18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Pleasanton, TX | Attorney911
Every year, thousands of families in Pleasanton and across Atascosa County face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident on I-35, US-281, or any of Pleasanton’s highways, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of commercial vehicle litigation.
At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable for their negligence. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of experience fighting for injury victims throughout Texas. We know Pleasanton’s trucking corridors, from the distribution centers along I-35 to the oil field traffic on US-281, and we understand how to build strong cases that maximize compensation for our clients.
Why Pleasanton Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Legal Representation
Trucking accidents in Pleasanton aren’t like typical car crashes. The physics are different, the regulations are more complex, and the stakes are much higher. Here’s what makes these cases unique:
The Physics of Trucking Accidents
- Weight Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger car
- Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
- Impact Force: The kinetic energy of a truck traveling at highway speeds is roughly 80 times greater than a car
- Trailer Dynamics: Empty or improperly loaded trailers are prone to jackknifing and rollovers
Pleasanton’s Unique Trucking Corridors
Pleasanton sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking routes:
- I-35 Corridor: The NAFTA superhighway carrying international freight between Mexico and Canada
- US-281: Connecting San Antonio to the Eagle Ford Shale oil fields
- FM 476 and FM 536: Local routes serving Pleasanton’s agricultural and oil industries
- Distribution Centers: Major warehousing operations that generate significant truck traffic
These routes create dangerous conditions where fatigued drivers, overloaded trucks, and tight delivery schedules combine to create a perfect storm of risk for Pleasanton motorists.
Federal Regulations That Protect You
Every commercial truck operating in Pleasanton must comply with strict federal safety regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to preventable accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations cover:
- Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395): Limits on driving time to prevent fatigue
- Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391): Background checks and medical standards
- Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396): Inspection and repair requirements
- Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393): Proper loading and tiedown standards
Our team has deep expertise in these regulations and knows how to use violations to prove negligence in your case.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Pleasanton
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents often occur on Pleasanton’s highways when:
- Drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads
- Empty trailers lack sufficient traction
- Improperly loaded cargo shifts unexpectedly
- Brake systems fail or are improperly adjusted
Jackknife accidents frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups, especially on high-speed routes like I-35 where traffic density is high.
Underride Collisions
These horrific accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, resulting in:
- Decapitation injuries
- Catastrophic head and neck trauma
- Severe crushing injuries
- Almost certain fatalities
Pleasanton’s mix of local roads and highways creates numerous intersections where underride accidents can occur, particularly when trucks make wide turns or stop suddenly.
Rollover Accidents
The high center of gravity on 18-wheelers makes them prone to rollovers, especially when:
- Drivers take curves too fast (common on FM 476 and rural routes)
- Cargo shifts during transport
- Tires blow out at highway speeds
- Drivers overcorrect after drifting out of their lane
Rollover accidents often spill cargo across roadways, creating additional hazards for other motorists.
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers:
- Follow too closely
- Drive distracted
- Operate while fatigued
- Have poorly maintained brakes
They often cannot stop in time to avoid rear-ending vehicles in front of them. These accidents are particularly dangerous on Pleasanton’s highways where traffic can slow suddenly due to construction or congestion.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide to the left before making a right turn. This creates a dangerous gap that other vehicles may enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents are common at Pleasanton intersections where:
- Trucks turn from US-281 onto local roads
- Drivers attempt to pass turning trucks
- Visibility is limited by buildings or vegetation
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)
Commercial trucks have massive blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles:
- Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
- Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
- Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
- Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward—this is the largest and most dangerous blind spot
Accidents occur when truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots, a particular problem on Pleasanton’s multi-lane highways.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Pleasanton’s heat and long highway stretches create ideal conditions for tire blowouts. When a truck tire fails:
- The driver may lose control of the vehicle
- Debris can strike following vehicles
- The truck may jackknife or roll over
Common causes include underinflation, overloading, worn tires, and manufacturing defects.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Pleasanton’s hilly terrain and during sudden traffic slowdowns, brake failures can be catastrophic. Causes include:
- Worn brake pads not replaced
- Improper brake adjustments
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheated brakes on long descents
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Defective brake components
Cargo Spill Accidents
Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks or shift during transit, creating hazards for other motorists. In Pleasanton’s agricultural and oil field areas, cargo spills may involve:
- Hazardous materials from oil field operations
- Agricultural products from local farms
- Construction equipment and materials
- Consumer goods from distribution centers
Who Is Liable for Your Pleasanton Trucking Accident?
One of the most important differences between trucking accidents and car accidents is that multiple parties can be held liable for your injuries. Our investigation will identify all potentially responsible parties, which may include:
The Truck Driver
The driver may be personally liable for negligent conduct such as:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
- Violation of traffic laws
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits. They can be held liable through:
Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):
- The driver was an employee (not an independent contractor)
- Acting within the scope of employment
- Performing job duties when the accident occurred
Direct Negligence:
- Negligent Hiring: Failed to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
- Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, or hours of service
- Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance or ELD compliance
- Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
- Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations
The Cargo Owner or Shipper
The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:
- Providing improper loading instructions
- Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
- Requiring overweight loading
- Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits
- Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics
The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks 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
Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
The companies that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for defects such as:
- Design defects in brake systems
- Stability control failures
- Fuel tank placement vulnerabilities
- Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)
- Manufacturing defects in critical components
Parts Manufacturers
Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:
- Defective brake components
- Defective tires causing blowouts
- Defective steering mechanisms
- Defective lighting components
- Defective coupling devices
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
- Failure to identify critical safety issues
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard or wrong parts
- Returning vehicles to service with known defects
Freight Brokers
Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:
- Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
- Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
- Failure to check carrier CSA scores
- Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns
The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:
- Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
- Failure to maintain owned equipment
- Knowledge of the driver’s unfitness
Government Entities
Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:
- Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
- Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
- Inadequate signage for known hazards
- Failure to install safety barriers
- Improper work zone setup
The 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
| Evidence Type | Destruction Risk |
|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events |
| ELD Data | May be retained only 6 months |
| Dashcam Footage | Often deleted within 7-14 days |
| Surveillance Video | Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days |
| Witness Memory | Fades significantly within weeks |
| Physical Evidence | Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped |
| Drug/Alcohol Tests | Must be conducted within specific windows |
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.
Why It Matters:
- Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
- Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
- Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation
- The sooner sent, the more weight it carries
When We Send It:
IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours of being retained. We don’t wait.
What the Spoliation Letter 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 – similar to an airplane’s black box but for trucks.
Types of Electronic Recording:
| System | What It Records |
|---|---|
| ECM (Engine Control Module) | Engine performance, speed, throttle, RPM, cruise control, fault codes |
| EDR (Event Data Recorder) | Pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment |
| ELD (Electronic Logging Device) | Driver hours, duty status, GPS location, driving time |
| Telematics | Real-time GPS tracking, speed, route, driver behavior |
| Dashcam | Video of road ahead, some record cab interior |
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
Why This Data Wins Cases:
ECM/ELD data is objective and tamper-resistant. It directly contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” This data has led to multi-million dollar verdicts in trucking cases.
FMCSA Regulations: Your Key to Proving Negligence
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), Parts 300-399.
The 6 Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations
| Part | Title | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Part 390 | General Applicability | Definitions, who regulations apply to |
| Part 391 | Driver Qualification | Who can drive, medical requirements, training |
| Part 392 | Driving Rules | Safe operation, fatigue, drugs, alcohol |
| Part 393 | Vehicle Safety | Equipment, cargo securement, brakes, lights |
| Part 395 | Hours of Service | How long drivers can drive, required rest |
| Part 396 | Inspection & Maintenance | Vehicle upkeep, inspections, records |
Hours of Service Violations: The #1 Cause of Fatigue-Related Crashes
FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate to prevent fatigue:
| Rule | Requirement | Violation Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| 11-Hour Driving Limit | Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty | Fatigue-related accidents |
| 14-Hour Duty Window | Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty | Driver exhaustion |
| 30-Minute Break | Must take 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving | Impaired alertness |
| 60/70-Hour Limit | Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days | Cumulative fatigue |
| 34-Hour Restart | Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off | Inadequate recovery |
| 10-Hour Off-Duty | Must have minimum 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving | Insufficient rest |
Why This Matters:
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely to changing road conditions.
Driver Qualification Standards
FMCSA establishes who is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle:
Minimum Driver Qualifications (49 CFR § 391.11):
A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless they:
- Are at least 21 years old (interstate) or 18 years old (intrastate)
- Can read and speak English sufficiently
- Can safely operate the CMV and cargo type
- Are physically qualified under § 391.41
- Have a valid commercial motor vehicle operator’s license (CDL)
- Have completed a driver’s road test or equivalent
- Are not disqualified under § 391.15 (violations, suspensions)
- Have completed required entry-level driver training
Driver Qualification File Requirements (49 CFR § 391.51):
Motor carriers MUST maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for EVERY driver containing:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Employment Application | Completed per § 391.21 |
| Motor Vehicle Record | From state licensing authority |
| Road Test Certificate | Or equivalent documentation |
| Medical Examiner’s Certificate | Current, valid (max 2 years) |
| Annual Driving Record Review | Must be conducted and documented |
| Previous Employer Inquiries | 3-year driving history investigation |
| Drug & Alcohol Test Records | Pre-employment and random testing |
Why This Matters For Your Case:
If the trucking company failed to maintain a proper DQ file, failed to check the driver’s background, or hired a driver with a poor safety record, they can be held liable for negligent hiring. We subpoena these records in every trucking case.
Vehicle Safety and Maintenance Standards
Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136):
General Requirements (§ 393.100):
Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent:
- Leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle
- Shifting that affects vehicle stability or maneuverability
- Blocking the driver’s view or interfering with operation
Performance Criteria (§ 393.102):
Cargo securement systems must withstand:
- Forward: 0.8 g deceleration (sudden stop)
- Rearward: 0.5 g acceleration
- Lateral: 0.5 g (side-to-side)
- Downward: At least 20% of cargo weight if not fully contained
Tiedown Requirements:
- Aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight for loose cargo
- At least one tiedown for cargo 5 feet or less in length
- At least two tiedowns for cargo over 5 feet or under 1,100 lbs
- Additional tiedowns for every 10 feet of cargo length
Brakes (49 CFR § 393.40-55):
All CMVs must have properly functioning brake systems:
- Service brakes on all wheels
- Parking/emergency brake system
- Air brake systems must meet specific requirements
- Brake adjustment must be maintained within specifications
Lighting (49 CFR § 393.11-26):
Required lighting includes:
- Headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps
- Clearance and side marker lamps
- Reflectors and retroreflective sheeting
- Turn signal lamps
Why This Matters:
Violations of cargo securement cause rollover, jackknife, and spill accidents. Brake failures cause rear-end collisions. We investigate every vehicle system when building your case.
Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
GENERAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT (§ 396.3):
“Every motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.”
Driver Inspection Requirements:
Pre-Trip Inspection (§ 396.13):
Before driving, drivers must be satisfied the CMV is in safe operating condition. Must review last driver vehicle inspection report if defects were noted.
Post-Trip Report (§ 396.11):
After each day’s driving, drivers must prepare written report on vehicle condition covering at minimum:
- Service brakes
- Parking brake
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels and rims
- Emergency equipment
Annual Inspection (§ 396.17):
Every CMV must pass a comprehensive annual inspection covering 16+ systems. Inspection decal must be displayed. Records must be retained for 14 months.
Maintenance Record Retention (§ 396.3):
Motor carriers must maintain records for each vehicle showing:
- Identification (make, serial number, year, tire size)
- Schedule for inspection, repair, and maintenance
- Record of repairs and maintenance
- Records must be retained for 1 year
Why This Matters:
Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the trucking company failed to maintain proper records or deferred maintenance, they are liable for negligence.
Catastrophic Injuries from Pleasanton Trucking Accidents
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception in Pleasanton truck crashes.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Size and Weight Disparity:
- Fully loaded 18-wheeler: Up to 80,000 lbs
- Average passenger car: 3,500-4,000 lbs
- The truck is 20-25 TIMES heavier than your car
Impact Force:
- Force = Mass × Acceleration
- An 80,000 lb truck at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a car
- This energy transfers to the smaller vehicle in a crash
Stopping Distance:
- 18-wheeler at 65 mph needs ~525 feet to stop (nearly 2 football fields)
- Car at 65 mph needs ~300 feet to stop
- This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What It Is:
TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.
Severity Levels:
| Level | Symptoms | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (Concussion) | Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness | Usually recovers, but may have lasting effects |
| Moderate | Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits | Significant recovery possible with rehabilitation |
| Severe | Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment | Lifelong disability, may require 24/7 care |
Common Symptoms:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, depression, anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
- Speech difficulties
- Personality changes
Long-Term Consequences:
- Permanent cognitive impairment
- Inability to work
- Need for ongoing care and supervision
- Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Depression and emotional disorders
Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity
Spinal Cord Injury
What It Is:
Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.
Types of Paralysis:
| Type | Definition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Paraplegia | Loss of function below the waist | Cannot walk, may affect bladder/bowel control |
| Quadriplegia | Loss of function in all four limbs | Cannot walk or use arms, may need breathing assistance |
| Incomplete Injury | Some nerve function remains | Variable – may have some sensation or movement |
| Complete Injury | No nerve function below injury | Total loss of sensation and movement |
Level of Injury Matters:
- Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
- C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing
- Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms
Lifetime Care Costs:
- Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
- Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
- Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
- Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+
These figures represent direct medical costs only – not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.
Amputation
Types of Amputation:
- Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
- Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed
Common in 18-Wheeler Accidents Due To:
- Crushing forces from truck impact
- Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
- Severe burns requiring surgical removal
- Infections from open wounds
Ongoing Medical Needs:
- Initial surgery and hospitalization
- Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
- Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Occupational therapy for daily living skills
- Psychological counseling
Impact on Life:
- Permanent disability
- Career limitations or total disability
- Phantom limb pain
- Body image and psychological trauma
- Need for home modifications
- Dependency on others for daily activities
Severe Burns
How Burns Occur in 18-Wheeler Accidents:
- Fuel tank rupture and fire
- Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
- Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
- Friction burns from road contact
- Chemical burns from hazmat exposure
Burn Classification:
| Degree | Depth | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| First | Epidermis only | Minor, heals without scarring |
| Second | Epidermis and dermis | May scar, may need grafting |
| Third | Full thickness | Requires skin grafts, permanent scarring |
| Fourth | Through skin to muscle/bone | Multiple surgeries, amputation may be required |
Long-Term Consequences:
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Multiple reconstructive surgeries
- Skin graft procedures
- Chronic pain
- Infection risks
- Psychological trauma
Internal Organ Damage
Common Internal Injuries:
- Liver laceration or rupture
- Spleen damage requiring removal
- Kidney damage
- Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
- Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Bowel and intestinal damage
Why Dangerous:
- May not show immediate symptoms
- Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
- Requires emergency surgery
- Organ removal affects long-term health
Wrongful Death
When a Trucking Accident Kills:
Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to recover compensation when a loved one is killed by another’s negligence.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (minor and adult)
- Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
- Estate representative
Types of Claims:
- Wrongful Death Action: Compensation for survivors’ losses
- Survival Action: Compensation for decedent’s pain/suffering before death
Damages Available in Texas:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses before death
- Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Texas Statute of Limitations: 2 years from date of death to file wrongful death lawsuit
Commercial Truck Insurance and Damages
Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies.
FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements
| Cargo Type | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| Non-Hazardous Freight (10,001+ lbs GVWR) | $750,000 |
| Oil/Petroleum (10,001+ lbs GVWR) | $1,000,000 |
| Large Equipment (10,001+ lbs GVWR) | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous Materials (All) | $5,000,000 |
| Passengers (16+ passengers) | $5,000,000 |
| Passengers (15 or fewer) | $1,500,000 |
Why This Matters For Your Case:
Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have at least $750,000 available – and often much more. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage.
This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.
Types of Damages Recoverable
Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):
| Category | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| 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):
| Category | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| 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)
Nuclear Verdicts: Documented Examples
Recent Major Trucking Verdicts (2024-2025):
| Amount | Year | Location | Case Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| $462 Million | 2024 | St. Louis, MO | Wabash National – two fatalities from underride collision |
| $160 Million | 2024 | Alabama | Daimler – quadriplegic injury from rollover |
| $141.5 Million | 2024 | Florida | Defunct carrier crash |
| $90 Million | — | Houston, TX | Truck driver burned in explosion |
| $37.5 Million | 2024 | Texas | Trucking verdict for catastrophic injuries |
| $35.5 Million | — | Texas | Family injured in truck accident |
| $35 Million | 2025 | Fort Worth, TX | Largest in Tarrant County trucking verdict |
Historic Landmark Verdicts:
| Amount | Year | Case Details |
|---|---|---|
| $1 Billion | 2021 | Florida – 18-year-old killed, negligent hiring. $100M compensatory + $900M punitive |
| $411 Million | 2020 | Florida – 45-vehicle pileup, motorcyclist severely injured |
Why Nuclear Verdicts Happen:
Juries award massive verdicts when they find:
- Trucking company knowingly hired dangerous drivers
- Company ignored safety violations for profit
- Evidence was destroyed (spoliation)
- Falsified hours-of-service logs
- Pattern of similar violations
- Corporate culture prioritizing profit over safety
- Egregious disregard for human life
What This Means For Your Case:
These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens settlement negotiations for all trucking accident cases.
What To Do After a Trucking Accident in Pleasanton
If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Pleasanton, take these steps immediately:
At the Scene
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and emergency medical services
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by paramedics or go to the hospital
- Document the Scene – Take photos and video of:
- All vehicle damage (trucks and cars)
- The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
- Traffic signs and signals
- Your injuries
- Weather conditions
- Get Truck Information – Record:
- Truck and trailer license plates
- DOT number (on truck door)
- Trucking company name and logo
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Collect Witness Information – Get names and phone numbers of all witnesses
- Do NOT Admit Fault – Anything you say can be used against you later
- Do NOT Give Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters will call – don’t talk to them without an attorney
After Leaving the Scene
- Follow Up with Medical Care – Continue all recommended treatment
- Document Everything – Keep records of:
- Medical appointments and treatments
- Pain levels and symptoms
- Time missed from work
- How injuries affect daily activities
- Contact an Attorney Immediately – Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases
- Do NOT Post on Social Media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
- Do NOT Accept Early Settlement Offers – First offers are always lowball
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pleasanton Trucking Accident Case
When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident in Pleasanton, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with specialized expertise in commercial vehicle litigation. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With over two decades of experience handling trucking accident cases, we understand the unique challenges of commercial vehicle litigation. We’ve gone up against:
- Walmart trucking operations
- Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
- Amazon delivery trucks
- FedEx trucks
- UPS trucks
- Numerous commercial trucking companies
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.
Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge
Our team includes attorneys who previously worked for insurance defense firms. This gives us insider knowledge of exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. We know:
- How insurance companies value claims
- How adjusters are trained to manipulate victims
- What makes them settle
- How they minimize payouts
- How they deny claims
- Their claims valuation software (Colossus, etc.)
This insider knowledge is your advantage in building a strong case.
Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have a track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients:
- $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
- $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases