Flatbed trucks carry large or heavy items on an open trailer. When cargo is not secured properly, it can shift, fall, or strike another vehicle and cause a serious crash. Flatbed truck accidents in Austin, Texas, can lead to severe injuries and significant financial losses, especially when heavy or oversized cargo comes loose during transit.
If you were injured in a flatbed truck accident in Austin, Texas, Anderson Injury Lawyers can help. Contact (512) 399-5000 for a free consultation with an Austin flatbed truck accident lawyer about your case.
Why Choose Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help After a Flatbed Truck Accident in Austin, TX?
Founding attorney Mark Anderson has more than 30 years of experience representing injured clients, and Anderson Injury Lawyers has recovered over $100 million in compensation. Our team understands the complexities of flatbed truck accident claims, including issues involving improperly loaded or unsecured cargo.
Our Austin truck accident attorneys can investigate the crash, review photographs, medical records, witness statements, and trucking records, and determine whether cargo-loading or safety requirements were violated. We can also identify the parties who may be responsible and pursue compensation for your losses.
Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with an Austin personal injury lawyer.
What Is My Flatbed Truck Accident Case Worth?
There is no set value for a flatbed truck accident claim. The amount may depend on your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, and how the accident affects your daily life.
Factors that may affect your claim include:
- Medical treatment and future medical costs
- Lost wages and reduced ability to work
- Permanent injuries or disabilities
- Evidence showing who caused the crash
For example, someone with a broken bone that heals within a few months may have different damages than someone with a spinal cord injury requiring lifelong care. Our team can review your losses and explain what may affect the value of your claim.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Flatbed Truck Accident Victims?
Damages are losses you may be able to recover after an accident. Economic damages are financial losses with a clear dollar value, while non-economic damages cover the physical and emotional effects of an injury.
Economic damages may include:
- Hospital and doctor bills
- Prescription and therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Future medical expenses
- Reduced future earning ability
Non-economic damages may include pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the effects of a permanent injury.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Flatbed Truck Accident Lawyer?
Our team handles qualifying personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This generally means you do not have to pay attorney fees upfront.
Instead, the attorney’s fee is generally based on the recovery in your case. Our firm can explain the fee agreement and any case costs before you decide to move forward.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Flatbed Truck Accident in Texas?
Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. You may still recover compensation if you are partly responsible, but your damages can be reduced based on your share of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover damages.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% responsible, your damages could be reduced to $80,000. This is why it is important to carefully review the facts before accepting blame for a truck accident.
Common Flatbed Truck Accident Injuries in Austin, Texas
Flatbed truck crashes can cause serious injuries because of the size and weight of commercial trucks. Loose cargo can create additional dangers when it falls from the truck or hits another vehicle.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Crushing injuries
- Permanent disabilities
Some injuries may not be obvious right away. Getting medical care after a crash can protect your health and create records of your injuries.
What Causes Most Flatbed Truck Accidents in Texas?
A flatbed truck crash can happen because of driver error, unsafe cargo, poor maintenance, or road conditions. Finding the cause is important because the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or another party may be responsible.
Common causes include:
- Improperly secured cargo
- Overloaded trucks
- Speeding
- Distracted or fatigued driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Brake or tire problems
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Bad weather
Our team can investigate how the truck was loaded, whether the cargo was secured, and what the driver was doing before the crash. This evidence may help show what caused your accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Flatbed Truck Accident in Texas?
Texas generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. Exceptions can apply, so you should not assume you have unlimited time.
Contacting a lawyer early also gives our team more time to gather evidence and build your claim. Waiting too long could put your right to compensation at risk.
What Should I Do After a Flatbed Truck Accident?
The steps you take after a truck accident can help protect your health and legal rights. If you can safely do so, document the crash and keep records of your injuries and expenses.
After a flatbed truck accident, you should:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Get medical care
- Take photos of the vehicles, road, and injuries
- Get witness contact information
- Keep medical bills and other records
- Avoid admitting fault
- Notify your insurance company
- Speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement
Keep photographs, videos, medical records, and other evidence related to the accident. These records may help show what happened and how the crash affected your life.
Contact Our Austin Flatbed Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A flatbed truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Founding attorney Mark Anderson has more than 30 years of experience, and our firm has recovered over $100 million for clients. Call today to speak with our Austin flatbed truck accident attorneys and schedule a free consultation.