Dedicated 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Representing Austin And Central Texas
Last updated on April 1, 2026
An 18-wheeler accident changes your life in a fraction of a second. Now you face mounting medical bills and a long road to physical recovery. It is time to turn to me, attorney Matthew Shrum.
Since 2006, I have assisted injured clients in Austin and throughout Travis County. At The Law Office of Matthew Shrum, PLLC, I provide the steadfast legal support you need during this traumatic time.
By selecting my firm, you have the guarantee of always working directly with a seasoned accident lawyer. To me, you are not a case number. You are a survivor who deserves the personal attention of your attorney.
What To Know About Semi-Truck Accidents In Central Texas
18-wheeler are much more complicated than typical car accidents. They require extra-close attention to detail from someone who has handled semi-truck accident claims in Texas. Some of the factors that make these cases different are:
- A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, creating immense force during a commercial truck collision.
- Semi trucks take longer distances to stop. If a truck driver follows too closely or speeds, they cannot react in time to avoid a crash.
- The mechanics of semi trucks involve complex air brake systems and large blind spots that contribute to the severity of 18-wheeler accidents.
- Federal regulations govern the trucking industry. Trucking companies must follow strict rules on maintenance and driver hours.
- Multiple parties may share liability for a single crash. This could include the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer or the cargo loaders.
- Damages in these cases are often high because the injuries are so severe. Insurance companies fight these claims fiercely.
I have extensive experience advocating for victims of Austin highway truck accidents. As an Austin resident, I know the dangers of the local roads. Whether your accident happened in Travis County or a nearby area, I am ready to advise you on your options.
The Many Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents In Texas
Commercial truck accidents are often preventable and stem from negligence. Many different factors can lead to a devastating collision with a commercial truck, including:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding and rushed driving
- Inadequate driver training
- Distracted driving
- Improper maintenance
- Improper loading
Such crashes often involve violations of safety protocols. I examine the details of your crash to identify exactly what went wrong. My goal is to hold every negligent party accountable for your injuries by building a strong argument for compensation.
The Potential For Catastrophic Injuries In Commercial Truck Crashes
The sheer force of a collision with an 18-wheeler may cause life-altering physical damage. Victims often have permanent disabilities that prevent them from working or enjoying daily life. Just a few examples of catastrophic truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Amputation
- Partial or total paralysis
- Wrongful death
As a truck accident lawyer, I have seen the long-term impact that catastrophic injuries can have on my clients’ personal lives and their family members’ lives. That is why I fight for the resources you need to adjust to your new reality.
What Is Third-Party And Multiple-Party Liability?
In a basic motor vehicle accident, there are usually only two parties that may have liability: the drivers. In truck accident cases, the truck driver is not always the only party at fault. Three or more parties often contribute to the accident. This is known as third-party liability or multiple-party liability. For instance, a trucking company might be liable for hiring a driver with a poor safety record. A maintenance shop might be liable for failing to fix a known brake issue. I sort through these layers of responsibility to identify every available insurance policy and maximize your recovery.
Comparative Negligence: How It Affects Your Case
Texas follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. Under modified comparative negligence, you can still recover compensation even if you have partial fault for an accident. However, your responsibility must not exceed 50%. If you are 10% at fault, your compensation decreases by 10%. If you are 51% at fault, you cannot recover any money.
Insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto the victim to save money. An 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Austin can protect you from these tactics. I strive to make the court see the full picture of the negligence involved.
Federal And State Laws Affecting Your Truck Accident Claim
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations cover everything from how many hours a driver can stay behind the wheel to how often a truck needs an inspection. FMCSA regulations violations are often the key to winning a case. If the company failed to keep proper maintenance logs, it may show a pattern of neglect.
Texas state laws also play a major role in your case. Texas Admin. Code Title 37 sets the rules for intrastate hours of service and rest for truck drivers. Transportation Code § 725 lays out the safety standards for storing cargo.
Drawing from decades of accumulated knowledge, I use these statutes to hold the trucking company liable for its actions. I understand how state and federal rules interact, allowing me to build a comprehensive case against the defense.
How Long Does It Take To Settle An 18-Wheeler Accident?
The timeline for a truck accident attorney to settle a semi-truck claim depends on many factors. Because the damages tend to be very expensive, trucking companies and their insurers do not give up easily. They may spend months investigating the crash. The length of your medical treatment also affects the timeline.
Generally, you wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before settling. This helps to estimate the full cost of your care. Although I work to resolve things as fast as possible, I do not rush the process. Rushing can lead to a lower settlement that does not cover your future needs.
What Kind Of Accident Attorney Do You Need To Sue A Trucking Company?
Suing a trucking company is not the same as suing an individual driver. You need a tractor-trailer accident attorney in Austin with experience handling commercial truck accidents. Your attorney should know how to handle large volumes of evidence in highly complicated accidents. They should also have experience in personal injury litigation.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
The value of a settlement depends on the specific facts of your case. However, 18-wheeler accidents are often very expensive. The medical bills alone can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lost wages and the loss of future earning capacity also add to the value.
To recover enough financially to pay for all of your damages, you should have a personal injury lawyer who can calculate the true value of your claim by looking at all your losses. This includes your noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering in addition to economic damages such as medical bills.
Why 18-Wheeler Cases Require Immediate Action
You must act quickly after a truck crash. Evidence can disappear within days or even hours. Commercial trucks carry black box devices that record speeding and braking data. The black box data evidence is vital for your case. However, trucking companies can sometimes overwrite this data if we do not intervene.
We also need to secure the driver’s logbooks and the truck’s maintenance records. Corporate defense teams often arrive at the scene of a crash immediately. They start building their defense while you are still in the hospital. I stop them from controlling the narrative.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Claims?
There is also a legal deadline for filing your case. The statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death case in Texas tends to be two years from the date of the crash. If you miss this window, you lose your right to sue.
Taking immediate action protects your legal rights and your future. Starting early allows me to conduct a thorough investigation. I can interview witnesses while their memories are fresh. I can also consult with accident reconstruction professionals.
Act Quickly; Get A Free Consultation With A Texas Truck Accident Attorney
At The Law Office of Matthew Shrum, PLLC, I provide the compassionate and dedicated representation you deserve. You can heal as I fight for the maximum compensation available for your injuries. For an Austin 18-wheeler accident attorney who will give you undivided attention, call 512-994-0313 or send me an email today. I offer free, no-risk consultations.
I work on a contingency fee basis; you pay no fees upfront and no legal fee at all if I don’t get you compensation for your injuries.