18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Burleson County, Texas

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of Texas families experience the horror of an 18-wheeler accident on Burleson County’s highways. One moment you’re driving along Highway 21 or FM 60, the next you’re facing catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a trucking company that wants to pay you as little as possible. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a commercial truck crash in Burleson County, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team that understands the unique dangers of Burleson County’s trucking corridors and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Burleson County’s highways, from the busy corridors around Caldwell and Snook to the rural routes where fatigued drivers push their limits. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Brutal Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Burleson County

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times heavier than your passenger vehicle. At highway speeds, that massive weight translates to devastating impact forces that overwhelm even the safest cars.

In Burleson County, we see the same accident patterns repeat:

• Jackknife accidents on Highway 21 when drivers brake too hard on wet roads
• Rollover crashes on FM 60 when trucks take curves too fast
• Underride collisions at intersections where passenger vehicles slide under trailers
• Rear-end collisions on Highway 36 when fatigued drivers fail to stop in time
• Wide turn accidents in Caldwell and Snook where trucks swing wide and crush smaller vehicles

These aren’t just accidents – they’re preventable tragedies caused by trucking companies that prioritize profits over safety.

Why Burleson County Trucking Cases Are Different

Burleson County’s position along major freight corridors creates unique risks:

1. Highway 21 Corridor: Connects to major distribution centers, creating heavy truck traffic
2. Highway 36: Rural stretches where fatigued drivers push their limits
3. FM 60 and FM 1361: Winding roads where improperly loaded trucks become unstable
4. Agricultural freight: Seasonal spikes in grain and livestock trucking create additional hazards
5. Oil and gas traffic: Heavy equipment transport adds to the commercial vehicle mix

The trucking companies operating in Burleson County know these risks – but too often, they cut corners on safety to meet tight delivery schedules. When those shortcuts lead to catastrophic accidents, we hold them fully accountable.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Burleson County

Our investigations reveal the same patterns of negligence in case after case:

Driver Fatigue – The Silent Killer on Burleson County Roads

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty, with a 14-hour total on-duty window. Yet in Burleson County, we routinely find drivers pushing beyond these limits:

• False log entries: Drivers falsifying paper logs or manipulating ELD records
• Pressure from dispatch: Trucking companies pushing drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
• Inadequate rest: Drivers sleeping in truck cabs instead of proper rest facilities
• Long hauls without breaks: Drivers pushing through Burleson County without stopping for required 30-minute breaks

When fatigued drivers cause accidents on Highway 21 or FM 60, we use ELD data, dispatch records, and GPS tracking to prove the violations.

Improper Maintenance – When Profit Comes Before Safety

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Yet we consistently find:

• Brake failures: Worn brake pads, improper adjustments, or air system leaks
• Tire blowouts: Underinflated, overloaded, or aged tires that should have been replaced
• Lighting issues: Non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or turn signals
• Steering failures: Worn or defective steering components
• Coupling device failures: Improperly secured trailers that detach

When maintenance records show repeated violations or deferred repairs, we hold the trucking company directly liable for the preventable accident.

Negligent Hiring – Putting Dangerous Drivers Behind the Wheel

Trucking companies must maintain complete Driver Qualification Files for every driver. Yet we routinely find:

• Incomplete background checks: Failing to verify driving records or previous employment
• Hiring drivers with poor safety records: Ignoring previous accidents or violations
• Inadequate drug testing: Skipping required pre-employment or random drug tests
• Hiring unqualified drivers: Putting drivers behind the wheel without proper CDLs or medical certifications

When a trucking company hires a dangerous driver who causes an accident in Burleson County, we pursue claims for negligent hiring, training, and supervision.

Cargo Securement Failures – When Loads Become Deadly Weapons

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents when:

• Loads shift during transit: Changing the truck’s center of gravity and causing rollovers
• Cargo falls onto roadways: Creating hazards for following vehicles
• Overweight loads: Exceeding weight ratings and reducing braking effectiveness
• Improper tiedowns: Using insufficient or defective securement devices

Federal regulations specify exact securement requirements for different cargo types. When trucking companies or loading facilities violate these rules, we hold them accountable for the resulting accidents.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Burleson County Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe, permanent brain damage
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Amputations: Limbs severed in the crash or requiring surgical removal
• Severe Burns: From fuel fires or chemical cargo spills
• Internal Organ Damage: Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage
• Multiple Fractures: Requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation
• Wrongful Death: When the impact forces prove fatal

These injuries often require lifelong medical care, home modifications, and result in permanent disability. Our Burleson County trucking accident attorneys work with medical experts to calculate the full lifetime costs of your injuries, ensuring you receive compensation that covers all your needs.

Who We Hold Accountable in Burleson County Trucking Cases

18-wheeler accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents because multiple parties can be responsible. We investigate every potential defendant:

The Truck Driver

Direct liability for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Vicarious Liability: The company is responsible for the driver’s negligent acts within the scope of employment

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers’ backgrounds and qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on hours of service, cargo securement, defensive driving
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance and compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep and deferred repairs
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Liability for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

The Cargo Loading Company

Liability for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Product liability for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

Liability for defective:

• Brakes or brake components
• Tires causing blowouts
• Steering mechanisms
• Lighting components
• Coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

Liability for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Liability for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Government Entities

Liability for:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

Our Burleson County 18-Wheeler Accident Investigation Process

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
• Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic experts determine present value of all damages
• Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

The Evidence That Wins Burleson County Trucking Cases

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data

Commercial trucks have sophisticated electronic systems that continuously record operational data. This objective evidence shows:

• Speed before and during the crash: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
• Brake application: Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
• Throttle position: Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
• Following distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
• Cruise control: Whether cruise control was engaged
• Fault codes: May reveal known mechanical issues driver ignored

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

Federally mandated ELDs record driver hours of service, proving:

• Whether the driver violated federal rest requirements
• How long the driver had been on duty before the accident
• GPS location history showing route and timing
• Whether required 30-minute breaks were taken
• Any attempts to falsify driving records

Driver Qualification File

This file must contain:

• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employers
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training documentation
• Previous accident and violation history

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

These records show:

• Whether required inspections were performed
• Whether known defects were repaired
• Whether maintenance was deferred to save costs
• Whether parts were properly replaced

Drug and Alcohol Test Results

Federal regulations require:

• Pre-employment drug testing
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Post-accident testing

Failed tests or missed tests prove negligence.

Cell Phone Records

These records prove:

• Whether the driver was texting while driving
• Whether the driver was on the phone during the accident
• Whether dispatch communications contributed to distraction

GPS and Telematics Data

This data shows:

• Real-time location history
• Speed throughout the trip
• Route taken
• Driver behavior patterns

Dashcam Footage

Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras can show:

• The moments leading up to the crash
• Driver behavior and distraction
• Road conditions
• Other vehicles’ actions

The Damages You Can Recover in Burleson County Trucking Cases

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
• Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from your injuries
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
• Disfigurement: Scarring and visible injuries
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships
• Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Texas law allows punitive damages when there is clear and convincing evidence of gross negligence. The cap is the greater of:

• Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000, OR
• $200,000

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Burleson County Trucking Case

1. We’re Burleson County Trucking Accident Specialists

While many firms handle car accidents, we specialize in 18-wheeler cases. We understand:

• The unique physics of trucking accidents
• The complex web of liable parties
• The federal regulations that apply
• The insurance company tactics used to minimize claims
• The catastrophic nature of trucking accident injuries

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

3. We Have Federal Court Experience

Trucking cases often involve federal regulations and may be filed in federal court. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that cross state lines.

4. We’ve Recovered Millions for Trucking Accident Victims

Our track record includes:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
• $10M+ University of Houston hazing lawsuit (active)

5. We Know Burleson County’s Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique risks of Burleson County’s highways:

• Highway 21: Heavy truck traffic connecting to major distribution centers
• Highway 36: Rural stretches where fatigued drivers push their limits
• FM 60 and FM 1361: Winding roads where improperly loaded trucks become unstable
• Caldwell and Snook: Areas where wide turn accidents are common
• Agricultural routes: Seasonal spikes in grain and livestock trucking

This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our Burleson County clients.

6. We Offer Bilingual Services for Burleson County’s Hispanic Community

Many trucking accident victims in Burleson County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

7. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that trucking accidents create financial hardship. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Burleson County

At the Scene

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

In the Following Days

1. Follow all medical advice and attend all appointments
2. Document your injuries with photos and detailed notes
3. Keep all medical records and bills
4. Do not post about your accident on social media
5. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
6. Continue working with Attorney911 to preserve evidence

The Urgency of Acting Quickly in Burleson County Trucking Cases

Evidence disappears fast in trucking accident cases. The trucking company has rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Critical Timelines:

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.

Burleson County Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, our experience shows what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:

• $730 Million – Texas trucking case (Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger)
• $150 Million – Texas trucking settlement (Werner case)
• $462 Million – Missouri underride case (2024)
• $160 Million – Alabama rollover case (2024)
• $141.5 Million – Florida trucking case (2023)
• $90 Million – Houston truck driver burn case
• $37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 Million – Texas family injury case
• $35 Million – Fort Worth trucking case (largest in Tarrant County)

These verdicts demonstrate that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for gross negligence. The insurance companies know this – which strengthens our settlement negotiations.

What Our Burleson County Clients Say

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“I got a very nice settlement.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

Frequently Asked Questions About Burleson County Trucking Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Burleson County?

A: If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Burleson County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Q: Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

A: YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Burleson County hospitals and clinics can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

Q: How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Burleson County?

A: Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions in Texas trucking cases.

Q: Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Burleson County?

A: Multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Q: Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

A: Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

Q: What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

A: Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

Q: How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Burleson County?

A: The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Q: Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

A: Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

A: NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Burleson County, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation with our Burleson County trucking accident attorneys.

Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fee unless we win
• 24/7 availability
• Bilingual services (Hablamos Español)
• Offices serving all of Burleson County

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you need more than a lawyer – you need a fighter. At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases, we fight for families. Let us fight for yours.