circumstances, some patterns appear repeatedly in the cases we handle:

  • Driver fatigue: Long hours and pressure to meet deadlines can lead to drowsy or inattentive truck drivers.
  • Improper loading: Cargo that isn’t properly secured or balanced can cause rollovers and jackknifes.
  • Distracted driving: Cell phone use, navigation systems and other distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road for crucial seconds.
  • Mechanical failures: Neglected brakes, worn tires and transmission issues contribute to severe wrecks.
  • Unsafe driving behavior: Speeding, tailgating or aggressive lane changes often result in preventable collisions.
 

Our legal team works with investigators and accident reconstruction specialists to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible. If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, call The Carlson Law Firm at (512) 346-5688.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Austin

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The moments after a serious crash can be overwhelming. If you’re physically able, try to take the following steps to protect yourself and your potential case:

  1. Call 911 immediately. Report the accident and request medical attention for anyone with personal injuries. Even if you feel okay, some injuries take hours or days to appear.
  2. Document the scene. Take photos or videos of vehicles, roadways and any visible injuries.
  3. Gather information. Exchange contact and insurance details with all drivers and get witness names if possible.
  4. Contact a qualified truck accident attorney. The sooner an attorney begins preserving evidence, the stronger your case will be.

Do not provide recorded statements to the trucking company or its insurer before speaking with your lawyer. Call The Carlson Law Firm at (512) 346-5688 for experienced legal assistance.

Passenger Vehicle Wrecks

Passenger vehicle wrecks can result in significant injuries and property damage, often requiring a skilled attorney to navigate insurance claims.

18-wheeler crashes

An 18-wheeler crash can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries, necessitating experienced legal representation from a law office to address the complexities of such accidents.

Pedestrian Crash

Pedestrians have no protection against large vehicles or motorcycles. Unfortunately, nearly 6,000 pedestrian deaths occur annually in the U.S. Our compassionate legal team can help.

Multiple Vehicle Collision

Multiple vehicle collisions, or pile-ups, involve numerous parties and can be legally complex, often requiring a skilled attorney to sort out liability and damages for all involved.

Single Vehicle wrecks

Many people don't realize that single vehicle wrecks may often be the result of a defective vehicle. If you had a single vehicle wreck and are unsure how the wreck occured, a lawyer can help.

Car Fires

If a car catches on fire after a collision, you are entitled to more than insurance limits. The Carlson Law Firm is one of the only firms in South-Central Texas with the skills and resources to take on these major claims.

Rideshare Crash

Rideshare crashes involve unique legal challenges, as liability can be divided between drivers and rideshare companies, requiring the specialized knowledge of an Austin Car Accident Lawyer to navigate these cases.

Drunk Driving Wrecks

Drunk driving accidents are responsible for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths. They are preventable tragedies that need strong legal action from a auto accident attorney against the responsible parties.

Bad Weather Wrecks

Drivers should exercise caution in bad weather. Unfortunately, approximately 21% of all vehicle crashes are related to poor weather conditions. Our attorneys are ready to review the facts of the case to get you every penny you deserve.

Delivery Truck Crashes

A motor vehicle crash with delivery trucks, such as UPS, FedEx, USPS and Amazon can have devastating and lasting effects on your life. An Austin Car Accident Attorney can help.

Commercial Vehicle Crash

All 18-wheelers are commercials vehicles, but not all commercial vehicles are 18-wheelers. Sometimes a company vehicle can be hard to spot. It's important to meet with an attorney to find all liable parties.

Motorcycle Wrecks

The Carlson Law Firm has recovered millions for those injured in motorcycle wrecks. Bikers who've been the victim of a passenger or commercial vehicle crash should meet with an attorney immediately following a crash to preserve evidence.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Austin?

Truck accident claims are often complex because more than one party can be at fault. Potentially responsible parties might include:

  • The truck driver, if they were negligent, impaired, or fatigued.
  • The trucking company, for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or maintenance failures.
  • Cargo loaders or shippers, if improper loading caused instability.
  • The vehicle manufacturer, if a defective part contributed to the crash.
  • A third-party maintenance contractor, if they performed substandard repairs.
 

Our Austin attorneys will identify all liable parties to make sure every possible source of recovery is pursued.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of truck accidents in Texas may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost income and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
 

In cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving or falsifying logbooks, punitive damages may also apply. The Carlson Law Firm can help if you or a loved one has been in a commercial vehicle accident.

Understanding the Legal Process

Once you hire The Carlson Law Firm, we begin a thorough investigation immediately. We’ll obtain police reports, black box data, driver qualification files and maintenance logs. We also preserve crucial evidence such as dashcam or traffic-camera footage before it disappears.

Next, we negotiate directly with the trucking company’s insurer. These companies often have teams of adjusters and lawyers who try to minimize payouts. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and advocate for a fair settlement.

If the insurer refuses to act in good faith, our experienced trial lawyers are fully prepared to take your case before a Travis County jury.

Video: How does a Truck Accident Attorney Help?

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?

Texas law generally gives injured people two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, important evidence, like electronic control module data, can be lost or overwritten within weeks.

That’s why it’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The Carlson Law Firm is here to help when you call (512) 346-5688 now or fill out the form on our website.

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Truck Accident Trends in Austin

According to TxDOT data, Travis County consistently reports one of the highest numbers of commercial vehicle crashes in the state. Factors include:

  • Ongoing highway construction and lane closures on I-35
  • Increasing freight deliveries to new developments
  • Growing commuter traffic between Austin, Round Rock and Buda
 

These conditions make it especially important for commercial drivers to follow safety regulations — and for victims to have advocates who understand the local landscape.

The Carlson Law Firm Difference

At The Carlson Law Firm, we combine deep experience with compassionate service. Clients often tell us that what sets us apart is not just our results, but the way we treat people — with honesty, transparency and respect.

When you work with our Austin truck accident team, you get:

  • Direct communication with your attorney and case manager
  • Access to top medical staff and accident reconstructionist
  • No upfront fees. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you
 

We are proud to serve the Austin community from our local office on Research Boulevard and to stand by Texans when they need trusted legal guidance most. Reach out to our team today at (512) 346-5688 and let us know how we can help you.

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FAQs: Commercial Vehicle Accident

Our injury lawyers do not collect fees until we successfully resolve your case.

Retaining legal counsel with The Carlson Law Firm means there is no risk to you. Our injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning you will not pay any upfront costs or legal fees. If we successfully recover money for you, we will take our fees out of your settlement or judgment. You can also speak with your attorney about help with medical bills.

Our Austin law office is available 24/7 to assist you when you need it most.

Possibly. Liability may extend to the trucking company or other parties, even if the driver is not an employee. An attorney can evaluate your situation.

Avoid giving recorded statements or admitting fault. Insurance companies may use your statements to limit compensation. Your attorney can communicate with them on your behalf.

The value of your case depends on the extent of your injuries, the degree of fault and the available insurance coverage. While some cases settle for tens of thousands, others involving catastrophic injuries or fatalities can reach much higher amounts. Our attorneys will evaluate all damages to pursue the compensation you deserve — though no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome.

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Yes. If a person is killed due to a negligent or wrongful act on a Texas roadway, immediate family members of the deceased are eligible to file a wrongful death claim to receive compensation.

Commercial vehicle cases involve additional layers of regulation and evidence, such as federal motor carrier safety logs, driver qualification files and corporate insurance policies. They also tend to involve larger policy limits and more aggressive defense tactics from insurers.

For interstate carriers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) govern hours-of-service limits, training, maintenance, drug/alcohol testing, and safe operation. Violations of these rules can strengthen liability.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims involving commercial vehicles is generally two years from the date of the accident, but certain circumstances can affect this timeline.

Speak with an Austin Truck Crash lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm today

Compassionate Car Accident Lawyers
Integrity

Our compassionate legal team will handle your case with sound judgment, honesty and dependability.

Community

We have strong ties to our community, which drives us to work tirelessly to get our clients the favorable outcomes they deserve.

Results

Our attorneys consistently achieve some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the country.

Contact an Austin Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle in Austin, don’t wait to get help. Evidence disappears quickly and trucking companies waste no time building their defense.

The Carlson Law Firm has the experience, resources and local insight to stand up for you. Let our Austin commercial vehicle accident lawyers handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.

Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. We’re here for you 24/7, because we care and we can help.

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There's a CARLSON LAW FIRM Near You

With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, Baytown, San Angelo and Corpus Christi.

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