Austin Truck Accident FAQ: 18-Wheeler Crash Questions Answered by RRK Law
Injured in a truck accident in Austin, on I-35, or involving a commercial vehicle? Truck accident cases are more complex than car accidents due to federal regulations, corporate liability, and catastrophic injuries. Below are answers to critical questions about 18-wheeler accidents, Senate Bill 30, and your legal rights in Texas.
Why are truck accidents more serious than car accidents?
Truck accidents are far more devastating than car accidents due to the massive size and weight difference. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to a typical passenger vehicle at 3,000-4,000 pounds. This 20-to-1 weight ratio means truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
The force of impact in a truck collision can crush smaller vehicles, and the long stopping distance of trucks (up to 525 feet at highway speeds) makes accidents more severe.
Who can be held liable in a Texas truck accident?
Truck accident liability in Texas can extend to multiple parties:
- The truck driver: For negligence, DUI, Hours of Service violations, distracted driving
- The trucking company: For negligent hiring, inadequate training, pushing drivers to violate safety regulations
- The truck owner: If leased to another operator
- Cargo loading companies: For improper loading causing the accident
- Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or other equipment failures
- Maintenance companies: For failing to properly service the truck
Determining all liable parties is critical because trucking companies often have multiple corporate structures designed to limit liability. An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to identify all responsible parties and pursue maximum compensation.
Was Senate Bill 30 passed in Texas?
No, Senate Bill 30 (SB 30) failed to pass in the 2025 Texas legislative session. The Senate approved the bill in April 2025, but the House amended it in May, and the conference committee could not reconcile differences before the session ended.
SB 30 would have significantly changed truck accident liability by limiting when companies could be held liable for independent contractor drivers' actions. The bill would have:
- Required victims to prove the motor carrier had actual knowledge of, or could have reasonably foreseen, the driver's dangerous conduct
- Imposed strict requirements on expert witnesses
- Limited certain damages claims
- Made it more difficult to hold trucking companies responsible for accidents caused by independent contractors
Although the bill did not become law, similar legislation may be introduced in future sessions. The trucking industry continues to lobby heavily for liability protections. Even without SB 30, trucking companies use existing legal strategies to limit their liability, making it critical to hire an experienced truck accident attorney who understands how to navigate these corporate defense tactics.
How much is a truck accident case worth in Texas?
Truck accident settlements and verdicts in Texas typically range from $500,000 to several million dollars, depending on the severity of injuries and circumstances:
- Catastrophic injuries: $1-5 million+ (spinal cord injuries, TBI, amputations)
- Wrongful death: Often exceed $10 million in gross negligence cases
- Severe but non-catastrophic: $500,000-$1 million
Factors affecting value include: severity and permanence of injuries, amount of medical bills and future care needs, lost income and earning capacity, truck driver's violations (Hours of Service, DUI, etc.), trucking company negligence, degree of pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage.
Commercial trucks typically carry $1-5 million or more in liability insurance, far exceeding typical car insurance limits.
What are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are rules enforced by the FMCSA that govern commercial trucking. Key regulations include:
- Hours of Service rules: Limiting how long drivers can operate without rest
- Driver qualification requirements: Licensing, medical certification, drug testing
- Vehicle maintenance: Regular inspection requirements
- Cargo securement: Proper loading standards
- Drug and alcohol testing: Mandatory protocols
Violations of FMCSRs are strong evidence of negligence in truck accident cases. An experienced attorney will obtain the truck driver's logs, maintenance records, and company policies to prove regulatory violations contributed to your accident.
What is the truck driver Hours of Service rule?
The Hours of Service (HOS) rule limits how long commercial truck drivers can operate without rest to prevent fatigued driving. Current federal HOS rules require:
- 11-hour driving limit: Maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour limit: Cannot drive beyond 14 hours after coming on duty
- 30-minute break: Required after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
- 34-hour restart: Must take 34 consecutive hours off to reset weekly limit
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) now track HOS compliance, making it easier to prove violations in accident cases.
What evidence should be preserved after a truck accident?
Critical evidence in truck accident cases includes:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing hours of service
- Driver's logs and duty status records
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Driver's personnel file (training, previous violations, employment history)
- Trucking company safety policies
- Cargo loading records
- Black box/event data recorder (EDR) from the truck
- Dashcam or onboard camera footage
- Cell phone records showing distracted driving
- Drug and alcohol test results
- GPS and routing data
Trucking companies often destroy or lose critical records. Your attorney should send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve all evidence.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from truck accidents. For wrongful death claims, the family has two years from the date of death.
However, you should contact an attorney immediately—not wait until near the deadline. Critical evidence like electronic logs, black box data, and surveillance footage can be lost or destroyed quickly. The trucking company's attorneys begin building their defense immediately. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better they can preserve evidence and build your case.
What are common causes of truck accidents in Austin?
Common causes of truck accidents in Austin and on I-35 include:
- Driver fatigue from Hours of Service violations
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, eating)
- Speeding and following too closely
- Improper lane changes and blind spot failures
- Inadequate truck driver training
- Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
- Improper cargo loading causing rollovers
- Inadequate maintenance (brake failures, tire blowouts)
- Jackknife accidents from sudden braking
- Wide turn accidents at intersections
I-35 through Austin sees heavy commercial truck traffic, construction zones, and aggressive driving, creating a dangerous combination.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident case?
Yes. Truck accident cases are far more complex than regular car accident cases. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize their liability immediately after an accident.
You need an attorney with specific experience who understands:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
- How to obtain and interpret Electronic Logging Device data
- Trucking industry standards and practices
- How to identify all liable parties in the corporate structure
- How to work with accident reconstruction experts
- Aggressive trucking company defense tactics
The average truck accident settlement is significantly higher when represented by an experienced attorney. Don't negotiate with billion-dollar trucking companies alone.
What types of injuries are common in truck accidents?
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe burns from fires or hazardous cargo
- Amputations or severe limb damage
- Neck and back injuries including herniated discs
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Psychological trauma including PTSD
Many truck accident victims face permanent disability, inability to return to work, and dramatically reduced quality of life.
How much insurance do commercial trucks carry?
Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry minimum insurance based on the type of cargo:
- Most commercial trucks: At least $750,000 in liability coverage
- Hazardous materials trucks: $5 million minimum
- Many trucking companies: Carry $1-10 million or more
In addition to the trucking company's primary policy, there may be excess or umbrella policies, cargo insurance, and other coverage sources. Identifying all available insurance policies is critical to ensuring you receive full compensation for catastrophic injuries.
Injured in a Truck Accident in Austin?
Truck accident cases require immediate action. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies deploy their legal teams instantly. Contact RRK Law at 512-436-2779 for a free consultation. We handle 18-wheeler accidents and catastrophic injury claims throughout Travis County.