Truck Accidents

Car and truck accidents in Austin can leave lasting scars—not just physical, but emotional and psychological. Many survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after the crash scene is cleared. Studies show that up to 39% of motor vehicle accident survivors develop PTSD, according to research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). For those involved in severe crashes, the risk is even higher, with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety disrupting daily life. The good news? Texas law recognizes PTSD as a compensable injury in personal injury claims. If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you…

Austin’s booming e-commerce scene has transformed our streets, with delivery vans from companies like Amazon and UPS becoming a constant presence. As online shopping surges, so does the number of commercial vehicles zipping through neighborhoods and highways. The Texas Tribune reports that more than 39,000 commercial motor vehicle crashes occurred statewide in 2024, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, including 546 fatal crashes. This represents a sharp increase tied to economic and population growth, bringing more delivery trucks onto Texas roads. In Austin specifically, the growth of online shopping has led to delivery vehicles operating on tight schedules, heightening the…

Construction zones are among the most hazardous areas on Texas roads, and Austin’s rapid growth has led to extensive highway projects that heighten these risks. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2024 nearly 28,000 traffic crashes occurred in work zones across Texas, resulting in 215 deaths and hundreds of serious injuries statewide. TxDOT also noted this represented an increase in fatalities from the prior year, underscoring how dangerous work zones remain for drivers, passengers, and workers alike. In Austin, major highway projects—most prominently the I-35 Capital Express program—have stretched for years and introduced complex and shifting traffic…

If you drive I-35 through Austin regularly, you already know how dangerous it can be. It’s one of the busiest interstate corridors in the country and consistently ranks among the deadliest roadways in Texas, according to TxDOT. Between heavy commuter traffic, weekend tourism, and the constant flow of commercial trucks hauling freight through Central Texas, I-35 creates a perfect storm of congestion, speed variation, and limited escape routes. When an 18-wheeler loses control in this environment, crashes tend to be catastrophic. Victims are often left struggling with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. But the real challenge comes…

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, one of your first concerns might be how long that incident will stay on your record—and how it could affect your insurance rates, driving privileges, and legal standing. The answer depends on which “record” we’re talking about. In Texas, an accident can show up on multiple records, including your driving record, insurance history, and police or court records. Each has its own timeline. Here’s what you need to know. Texas Driving Record: 3 to 5 Years In Texas, most car accidents will stay on your driving record for three years…

Being involved in a truck (or 18-wheeler) accident is stressful enough without having to guess how long you’ll wait for a settlement. Every case is different, but in Austin, Texas, there are some common milestones and influencing factors that tend to shape the timeline. Below is a breakdown of how long things often take, what can speed things up or slow them down, and what you should expect. 1. Key Phases of a Settlement Timeline Immediate Response & Medical Treatment: Right after the crash, the first few days to weeks are about seeking medical care, documenting injuries, and preserving evidence…

The Eagle Ford Shale region in South Texas has become a major hub for oil and gas production—and with that growth comes a surge in heavy truck traffic. Unfortunately, this boom has also led to an alarming increase in serious truck accidents. Whether you’re a resident, a worker commuting to the oilfields, or a traveler passing through, understanding the unique risks and legal issues in this area can help you stay safe and protect your rights. The Scale of the Problem Recent TxDOT figures show that among major oil and gas producing regions, the Eagle Ford Shale saw more than…

I’ll be honest: if you’re dealing with a truck accident in Austin, the insurance company’s priority isn’t your recovery—it’s protecting their bottom line. They run well-worn playbooks to minimize payouts, and if you don’t know how to counter, they’ll steamroll you. Step 1: Quick Reports, Quicker Investigations As soon as a claim is filed, adjusters jump into action—reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and pulling data from the truck’s event recorder. While you’re focusing on recovery, they’re already laying groundwork to limit what they’ll pay. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) oversees how insurers must handle claims and enforces rules meant…

Truck accidents in Austin can lead to life-altering consequences, from severe injuries to mounting financial burdens. In Texas, truck accident victims may pursue damages through personal injury claims, often against negligent drivers, trucking companies, or other liable parties. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, commercial vehicle crashes resulted in 614 fatalities in 2023, highlighting the severity of these incidents. Compensation aims to cover both tangible losses and intangible harms, ensuring victims can rebuild their lives. If you have been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, understanding the types of compensation available is crucial for your recovery. At Joe…

If you’re reading this, you or someone you care about was likely in a collision with a commercial truck. I’m Joe Lopez, and I’ll be blunt: the injuries from an 80,000-pound vehicle don’t look anything like a typical fender-bender. They’re severe, often permanent, and they rarely resolve “on their own.” Here’s what I see most often—and why you shouldn’t downplay any of it. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Head trauma is common in truck crashes. The force can cause concussions, skull fractures, and more serious traumatic brain injuries that alter cognition, memory, balance, mood, and sleep. Symptoms are easy…