“I may not look like a lawyer, but it helps me sneak up on them.”
– David Komie

Austin Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi trucks and other commercial vehicles think they rule the road, often with disregard for motorcyclists and others in smaller vehicles. Many commercial truck drivers are sadly overworked, tired or distracted – and cause injury when they collide with others on the road.

Have You Seen ‘The Attorney That Rocks?’

David Komie is an Austin-based truck accident attorney who fights to get money for those who have been injured by reckless truck drivers. You may have seen him on billboards across town. He’s not your typical injury attorney. He sports dreadlocks and plays in a rock band. He’s known as the attorney who rocks. David is cool, approachable and accessible.

But you’re probably wondering whether he’s really a good attorney or just says he’s the one?

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Travis County

There are dozens of common reasons why 18-wheel accidents occur. The lawyers at David Komie Law help injured people get money after truck accidents caused by:

  • A driver’s exhaustion
  • A driver’s failure to pay attention behind the wheel
  • A truck’s brake failures or other mechanical issues due to failure to inspect and repair the vehicle
  • Mechanical issues due to truck manufacturer negligence
  • A driver driving intoxicated
  • A driver who is found speeding in high-traffic areas of town
  • A truck’s cargo problems – loads that are too heavy, unbalanced or improperly secured
  • Inexperienced drivers who were not properly trained or supervised by the trucking company

David really is a good attorney. He and his brother Matt have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for musicians, music producers and others who have suffered brain injuries, broken bones and other serious injuries in truck wrecks.

How Long Do You Have To File A Truck Accident Claim In Austin?

If you have been hurt in a crash with a large truck in Austin, you only have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. This is Texas’s time limit for personal injury cases, and if you miss it, you will likely lose your right to compensation.

This rule does not just apply to 18-wheelers. Many types of big commercial vehicles fall under the same category, including:

  • Delivery trucks like UPS, FedEx and Amazon vans
  • Dump trucks that carry gravel, sand or waste
  • Construction vehicles, such as cement mixers and flatbeds
  • Buses, including school buses and city transit
  • Tanker trucks, especially those hauling chemicals or fuel
  • Garbage trucks that make daily neighborhood rounds
  • Tractor-trailers and other long-haul freight trucks

Accidents involving these vehicles often lead to serious injuries, and the companies behind them move fast to limit their responsibility. Therefore, injured victims need to speak with an attorney as soon as they can.

Types Of Compensation Claims After A Truck Accident

Getting into a crash with a commercial truck can leave you with more than just a totaled car. If you are injured, you may be able to recover money to help get your life back on track.

Here are the types of compensation you might be eligible for:

Economic damages cover direct financial losses like:

  • Medical expenses: Hospital bills, future treatments, therapy, medication, rehab or adaptive tools
  • Lost wages: If you missed work or cannot return to your old job
  • Loss of future income: If your ability to earn has changed
  • Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle and belongings
  • Out-of-pocket costs: Like paying for rides to doctor visits or modifying your home

Noneconomic damages reflect the personal toll of the accident, such as:

  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: If you cannot do hobbies or daily tasks
  • Disfigurement or lasting injuries
  • Loss of companionship: For spouses in serious injury or death cases

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages, also known as exemplary damages, are only allowed when the victim can prove that the driver or company acted with fraud, malice or gross negligence.

Texas limits punitive damages to $200,000 or twice the amount of economic damages, plus up to $750,000 in noneconomic damages, whichever is greater.

Lost A Loved One? David Can Help.

Sadly, truck accidents often result in death. The nature and size of a commercial vehicle are no match for someone on a motorcycle or passenger car. Families who have lost a spouse, child, brother or other relative are left wondering: Now what?

David can help you recover money, both for your losses and losses on behalf of your loved one. David leaves nothing on the table. He has recovered money for others in similar situations. He can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Truck Accidents

Following a car accident, uncertainty may arise about obtaining financial recovery from insurance companies. Rely on an experienced accident injury lawyer to get the best expert answer for your guests to build a strong claim.

What types of injuries can you get after being hit by a truck?

In Austin, being hit by a truck can result in different injuries, varying in severity. Common injuries include whiplash, fractures, spinal injuries and head trauma. Due to the sheer size and force of trucks, pedestrians and occupants of smaller vehicles may experience severe injuries such as internal organ damage or limb injuries. Psychological distress is also common.

What should I do after a truck accident?

After a truck accident, take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:

  • Check for injuries and move to a safe location
  • Seek medical help promptly since some injuries may not be immediately apparent
  • Contact law enforcement to report the incident
  • Collect contact and insurance details from the truck driver and other parties involved
  • Document the scene by taking photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and any relevant road signs or signals
  • Gather contact information from witnesses
  • Refrain from admitting fault or making statements that may be used against you later
  • Inform your insurance company promptly
  • Consult a skilled car accident attorney to help with the above mentioned steps

Seeking legal advice from a skilled truck accident attorney can help you know your rights and explore potential compensation for your truck accident claim.

What is the average settlement for a semi-truck accident in Texas?

The reality is there’s no standard settlement for truck accidents in Texas. The specific details of the incident uniquely influence each 18-wheeler accident settlement. While certain factors may be within your control, others are not. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, and working with an attorney can enhance your possibilities of securing a fair settlement.

How do you know if you have a truck accident case?

There are several factors to examine. First, consider whether the truck driver or another party was at fault. A fault might be easy to establish if the driver was speeding, driving recklessly or violating traffic laws when the crash occurred.

Additionally, if you suffered injuries or property damage as a result of the accident, you might have a case. It’s also important to consider the impact of the accident on your life, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The lawyers at David Komie Law offer free consultations, where they can help you understand the specifics of your situation and the potential for a successful claim.

Which parties may be held liable for a truck accident?

In a truck accident, multiple parties may be held liable. The truck driver is often the first to be considered, especially if they were negligent or violated traffic laws. The trucking company may also be liable, particularly if they failed to maintain the vehicle properly or required the driver to work long hours, leading to fatigue. Other parties that could be held responsible include the truck manufacturer if a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, or a third-party maintenance provider if improper repairs were a factor.

By identifying all liable parties, your attorney can help you seek full accountability and maximize available compensation.

How do you determine liability in a truck accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident involves a thorough investigation of the incident. Some common investigative steps include:

  • Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements and any available video footage
  • Analyzing the truck’s black box data to determine the vehicle’s speed and braking patterns at the time of the accident
  • Consulting experts who can examine the truck’s maintenance records and the driver’s logbook to check for violations of safety regulations

Investigating a truck accident can be time-consuming and complex, but the effort is well worth making. By piecing together this information, it’s possible to identify which parties were responsible for the accident and build a strong case for compensation.

Learn About What You Could Recover – Free Consultations And No Fees Unless You Win

You’ve been through enough hardship. Working with an attorney shouldn’t be an additional source of stress. At David Komie Law, pursuing justice after a truck accident is easy and no-risk. The firm offers free consultations and takes all cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front, and you don’t owe any legal fees until and unless the attorneys help you recover compensation.

You have questions. David and Matt have answers. In Austin and throughout Travis County, call 512-937-1291 or send an email to set up a free meeting.