Austin Dump Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Dump Truck Accident Victims in Texas

Dump trucks are powerful, heavy vehicles that carry loose materials like gravel, soil, or sand in an open container with a hinge mechanism allows the driver to tilt the container to dump the load. Dump trucks can cause significant damage in a crash. They are hard to see around, so the driver needs to make the effort to check the blind spot when backing up to avoid hitting a worker, pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle. In addition, if the driver does not check behind the truck carefully before dumping the load, the material can fall on a person, causing serious injury.

Dump trucks are often involved in construction accidents, but they can also cause serious injury or death to others when they are involved in accidents. At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we represent victims of dump truck accidents and collisions. Our Austin dump truck accident attorneys have extensive trial experience and, while we strive for swift and fair settlements for our clients, we are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. We are committed to securing the maximum compensation you are owed.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (512) 400-3278 or contact us online to get started with our dump truck accident lawyers in Austin. We are available 24/7 and can come to you if your injuries prevent you from coming to our office. 

What to Do After a Dump Truck Accident

If you have been involved in a dump truck accident, we recommend the following steps:

Call 911 and report the crash

• If injuries, death, or serious property damage occurred, it’s legally required to notify law enforcement.

Seek medical attention right away

• Even if injuries seem small, delayed symptoms are very common after truck accidents. Prompt documentation also strengthens your case.

Collect evidence at the scene

• Make sure to take pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, injuries, license plates, etc.
• Gather witness contact details and avoid admitting fault or speculating.

Get the police report

• This official document is critical for legal and insurance claims.
• Preserve additional critical evidence
• Especially in truck cases: driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, dash cam footage.
• Be cautious with insurance interactions
• Avoid giving recorded statements before consulting a lawyer; initial settlement offers often fall short of fair value.

Contact an experienced truck accident attorney promptly

Legal teams for trucking companies move quickly; acting early helps preserve your rights and meet critical deadlines like the statute of limitations.

What Causes Dump Truck Accidents?

Though they are relatively rare, dump truck accidents are far more common than most people realize. Unfortunately, the most common cause of these devastating accidents is negligence. Whether a truck driver failed to check for people before dumping the load or was required to drive beyond the legal hours-of-service limits, this negligence can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

Some of the most common causes of dump truck accidents include:

• Truck driver carelessness/inattention
• Distracted driving, including texting while driving
• Truck drivers driving while drunk/intoxicated
• Speeding and/or reckless driving
• Fatigued driving
• Hours-of-service rule violations
• Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks
• Defective truck design
• Tire defects and other parts defects
• Dangerous road construction/design

This list is not exhaustive; there are many other factors that can contribute to a dump truck accident or collision. In some cases, truck drivers may do everything right but are unable to avoid a collision due to the actions of another driver or third party. At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we can thoroughly investigate your claim and work with accident reconstruction experts in order to determine exactly what caused the accident—and who is liable.

Who is Liable in a Dump Truck Accident?

Dump truck accidents can result from stressful working conditions. When combined with the hazardous debris that these vehicles hold, it can result in a very disastrous situation for all involved. Those factors are also what makes it difficult to determine liability.

Here are some of the issues that you might consider when evaluating who is responsible for the accident:

• Was the driver acting responsibly?
• Was the driver’s employer negligent?
• Is the truck driver an independent contractor?
• What insurance policies are involved?

What is the Statute of Limitations for Dump Truck Accident Claims in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most dump truck accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you suffered injuries in a crash, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of the victim’s death rather than the initial date of the accident itself. Missing this deadline almost always results in losing the right to pursue compensation.

There are limited circumstances in which the filing period may be extended or delayed. For example, if a victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year window does not begin until their 18th birthday. Similarly, if a person was mentally incapacitated following the crash, the clock may not begin to run until they regain legal capacity. Texas law also recognizes the discovery rule, which applies when an injury is not immediately noticeable and becomes known only later. Additionally, if the at-fault driver leaves Texas for a period of time, that absence may pause the statute of limitations.

Because these rules are strict and exceptions can vary depending on the circumstances, it is critical to act quickly after a dump truck accident. Consulting with an experienced Texas truck accident attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that all deadlines are satisfied and that your claim is properly preserved.

Contact Our Dump Truck Accident Lawyer in Austin Today

Because dump trucks are often carrying large amounts of materials, sometimes including dangerous substances, they tend to cause extensive damage when they collide with other vehicles and objects along the road. Those involved in the collision may be exposed to harmful or toxic materials. Survivors often suffer catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. And, far too often, victims of dump truck collisions are killed in the impact.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we understand the immense impact such an accident has—not only on victims but on their loved ones and family members as well. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost income/wages, lost earning ability, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, both in settlements and jury verdicts. Our attorneys are ready to fight for you and your recovery after a truck accident, such as a dump truck accident in Austin.

Contact us today at (512) 400-3278 for a free consultation with our Austin dump truck accident attorney. There is no fee unless we win your case.