What you need to know about truck accidents in Austin

Truck accidents are road events where a large truck gets into an accident, affecting other drivers , vehicles, and people. In this blog, we are going to delve a little deeper into some important details when it comes to truck accidents.

Our expert law firm provides support to all victims of truck accidents. If you have suffered such an accident, call us and schedule your 100% free, confidential consultation in Spanish.

Important Facts About Truck Crashes in Texas

According to Forbes Advisor’s auto accident research, Texas had the most fatal large truck accidents in 2020. In that same year, Texas stands out as the most dangerous state for truck accidents. Texas is also one of the riskiest states for all types of accidents, ranking as the seventh riskiest state for motorists. Below we provide information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help place Texas in the national truck accident environment:

• Texas is the state with the highest incidence of accidents, with 568 fatal truck crashes, followed by California.
• The number of other vehicle occupants killed ranged from zero in the District of Columbia to 549 in Texas.
• 14 states had more than 100 occupants of other vehicles killed in large truck crashes.
• Two other states (California and Florida) had more than 60 non-occupant fatalities in large truck crashes.

Why are accidents involving heavy vehicles more dangerous than those involving private cars?

Heavy vehicle accidents are often more dangerous than those involving private cars for several reasons:

• Greater mass and size. Heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are much larger and heavier than private cars. This means they have more kinetic energy in motion and therefore cause more damage when they cause a collision.
• Longer braking distance. Because of their weight and size, heavy vehicles require a much longer braking distance than private cars. This means that it is more difficult for drivers of heavy vehicles to stop in time to avoid an accident.
• Less maneuverability. Heavy vehicles are often less maneuverable than private cars, making it difficult for drivers to avoid accidents in emergency situations.
• Impact on vehicle structure. In the event of a collision, the structure of a heavy vehicle may be stronger than that of a private car, increasing the chances of serious injury to the occupants of the lighter vehicle.
• Cargo being transported. In some cases, heavy vehicles carry hazardous materials or heavy loads that can increase the risk of damage in the event of an accident. Heavy vehicle crashes are often catastrophic for the road, as this often means cargo falling onto the road, increasing the risk of a multiple collision.

The combination of size, weight, braking distance, maneuverability and load carried makes heavy vehicle accidents more dangerous than those involving private cars.

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What to do in case of an accident involving cargo transport?

If you are involved in a truck accident in Austin, whether as the truck driver or the driver of your personal vehicle, here are some steps to take:

• Stop your vehicle safely. If possible, stop your vehicle in a safe place away from the flow of traffic.
• Seek medical attention. Your health is your priority. Therefore, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for yourself and everyone involved in the accident. Even if you think you feel fine, you should still have a doctor check you out. Keep in mind that some injuries are not immediately apparent. Also, it is important to keep a copy of the medical diagnosis you receive.
• Check the condition of the people involved. If your health allows it, check for injuries both inside and outside your vehicle. If necessary, call emergency services.
• Stay calm. It is important to stay calm and avoid arguing with other people involved in the accident. Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident or make statements or sign documents from the insurance company.
• Report the accident. Call the police to report the accident and follow their instructions. If there are injuries or significant damage, they will likely need to document the incident.
• Take photographs. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any damage.
• Exchange information. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy numbers, and vehicle license plate numbers.
• Notify your employer. Inform your employer of the accident and follow your employer’s established procedures.

Is it advisable to seek legal help for truck accidents?

Seeking legal help from our team of Austin truck accident lawyers after being involved in a truck accident in Austin can be wise for several reasons:

• Protecting your rights. A truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and ensure they are protected. They can represent you in negotiations with insurance companies and in any legal action necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
• Complexity of the case. Truck accidents tend to be more complex than car accidents due to the federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry. An attorney experienced in these types of cases can navigate these complexities and help you understand how they may affect your claim.
• Determining Liability. In many truck accident cases, it can be difficult to determine who is liable. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who is at fault, which is critical to obtaining fair compensation.
• Maximizing Compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize compensation payments or even deny liability altogether. A truck accident attorney can fight for your rights and work to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries, property damage, loss of income, and other damages.
• Legal Deadlines. In Texas, there are strict legal deadlines for filing claims for vehicle accidents, including truck accidents. An attorney can make sure you meet all deadlines and requirements to avoid losing your legal rights.

Attorney Dang, the expert lawyer in heavy transport accidents

The compensation that one of our truck accident attorneys would seek to obtain for you may include a variety of benefits, such as:

• Medical expenses. Covering the cost of medical treatments, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future treatments related to injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages– Recover lost wages due to inability to work as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, as well as any future loss of income due to permanent disability.
• Property Damage– Repair or replace the vehicle and other items damaged in the accident, such as electronic devices, personal equipment, etc.
• Pain and suffering– Compensate for the physical and emotional pain caused by injuries sustained in the accident, as well as the associated stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma.

Truck accidents are complex, stressful, and extremely tedious to deal with. You don’t have to go through that process alone, because at Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers we can help you and your family seek justice. If you have suffered a truck accident, call us and schedule your free consultation. Call Attorney DANG to give the insurance companies a BANG!

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.