Three Injured in Waco Tire Blowout Crash on U.S. 77: Why Trucking Companies Must Be Held Accountable

The Crash That Changed Three Lives in an Instant

It happened fast—too fast.

On Thursday, February 22, 2026, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a Ford F-350 traveling southbound on U.S. 77 near County Road 430, just north of Chilton, Texas, experienced a tire issue. The driver lost control, veering into the northbound lane and colliding head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado.

Three people were injured. The driver and passenger of the Ford were transported to a local hospital with injuries. The driver of the Silverado was also taken to the hospital.

An investigation is ongoing.

But here’s what we know already: this wasn’t just an accident. It was preventable.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this scenario too many times. A tire blowout. A loss of control. A catastrophic collision. And behind every one of these crashes, there’s often a pattern of negligence—cut corners, deferred maintenance, and trucking companies prioritizing profit over safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Texas, you need to understand your rights—and you need to act fast. Evidence disappears quickly in these cases. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.

Why Tire Blowouts Are a Trucking Industry Epidemic

Tire blowouts are one of the most common causes of trucking accidents—and one of the most preventable.

The Alarming Statistics

Real-World Consequences: Landmark Tire Blowout Cases

Tire blowout cases have resulted in some of the largest trucking verdicts in history. Here are just a few examples:

$462 Million Verdict – St. Louis Underride Crash (2024)

• Cause: Tire blowout led to loss of control, causing an underride collision
• Injuries: Two men decapitated
• Liable Parties: Trucking company, tire manufacturer
• Why It Matters: This case involved gross negligence in tire maintenance and failure to install side underride guards—both issues that could be relevant in the Waco crash.

$160 Million Verdict – Alabama Rollover Crash (2024)

• Cause: Tire blowout caused rollover, leaving driver quadriplegic
• Liable Parties: Truck manufacturer (Daimler), trucking company
• Why It Matters: The jury found that both the trucking company and manufacturer knew about the tire defect but failed to act.

$90 Million Settlement – Houston Tire Blowout Explosion (2022)

• Cause: Tire blowout on I-10 led to explosion, severe burns
• Liable Parties: Trucking company, tire manufacturer
• Why It Matters: This case occurred in Texas, proving that juries in our state hold trucking companies accountable for preventable tire failures.

These cases show that when tire blowouts cause catastrophic injuries, juries are willing to award massive verdicts—especially when trucking companies ignore safety regulations.

The Legal Rights of the Injured Victims

If you were injured in this crash—or any trucking accident—you have legal rights. Here’s what you need to know:

1. You Have the Right to Compensation

Texas law allows accident victims to recover two types of damages:

In trucking cases, damages can be substantial because:
– Injuries are often catastrophic (TBI, spinal cord injuries, amputations)
– Medical costs are extremely high (lifelong care for severe injuries)
– Trucking companies carry high insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)

2. You Have the Right to a Thorough Investigation

Trucking companies do not want you to know the truth. They will:
– Destroy evidence (overwrite black box data, delete dashcam footage)
– Pressure you to accept a quick settlement (before you know the full extent of your injuries)
– Blame you for the accident (even if their driver was at fault)

This is why you need an attorney—immediately.

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve:
– ECM/Black Box Data (speed, braking, throttle position)
– ELD Records (hours of service, fatigue violations)
– Dashcam Footage (what the driver saw before the crash)
– Maintenance Records (tire inspections, repairs)
– Driver Qualification File (hiring, training, safety record)
– Cell Phone Records (was the driver distracted?)

Without this evidence, your case could be worthless.

3. You Have the Right to Hold ALL Liable Parties Accountable

As we’ve seen, multiple parties may share responsibility for this crash. You are not limited to suing just the driver.

Our firm investigates every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

4. You Have the Right to a Trial by Jury

Most trucking cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Why?

• Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re willing to go to court.
• Juries are outraged by trucking company negligence—especially when they see evidence of cut corners and safety violations.
• Nuclear verdicts are on the rise—juries are awarding hundreds of millions in trucking cases.

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts:
– $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – Oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
– $150 Million – Werner Enterprises Settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
– $37.5 Million – Fort Worth Trucking Verdict (2024) – Catastrophic injuries

These verdicts prove that Texas juries will hold trucking companies accountable.

Why You Need an Attorney Who Understands Trucking Cases

Not all personal injury attorneys are trucking accident specialists. Trucking cases are complex, high-stakes, and require specialized knowledge.

What Makes Trucking Cases Different?

Why Choose Attorney911?

1. 25+ Years of Experience
   – Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998.
   – We’ve handled cases against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Werner Enterprises, J.B. Hunt, and other major carriers.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
   – Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims.
   – We’ve seen every trick in the book—and we know how to counter them.

3. Aggressive Evidence Preservation
   – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve black box data, ELD logs, and other critical evidence.
   – We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove what really happened.

4. Federal Court Experience
   – Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—critical for interstate trucking cases.
   – We’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

5. Multi-Million Dollar Results
   – We’ve recovered $50+ million for Texas families devastated by trucking accidents.
   – Our track record includes $5+ million brain injury settlements, $3.8+ million amputation cases, and $2.5+ million truck crash recoveries.

6. We Speak Spanish
   – Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
   – Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy mismo.

7. No Fee Unless We Win
   – You pay nothing upfront.
   – We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
   – You only pay if we recover compensation for you.

What Happens Next in the Waco Crash Investigation?

The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating this crash—but their investigation is not enough.

Here’s what we would do if we were representing the victims:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties.
• Demand preservation of:
• ECM/Black Box Data (speed, braking, throttle position)
• ELD Records (hours of service, fatigue violations)
• Dashcam Footage (what the driver saw before the crash)
• Maintenance Records (tire inspections, repairs)
• Driver Qualification File (hiring, training, safety record)
• Cell Phone Records (was the driver distracted?)
• Cargo Manifest (was the truck overloaded?)

2. Accident Reconstruction

• Hire an expert to analyze:
• Skid marks (did the driver brake properly?)
• Vehicle damage (was the impact consistent with a blowout?)
• Road conditions (was the road surface a factor?)
• Tire remnants (was the tire defective or improperly maintained?)

3. Regulatory Compliance Review

• Check for FMCSA violations:
• 49 CFR § 393.75 – Tire condition and tread depth
• 49 CFR § 396.13 – Pre-trip inspection requirements
• 49 CFR § 395 – Hours of service compliance
• 49 CFR § 391.11 – Driver qualification standards

4. Identify All Liable Parties

• Trucking company (negligent maintenance, hiring, training)
• Tire manufacturer (defective tire)
• Cargo owner/shipper (overloading)
• Maintenance provider (negligent repairs)
• Government entity (road design defects)

5. Build a Case for Maximum Compensation

• Document all injuries (medical records, expert testimony)
• Calculate future medical needs (lifelong care for catastrophic injuries)
• Prove lost earning capacity (if injuries prevent returning to work)
• Demonstrate pain and suffering (impact on quality of life)

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after a trucking accident?

• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine.
• Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
• Get witness contact information.
• Do NOT talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster.
• Call an attorney immediately—evidence disappears fast.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Texas?

• 2 years from the date of the accident (statute of limitations).
• Do not wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

3. Who can I sue after a trucking accident?

You can sue multiple parties, including:
– The truck driver
– The trucking company (motor carrier)
– The tire manufacturer (if the tire was defective)
– The cargo owner/shipper (if the truck was overloaded)
– The maintenance provider (if repairs were negligent)
– Government entities (if road design was a factor)

4. What kind of compensation can I recover?

You may be entitled to:
– Medical expenses (past and future)
– Lost wages (if you can’t work)
– Pain and suffering
– Mental anguish
– Loss of enjoyment of life
– Disfigurement
– Punitive damages (if the trucking company acted with gross negligence)

5. What if the trucking company blames me for the accident?

• Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules.
• If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
• If you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
• Do not admit fault at the scene. Let the evidence speak for itself.

6. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

It depends on:
– Severity of your injuries
– Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
– Available insurance coverage

Trucking cases often settle for hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.

7. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

• Do NOT accept it.
• Quick settlements are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth.
• Wait until you know the full extent of your injuries.
• Consult an attorney before signing anything.

8. How long will my trucking accident case take?

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Complex cases: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

9. Do I need an attorney for a trucking accident case?

YES. Trucking cases are complex and high-stakes. You need an attorney who:
– Understands FMCSA regulations
– Knows how to preserve evidence
– Can identify all liable parties
– Is prepared to take your case to trial

Most people who hire attorneys recover significantly more than those who don’t.

10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

• You pay nothing upfront.
• We work on contingency—you only pay if we win.
• We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

The Time to Act Is Now

Every hour you wait, evidence in your case is disappearing.

• Black box data can be overwritten.
• Dashcam footage gets deleted.
• Witnesses forget what they saw.
• Trucking companies hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests.

You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, preserve your evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Need Help Now?

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit https://attorney911.com

We’re available 24/7. Your fight starts with one call.

Learn More About Trucking Accidents

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
• I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?

Knowledge is power. Watch these videos to protect your rights.