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Mar 23, 2026
Austin semi-truck rollover accidents can be scary. If you are worried about the impact of this accident on your future, learning about the causes of rollover accidents and what you can be compensated for can give you clarity on your next steps.
What Causes a Semi-Truck to Rollover
Austin truck drivers are often travelling along I-35 or US-183, where high speeds and frequent traffic increase the risk of truck rollover accidents. In 2025, Texas saw 18,087 total large truck accidents, causing over 500 deaths and almost 10,000 injuries.
When forces such as speed or turning outweigh a truck’s stability, it can lead to the truck rolling over. Common factors that increase the risk of a rollover accident include:
- Driver error. Driver error is a leading cause of rollover accidents. Whether from inattentiveness and distracted driving, exercising poor control of the vehicle, or driving too fast, driver error can be deadly.
- Environmental factors. Weather events or challenging road conditions, such as uneven roads or sharp turns, increase the risk for truck accidents. A truck driver should not drive in unsafe conditions, yet it is a common occurrence.
- Improper cargo loading. The way in which cargo is loaded onto a truck must be precise to avoid accidents. When cargo is loaded carelessly or incorrectly, it may be too heavy for the truck, raise the truck’s center of gravity, or shift during transport.
- Mechanical issues. If a truck has mechanical issues that aren’t addressed, such as worn tires or suspension issues, there is a greater chance that it will rollover. Mechanical issues may make it more difficult to drive, increasing the risk of driver error.
The Types of Compensation You Can Receive From a Truck Accident Claim
Truck accidents can leave you with life-changing injuries, expensive repairs, trauma, and other damages. If you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can negotiate for increased compensation to compensate you for the traumatic experience and to cover the cost of your damages. Factors that influence the amount of compensation are:
- Medical costs. The cost of hospital visits, medication, medical treatment, and future care needs can be included in your compensation, allowing you to receive the care you need to recover without financial concerns.
- Property damage. Damages to your car or personal belongings are all common after a truck rollover accident. Your lawyer can help you pursue compensation for the cost of these damages, including property such as clothing or glasses, ensuring you can repair and replace damaged property.
- Lost wages. Many victims of truck accidents are forced to take time off from work during their recovery. Missing out on this income can be devastating for many people, but compensation can make up for missing wages.
- Emotional trauma. Stress and psychological disorders are common after being involved in a truck accident. Your lawyer can push to maximize your compensation based on the emotional impact of this accident on your life.
- Punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded as part of your compensation to punish the truck driver. Punitive damages are only included in cases where the driver exhibits extreme negligence or knowingly engages in unsafe behavior, such as driving under the influence.
While most truck accidents cause injuries, over 4,000 deaths are caused by truck accidents each year. If you lost a family member to a truck rollover accident, a lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim and pursue compensation for additional damages such as loss of financial support or the cost of funeral proceedings.
Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
Identifying who is liable in a truck accident claim is not easy, with many different causes and multiple parties involved, such as the driver and the trucking company. An Austin truck accident lawyer can help you identify who to file a claim against by explaining Texas’s rollover accident laws and examining evidence to prove what factors led to the rollover.
Filing a claim can be a daunting task, but a truck accident lawyer can make it easier, reducing your stress while managing legal procedures. Most rollover accident claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. A lawyer can ensure that this and other paperwork deadlines are met.
FAQs
What Kinds of Evidence Can Be Used in a Truck Accident Claim?
Many different types of evidence can be used in a truck accident claim. Common types of evidence include police reports, witness statements, driver logs, photographs from the accident and of the vehicles, and dashcam or surveillance videos. If you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can ensure you have sufficient evidence to file a claim and can gather evidence from the crash.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rollover Accident Claim?
Many parties can be held liable in a rollover accident claim. A lawyer can identify who can be held liable, which, in most cases, is the truck driver if the rollover was caused by their negligent or reckless behavior. The trucking company can be held liable if they violated safety regulations or pressures the truck driver to violate laws or safety procedures. If the cargo was improperly loaded, the cargo loader may have liability.
How Is Fault Determined in a Rollover Accident in Texas?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning the party who has 51% or more of the responsibility for causing the accident is held liable. After analyzing available evidence surrounding the crash, percentages of fault are given to each party. If you are not at fault or have less than half of the fault, you can file a claim against the liable party for damages you have suffered.
What Should You Do After a Semi-Truck Accident?
After a semi-truck accident, ensuring your own safety should be the first step, which can involve moving to a safer location, calling 911, and receiving medical treatment. Then, exchange information with the truck driver and contact an Austin truck accident attorney who can advise you on your next steps to ensure safety and file a claim.
Speak With an Austin Truck Accident Attorney Today
The Stewart Law Firm has helped thousands of clients receive millions of dollars in compensation. With over 23 years of experience, we are ready to help you file a rollover accident claim. Contact us today to learn how experienced legal representation can help you recover from an accident.
