The most recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data on large truck and bus crashes indicates that there were 621 trucks involved in fatal crashes in Texas in 2017. Of these truck accidents, 556 resulted in fatalities. Statewide, there were also 453 fatal truck crashes in 2017.
These numbers demonstrate that a big semi-truck accident doesn’t happen once in a while. In fact, there are multiple 18-wheeler accidents every day in Texas.
Austin and Hidalgo County have dangerous locations where truck accidents are known to occur. In Austin, I-2 and N. Bicentennial Blvd near La Plaza shopping center and the airport (south of 10th Street and Business 83 (I-2)) are some of the most challenging spots for truck traffic. In addition, the stretch of I-2 through Austin from Taylor Road to Sugar Road, and US Highway 83 on the main east-west thoroughfare, are historically problematic for vehicle congestion.
State Highway 107 east through Austin into downtown Edinburg is a busy roadway known for multiple accidents. In addition, incidents occur frequently at the I-2 and I-69C interchanges, and on Business Route at US 281 (N. Cage Blvd) and I-69C / US 281.
Austin drivers may think that these accidents involve large commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks and tractors. But they can also involve delivery trucks, dump trucks, oil and gas trucks, refrigerated trucks, box trucks and semi-trailer trucks. Every week, many drivers are injured in these types of incidents in Austin.
These are the most common types of truck accidents on Austin streets and highways:
Fault in an Austin commercial truck accident will require our attorneys' examination of the accident report by the police or highway patrol, witness statements and the insurance company's statements. Remember that the insurance company's decision isn’t final or binding. Our experienced Austin semi-truck accident lawyer will make sure that your interests are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
One type of compensation that an injured person may recover in a truck accident case is called economic damages. This includes "out-of-pocket expenses" incurred by the victim as a result of the semi-truck accident.
Non-economic damages may also be awarded to compensate an accident victim for their injuries. In addition, exemplary (or "punitive") damages may be awarded if the injuries were caused by the malice, omission or gross negligence by the truck driver or other parties. That said, punitive damages aren’t commonly awarded.
Our Austin truck accident lawyers understand that every large truck accident in our city is unique. There are several factors that will impact the settlement process and amount. As a result, there’s no exact formula for your Austin accident lawyer to negotiate a settlement for you.
Attorney Mario Davila also knows that the party's motivation to settle and the offered amount in an 18-wheeler accident case will depend on many factors: the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, loss of past earnings and future wages, limits of insurance coverage, and availability of case evidence.
According to our expert truck accident lawyers, another important factor in reaching a settlement is whether the victim is also responsible for the accident. Texas negligence law applies the doctrine of "modified comparative negligence," which states that an accident victim's damages are barred or diminished based on their percentage of fault.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, contact Mario Davila and speak with one of our experienced semi-truck accident attorneys. Our Austin truck accident lawyers at Mario Davila will help recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Our truck accident lawyers also serve residents in surrounding areas, including Pharr, San Juan, Mission, Alamo, Hidalgo, Edinburg, Donna, Weslaco, Mercedes, Harlingen, Raymondville, San Benito, Harlingen and Brownsville.