18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Mason County, Texas

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

Every year, hundreds of Mason County families face the devastating aftermath of 18-wheeler accidents on our local highways. One moment you’re driving down US-87 or FM 386, the next you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that wants to pay as little as possible. At Attorney911, we understand exactly what you’re going through – because we’ve helped hundreds of Texas families just like yours fight back against negligent trucking companies.

When a fully loaded semi-truck weighing 20-25 times more than your car strikes you at highway speeds, the results are often life-altering. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death are tragically common in Mason County trucking accidents. The trucking company will have lawyers working immediately to protect their interests. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

Our Mason County 18-wheeler accident attorneys have over 25 years of experience holding trucking companies accountable. We know the federal trucking regulations, we understand the local courts, and we have the resources to take on the largest trucking companies in America. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Mason County – from Mason to Loyal Valley to Pontotoc – call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Why Mason County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Mason County’s unique geography and trucking corridors create specific risks that differ from other parts of Texas:

US-87 Corridor: This major north-south route connecting San Angelo to Fredericksburg sees heavy truck traffic from oilfield equipment, agricultural products, and general freight. The stretch through Mason County includes challenging curves and elevation changes that require experienced drivers.
FM 386 and Local Roads: Our rural farm-to-market roads weren’t designed for modern 80,000-pound trucks. Narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and sudden turns create dangerous conditions when truck drivers aren’t paying attention or are unfamiliar with the area.
Seasonal Traffic Patterns: Hunting season, livestock auctions, and agricultural harvests create seasonal spikes in truck traffic that local drivers may not anticipate.
Weather Challenges: Mason County experiences sudden thunderstorms, flash flooding, and occasional winter ice that create hazardous driving conditions. Truck drivers unfamiliar with our local weather patterns may not adjust their speed appropriately.
Limited Emergency Services: Our rural nature means longer response times for emergency services. This makes immediate medical attention even more critical after a trucking accident.

The trucking companies know these risks – but too often they prioritize profits over safety. When their negligence causes an accident, our Mason County trucking accident lawyers know how to hold them fully accountable.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mason County

Our attorneys have seen firsthand how trucking accidents happen on Mason County roads. These are the most common causes we investigate:

Driver Fatigue – The Silent Killer on Our Highways

Truck drivers in Mason County often work grueling schedules to meet tight delivery deadlines. Federal hours-of-service regulations limit drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, but many drivers – and their companies – ignore these rules to make more money.

How we prove fatigue in your case:

Subpoena ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records that show driving hours
Obtain dispatch records that reveal unrealistic delivery schedules
Analyze GPS data to track actual driving patterns
Review cell phone records for communication about deadlines
Check driver qualification files for previous fatigue-related violations

The trucking company’s own records often prove they pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations. We’ve seen cases where drivers were on the road for 14+ hours straight, putting everyone on Mason County roads at risk.

Distracted Driving – Cell Phones and More

Distracted driving is dangerous for any driver, but when an 80,000-pound truck is involved, the results can be catastrophic. Truck drivers face unique distractions:

Dispatch communications through in-cab systems
GPS navigation devices
Cell phone use (texting, calls, apps)
Eating and drinking while driving
External distractions (billboards, scenery)

Federal regulations prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving commercial vehicles. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving in your case.

Improper Maintenance – When Trucks Aren’t Safe to Drive

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. When they cut corners on maintenance to save money, the results can be deadly:

Brake failures – Responsible for 29% of truck accidents
Tire blowouts – Common on our hot Texas roads
Lighting failures – Making trucks invisible at night
Steering system failures – Leading to loss of control
Coupling device failures – Causing trailer separation

We examine maintenance records, inspection reports, and the physical evidence from the accident to prove maintenance negligence.

Cargo Securement Failures – When Loads Shift or Spill

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents in several ways:

Shifting loads that destabilize the truck, causing rollovers
Falling cargo that strikes other vehicles
Overweight loads that exceed legal limits
Hazardous material spills that create additional dangers

Federal cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exactly how different types of cargo must be secured. We investigate whether the loading company followed these regulations.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truck drivers often speed to meet tight delivery deadlines. On Mason County’s rural roads, speeding trucks create additional dangers:

Longer stopping distances that prevent avoiding obstacles
Increased risk of rollovers on curves
Greater impact forces in collisions
Reduced reaction time for unexpected situations

ECM (black box) data reveals exactly how fast the truck was traveling before the crash.

Wide Turn Accidents – The “Squeeze Play” Danger

When 18-wheelers make right turns, they often swing wide to the left first. This creates a dangerous gap that other vehicles may enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

These accidents are especially common in Mason County where trucks navigate tight intersections in our small towns. We investigate whether the driver properly signaled, checked mirrors, and executed the turn safely.

Underride Collisions – Among the Most Deadly Truck Accidents

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, causing catastrophic injuries or death.

Rear underride – When a vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
Side underride – When a vehicle strikes the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns

Federal law requires rear underride guards, but many trucks have inadequate guards or none at all. There are no federal requirements for side underride guards, though they could prevent many deaths.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Mason County Trucking Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound car, the energy transfer is devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs occur when the brain is violently shaken inside the skull. In trucking accidents, this can happen from:

Striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
Being struck by flying debris
The sudden deceleration forces of the collision

TBI symptoms may not appear immediately – which is why you should always seek medical attention after a trucking accident, even if you feel fine.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis:

Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs

These injuries often require lifelong care and result in millions of dollars in medical expenses.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents can sever limbs immediately or cause injuries so severe that surgical amputation is required.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, electrical fires, and hazardous material spills can cause horrific burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a trucking collision can cause:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding

These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship
Funeral expenses
Pain and suffering before death

Who Is Liable for Your Mason County Trucking Accident?

One of the most important differences between car accidents and trucking accidents is that multiple parties can be liable in trucking cases. Our attorneys investigate every potentially responsible party to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, etc.)
Driving while fatigued
Driving under the influence
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company can be liable on multiple legal theories:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

The driver was an employee (not an independent contractor)
Acting within the scope of employment
Performing job duties when the accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

Negligent Hiring: Failed to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
Negligent Training: Provided inadequate safety training
Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance or compliance with regulations
Negligent Maintenance: Failed to properly maintain vehicles
Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring the carrier to expedite delivery

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defects in:

Brake systems
Steering mechanisms
Tires
Underride guards
Stability control systems
Other safety equipment

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

Defective brake components
Defective tires
Defective lighting systems
Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable 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

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

Dangerous road design
Failure to maintain roads
Inadequate signage
Failure to install safety barriers

The Critical Evidence We Preserve in Your Case

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

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we move fast to preserve evidence in every Mason County trucking accident case:

Within 24-48 Hours:

Send formal spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of ECM/black box data
Demand preservation of ELD records
Demand preservation of maintenance records
Demand preservation of driver qualification files

Within 72 Hours:

Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene
Obtain police crash reports
Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
Identify all potentially liable parties

Electronic Evidence That Proves Your Case

Modern trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data:

ECM/Black Box Data:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Engine RPM
Cruise control status
Fault codes

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data:

Driver hours of service
Duty status
GPS location
Driving time
Rest breaks

GPS/Telematics Data:

Real-time location history
Speed patterns
Route information
Driver behavior metrics

Cell Phone Records:

Call logs
Text messages
App usage
GPS location data

Dashcam Footage:

Forward-facing video
Cab-facing video (in some cases)
Audio recordings

This electronic evidence is objective and tamper-resistant. It often directly contradicts what drivers claim happened in the accident.

Physical Evidence We Preserve

The truck and trailer themselves
Failed or damaged components (brakes, tires, etc.)
Cargo and securement devices
Tire remnants (in blowout cases)
Vehicle damage patterns
Skid marks and road debris

Documentary Evidence We Pursue

Driver qualification files
Maintenance and repair records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Previous accident history
Safety policies and procedures
CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

How We Build Your Mason County Trucking Accident Case

Our attorneys follow a comprehensive process to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation:

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’re 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
Secure dashcam footage if available
Gather witness statements

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 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 Types of Compensation You Can Recover

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car drivers. This means there’s often significantly more compensation available for your injuries.

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 love
Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of Consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships
Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. This can include cases where:

The trucking company systematically violated safety regulations
The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Evidence was intentionally destroyed
The company had a pattern of similar violations

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mason County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years inside the system – now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

Federal Court Access for Interstate Trucking Cases

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – critical for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas, including cases against major commercial entities like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

Local Knowledge of Mason County

We understand Mason County’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges our rural roads present. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Bilingual Services for Our Hispanic Community

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

No Fee Unless We Win

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.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Mason County

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Mason County, follow these critical steps:

Call 911 Immediately
- Report the accident and request police and medical assistance
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out by paramedics
Seek Medical Attention
- Go to the emergency room or see your doctor as soon as possible
- Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent
- Medical records create critical evidence for your case
Document the Scene
- Take photos and videos of:
  - All vehicle damage
  - The accident scene
  - Road conditions
  - Skid marks
  - Traffic signs and signals
  - Your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
Collect Critical Information
- Truck and trailer license plates
- DOT number (on truck door)
- Trucking company name and logo
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Insurance information for all parties
Do NOT Give Recorded Statements
- Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
- Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim
- Refer all communication to your attorney
Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately
- Critical evidence disappears quickly
- We send preservation letters within hours
- The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be

Frequently Asked Questions About Mason County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Mason County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Mason County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

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

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving you with unpaid medical bills.

Will my 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.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long will my case 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.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may still be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help arrange medical treatment through:

Your health insurance
Medical payment coverage on your auto policy
Letters of protection (agreements with medical providers to be paid from settlement)

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that provide additional coverage. We investigate all available insurance to maximize your recovery.

Can I still recover if the truck driver was never ticketed?

Yes. Police reports are just one piece of evidence. We conduct our own thorough investigation to prove negligence.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get treatment through letters of protection. Medical providers will treat you now and be paid from your settlement.

The Trucking Companies We’ve Fought in Mason County Cases

Our attorneys have experience taking on the largest trucking companies in America:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Swift Transportation
Werner Enterprises
J.B. Hunt Transport
Schneider National
Landstar System
Heartland Express
Prime Inc.
Celadon (formerly)
Covenant Transportation
And many others

We know their tactics, we know their insurance companies, and we know how to hold them accountable.

Mason County Trucking Corridors We Know Well

Our attorneys are familiar with the trucking routes that see the most accidents in Mason County:

US-87: The primary north-south route through Mason County, connecting San Angelo to Fredericksburg. This corridor sees heavy truck traffic from oilfield equipment, agricultural products, and general freight.
FM 386: A rural farm-to-market road that wasn’t designed for modern 80,000-pound trucks. The narrow lanes and limited shoulders create dangerous conditions.
FM 1723: Connects Mason to Brady and sees agricultural truck traffic.
FM 2389: Another rural route with truck traffic from local ranches and farms.
Local Roads in Mason, Loyal Valley, and Pontotoc: Our small town streets weren’t designed for large trucks, creating dangerous conditions at intersections and tight turns.

We know these roads, we know the local traffic patterns, and we know how to investigate accidents on Mason County’s unique roadways.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Push You Around

After a Mason County trucking accident, you’ll face:

Insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim
Rapid-response teams working to protect the trucking company
Medical bills piling up while you’re unable to work
Physical pain and emotional trauma
Uncertainty about your future

The trucking company has lawyers working to protect them. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our Mason County trucking accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to take on the largest trucking companies in America. We know the federal regulations, we understand the local courts, and we have a proven track record of results.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Mason County – from Mason to Loyal Valley to Pontotoc – call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer calls 24/7, and we work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t wait – critical evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.