18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in San Saba County, Texas

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in San Saba County, Texas, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable for negligence, reckless driving, and regulatory violations that lead to catastrophic crashes.

With 25+ years of experience, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, giving us unique insight into how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims. We know their tactics—and we know how to fight back.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in San Saba County Are Different

San Saba County’s highways, including US-190, SH-16, and FM 500, see heavy truck traffic from agricultural, oilfield, and freight operations. These roads present unique dangers:

• Long stretches of rural highways where fatigued drivers may violate hours-of-service (HOS) regulations
• Sharp curves and elevation changes that increase the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents
• Limited emergency response in remote areas, delaying critical medical care
• Oversized and overweight loads that may be improperly secured, leading to cargo spills and catastrophic crashes

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes involve multiple liable parties, federal regulations (FMCSA), and high-value insurance policies—making them far more complex. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in San Saba County, you need an attorney who understands these challenges and knows how to maximize your recovery.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in San Saba County

Trucking accidents in San Saba County often result from negligence, regulatory violations, or equipment failures. Some of the most frequent causes include:

1. Driver Fatigue & Hours of Service (HOS) Violations

Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours. Unfortunately, many drivers violate these rules due to pressure from trucking companies or financial incentives to deliver loads faster.

How we prove fatigue violations:

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data – Shows exact driving hours and rest breaks
• Dispatch records – Reveal unrealistic delivery schedules
• Cell phone records – Indicate distracted driving or falsified logs
• Black box (ECM) data – Records speed, braking, and sudden acceleration (signs of drowsy driving)

2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phones, GPS, Dispatch Devices)

Truck drivers face numerous distractions, including:

• Texting or talking on cell phones (illegal under 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Using GPS or dispatch tablets while driving
• Eating, drinking, or adjusting controls while in motion

How we prove distracted driving:

• Cell phone records – Show calls, texts, or app usage at the time of the crash
• Dashcam or truck camera footage – Captures driver behavior
• Witness statements – Confirm erratic driving before impact

3. Improper Cargo Loading & Securement Failures

When cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can:

• Shift during transit, causing rollovers or loss of control
• Fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles
• Overload the truck, reducing braking ability

FMCSA cargo securement violations we investigate:

• Insufficient tiedowns (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Improper weight distribution
• Failure to use blocking or bracing
• Unsecured hazardous materials

4. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance

Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes, according to the FMCSA. Common issues include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Lack of pre-trip inspections

How we prove maintenance negligence:

• Maintenance records – Show deferred repairs or ignored warnings
• Post-crash inspections – Reveal brake defects
• Out-of-service violations – Prior citations for unsafe equipment

5. Tire Blowouts & Defective Tires

Tire failures are a leading cause of truck crashes, especially on hot Texas highways like those in San Saba County. Common causes include:

• Underinflated tires (leading to overheating)
• Worn treads (below 4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others)
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching (mixing brands or sizes)

How we prove tire negligence:

• Failed tire analysis – Determines if blowout was due to wear or defect
• Tire purchase and maintenance records – Show if replacements were delayed
• Pre-trip inspection reports – Confirm if driver ignored visible damage

6. Speeding & Reckless Driving

Trucks require longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for conditions, the risk of a catastrophic crash increases dramatically.

How we prove speeding violations:

• Black box (ECM) data – Records speed at time of impact
• Skid mark analysis – Calculates speed based on braking distance
• Witness statements – Confirm excessive speed before the crash

7. Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents

Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide before turning right. This creates a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles may try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

How we prove wide turn negligence:

• Intersection camera footage – Captures the truck’s path
• Truck’s turn signal data – Shows if the driver signaled properly
• Witness statements – Confirm if the truck cut off other vehicles

8. Underride Collisions (Rear & Side Impacts)

Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. These are among the deadliest trucking accidents.

Federal underride guard requirements:

• Rear impact guards must prevent underride at 30 mph (49 CFR § 393.86)
• No federal requirement for side underride guards (though some states mandate them)

How we prove underride guard failures:

• Crash reconstruction – Determines if the guard failed on impact
• Guard inspection records – Show if maintenance was neglected
• Manufacturer defect analysis – Identifies design flaws

9. Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents

Trucks have four massive blind spots where smaller vehicles disappear from the driver’s view:

1. Front No-Zone (20+ feet in front of the cab)
2. Rear No-Zone (30+ feet behind the trailer)
3. Left Side No-Zone (extends from the cab door backward)
4. Right Side No-Zone (extends from the cab door backward—the largest blind spot)

How we prove blind spot negligence:

• Truck camera footage – Shows if the driver checked mirrors
• Witness statements – Confirm if the truck changed lanes without warning
• Mirror adjustment records – Prove if mirrors were improperly set

10. Impaired Driving (Alcohol & Drugs)

Federal law prohibits truck drivers from:

• Drinking alcohol within 4 hours of driving (49 CFR § 392.5)
• Having a BAC of .04% or higher (half the legal limit for passenger vehicles)
• Using controlled substances (including marijuana, even in states where it’s legal)

How we prove impairment:

• Police reports – Document field sobriety test results
• Toxicology reports – Confirm alcohol or drug use
• Driver’s employment history – Reveals prior violations

Who Can Be Held Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple liable parties, each with their own insurance policies. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Negligent driving (speeding, distracted driving, fatigue)
• Traffic violations (running red lights, improper lane changes)
• Failure to inspect the vehicle (pre-trip/post-trip checks)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions. They may also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records, criminal history, or drug test results)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
• Negligent maintenance (deferred repairs, ignored inspection reports)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

If the cargo was improperly loaded, mislabeled, or hazardous, the shipper may share liability.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies can be held responsible if they failed to secure cargo properly, leading to shifts or spills.

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defective part (brakes, tires, steering, or underride guards) contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that produce defective components (brakes, tires, axles, or couplings) may share liability.

7. The Maintenance Company

If a third-party mechanic failed to properly repair the truck or ignored critical safety issues, they may be held responsible.

8. The Freight Broker

Freight brokers who hire unsafe carriers without proper vetting may be liable for negligent selection.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from the Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may share liability if they failed to maintain the vehicle or knew the driver was unfit.

10. Government Entities (For Road Defects)

If poor road design, lack of signage, or maintenance failures contributed to the crash, a government agency may be liable. However, these cases have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight disparity (an 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger car), trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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

Lifetime costs: $85,000 – $3,000,000+

2. Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Partial loss of sensation or movement

Lifetime costs:

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

3. Amputations

• Traumatic amputation: Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical amputation: Limb removed due to severe damage

Ongoing costs:

• Prosthetics: $5,000 – $50,000+ (replaced every 3-5 years)
• Physical therapy & rehabilitation
• Psychological counseling

4. Severe Burns

• First-degree: Superficial (heals without scarring)
• Second-degree: Partial thickness (may require skin grafts)
• Third-degree: Full thickness (permanent scarring, requires grafts)
• Fourth-degree: Burns through skin to muscle/bone

Long-term consequences:

• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Chronic pain & infection risks
• Permanent disfigurement

5. Internal Organ Damage

• Liver or spleen rupture (life-threatening internal bleeding)
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Bowel or intestinal perforations

6. Wrongful Death

If a loved one was killed in an 18-wheeler accident, Texas law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for:

• Lost future income & benefits
• Loss of companionship & guidance
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

Statute of limitations: 2 years from the date of death (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003)

How Much Is Your San Saba County Trucking Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on multiple factors, including:

Recent Texas Trucking Accident Verdicts & Settlements

While every case is unique, recent Texas trucking accident verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when negligent trucking companies are held accountable:

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims across Texas. While we can’t guarantee a specific outcome, we fight aggressively to maximize your compensation.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in San Saba County

The first 48 hours after a trucking accident are critical for preserving evidence. Follow these steps to protect your case:

1. Call 911 & Seek Medical Attention

• Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
• Request a police report—this is crucial evidence for your case.
• Go to the nearest hospital or urgent care (San Saba County Medical Center, Brownwood Regional Medical Center).

2. Document the Scene (If Possible)

• Take photos/videos of:
  • All vehicles involved (damage, license plates, DOT numbers)
  • Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs
  • Your injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
  • The truck’s cargo (if spilled or improperly secured)
• Get witness contact information (names, phone numbers, statements).

3. Collect Truck & Driver Information

• Trucking company name & DOT number (found on the truck door)
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance information
• Truck’s license plate number

4. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company—their goal is to minimize your claim.
• Anything you say can be used against you to reduce your compensation.
• Refer all calls to your attorney.

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Immediately

• Evidence disappears fast—trucking companies may destroy or overwrite black box data, ELD logs, and dashcam footage.
• We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve all evidence.
• The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your San Saba County Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He has:

• Recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims
• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Experience in complex litigation, including the BP Texas City explosion case

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims—and how to counter their tactics to maximize your recovery.

3. We Know San Saba County’s Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique dangers of San Saba County’s highways, including:

• US-190 (heavy agricultural and oilfield truck traffic)
• SH-16 (sharp curves and elevation changes)
• FM 500 & FM 45 (rural roads with limited shoulders and poor lighting)
• Intersections with high truck traffic (e.g., US-190 & SH-16)

Our local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for San Saba County residents.

4. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act fast to secure critical evidence before it’s lost:
✅ Black box (ECM) data – Records speed, braking, and throttle position
✅ ELD logs – Proves hours-of-service violations
✅ Dashcam footage – Captures the accident as it happened
✅ Driver Qualification File – Reveals negligent hiring or training
✅ Maintenance records – Shows deferred repairs or ignored warnings
✅ Cell phone records – Proves distracted driving

5. We Handle All Liable Parties

Unlike some firms that only sue the driver, we investigate every potentially liable party, including:

• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• The truck manufacturer
• The parts manufacturer
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker

6. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

• You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• We advance all case expenses (investigation, experts, court costs).
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

7. Compassionate, Personalized Representation

We treat our clients like family. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

8. Proven Results in Trucking Accident Cases

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our firm has a strong track record of securing multi-million-dollar recoveries for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ million – Logging accident resulting in traumatic brain injury
• $3.8+ million – Car accident leading to partial leg amputation
• $2+ million – Maritime back injury (Jones Act case)
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death trucking cases

San Saba County 18-Wheeler Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in San Saba County?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). However, do not wait—evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies will start building their defense immediately.

2. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence—if you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). We investigate thoroughly to prove the truck driver’s negligence, using:

• Black box data
• ELD logs
• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction

3. How much insurance does a trucking company have?

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1 million for oil, large equipment, or household goods
• $5 million for hazardous materials or passenger transport

Many carriers have additional umbrella policies covering $1M–$5M+.

4. Can I sue if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Yes. If the trucking company is insolvent, we can pursue:

• Their insurance policy (even if the company is bankrupt)
• Other liable parties (cargo owner, broker, manufacturer)
• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage

5. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence—as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. For example:

• If you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

6. How long does a trucking accident case take to settle?

Most cases settle within 6–24 months, depending on:

• Severity of injuries (longer treatment = longer case)
• Liability disputes (if fault is contested)
• Insurance company cooperation (some drag out negotiations)
• Whether a lawsuit is filed (cases that go to court take longer)

7. Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident cases settle out of court, 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.

8. What if the trucking company’s insurance offers a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball early settlements to save money. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation—even if your injuries worsen.

9. Can I still recover compensation if I don’t have health insurance?

Yes. We can help you:

• See an attorney-recommended doctor (paid through a Letter of Protection)
• Get treatment now, paid later from your settlement
• Negotiate with medical providers to reduce bills

10. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver is an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to vet the driver)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor safety)
• Vicarious liability (if the driver was acting on the company’s behalf)

San Saba County Trucking Accident Resources

Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• San Saba County Medical Center
  📍 200 S. Cherokee St, San Saba, TX 76877
  📞 (325) 372-3611

• Brownwood Regional Medical Center (Level IV Trauma Center)
  📍 1501 Burnet Dr, Brownwood, TX 76801
  📞 (325) 646-8541

Law Enforcement Agencies

• San Saba County Sheriff’s Office
  📍 500 E Wallace St, San Saba, TX 76877
  📞 (325) 372-5551

• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – San Saba
  📍 100 E Wallace St, San Saba, TX 76877
  📞 (325) 372-5555

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

• TxDOT San Saba County Office
  📍 100 E Wallace St, San Saba, TX 76877
  📞 (325) 372-5555
  🌐 TxDOT Crash Reports

FMCSA Resources

• FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS)
  🌐 safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
  (Check a trucking company’s safety record)

• FMCSA Complaint Hotline
  📞 1-888-368-7238
  (Report unsafe trucking companies)

Contact Attorney911 Today – Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in San Saba County, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast, and trucking companies will start building their defense immediately.

Call us now for a FREE, no-obligation consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

We answer calls 24/7. Don’t wait—contact us today to protect your rights and start building your case.

“The trucking company has a team of lawyers fighting for them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911—we fight for you.” – Ralph Manginello