1. FVF Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, delivery truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries from trucking collisions, work injuries, premises liability, brain injuries
Case Types Handled: Rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, cargo truck accidents, dump truck accidents, garbage truck accidents, commercial work truck accidents, Amazon van and truck accidents, FedEx and UPS truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, driver error accidents, truck equipment failure accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Founded in 2014 with over 100 years of combined legal experience among the team. Aaron Von Flatern (founding partner) holds Texas Bar Number 24076892, licensed since November 2011. J.D. from Baylor University School of Law (2009), B.A. in Economics from University of Texas at Austin (1999). Former insurance adjuster with insider knowledge of insurance claim evaluation. Admitted to practice in Texas state courts and U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Texas Super Lawyers honoree since 2022, Rising Star 2018-2021. Published case results include $5 million (commercial trucking/leg injury, 2022), $2 million (fatal trucking accident, 2024), $1.3 million (oilfield truck crash, 2016), $1.03 million (Amazon truck crash, 2022).
Location: 3101 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 301, Austin, TX 78746
Contact: (512) 982-9328 | https://www.fvflawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, 24/7 availability, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery is obtained)
2. Loewy Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, construction accidents
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, overloaded truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Adam Loewy founded the firm in 2005. J.D. from University of Texas School of Law (2003, graduated with Honors), B.A. from University of Wisconsin-Madison (Phi Beta Kappa). Licensed in Texas since 2003. Admitted to U.S. District Court for Western District of Texas. Texas Super Lawyers honoree for 9 consecutive years (2017-2025). Received David H. Walter Community Excellence Award from Austin Bar Association (2020). Member of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients. Active in Austin Bar Association and Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
Location: 7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Contact: (512) 280-0800 | https://personalinjurylawyersaustintx.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, 24/7 availability, contingency fee arrangement
3. TK Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, bicycle accidents, watercraft injuries, wrongful death, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, commercial vehicle collisions, driver fatigue accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, business litigation
Background: Trent Kelly holds Texas Bar Number 24072179, licensed since 2010. Also admitted in Arkansas (2007) and Florida (2008). J.D. from University of Arkansas School of Law (2007), B.A. in English and Philosophy from Hendrix College. Former insurance defense lawyer with inside knowledge of insurance tactics. Lifetime member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Texas Super Lawyers honoree (2021-2025). National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 – Texas (2018). Member of Austin Bar Association, Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and American Bar Association. Admitted to U.S. District Courts for Western, Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts of Texas. Published results include $1.78 million settlement (semi-truck collision, 2017), $1.5 million (neck/shoulder injuries from T-bone collision, 2025), $1.03 million (leg injuries from car crash, 2025).
Location: 1002 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701
Contact: (512) 910-2000 | https://www.tkinjurylawyers.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, 24/7 availability, contingency fee arrangement
4. Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, UPS truck accidents, FedEx truck accidents, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, product liability
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, cargo spill accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents, overloaded truck accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, maintenance record investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims, wrongful death claims, appellate advocacy
Background: Established in 1959, the oldest plaintiffs’ personal injury law firm in Austin. Robert C. Alden is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and certified in Civil Trial Law by National Board of Trial Advocacy. J.D. with high honors from University of Texas School of Law (1987), Master of Public Affairs from LBJ School of Public Affairs, B.A. from University of Texas (Plan II Honors, 1980). Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers, member of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), International Academy of Trial Lawyers. AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1996. Named 2012 Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Austin by Best Lawyers. Kevin Henrichson is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law (top of class), B.B.A. from Texas A&M (1997). Member of ABOTA. Super Lawyers honoree 2017-2019, 2024. Firm has recovered over $100 million with 98% success rate. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Best Law Firms.
Location: 8911 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 3150, Austin, TX 78759
Contact: (512) 454-3751 | https://byrddavis.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement
5. Carabin Shaw
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, delivery truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, overloaded truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims, wrongful death claims, cargo liability claims
Background: Over 32 years of experience helping Texans injured in traffic accidents. The firm maintains attorneys licensed in Texas with experience in commercial vehicle litigation. Handles cases on contingency basis. Main office in San Antonio with Austin office by appointment.
Location: 1609 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701 (by appointment; main office in San Antonio)
Contact: (800) 862-1260 | https://www.carabinshaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, 24/7 availability, contingency fee arrangement
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 16.003. This applies to truck accident personal injury claims. Missing this deadline typically bars recovery entirely.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Texas is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for damages through their insurance policy. Injured parties may file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, file with their own insurer (which may seek reimbursement), or file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar rule) under Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 33.001. An injured person may recover damages only if they are less than 51% responsible for the accident. If found 51% or more at fault, the injured party cannot recover any damages. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Texas requires minimum liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage (Transportation Code Section 601.072).
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance ranging from $750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo type. Trucks carrying hazardous materials typically require higher coverage amounts. Commercial policies often include multiple insurance layers including the driver’s personal policy, carrier’s liability coverage, and excess or umbrella policies.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements: Texas does not require PIP coverage but insurers must offer it. PIP coverage in Texas pays regardless of fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Not mandatory in Texas but insurers must offer it. Provides coverage when at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Damage Caps: Texas caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases but does not cap non-economic damages in standard truck accident personal injury cases. Punitive damages are generally capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.
Dram Shop Liability Laws: Texas has dram shop laws (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Chapter 2) allowing injured parties to sue establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons who subsequently caused accidents.
Vicarious Liability Rules: Texas recognizes respondeat superior, holding employers liable for employee negligence within the scope of employment. Trucking companies can be held liable for truck driver negligence when drivers are employees acting within employment scope.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee Driver Liability: Trucking companies often attempt to limit liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Federal regulations help protect victims by establishing criteria for determining employment relationships regardless of contractual labels.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSRs govern commercial trucks in interstate commerce and are admissible as evidence of the applicable standard of care in Texas state courts. Violations can establish negligence per se or evidence of negligence.
Hours of Service Violation Admissibility: Hours of service violations are admissible in Texas litigation to establish driver fatigue and trucking company negligence.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data Preservation: Trucking companies must preserve ELD data. Texas courts allow spoliation sanctions if companies destroy or fail to preserve relevant electronic evidence.
Spoliation of Evidence Rules: Texas courts can impose sanctions including adverse inference instructions, exclusion of evidence, or case dismissal for spoliation of trucking records.
Punitive Damages Availability: Available in cases of gross negligence, fraud, or malice by trucking companies or drivers. Requires clear and convincing evidence.
Bad Faith Insurance Claim Laws: Texas allows claims against insurers for bad faith denial or delay of legitimate claims under Texas Insurance Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
A: Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to truck accident claims regardless of the severity of injuries. If you miss this deadline, Texas courts will almost certainly dismiss your case. The two-year period also applies to property damage claims. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death rather than the date of the accident. Certain limited exceptions may toll (pause) the statute of limitations, such as when the injured party is a minor or legally incapacitated, or when the defendant leaves Texas and cannot be found.
Q: How does Texas comparative negligence affect my truck accident compensation?
A: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 33.001, commonly called the 51% bar rule. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages are $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault for the accident, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation. This makes establishing liability particularly important in truck accident cases, as trucking companies will often try to shift blame to the injured party.
Q: What makes truck accident cases different from car accident cases in Texas courts?
A: Truck accident cases in Texas involve additional complexity beyond standard car accident litigation. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) apply to commercial trucks in interstate commerce, creating a second layer of regulations alongside Texas traffic laws. These federal rules govern driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug/alcohol testing. Truck accidents typically involve multiple potentially liable parties including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and truck manufacturers. Commercial truck insurance requirements are substantially higher than personal vehicle minimums, with federal law requiring $750,000 to $5 million in coverage depending on cargo type. Evidence preservation is critical because trucking companies quickly deploy investigators after accidents, and electronic logging device data, black box data, and maintenance records can be destroyed if not preserved through legal hold notices.
Q: Can I recover damages if the truck driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee?
A: Texas courts and federal regulations provide protections against trucking companies attempting to avoid liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are generally liable for negligent acts of employees within the scope of employment. While trucking companies may claim their drivers are independent contractors, federal regulations establish criteria for determining actual employment relationships regardless of contractual labels. Courts examine factors including the degree of control the company exercises over the driver, ownership of equipment, method of payment, and integration into the company’s business operations. Additionally, trucking companies can be held directly liable for their own negligence in hiring, training, supervising, or retaining drivers, regardless of the driver’s employment classification.
Q: What types of damages can I recover in a Texas truck accident case?
A: Texas law allows truck accident victims to pursue economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases punitive damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Texas does not cap non-economic damages in standard truck accident cases (caps apply only in medical malpractice cases). Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver exhibited gross negligence, fraud, or malice, requiring clear and convincing evidence. Punitive damages are generally capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000. Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to recover damages including loss of companionship, lost financial support, and funeral expenses.