18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Johnson County, Texas
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Johnson County, Texas, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Attorney911, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families. Our team of Johnson County trucking accident lawyers has over 25 years of experience holding negligent trucking companies accountable.
Why Johnson County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Johnson County’s highways and interstates see heavy commercial truck traffic daily. From the busy I-35W corridor to the distribution centers in Cleburne and the rural routes connecting to Fort Worth, our county’s roads present unique challenges for truck drivers and passenger vehicles alike.
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make them particularly dangerous. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20 to 25 times more than the average passenger vehicle. When these massive trucks collide with smaller cars, the results are often catastrophic.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Johnson County
Our Johnson County truck accident attorneys have seen firsthand how these accidents occur:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers in Johnson County often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. This can lead to violations of federal hours of service regulations, which limit driving time to prevent fatigue-related accidents. The FMCSA requires:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
When drivers violate these rules, they put everyone on Johnson County roads at risk. Our attorneys know how to obtain and analyze electronic logging device (ELD) data to prove these violations.
Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures
Johnson County’s mix of highway and rural roads puts significant stress on truck braking systems. Poorly maintained brakes can fail when needed most, especially on the hilly terrain approaching Cleburne or during sudden stops on I-35W. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.40-55) require regular brake inspections and maintenance, but many trucking companies cut corners to save money.
Cargo Securement Failures
Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing trucks to become unstable and increasing the risk of rollover accidents. This is particularly dangerous on Johnson County’s rural roads where sudden turns or evasive maneuvers may be required. The FMCSA has specific cargo securement rules (49 CFR § 393.100-136) that require:
- Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
- Securement systems must withstand specific forces
- Minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo length and weight
Distracted and Impaired Driving
With the proliferation of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major problem among commercial truck drivers. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.82) prohibit hand-held mobile phone use while driving, but many drivers ignore this rule. Our Johnson County truck accident lawyers know how to obtain cell phone records to prove distraction.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle
Our Johnson County trucking accident attorneys have experience with all types of commercial vehicle crashes:
Jackknife Accidents
These occur when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Jackknifes are common on Johnson County’s wet roads and can be caused by:
- Sudden braking
- Speeding on curves
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers
- Brake system failures
Underride Collisions
One of the most deadly types of truck accidents, underride collisions happen when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.86) require rear impact guards, but many trailers lack adequate protection.
Rollover Accidents
Truck rollovers are particularly dangerous in Johnson County due to the potential for secondary collisions with other vehicles. Common causes include:
- Speeding on curves or ramps
- Improperly secured cargo
- Liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts weight
- Driver overcorrection after a tire blowout
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to react in time, devastating rear-end collisions occur.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
These accidents happen when a truck swings wide to make a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap. This is particularly dangerous at intersections in Cleburne and along Highway 67.
Catastrophic Injuries from Johnson County Trucking Accidents
The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in trucking accidents. Symptoms can include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes and depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Speech difficulties
Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care. Our Johnson County truck accident lawyers work with medical experts to document the full extent of these injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord damage can result in:
- Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
- Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
- Incomplete injuries with partial function
- Complete injuries with total loss of sensation and movement
The lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries can exceed $5 million, depending on the severity and level of injury.
Amputations
Crushing injuries from truck accidents often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical removal of limbs. Amputees face:
- Initial surgery and hospitalization
- Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Home modifications
Severe Burns
Truck accidents can cause fires and explosions, resulting in severe burns that require:
- Multiple skin graft surgeries
- Long hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Internal Organ Damage
The force of a truck collision can cause:
- Liver lacerations
- Spleen damage
- Kidney injuries
- Lung contusions
- Internal bleeding
These injuries often require emergency surgery and can have long-term health consequences.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Compensation can include:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses before death
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Johnson County Trucking Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple liable parties. Our Johnson County truck accident attorneys investigate all potentially responsible parties, including:
The Truck Driver
Drivers can be held personally liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
- Violation of traffic laws
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because they have the deepest pockets. They can be held liable for:
- Vicarious liability (respondeat superior) for driver’s actions
- Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
- Negligent training of drivers
- Negligent supervision of drivers
- Negligent maintenance of vehicles
- Negligent scheduling that pressures drivers to violate hours of service
Cargo Owners and Loading Companies
The companies responsible for loading cargo can be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Overloading beyond weight limits
- Failure to use proper blocking and bracing
- Not training loaders on securement requirements
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers can be held liable for defective products under product liability laws:
- Defective brake systems
- Defective tires
- Defective steering mechanisms
- Defective lighting components
- Defective coupling devices
- Failure to warn of known dangers
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that fail 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 can 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
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Our Johnson County truck accident lawyers act immediately to preserve critical evidence:
Electronic Data
- ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
- ELD Records: May be retained only 6 months
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- GPS/Telematics Data: Varies by carrier
- Cell Phone Records: Require subpoena
Physical Evidence
- The truck and trailer
- Failed components (brakes, tires, etc.)
- Cargo and securement devices
Documentation
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance records
- Inspection reports
- Dispatch logs
- Drug and alcohol test results
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to put all parties on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Johnson County Trucking Accident Case
25+ Years of Experience
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims in Johnson County and across Texas since 1998. He has recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims.
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. This insider knowledge gives us an advantage in fighting for maximum compensation for our clients.
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is crucial for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations.
Proven Track Record
We have recovered millions for Johnson County trucking accident victims, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
- $3.8+ million for an amputation case
- $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries
- Millions for families in wrongful death cases
Local Knowledge
As Johnson County truck accident attorneys, we know:
- The local courts and judges
- The trucking corridors in our county
- The distribution centers and weigh stations
- The accident patterns on I-35W, Highway 67, and other major routes
Bilingual Services
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation to Johnson County’s Hispanic community without the need for interpreters.
24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24/7 to respond to your legal emergency.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Johnson County
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Johnson County, follow these steps:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries
- Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage
- The accident scene
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Your injuries
- Witnesses
- Get Driver and Truck Information – Collect:
- Driver’s name and contact information
- CDL number
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- License plate numbers for both the truck and trailer
- Insurance information
- Collect Witness Information – Get names and contact information for all witnesses
- Don’t Give Statements – Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call an Attorney Immediately – Contact our Johnson County truck accident lawyers at 1-888-ATTY-911
The Legal Process for Your Johnson County Trucking Accident Case
Free Consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:
- Review the facts of your accident
- Explain your legal rights
- Discuss potential compensation
- Answer your questions
Investigation
Our Johnson County truck accident attorneys will:
- Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
- Obtain police reports
- Collect medical records
- Interview witnesses
- Hire accident reconstruction experts
- Analyze electronic data (ECM, ELD, etc.)
- Review maintenance and inspection records
Medical Treatment
We’ll help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have health insurance. We work with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they’ll get paid from your settlement.
Demand Letter
Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we’ll send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance companies outlining:
- Liability facts
- Your injuries and treatment
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages
Negotiation
We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. Our former insurance defense attorney knows all their tactics and how to counter them.
Litigation
If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.
Resolution
Most cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to go to court if necessary. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and make sure you understand all settlement offers before you decide whether to accept.
Compensation Available in Johnson County Trucking Accident Cases
Our Johnson County truck accident lawyers fight for full compensation for all your damages:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Life care costs for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Texas Trucking Accident Laws You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict, and missing it means losing your right to compensation forever.
Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:
- If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything
Damage Caps
Texas has specific rules about damage caps in personal injury cases:
- No cap on economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages)
- No cap on non-economic damages for most personal injury cases
- Punitive damages are capped at the greater of:
- (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
- $200,000
Wrongful Death
In wrongful death cases, certain family members may recover:
- Lost income and benefits
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson County Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Johnson County?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, collect witness information, and contact our Johnson County truck accident attorneys immediately. Do not give statements to insurance companies without legal representation.
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Johnson County?
You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
How much is my Johnson County trucking accident case worth?
Case value depends on many factors, including:
- Severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the defendant’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), which allows for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Who can be held liable in a Johnson County trucking accident?
Multiple parties may be liable, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo owners and loading companies
- Truck and parts manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Freight brokers
What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Johnson County uses comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Our attorneys will investigate thoroughly and gather evidence to prove what really happened.
What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?
A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that all parties preserve evidence related to the accident. This includes electronic data, maintenance records, driver files, and physical evidence. Sending this letter immediately puts defendants on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.
What is the “black box” and how does it help my case?
Commercial trucks have electronic control modules (ECMs) that record operational data, similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Throttle position
- Following distance
- Hours of service compliance
This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can be crucial in proving negligence.
How long does a trucking accident 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.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court, and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready lawyers.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis – 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 Our Johnson County Trucking Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Johnson County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need experienced Johnson County truck accident lawyers on your side.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to respond to your legal emergency. Our Johnson County trucking accident attorneys offer:
- Free case evaluations
- No upfront costs
- Contingency fee representation (you pay nothing unless we win)
- 24/7 availability
- Bilingual services
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
“The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.”
Our Johnson County offices are conveniently located to serve clients throughout the county, including Cleburne, Burleson, Alvarado, Joshua, Keene, Rio Vista, and Godley. We also serve clients in surrounding counties and have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with negligence. Contact our Johnson County truck accident attorneys today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
