18-Wheeler Accidents in Hays County: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Hays County, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The trucking industry has teams of lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters working to protect their interests – often within hours of the crash. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Texas trucking accident victims for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to level the playing field.

The Hays County Trucking Corridor: A Dangerous Intersection

Hays County sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s freight network. Interstate 35 runs straight through the heart of the county, connecting San Antonio to Austin and serving as one of the busiest trucking corridors in the nation. This vital artery carries everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods, with thousands of 18-wheelers passing through daily.

The local section of I-35 sees particularly heavy truck traffic around:

• San Marcos – Home to major distribution centers and outlet malls
• Kyle – Rapidly growing with new commercial development
• Buda – Positioned between Austin and San Antonio with increasing freight activity
• The I-35/Highway 21 interchange – A known hotspot for truck accidents

Beyond I-35, Hays County’s network of state highways and farm-to-market roads also sees significant commercial traffic. Highway 21, Highway 80, and FM 1626 are all frequented by trucks serving local industries including:

• Agricultural producers (livestock, crops, equipment)
• Construction companies (materials, heavy equipment)
• Retail distribution centers (supplying stores across Central Texas)
• Waste management operations (servicing growing communities)

This high volume of truck traffic creates significant risks for Hays County residents and visitors alike.

Why Hays County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents in Hays County present unique challenges that require specialized legal expertise:

1. Complex Local Factors

The mix of urban and rural environments in Hays County creates unique accident patterns:

• Urban areas (San Marcos, Kyle, Buda): Higher risk of blind spot accidents, wide turn collisions, and distracted driving incidents
• Rural stretches (between cities): Higher risk of fatigue-related crashes, speeding, and runaway trucks on long downgrades
• Construction zones: Hays County’s rapid growth means frequent roadwork, creating hazards for both trucks and passenger vehicles

2. Insurance Industry Tactics

Trucking companies and their insurers know Hays County courts and juries well. They’ll use sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim, including:

• Rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes before police
• Aggressive settlement offers designed to pay you less than you deserve
• Complex corporate structures to hide assets and limit liability
• Expert witnesses to dispute your injuries and damages

3. Unique Hays County Legal Landscape

Hays County’s legal environment requires specialized knowledge:

• Court procedures in the 428th District Court and other local courts
• Jury tendencies in this region of Texas
• Local judges’ preferences and rulings
• Hays County-specific accident patterns and high-risk locations

The Attorney911 Difference: Insider Knowledge That Wins Cases

What sets Attorney911 apart in Hays County trucking accident cases?

1. We Know How Insurance Companies Think

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who spent years on the other side. Lupe Peña knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how to counter their strategies. This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage.

2. We Understand Hays County’s Trucking Industry

We’re intimately familiar with:

• The major trucking routes through Hays County
• Local distribution centers and their safety records
• Common accident locations and why they’re dangerous
• Seasonal factors that increase risk (harvest seasons, holiday shipping surges)
• Local trucking companies and their safety practices

3. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases end up in federal court due to interstate commerce laws. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas – giving us the ability to handle your case at any level.

4. We’ve Won Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts

Our track record includes:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
• $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who lost a leg to infection
• $2.5+ million for truck crash victims
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

5. We Offer Bilingual Services

Hays County has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking industry workers are Spanish-speaking. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and strong representation for Spanish-speaking clients.

Common Causes of Hays County 18-Wheeler Accidents

Understanding what causes trucking accidents helps us build stronger cases. In Hays County, we frequently see:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window before mandatory rest
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart

Despite these rules, many drivers in Hays County violate them due to:

• Pressure from dispatchers to meet tight deadlines
• Financial incentives to deliver faster
• Long hauls between San Antonio and Austin
• Nighttime driving to avoid traffic but increasing fatigue

How we prove fatigue violations:

• Subpoenaing Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• Analyzing dispatch communications
• Reviewing fuel receipts and toll records
• Examining driver qualification files for sleep disorders

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions:

• Cell phones (texting, calls, GPS)
• Dispatch communications (Qualcomm messages)
• In-cab electronics (tablets, entertainment systems)
• Eating and drinking while driving
• External distractions (billboards, accidents, scenery)

How we prove distraction:

• Subpoenaing cell phone records
• Analyzing ECM data for erratic driving patterns
• Reviewing dashcam footage
• Interviewing witnesses

3. Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failure

Hays County’s mix of urban and rural roads creates unique maintenance challenges:

• Brake failures on long downgrades
• Tire blowouts from heat and road debris
• Lighting failures in rural areas with poor visibility
• Coupling device failures on rough roads
• Steering system failures from wear and tear

How we prove maintenance failures:

• Subpoenaing maintenance records
• Inspecting the truck for violations
• Reviewing out-of-service orders
• Analyzing failed components

4. Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly loaded or secured cargo causes:

• Rollover accidents from shifting loads
• Jackknife accidents from unbalanced trailers
• Spill accidents from falling debris
• Underride accidents from protruding loads

Common cargo violations in Hays County:

• Agricultural products not properly secured
• Construction materials exceeding weight limits
• Retail goods improperly stacked
• Hazardous materials not properly contained

How we prove cargo violations:

• Inspecting the truck and trailer
• Reviewing loading records
• Analyzing cargo securement equipment
• Interviewing loading personnel

5. Aggressive Driving

Hays County’s growing population and traffic congestion lead to:

• Speeding to make up time
• Tailgating smaller vehicles
• Improper lane changes without checking blind spots
• Failure to yield at intersections
• Road rage incidents with frustrated drivers

How we prove aggressive driving:

• Analyzing ECM data for speed and braking
• Reviewing dashcam footage
• Interviewing witnesses
• Examining skid marks and accident reconstruction

The Devastating Injuries We See in Hays County Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Mild TBI (concussion): Headaches, dizziness, memory problems
• Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI: Permanent disability, coma, vegetative state

Lifetime costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

2. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Partial loss of function
• Complete injuries: Total loss of function below injury

Lifetime costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

3. Amputations

• Traumatic amputations at the scene
• Surgical amputations due to severe damage
• Multiple amputations in catastrophic crashes

Lifetime costs: $500,000 to $1 million+

4. Severe Burns

• Fuel fires from ruptured tanks
• Chemical burns from hazardous cargo
• Electrical burns from damaged systems

Treatment requires: Multiple surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation

5. Internal Organ Damage

• Liver and spleen injuries requiring removal
• Kidney damage affecting long-term health
• Lung contusions causing respiratory issues
• Internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery

6. Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Hays County Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver

• Negligent driving (speeding, distracted driving, fatigue)
• Traffic violations (running red lights, improper turns)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to inspect the vehicle

2. The Trucking Company

• Vicarious liability for driver’s actions
• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
• Negligent training on safety procedures
• Negligent supervision of drivers
• Negligent maintenance of vehicles
• Negligent scheduling that encourages HOS violations

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

• Improper loading instructions
• Failure to disclose hazardous cargo
• Overweight shipments
• Pressure to expedite delivery

4. The Loading Company

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced loads
• Overweight loads
• Failure to train loaders

5. The Truck Manufacturer

• Defective design (brake systems, stability control)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty components)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

6. The Parts Manufacturer

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering components
• Substandard materials
• Failure to meet safety standards

7. The Maintenance Company

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify safety issues
• Use of substandard parts
• Improper brake adjustments

8. The Freight Broker

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier safety records
• Failure to check proper insurance coverage

9. The Truck Owner (if different from carrier)

• Negligent entrustment of vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

10. Government Entities

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain safe roads
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Improper work zone setup

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we do within 48 hours of being retained:

1. Send Spoliation Letters

We immediately send formal legal notices to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance carriers
• All potentially liable parties

Demanding preservation of:

• Electronic Data: ECM/black box, ELD records, GPS data
• Driver Records: Qualification file, training records, drug tests
• Vehicle Records: Maintenance logs, inspection reports
• Physical Evidence: The truck and trailer, failed components

2. Preserve Electronic Evidence

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position
• ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations
• GPS Data: Shows route, speed, and stops
• Dashcam Footage: May show the accident or driver behavior
• Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving

3. Secure Physical Evidence

• The truck and trailer before repairs
• Failed components (brakes, tires, steering parts)
• Cargo and securement devices
• Debris from the accident scene

4. Document the Scene

• Photograph accident location from all angles
• Document road conditions (potholes, signage, visibility)
• Measure skid marks and debris patterns
• Identify surveillance cameras from nearby businesses

5. Interview Witnesses

• Identify all witnesses at the scene
• Obtain statements before memories fade
• Preserve contact information for future testimony

How We Build Your Hays County Trucking Accident Case

Our comprehensive approach ensures no stone is left unturned:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters
• Deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed
• Obtain the police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
• 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: 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 Experts: Identify all regulation violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all 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 Insurance Battle: How We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Trucking companies and their insurers have sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim. Here’s how we counter them:

Common Insurance Tactics vs. Our Counter-Strategies

Why Our Insurance Defense Background Matters

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How adjusters are trained to minimize claims
• What makes them settle for higher amounts
• How they calculate claim values
• What evidence they consider most persuasive
• How to counter their tactics effectively

This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves and build stronger cases.

What Your Hays County Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but here’s what we’ve seen in Texas:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future
• 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, home modifications
• Life care costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Mental anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
• Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
• Loss of consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
• Physical impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Available when the trucking company acted with:

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

Texas Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

Recent Texas cases show what’s possible:

• $730 million – Ramsey v. Landstar (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 million – Trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 million – Family injured in truck accident
• $35 million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2025)

The Hays County Legal Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Free Consultation

• Initial case evaluation
• Explanation of your rights
• No obligation to proceed

Step 2: Case Acceptance

• Same-day response for emergencies
• Immediate evidence preservation
• Contingency fee agreement (no upfront costs)

Step 3: Investigation

• Evidence gathering begins
• Expert deployment
• Liability analysis

Step 4: Medical Care Facilitation

• Connecting you with treatment
• Working with doctors to document injuries
• Arranging care even before settlement

Step 5: Demand Letter

• Formal claim to insurance company
• Comprehensive demand calculating ALL damages
• Includes economic and non-economic losses

Step 6: Negotiation

• Settlement discussions
• Rejecting lowball offers
• Preparing for trial if needed

Step 7: Litigation (if needed)

• Filing lawsuit
• Discovery and depositions
• Pre-trial motions

Step 8: Trial/Settlement

• Final resolution
• Majority settle; fully prepared to try if needed

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hays County Trucking Case?

1. We’re Hays County Trucking Accident Specialists

We don’t just handle trucking cases – we specialize in them. This focus gives us:

• Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations
• Experience with local trucking routes and accident patterns
• Relationships with local experts and investigators
• Understanding of Hays County courts and judges

2. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases end up in federal court due to interstate commerce laws. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas – giving us the ability to handle your case at any level.

3. We Include a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• What makes them settle for higher amounts
• How to counter their tactics
• What evidence they find most persuasive

4. We’ve Won Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts

Our track record includes:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
• $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who lost a leg to infection
• $2.5+ million for truck crash victims
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

5. We Offer Bilingual Services

Hays County has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking industry workers are Spanish-speaking. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and strong representation for Spanish-speaking clients.

6. We Provide Personal Attention

Unlike large firms that treat you like a number, we treat our clients like family. You’ll have direct access to your attorney throughout your case, not just a case manager.

7. We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Hays County-Specific Resources for Trucking Accident Victims

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

• Seton Medical Center Hays (Kyle) – Level IV Trauma Center
• Central Texas Medical Center (San Marcos) – Emergency care
• Ascension Seton Hays (Kyle) – Emergency and specialty care
• St. David’s South Austin Medical Center (nearby) – Level II Trauma Center

Hays County Courts

• 428th District Court (Hays County)
• 207th District Court (Hays County)
• 274th District Court (Hays County)
• Hays County Court at Law No. 1
• Hays County Court at Law No. 2

Local Law Enforcement

• Hays County Sheriff’s Office
• San Marcos Police Department
• Kyle Police Department
• Buda Police Department
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Trucking Safety Resources

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Hays County office
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Texas division
• Texas Trucking Association – Industry safety programs

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Hays County Trucking Accident

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene – Take photos and videos if possible
4. Get the trucking company information – Name, DOT number, insurance
5. Collect witness information – Names and contact details
6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 – For immediate legal guidance

Next Steps (First Week)

1. Follow up with medical treatment – Attend all appointments
2. Document your injuries – Take photos as they heal
3. Keep all accident-related documents – Police report, medical records, receipts
4. Avoid social media – Don’t post about your accident or injuries
5. Stay in communication with your attorney – Provide updates on your condition

Long-Term Steps

1. Complete all recommended treatment – Follow your doctor’s orders
2. Document how injuries affect your life – Keep a pain journal
3. Stay patient – Trucking cases often take time to resolve
4. Trust your legal team – We’re working to maximize your recovery

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Hays County Trucking Accident

1. Waiting Too Long to Call an Attorney

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Black box data can be overwritten
• Witness memories fade
• Insurance companies start building their case

2. Giving Recorded Statements

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company
• They’ll use your words against you
• Never give a statement without your attorney present

3. Accepting Early Settlement Offers

• First offers are always lowball offers
• You may have injuries that aren’t yet apparent
• Once you settle, you can’t go back for more

4. Posting on Social Media

• Insurance companies will find your posts
• Even innocent photos can be used against you
• Stay off social media until your case is resolved

5. Missing Medical Appointments

• Gaps in treatment hurt your case
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
• Attend all recommended therapy sessions

6. Not Documenting Everything

• Keep records of all medical visits
• Save all accident-related receipts
• Document how injuries affect your daily life

Hays County Trucking Accident FAQ

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Hays County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact details, and call Attorney911 immediately. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company.

2. Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay?

Yes. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

3. What information should I collect at the accident scene?

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

4. Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim.

5. How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney?

Immediately – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence.

6. Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Hays County?

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)

7. Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually yes. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.

8. What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

9. What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. Sending this letter immediately puts them on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• GPS location
  This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

11. What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

12. How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately.

13. What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

14. Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment.

15. What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits
  Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

16. What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

17. What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation
  Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

18. How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

19. What injuries are common in Hays County 18-wheeler accidents?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

20. How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Hays County?

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.

21. What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Hays County?

Hays County allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence
  Time limits apply – contact us immediately.

22. How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Hays County?

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.

23. How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
  We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

24. Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

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.

25. Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

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.

26. How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
  Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more.

27. What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

• Motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage
  We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

28. Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Hays County, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your case.

Remember: We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Get the experienced legal representation you deserve.

“We’ve been fighting for Texas trucking accident victims for over 25 years. When an 18-wheeler changes your life in an instant, you need a legal team that knows how to fight back – and win. That’s what we do at Attorney911.” – Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner