When Big Rigs Cause Big Damage in Austin

Looking for an austin truck accidents lawyer after a collision with a commercial truck? Here’s what you need to know:

• Free Consultation: Most Austin truck accident attorneys offer no-cost case evaluations
• No Fee Unless You Win: Typical contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront
• Time Limit: You have only 2 years to file a lawsuit in Texas after a truck crash
• Experience Matters: Look for attorneys with specific truck accident litigation success
• Call Now: Contact Gibbs & Crivelli for immediate assistance

When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with your passenger vehicle on I-35, MoPac, or any Austin roadway, the consequences are often devastating. The sheer size and weight disparity means what might have been a minor car accident becomes a life-altering event with catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and aggressive insurance companies working against you.

In 2019 alone, Travis County saw 725 commercial vehicle accidentsthat’s more than two truck crashes every day. These weren’t just fender benders; they resulted in serious injuries and fatalities that left victims and families struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

What makes truck accident cases so challenging is that they’re fundamentally different from regular car crashes. They involve complex federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and trucking companies with rapid-response teams that begin building their defense within hours of a crash.

“An 18-wheeler accident lawyer should NEVER collect evidence with the intent to quickly settle,” notes one experienced Austin attorney. Instead, they should be prepared to investigate thoroughly and fight for maximum compensationwhether through negotiation or trial.

How Austin Truck Crashes Differ From Regular Car Wrecks

When an 18-wheeler collides with your family sedan on I-35, you’re not just dealing with a bigger version of a fender bender. You’re facing an entirely different beast—one with its own rules, physics, and potential for devastation.

The most obvious difference? Size matters. A fully loaded commercial truck tips the scales at up to 80,000 pounds, while your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. That’s not just a difference—it’s a 20-to-1 mismatch that fundamentally changes what happens when metal meets metal.

“The size, weight, and height differences make fatal outcomes more likely when a large truck strikes a smaller vehicle,” explains Justin McMinn, a seasoned truck accident attorney. “What might leave you with a repair bill between two cars becomes a fight for your life when a commercial truck is involved.”

Physics works against you in other ways too. That massive truck barreling down MoPac needs about 40% more distance to stop than your car—even in perfect conditions. Add some Texas rain or Austin’s infamous traffic congestion, and that stopping distance stretches even further.

The rules are different too. While you follow basic traffic laws, commercial truckers operate under complex Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations covering everything from how long they can drive without a break to how often their vehicles need inspection. These regulations create additional avenues for establishing liability when they’re broken.

Perhaps most challenging is that truck accidents rarely involve just two parties. When you’re hit by another car, you typically deal with just that driver and their insurance. But a truck accident claim might involve:

• The truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel
• The trucking company that pushed impossible schedules
• The separate owner who leases trucks to the company
• The shipping company that improperly loaded cargo
• The maintenance contractor who skipped brake inspections
• The parts manufacturer who produced defective components

This complexity stretches out every phase of your case:

“Black Box” & Tech Evidence

One advantage in truck accident cases is the wealth of electronic evidence that doesn’t exist in typical car crashes. Modern commercial trucks are rolling computers, constantly monitoring and recording crucial data.

The truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM)—commonly called the “black box”—is like having an unbiased witness that never blinks. It captures vital information like:

• Exactly how fast the truck was traveling
• When (or if) the driver hit the brakes
• Whether they were steering erratically
• Engine performance in the moments before impact
• Whether safety systems activated properly

“The black box records speed, braking, steering and other data leading up to the collision,” explains an experienced austin truck accidents lawyer. “Attorneys use it to reconstruct the accident and prove negligence.”

But that’s just the beginning. Federal regulations require commercial trucks to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that track hours of service. These digital logs can reveal if a driver was pushing beyond legal limits—a smoking gun in fatigue-related crashes.

Many modern fleets also employ advanced telematics systems that track GPS location, record communication between drivers and dispatchers, and sometimes even capture video from forward-facing cameras. When properly analyzed by experts, this technological evidence provides an objective record that’s hard for trucking companies to dispute.

The catch? This critical evidence has an expiration date. Trucking companies can legally destroy certain records after specific time periods unless they receive proper legal notice to preserve them. Electronic data can be overwritten, devices “repaired,” and memories conveniently fuzzy unless you have an austin truck accidents lawyer who knows how to secure this evidence quickly.

Why You Need an Austin Truck Accidents Lawyer

After a collision with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck in Austin, you might wonder if specialized legal representation is really necessary. The answer is an emphatic yes, and here’s why:

While you’re still processing the shock of the crash or receiving medical treatment, trucking companies are already building their defense. They deploy rapid-response teams to accident scenes—often within hours—including investigators, safety directors, and insurance adjusters all focused on one goal: minimizing the company’s liability.

“Trucking companies know that once Truck Accident Attorneys are on the case, they have two choices… offer maximum compensation or risk a record-breaking verdict,” explains one Austin legal expert. Without your own advocate, you’re facing an uphill battle from day one.

The insurance companies representing trucking firms aren’t just difficult—they’re strategically aggressive. Victims often find themselves “victimized a second time by insurance companies minimizing their injuries.” These insurers have deep pockets and seasoned legal teams dedicated to paying you as little as possible.

An experienced austin truck accidents lawyer brings crucial advantages to your corner. They have specialized knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations that may have been violated. They take immediate action to preserve critical evidence before it disappears. Their resources allow for thorough investigation, including accident reconstruction experts who can prove what really happened.

Beyond investigation, your attorney brings experience valuing complex claims involving catastrophic injuries, negotiation skills to counter lowball settlement offers, and trial readiness that often encourages fair settlements without going to court.

At Gibbs & Crivelli, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement gives you access to top-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs during an already financially stressful time.

Hiring the Right Advocate

Not all personal injury attorneys have the specific experience and resources needed to handle complex truck accident cases effectively. When choosing an austin truck accidents lawyer, consider these important factors:

Look for Board Certification—less than 8% of Texas attorneys are board-certified in personal injury law, a credential that demonstrates specialized knowledge and experience. At Gibbs & Crivelli, our attorneys have the specialized certification and training needed for complex truck accident litigation.

Examine their Track Record of successful verdicts and settlements specifically in truck accident cases. Some Austin firms have secured multi-million dollar recoveries for truck accident victims, including $2,000,000 for a commercial vehicle crash victim with neck and back injuries and $1,750,000 for a motorcycle rider struck by an 18-wheeler.

Trial Experience matters tremendously. Many personal injury attorneys rarely see the inside of a courtroom. You want a lawyer with proven courtroom success who insurance companies know will take a case to verdict if they don’t offer fair compensation.

Consider their Resources—truck accident cases require significant financial investment for investigation, expert witnesses, and potentially lengthy litigation. Your attorney should have the capacity to fully develop your case without cutting corners.

Read Client Testimonials to see what former clients say about their experience. Look for reviews that mention communication, compassion, and results—the human elements that make a difficult legal journey more bearable.

Finally, trust your gut about the Personal Connection. You’ll be working closely with your attorney during one of the most challenging times in your life. Choose someone who listens to your concerns, answers your questions clearly, and makes you feel valued as more than just another case file.

Can You Win If Partly At Fault?

A common worry among truck accident victims is whether they can still recover compensation if they were partially responsible for the crash. The good news is that in Texas, you can still recover damages even if you share some fault—up to a point.

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% threshold. This means you can still recover damages if you’re found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

Here’s how it works in practice: if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. As one Austin attorney puts it, “If you’re found 25% at fault on a $10,000 award, you receive $7,500 after reduction.”

This is yet another reason why having an experienced austin truck accidents lawyer is crucial. A skilled attorney can help minimize your assigned percentage of fault through thorough investigation and effective presentation of evidence. At Gibbs & Crivelli, we work diligently to ensure fault is properly allocated and your recovery is maximized—because every percentage point matters to your bottom line.

Common Causes & Liable Parties in Travis County Big-Rig Wrecks

When an 18-wheeler crashes in Austin, it’s rarely just bad luck. Understanding what causes these accidents helps reveal who might be responsible for your injuries and mounting bills.

Driver fatigue plays a huge role in these wrecks. It’s not just a minor issue – the American Transportation Research Institute found that 30% of truck drivers consider fatigue a critical safety concern. Even more alarming, about 65% of truckers admit they regularly drive while exhausted. Despite federal rules limiting driving hours, many truckers push beyond safe limits, putting everyone at risk on Austin’s busy highways.

“We see the aftermath of fatigue-related crashes far too often,” says one austin truck accidents lawyer at Gibbs & Crivelli. “These aren’t just statistics – they’re preventable tragedies.”

Speeding and unsafe driving account for nearly a quarter of all truck crashes. Research shows 23% of these accidents happen when truckers drive too fast for conditions. This is especially dangerous in Austin’s notorious construction zones, heavy traffic areas, and tricky highway ramps. When an 80,000-pound vehicle travels too fast, the consequences are devastating.

The dangers don’t stop there. Distracted driving has become increasingly common among truckers. Just a few seconds glancing at a cell phone, programming a GPS, or unwrapping a burger can send a massive commercial vehicle hurtling out of control.

Impaired driving remains a serious threat despite stricter regulations for commercial drivers (who face a 0.04% BAC limit compared to 0.08% for regular drivers). Whether it’s alcohol, illegal substances, or even prescription medications, impairment dramatically increases crash risk.

Many crashes result from poor maintenance – brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions that should have been caught during routine inspections. Federal regulations mandate regular maintenance checks, but these are sometimes skipped to keep trucks on the road and profits flowing.

Improper loading creates dangerous instability. When cargo shifts, is poorly secured, or exceeds weight limits, it can cause a truck to jackknife or roll over – particularly on Austin’s winding highway interchanges.

Even weather hazards play a role. Though Austin doesn’t face the extreme conditions of some regions, sudden downpours or patches of fog require commercial drivers to adjust their driving – something that doesn’t always happen.

Who Pays For Your Losses?

Truck accidents aren’t like fender-benders between two cars. The web of potential liability is complex, which is actually good news for victims seeking fair compensation.

The truck driver often bears primary responsibility when their error, fatigue, impairment, or distraction causes a crash. However, most drivers have limited personal insurance and assets, which is why looking beyond the driver is crucial.

The trucking company typically carries the deepest pockets and broadest responsibility. Under a legal principle called “respondeat superior,” companies are generally liable for what their employees do on the job. Beyond that, companies may be directly negligent themselves by hiring unqualified drivers, providing inadequate training, pushing drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, failing to monitor driver performance, or neglecting proper maintenance.

“Trucking companies often try to distance themselves from liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors,” explains a senior austin truck accidents lawyer at Gibbs & Crivelli. “We know how to cut through these legal maneuvers to hold companies accountable.”

When maintenance providers fail to properly repair or inspect trucks, they share responsibility for the consequences. Similarly, parts manufacturers face liability when defective components like faulty brakes or tires contribute to crashes.

Even cargo loaders can be held responsible if improper loading, securing, or weight distribution caused an accident. And in some cases, brokers and shippers who arranged for transportation may share liability, especially if they negligently selected an unsafe carrier.

At Gibbs & Crivelli, we leave no stone unturned in identifying all potentially liable parties. This comprehensive approach is essential for maximizing your recovery, particularly when catastrophic injuries have changed your life forever.

Austin & Texas Crash Numbers

The statistics tell a sobering story about truck accidents in our area:

Travis County alone experienced 725 trucking and commercial vehicle accidents in 2019 – that’s more than two every single day. These weren’t all minor incidents; they included 17 fatal collisions, 128 possible injury collisions, and 1,772 non-injury crashes.

Across Texas, large trucks were involved in 589 fatal accidents in 2018, with 469 of those involving multiple vehicles. The numbers have only grown worse – in 2022, Texas led the nation in large truck fatal crashes with 782 deaths.

The oil boom in Eagle Ford Shale has dramatically increased commercial truck traffic in our region. Some counties have seen commercial vehicle crashes skyrocket from just 4 in 2008 to 46 in 2011.

These aren’t just cold statistics. Each number represents real people whose lives were shattered in an instant. That’s why Austin has become a focal point for serious truck accident litigation, and why having an experienced austin truck accidents lawyer is essential for victims seeking justice and fair compensation.

For more detailed information about truck accident statistics and research on driver fatigue, you can visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s research page.

Building a Winning Claim: Evidence, Regulations & Deadlines

Putting together a strong truck accident claim is like building a house—you need a solid foundation, the right materials, and careful attention to timing. At Gibbs & Crivelli, we’ve perfected this process to help Austinites get the compensation they deserve.

When we take on your case, we spring into action immediately to gather crucial evidence. The scene of a truck accident is a goldmine of information that won’t stay intact for long. Skid marks fade, debris gets cleared away, and witnesses forget important details. That’s why we work quickly to collect photographs of vehicles, road conditions, and accident debris. We track down witnesses while their memories are fresh and secure any available video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams. Of course, we also obtain the official police accident report, which provides an objective account of what happened.

“The first 72 hours after a truck accident are critical,” explains Hunter Crivelli. “Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have teams working immediately to protect their interests. We need to move just as fast to protect yours.”

Perhaps most importantly, we immediately send “spoliation letters” to the trucking company. These legal notices demand they preserve all evidence related to the crash, including:

• Electronic Control Module (ECM) data—the truck’s “black box”
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records showing driver hours
• Driver qualification files and training records
• Maintenance and inspection documentation
• Results of post-accident drug and alcohol testing
• Communication between the driver and company dispatchers

We don’t stop at collecting evidence—we bring in the experts who can make sense of it all. Accident reconstruction specialists can determine exactly how the crash occurred. Trucking safety consultants identify violations of industry standards. Medical experts connect your injuries directly to the accident, while economic analysts calculate the full financial impact of those injuries on your life.

Federal & Texas Rules That Can Break The Defense

One of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal is the complex web of regulations governing commercial transportation. When trucking companies or drivers break these rules, it often provides clear evidence of negligence.

Hours-of-Service regulations (FMCSA Part 395) are some of the most frequently violated rules. These regulations exist to prevent driver fatigue, limiting drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a 14-hour total on-duty limit. They also require 30-minute breaks and impose weekly limits of 60 or 70 hours in 7 or 8 consecutive days.

“We often find Hours-of-Service violations when we dig into the electronic logs,” says Robert Gibbs. “Drivers feel pressure to meet tight deadlines, and some companies look the other way when drivers push beyond legal limits.”

Drug and alcohol testing requirements provide another avenue for establishing negligence. Commercial drivers must undergo pre-employment testing, random testing throughout their employment, post-accident testing, and testing when reasonable suspicion exists. A missed or failed test can be damning evidence in your case.

Vehicle maintenance standards are equally important. Federal regulations require systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles, with detailed documentation. Brakes must be regularly adjusted and inspected, and drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections. When maintenance corners are cut, catastrophic mechanical failures can result.

Texas also imposes its own state-specific regulations for trucks that operate solely within the state. As your austin truck accidents lawyer, we’ll identify every applicable regulation and any violations that strengthen your claim.

Countdown Clock: Key Filing Deadlines

Missing deadlines can completely derail your case, no matter how strong it is. In Texas, these deadlines are strict and unforgiving:

The clock starts ticking on your insurance notification immediately after the accident. Most policies require “prompt” notification, typically within 30 days, but we recommend reporting the accident to your insurer within days, not weeks. This preserves your coverage and prevents the insurance company from claiming you violated policy terms.

For personal injury lawsuits, Texas gives you two years from the date of the accident to file. This statute of limitations is a hard deadline—miss it by even a day, and you lose your right to sue forever.

If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, the wrongful death statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of death to file your lawsuit. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, this legal action can provide financial security and a measure of justice.

Government claims face even tighter deadlines. If your accident involved a government-owned vehicle or resulted from poorly maintained roads, you might have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.

These strict deadlines are why consulting with an experienced austin truck accidents lawyer as soon as possible after your crash is crucial. At Gibbs & Crivelli, we ensure all deadlines are met while building the strongest possible case for your compensation.

“The legal system doesn’t reward waiting,” explains our founding partner. “The sooner you reach out, the more evidence we can preserve, and the stronger your case will be.”

What Compensation Can Austin Truck Crash Victims Pursue?

When an 18-wheeler turns your life upside down, you deserve fair compensation for everything you’ve lost. At Gibbs & Crivelli, we’ve seen how truck accidents create financial burdens that can last a lifetime—but Texas law provides several paths to recovery.

Medical expenses often top the list of concerns for our clients. From the moment ambulance doors close behind you, the bills start piling up. Your compensation can cover emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. But we don’t stop at current bills. We look ahead to your future needs, including ongoing physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and any home modifications your injuries might require.

“My medical bills after my truck accident were over $300,000,” one client told us. “I had no idea how I’d ever pay them until my austin truck accidents lawyer helped me recover every penny—plus funding for the care I’ll need for years.”

When injuries keep you from working, lost income quickly becomes a major worry. Your settlement should replace not just the paychecks you’ve missed during recovery, but also address reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job. Many of our clients recover compensation for lost benefits, missed opportunities, and the projected future income they would have earned if the crash never happened.

Your property losses matter too. Beyond vehicle repair or replacement, we pursue compensation for personal items damaged in the crash and rental car expenses while you’re without transportation.

Some of the most significant damages aren’t tied to specific bills. Pain and suffering compensation acknowledges the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life you’ve experienced. When a truck accident leaves you unable to hold your children, enjoy your favorite activities, or sleep through the night without pain, that deserves recognition in your settlement.

Truck accidents don’t just hurt individuals—they damage entire families. Loss of consortium damages recognize the strain on relationships with your spouse and family members when injuries change your ability to provide companionship, support, and intimacy.

In cases involving particularly reckless behavior—like a trucking company that knowingly put a dangerous driver on the road or falsified maintenance records—Texas law allows for punitive damages. These additional funds both punish wrongdoers and send a message that such behavior won’t be tolerated on our highways.

Calculating Case Value

Putting a dollar figure on a life-changing injury isn’t simple math. At Gibbs & Crivelli, we take a comprehensive approach that leaves no stone unturned.

For catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, we work with medical specialists to develop detailed life care plans. These documents carefully project all your future medical needs—from surgeries to home care to medical equipment—and their associated costs over your lifetime.

When injuries impact your ability to work, we bring in vocational experts who evaluate exactly how your earning capacity has been diminished. For a construction worker with a permanent back injury or a surgeon with hand damage, the lifetime impact can be enormous.

Our financial experts then calculate the present value of these future losses, accounting for inflation, interest rates, and your life expectancy. This detailed approach ensures we’re seeking full compensation for your entire life ahead, not just your immediate needs.

We also analyze verdicts and settlements in comparable cases to establish appropriate ranges for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. While no two cases are identical, this research helps us set realistic expectations while fighting for maximum compensation.

Maximizing Recovery

Getting what you deserve requires strategy and persistence. Insurance companies count on victims accepting less than they’re entitled to receive.

Our approach starts with building comprehensive demand packages that leave no room for argument. We present insurers with detailed evidence of liability and damages, supported by expert opinions and relevant case law. When they see we’ve done our homework, settlement offers tend to improve quickly.

We always negotiate from a position of strength. By preparing each case as if it’s going to trial, we send a clear message: either offer fair compensation or face us in court. Insurance companies know our reputation for trial success, which often motivates them to avoid the risk of a jury verdict.

“Insurance carriers and trucking companies will push back hard against paying full compensation,” notes our founding partner. “That’s why we prepare every case like it’s going to trial from day one.”

We also tackle the complex world of medical liens. When healthcare providers, insurance companies, or government programs like Medicare have paid for your treatment, they may place liens on your settlement. Our team works diligently to minimize these obligations, ensuring you keep more of your recovery.

Throughout the process, we provide clear guidance on settlement offers versus potential trial outcomes. We’ll explain the risks and benefits of each option in plain language, empowering you to make informed decisions about your case. After all, it’s your future on the line—we’re just here to help you secure it.

At Gibbs & Crivelli, our austin truck accidents lawyers have secured millions for truck crash victims throughout Texas. We know what it takes to win these complex cases, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

Step-by-Step Post-Crash Checklist For Austinites

The moments after a truck accident are chaotic and stressful. As an Austinite who’s just experienced a collision with a commercial truck, what you do next matters—both for your health and your potential legal case. Here’s a practical guide to help you steer those critical first hours and days:

When the unexpected happens on I-35 or any Austin roadway, your first move should always be to call 911 immediately. Not only do you need medical help, but that police report will become a cornerstone of your case later on. Even if you feel “okay,” don’t skip getting checked out by medical professionals. Some of the most serious injuries—particularly head trauma and internal bleeding—might not show symptoms right away.

“I see it all the time,” says attorney Hunter Crivelli. “Clients who thought they were ‘just shaken up’ find serious injuries days later. By then, the connection to the accident becomes harder to prove.”

If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, document everything about the scene. Those photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and even your visible injuries can make all the difference in establishing what really happened. Pro tip: include a common object like a coin in your photos to show scale—insurance adjusters often try to minimize damage evidence.

While still at the scene, exchange information with the truck driver. Beyond the basics like their name and license number, be sure to note the trucking company name and the truck’s DOT number (usually visible on the cab). This information helps identify which company’s insurance will be responsible.

Don’t forget about witnesses—they may see things you didn’t, and their unbiased accounts can be invaluable. A quick moment to collect their contact information could make a huge difference in your case.

As you move forward in the days following the crash, preserve everything that might be relevant. Those torn clothes, damaged personal items, and every medical record all tell the story of what happened to you. While you should notify your own insurance company promptly, stick to just the basic facts. Politely decline to give recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an austin truck accidents lawyer.

One crucial piece of advice: stay off social media. That innocent photo of you at a family gathering could be twisted by defense attorneys to suggest your injuries aren’t serious. As one client learned the hard way, “Even my post saying I was ‘thankful to be alive’ was used to argue I wasn’t badly hurt.”

Perhaps most importantly, contact an experienced austin truck accidents lawyer as soon as possible. The trucking company will have investigators at the scene within hours—you deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Gibbs & Crivelli, we’ve seen how following these steps can dramatically strengthen your position when seeking fair compensation. The trucking company has a team of professionals working to minimize your claim from the moment of impact—you deserve an equally dedicated team on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Austin Truck Accidents Lawyer

How long do I have to file a truck-accident lawsuit in Texas?

The clock starts ticking the moment your accident happens in Texas. You have exactly two years from that date to file your lawsuit—what lawyers call the “statute of limitations.” Miss this deadline, and courts will almost certainly dismiss your case, no matter how strong it might be.

“I’ve seen devastating cases where victims waited too long and lost their right to compensation entirely,” shares one of our attorneys. “It breaks my heart every time.”

The timeline isn’t always straightforward, though. If you were a minor when the crash occurred, the two-year countdown typically doesn’t begin until your 18th birthday. And if your accident involved a government vehicle or entity, you might have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim—a much tighter window.

Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. In these rare cases, something called the “findy rule” might extend your deadline, but it’s risky to count on this exception.

Because building a strong truck accident case takes considerable time—gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting experts—we strongly recommend contacting an austin truck accidents lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.

What if the trucking company blames me for the crash?

Don’t panic when the trucking company points the finger at you—it’s one of the oldest plays in their defense playbook. They’re hoping you’ll get discouraged, accept a lowball offer, or simply walk away.

The good news? Texas law has your back even if you bear some responsibility. Under our state’s “modified comparative negligence” rule, you can still recover damages as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible for what happened.

Here’s how it works in practice: If a jury awards you $100,000 but determines you were 20% at fault, your compensation gets reduced by that percentage—meaning you’d receive $80,000. However, if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything.

“Trucking companies count on victims not understanding these rules,” explains one of our senior attorneys. “They’ll often make wild claims about your driving to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.”

At Gibbs & Crivelli, we counter these tactics with thorough investigation. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, analyze black box data, interview witnesses, and review dashcam footage to establish what really happened. Our goal is to minimize any finding of fault on your part and maximize your compensation.

Do I owe legal fees if we don’t win?

Absolutely not. We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation after a truck accident, regardless of their financial situation.

That’s why we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis—a simple arrangement that works like this: If we don’t win money for you, you don’t owe us a penny. No upfront costs. No hourly rates. No hidden fees.

When you’re already dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of recovery, the last thing you need is legal bills piling up. Our contingency arrangement removes that burden entirely.

Here’s what it means in practice:

• We cover all costs of investigating your case
• We pay for expert witnesses and accident reconstruction
• We handle all filing fees and litigation expenses
• We only get paid if we secure compensation for you

Our fee is a percentage of your recovery that we agree upon before we start working together—no surprises. This approach aligns our interests perfectly with yours: we only succeed when you do, and we’re motivated to get you the maximum possible compensation.

As one client put it: “Knowing I wouldn’t owe a dime unless they won my case gave me the confidence to stand up to the trucking company that changed my life forever.”

Conclusion

When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with your vehicle on Austin’s busy roadways, life can change in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial aftermath can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re facing aggressive insurance companies determined to minimize your compensation.

That’s where having the right legal team makes all the difference.

At Gibbs & Crivelli, we’ve guided countless Austin families through the complicated aftermath of serious truck accidents. Our austin truck accidents lawyers bring both compassion and fierce determination to every case we handle. We understand that behind every file is a real person trying to rebuild their life after trauma.

The clock starts ticking immediately after your crash. Evidence at the scene disappears, electronic data can be overwritten, and witnesses’ memories fade with each passing day. Meanwhile, trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to build their defense while you’re still processing what happened.

This is why reaching out quickly is so crucial. When you contact us for a free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, explain your options in plain English, and outline a strategy custom to your specific situation—all at no cost or obligation to you.

Our commitment to you is reflected in our contingency fee structure. Simply put: if we don’t win your case, you pay nothing. No hidden fees, no surprising bills. We only succeed when you do.

The road to recovery after a truck accident is rarely straight or simple. Insurance adjusters may try to rush you into accepting inadequate settlements. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work. The legal system itself can feel confusing and intimidating.

You don’t have to steer this journey alone. Our team at Gibbs & Crivelli stands ready to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most—your health and your family.

Don’t let powerful trucking companies and their insurers dictate the terms of your future. Take back control by partnering with attorneys who have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for every dollar you deserve.

Contact Gibbs & Crivelli today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s take the first step toward justice and recovery together.

For more information about our truck accident representation services in Austin, visit our website or call us directly to speak with an experienced attorney who understands what you’re going through and knows how to help.