If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, an Austin truck accident lawyer at Anderson Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation. Our firm represents clients throughout Austin, Texas. Contact us at (512) 399-5000 today to schedule a free consultation.
Truck accidents involving impaired drivers are especially dangerous. Federal safety rules exist to prevent these crashes, but violations still happen. When they do, injured victims may have the right to hold both the driver and the trucking company accountable.
How Anderson Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Accident in Austin, TX
After a serious truck accident in Austin, TX, having the right legal team can make a difference in how your case is handled. At Anderson Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling commercial truck accident claims across Texas.
Our Austin personal injury lawyers assist clients by:
- Investigating the crash and identifying all liable parties
- Securing key evidence, including driver logs and test results
- Working with experts to build a strong claim
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement or preparing for trial
Our goal is to handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. Contact our Austin truck accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
What Do Federal Regulations Require for Truck Drivers in Austin, TX?
Understanding federal trucking regulations is critical when building a case involving an impaired driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial drivers.
These requirements include:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04 for CDL drivers
- Pre-employment drug testing before operating a commercial vehicle
- Post-accident testing after certain types of crashes
- Random drug testing for a percentage of drivers annually
- Reasonable suspicion testing when impairment is suspected
- Return-to-duty testing after a violation
Drivers are also prohibited from consuming alcohol within four hours of going on duty. Violating these rules can lead to immediate removal from service and may serve as key evidence in a personal injury claim.
What Causes Impaired Truck Driver Accidents?
Impaired truck driving accidents often occur when safety rules are ignored or not properly enforced. Both drivers and trucking companies may be responsible.
Common causes include:
- Alcohol use before or during a shift
- Use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription medications
- Failure to conduct required drug and alcohol testing
- Hiring drivers with a history of violations
- Allowing drivers to continue working after failed or refused tests
These failures can create dangerous conditions on the road and increase the likelihood of serious collisions.
What Steps Should I Take After an Impaired Truck Accident?
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can help protect your health and your potential claim. Evidence in these cases can disappear quickly, so acting promptly is important.
If you are able, consider the following:
- Seek medical attention right away
- Call the police and obtain an accident report
- Take photos or videos of the scene
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurer
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible
An Austin personal injury attorney can send preservation letters to help secure critical evidence before it is lost.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Truck Accident?
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be able to recover compensation for both financial losses and the personal impact of your injuries.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
In some cases, Texas law may allow for additional damages if the conduct involved was particularly reckless. If a trucking company knowingly allowed an impaired driver on the road, that may be relevant to your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is usually two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation.
However, truck accident cases often involve evidence that can be lost quickly, such as:
- Electronic logging device data
- Dashcam footage
- Drug and alcohol testing records
Speaking with an attorney early can help ensure that this evidence is preserved and your claim is properly handled.
Contact Our Austin Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Truck accidents involving impaired drivers can cause life-changing injuries. If you were hurt in a crash with an impaired truck driver, Anderson Injury Lawyers can help you take the next steps and pursue accountability. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Austin truck accident lawyers about your case.