18-Wheeler Accidents in Lee County, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide
Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and Lee County is no exception. With major trucking corridors like US-77, SH-21, and FM-1624 running through the area, commercial trucks are a constant presence on our roads. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Lee County, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, Texas state laws, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Lee County’s highways, trucking routes, and courtrooms—and we’re ready to fight for you.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
Trucking accidents are not just bigger car accidents—they involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and catastrophic injuries that can change your life forever.
The Physics of 18-Wheeler Crashes
- A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20-25 times heavier than a passenger car.
- At highway speeds, an 80,000-pound truck carries 80 times the kinetic energy of a car.
- Stopping distance: A truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
- Underride collisions (where a car slides under a trailer) are often fatal due to the height difference.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lee County
Lee County’s trucking corridors see a mix of local agricultural freight, oilfield equipment transport, and long-haul trucking—all of which come with unique risks:
| Cause | How It Happens in Lee County | FMCSA Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Fatigue | Long-haul drivers pushing limits on I-10 or US-77, violating hours-of-service (HOS) rules | 49 CFR § 395 |
| Distracted Driving | Drivers texting, using dispatch systems, or eating while navigating Lee County’s rural roads | 49 CFR § 392.82 |
| Improper Maintenance | Brake failures, tire blowouts, or lighting issues on trucks traveling through Giddings or Lexington | 49 CFR § 396 |
| Overloaded/Improperly Secured Cargo | Agricultural products, oilfield equipment, or livestock shifting during transport | 49 CFR § 393.100-136 |
| Speeding for Deadlines | Trucking companies pressuring drivers to meet tight schedules on SH-21 or FM-1624 | 49 CFR § 392.6 |
| Wide Turns at Intersections | Trucks swinging wide in Giddings or Dime Box, striking vehicles in blind spots | State traffic laws |
| Jackknife Accidents | Sudden braking on wet roads or sharp curves (common near FM-141) | 49 CFR § 392.14 |
Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents
Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents often result in life-altering injuries:
| Injury Type | Impact on Your Life | Lifetime Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, permanent disability | $85,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paralysis) | Quadriplegia or paraplegia, loss of mobility, 24/7 care needs | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Amputations | Loss of limbs, prosthetics, psychological trauma | $500,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Severe Burns | Multiple surgeries, skin grafts, chronic pain, disfigurement | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
| Internal Organ Damage | Liver/spleen rupture, internal bleeding, long-term health complications | $200,000 – $1,500,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | Loss of a loved one, funeral expenses, lost income, emotional suffering | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
Who Is Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be held responsible in a trucking case:
| Potentially Liable Party | How They May Be Responsible |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | Speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, traffic violations |
| Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, inadequate training, HOS violations, maintenance failures |
| Cargo Owner/Shipper | Overloading, improperly secured cargo, hazardous materials |
| Loading Company | Improper cargo securement, unbalanced loads |
| Truck/Trailer Manufacturer | Defective brakes, tires, steering, or safety systems |
| Parts Manufacturer | Faulty components (brakes, tires, couplings) |
| Maintenance Company | Negligent repairs, missed defects, improper adjustments |
| Freight Broker | Hiring unsafe carriers, failing to verify insurance |
| Government Entity | Poor road design, inadequate signage, unmarked hazards |
Our Insider Advantage:
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies minimize, delay, and deny claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
Critical Evidence in Lee County Trucking Cases
Trucking companies destroy evidence fast—sometimes within 30 days. If you don’t act immediately, critical proof could disappear forever.
What Evidence Do We Preserve?
✅ ECM/Black Box Data – Speed, braking, throttle position, GPS location
✅ ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records – Hours of service, fatigue violations
✅ Driver Qualification File – Hiring practices, training records, past violations
✅ Maintenance & Inspection Records – Brake adjustments, tire replacements, known defects
✅ Dashcam & Surveillance Footage – Video of the accident (often deleted within 7-14 days)
✅ Cell Phone Records – Distracted driving proof
✅ Cargo & Loading Records – Overweight or improperly secured loads
✅ Drug & Alcohol Test Results – Impairment at the time of the crash
“Evidence in Lee County 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies in Lee County and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner
Texas-Specific Laws That Affect Your Case
1. Statute of Limitations (Deadline to File)
- Personal Injury: 2 years from the accident date
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
- Property Damage: 2 years
Don’t wait! Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurance companies use delays against you.
2. Comparative Negligence (Modified 51% Rule)
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system:
- If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
Example:
If you are found 20% at fault in a $1,000,000 case, you recover $800,000.
3. Damage Caps in Texas
- No cap on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage)
- No cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in most personal injury cases
- Punitive damages capped at the greater of:
- 2x economic damages + $750,000 in non-economic damages, OR
- $200,000
4. Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one was killed in a trucking accident, surviving family members can recover:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering before death
- Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Lee County
Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal damage may not show symptoms immediately.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage (all vehicles involved)
- Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals
- Injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
- Trucking company name, DOT number, license plate
- Witness contact information
- Get the Truck Driver’s Information – Name, CDL number, employer, insurance details.
- Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement – Insurance adjusters will use your words against you.
- Call Attorney911 Immediately – We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed.
What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
❌ Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts to deny your claim.
❌ Don’t accept a quick settlement – The first offer is always a lowball.
❌ Don’t delay medical treatment – Gaps in treatment hurt your case.
How Attorney911 Maximizes Your Compensation
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve black box, ELD, and maintenance records.
- Hire accident reconstruction experts to prove fault.
- Obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses before it’s deleted.
2. Proving Negligence with FMCSA Violations
We investigate federal trucking regulations to prove negligence:
| FMCSA Violation | How It Helps Your Case |
|---|---|
| Hours of Service (HOS) Violations | Driver was fatigued, violating 49 CFR § 395 |
| False Logs (ELD Tampering) | Driver lied about driving time (49 CFR § 395.8) |
| Improper Maintenance | Trucking company ignored known defects (49 CFR § 396) |
| Unqualified Driver | No valid CDL or medical certificate (49 CFR § 391) |
| Distracted Driving | Cell phone use while driving (49 CFR § 392.82) |
| Cargo Securement Failures | Load shifted or fell off (49 CFR § 393.100-136) |
3. Identifying ALL Liable Parties
We don’t just sue the driver—we pursue every responsible party to maximize your recovery.
4. Calculating Full Damages
We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to determine:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
- Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)
5. Fighting Insurance Company Tactics
Trucking companies and their insurers use aggressive tactics to minimize payouts:
| Insurance Tactic | Our Counter-Strategy |
|---|---|
| Quick Lowball Offer | Never accept the first offer—we calculate full damages first |
| Blaming the Victim | Gather evidence to disprove comparative fault claims |
| Delaying the Claim | File a lawsuit to force discovery and settlement negotiations |
| Denying Injuries | Obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony |
| “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense | Use the “eggshell skull” doctrine—take the victim as we find them |
| Surveillance of You | Advise clients on appropriate conduct and expose unfair surveillance |
| Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) | Counter with treating physicians and independent experts |
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client
Lee County Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen
Lee County’s location along US-77 (a major north-south freight route) and proximity to I-10 (a critical east-west corridor) means heavy truck traffic. Common accident hotspots include:
| Location | Why Accidents Happen Here |
|---|---|
| US-77 (Giddings to Lexington) | High-speed truck traffic, agricultural equipment, oilfield loads |
| SH-21 (Bastrop to Caldwell County line) | Curves, rural road conditions, farm-to-market truck traffic |
| FM-1624 (Giddings area) | Intersection crashes, wide turns, local delivery trucks |
| FM-141 (Dime Box area) | Sharp curves, livestock transport, limited visibility |
| US-290 (near Giddings) | Heavy truck traffic, merging lanes, speed differentials |
| FM-696 (Lexington area) | Narrow roads, farm equipment, limited shoulder space |
Case Results & What Your Case May Be Worth
While every case is different, here are documented results from trucking accident cases:
| Case Type | Settlement/Verdict | Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Logging Truck Accident | $5+ Million | Traumatic brain injury + vision loss |
| Car Accident + Medical Complication | $3.8+ Million | Partial leg amputation (staph infection) |
| Maritime/Jones Act Claim | $2+ Million | Back injury (lifting cargo) |
| Trucking Wrongful Death | Millions | Fatal 18-wheeler accident |
| Commercial Truck Crash | $2.5+ Million | Severe injuries requiring surgery |
Texas Trucking Verdicts (Not Attorney911 Cases, for Reference):
- $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – Oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
- $150 Million – Werner Enterprises settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
- $37.5 Million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2024)
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lee County Trucking Case?
✅ 25+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorney – Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurers deny and minimize claims.
✅ Federal Court Admission – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (critical for interstate trucking cases).
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Results – We’ve recovered $50+ million for Texas families.
✅ Bilingual Services – Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation in Spanish.
✅ Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – We’re never far from Lee County.
✅ No Fee Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs.
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee County Trucking Accidents
1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in Lee County?
You have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. However, evidence disappears quickly—contact us immediately to preserve your case.
2. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
Texas follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. We gather ECM data, ELD records, and witness statements to prove what really happened.
3. How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Case value depends on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
4. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball victims before they understand the full extent of their injuries. We calculate full damages before negotiating.
5. Can I sue if a loved one was killed in a trucking accident?
Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims for surviving family members. You may recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering before death
- Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)
6. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We identify all liable parties (driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, etc.) to ensure you can still recover compensation.
7. How long will my case take?
- Simple cases: 6-12 months
- Complex cases (multiple parties, severe injuries): 1-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
8. 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.
9. Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
10. What if I don’t speak English?
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
Lee County Trucking Accident Resources
| Resource | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Lee County Sheriff’s Office | (979) 542-2800 |
| Giddings Police Department | (979) 542-3622 |
| Lexington Police Department | (979) 773-2221 |
| Lee County EMS | (979) 542-3212 |
| St. Mark’s Medical Center (La Grange) | (979) 968-3333 |
| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (Brenham) | (979) 830-1100 |
| Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) | www.txdot.gov |
| FMCSA Safety Records | safer.fmcsa.dot.gov |
| NHTSA Crash Data | crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov |
Your Next Steps: Call Attorney911 Now
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Lee County—Giddings, Lexington, Dime Box, or surrounding areas—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.
We offer:
✔ Free consultations – No obligation, no pressure
✔ 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
✔ No fee unless we win – You pay nothing upfront
✔ Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
🌐 Visit: Attorney911.com
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
Attorney911 – The Firm Insurers Fear™
When disaster strikes, you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ who fights like your future depends on it—because it does.
