18-Wheeler Accidents in Converse, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents on Converse Highways

Every year, thousands of families across Texas have their lives shattered by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Converse, Texas, you need to understand the unique challenges and legal strategies that apply to these complex cases. An 80,000-pound commercial truck slamming into your vehicle at highway speeds isn’t just an accident—it’s a life-altering disaster that demands immediate legal action.

The Manginello Law Firm has been fighting for truck accident victims throughout Bexar County for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. We know Converse’s trucking corridors from Loop 1604 to I-35, and we understand how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable when they violate federal safety regulations.

Why Converse Trucking Accidents Are Different

Converse sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s trucking network. The convergence of I-35 and Loop 1604 creates some of the most dangerous trucking intersections in the San Antonio metro area. The distribution centers along Pat Booker Road and the industrial parks near FM 78 generate massive truck traffic that mixes with local commuters and families.

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes in Converse involve:

• Federal regulations that govern trucking companies and drivers
• Multiple liable parties including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers
• Higher insurance limits (minimum $750,000, often $1-5 million)
• Critical evidence that disappears quickly if not preserved
• Catastrophic injuries that require lifelong medical care

When a trucking company’s negligence changes your life in an instant, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team with the resources, experience, and determination to fight for maximum compensation.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Converse

Converse’s unique geography and traffic patterns create specific hazards that contribute to trucking accidents:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations are designed to prevent fatigued driving, but trucking companies often pressure drivers to violate these rules. On Converse’s highways, we frequently see violations of:

• 11-hour driving limit – Drivers exceeding the maximum 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window – Drivers operating beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break rule – Drivers skipping required breaks after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits – Drivers working excessive hours without proper rest

The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate requires most commercial trucks to use tamper-resistant devices that record driving time. However, some drivers still find ways to falsify their logs. Our firm sends immediate preservation letters to ensure this critical evidence isn’t destroyed.

2. Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

The distribution centers and industrial parks throughout Converse see constant loading and unloading of cargo. When cargo isn’t properly secured according to FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136), it can:

• Shift during transit, causing rollovers
• Fall onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles
• Exceed weight limits, making trucks harder to control

Cargo securement failures are particularly dangerous on Converse’s hilly terrain and during the frequent summer thunderstorms that create slick road conditions.

3. Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Converse, we see brake failures caused by:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

The trucking company’s maintenance records often reveal a pattern of deferred repairs that prioritize profits over safety.

4. Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite federal prohibitions on hand-held mobile phone use (49 CFR § 392.82) and texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80), we still see Converse truck drivers distracted by:

• Cell phones and texting
• Dispatch communications
• GPS devices
• In-cab entertainment systems

Additionally, some drivers operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol, violating 49 CFR § 392.4 and § 392.5.

5. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The mix of local traffic and commercial trucks on Converse’s highways creates dangerous conditions when truck drivers:

• Exceed posted speed limits
• Drive too fast for weather conditions
• Tailgate other vehicles
• Make aggressive lane changes

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck traveling at excessive speeds make these behaviors particularly deadly.

6. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Converse’s numerous intersections and tight turns create perfect conditions for wide turn accidents. These occur when a truck swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the gap.

7. Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)

Commercial trucks have four major blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles:

1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly 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, much larger than the left side (most dangerous)

Accidents occur when truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots.

Catastrophic Injuries from Converse Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles makes catastrophic injuries the norm in Converse trucking accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to collision forces. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care that can cost millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries – Some nerve function remains
• Complete injuries – Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury

The lifetime cost of spinal cord injury care ranges from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.

Amputations

Crushing forces and entrapment in trucking accidents often result in:

• Traumatic amputations at the scene
• Surgical amputations due to severe damage
• Multiple limb amputations

Amputations require prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each), rehabilitation, and psychological counseling.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, and electrical fires can cause:

• First-degree burns (epidermis only)
• Second-degree burns (epidermis and dermis)
• Third-degree burns (full thickness)
• Fourth-degree burns (through skin to muscle/bone)

Burn treatment may require multiple reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts.

Internal Organ Damage

The extreme forces in trucking accidents can cause:

• Liver lacerations
• Spleen damage
• Kidney injuries
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Converse Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

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

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

The trucking company can be liable through:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

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

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring – Failed to check driver’s background
• Negligent Training – Inadequate safety training
• Negligent Supervision – Failed to monitor driver performance
• Negligent Maintenance – Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling – Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

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

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

7. Maintenance Company

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

8. Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

10. Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

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

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have 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.

Why 48 Hours Matters

The Spoliation Letter

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

When We Send It:
IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours of being retained. We don’t wait.

What It Demands:

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Qualcomm or fleet management system data

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results (pre-employment and random)
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history
• Performance reviews and disciplinary records

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

ECM/Black Box Data Explained

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data:

Critical Data Points:

• Speed Before 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
• Hours of Service: Proves fatigue and HOS violations
• GPS Location: Confirms route and timing
• Fault Codes: May reveal known mechanical issues driver ignored

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can be the key to winning your case.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations provide powerful evidence of negligence when violated:

Part 390 – General Applicability

• § 390.3 – Applies to all employers, employees, and CMVs transporting property or passengers in interstate commerce

Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

• § 391.11 – Minimum qualifications for drivers
• § 391.41 – Physical qualification requirements
• § 391.51 – Driver Qualification File requirements

Part 392 – Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

• § 392.3 – Ill or fatigued operators (prohibits driving while impaired)
• § 392.4 – Drugs and other substances (prohibits driving under influence)
• § 392.5 – Alcohol prohibition
• § 392.6 – Speeding (prohibits scheduling runs requiring excessive speed)
• § 392.11 – Following too closely
• § 392.82 – Mobile phone use prohibition

Part 393 – Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

• § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement requirements
• § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements
• § 393.11-26 – Lighting requirements

Part 395 – Hours of Service Regulations

• § 395.3 – 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window
• § 395.8 – Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate
• § 395.1(g) – Sleeper berth provisions

Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

• § 396.3 – Systematic inspection and maintenance requirement
• § 396.11 – Driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR)
• § 396.13 – Driver pre-trip inspection requirement
• § 396.17 – Annual inspection requirement

How We Investigate Converse Trucking Accidents

Our comprehensive investigation process ensures we identify all liable parties and build the strongest possible case:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept case and send preservation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph client 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 ELD/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)

Converse-Specific Trucking Corridors and Hazards

Converse’s location at the intersection of major highways creates unique trucking accident risks:

I-35 Corridor

• Primary north-south freight route connecting Mexico to Canada
• High truck traffic from Laredo to San Antonio
• Mixes with local commuter traffic
• Frequent congestion at Loop 1604 interchange
• Construction zones common

Loop 1604

• Major east-west freight corridor
• Connects I-35 to I-10
• High truck volume from distribution centers
• Numerous intersections with traffic signals
• Speed limit changes create dangerous conditions

Pat Booker Road

• Major commercial corridor through Converse
• Numerous distribution centers and warehouses
• Heavy truck traffic from I-35 to FM 78
• School zones and residential areas create conflicts
• Frequent turning movements at intersections

FM 78

• Connects Converse to Randolph Air Force Base
• Mixes military traffic with commercial trucks
• Rural sections with higher speed limits
• Agricultural traffic creates additional hazards

Common Danger Zones in Converse

1. I-35 at Loop 1604 Interchange – Complex interchange with heavy truck traffic
2. Pat Booker Road at I-35 – Trucks entering/exiting highway
3. FM 78 at Pat Booker Road – Intersection with heavy truck volume
4. Loop 1604 at Judson Road – Trucks accessing distribution centers
5. Converse’s Industrial Parks – Loading docks and maneuvering areas

The Insurance Battle: How We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years on the other side, learning their tactics. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Common Insurance Tactics and Our Counter-Strategies

Texas Insurance Requirements for Trucking Companies

Federal law requires minimum liability insurance for commercial trucks:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage, allowing for substantial recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.

Types of Damages Available in Converse 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 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)

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 caps punitive damages at the greater of:

• (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
• $200,000

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, recent verdicts demonstrate what juries are willing to award in serious trucking cases:

• $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021, Texas) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $462 Million – St. Louis Underride (2024, Missouri) – Two men decapitated in underride crash
• $160 Million – Street v. Daimler (2024, Alabama) – Rollover left driver quadriplegic
• $150 Million – Werner Settlement (2022, Texas) – Two children killed on I-30
• $141.5 Million – Florida Defunct Carrier Case (2023)
• $90 Million – Houston, TX – Truck driver burned in explosion
• $37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 Million – Texas family injured in truck accident
• $35 Million – Fort Worth, TX – Largest in Tarrant County

These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies fully accountable when their negligence causes catastrophic harm.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Converse

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Converse, follow these critical steps:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out immediately
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and video of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
   • Your injuries
   • The truck’s DOT number and license plates
   • Witness contact information
4. Get Trucking Company Information – Name, DOT number, driver’s contact info
5. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
6. Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately – Critical evidence disappears fast

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm for Your Converse Trucking Case

1. Proven Track Record of Results

Our firm has recovered $50+ million for clients across Texas, including multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases. We’ve secured compensation for families devastated by catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize claims and deny liability. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations and multiple jurisdictions.

4. Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We have comprehensive knowledge of all FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) and how to prove violations that establish negligence. Our team knows exactly what evidence to look for in every trucking case.

5. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage can be overwritten quickly if not preserved.

6. Bilingual Services

Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff, including Lupe Peña. We provide direct representation to Spanish-speaking clients without interpreters, ensuring clear communication and accurate legal advice.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

7. Local Knowledge of Converse and Bexar County

We know Converse’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges of trucking cases in this area. Our local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

8. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Client Testimonials

“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

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

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Converse Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Converse?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Converse, 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

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident 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. Converse hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Converse?

Document everything possible:

• 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

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. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Converse?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (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 before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Converse?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• 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.

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

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)

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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—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.

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. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

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—once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

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

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
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

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. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

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

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.

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.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Converse?

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

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Converse?

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.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Converse?

Texas 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 to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Converse?

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.

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.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Converse, Texas, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation.

Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Houston: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Available 24/7 – We answer trucking accident calls immediately

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

The Manginello Law Firm
1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027

Serving Converse and all of Bexar County

“When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life in an instant, you need a lawyer who treats you like family. We fight for Converse families devastated by trucking accidents—because we know what’s at stake.” — Ralph Manginello