18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Somerville, TX | Attorney911

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant

One moment, you’re driving down Texas 36 or FM 50 on your way to work. The next, an 80,000-pound truck is jackknifing across three lanes, blocking your path. In that instant, everything changes.

We understand what you’re going through. The pain. The medical bills piling up. The uncertainty about your future. The frustration of dealing with trucking companies that have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests—not yours.

At Attorney911, we fight for families in Somerville and across Burleson County who’ve been devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience holding trucking companies accountable. We know the trucking corridors serving Somerville—from the distribution centers on FM 50 to the oil field traffic on Highway 36. We know how to build cases that win.

Why Somerville Trucking Accidents Are Different

Somerville sits at a critical juncture in Burleson County’s transportation network. Our location creates unique risks:

• Highway 36 carries heavy truck traffic between Brenham and Caldwell, including oil field equipment, agricultural products, and long-haul freight
• FM 50 connects to major distribution centers and warehouses serving the Houston metro area
• Local roads like FM 1179 and FM 60 see increased truck traffic from oil field operations and ranching activities
• Seasonal variations affect traffic patterns—harvest seasons bring more agricultural trucks, while oil price fluctuations impact oil field traffic
• Rural road conditions can be challenging for large trucks, with limited shoulders, narrow lanes, and occasional livestock crossings

These factors combine to create a high-risk environment for trucking accidents in our community.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal:

• Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds
• A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds
• That’s 20 times the weight
• At 65 mph, the truck carries 80 times the kinetic energy of your car

This massive force explains why trucking accidents in Somerville so often result in:

• Traumatic brain injuries that can change your personality and ability to work
• Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
• Amputations from crushing injuries
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Internal organ damage that may not be immediately apparent
• Wrongful death of loved ones

We’ve seen these injuries firsthand in our community. We know how they affect families—not just physically, but emotionally and financially.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Somerville

Our experience with Somerville-area trucking accidents reveals several recurring causes:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. This often leads to violations of federal hours of service regulations:

• 11-hour driving limit: Drivers may exceed this after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break requirement: Drivers must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits: Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

In Somerville, we frequently see violations on long-haul routes where drivers push limits to reach Houston, Austin, or Dallas distribution centers. The ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate was supposed to prevent this, but we still find falsified logs and pressure from dispatchers.

2. Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Somerville’s rural location means trucks often travel long distances between maintenance facilities. This leads to deferred maintenance and equipment failures:

• Brake failures from worn pads or improper adjustments
• Tire blowouts from underinflation or worn treads
• Lighting failures that make trucks invisible at night
• Steering system failures from lack of lubrication
• Coupling device failures that cause trailer separation

The FMCSA requires systematic inspection and maintenance, but many companies cut corners to save money.

3. Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo is a major problem on Somerville roads:

• Agricultural products shifting in transit
• Oil field equipment not properly blocked and braced
• Construction materials falling from flatbeds
• Liquid cargo sloshing and destabilizing tankers
• Overweight loads exceeding legal limits

The FMCSA has detailed cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136), but violations are common, especially with smaller carriers.

4. Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, we still see:

• Cell phone use while driving (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Dispatch communications that distract drivers
• Drug use (amphetamines to stay awake, marijuana, opioids)
• Alcohol use (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.5)
• Eating and drinking while driving

5. Inadequate Training and Supervision

Many trucking companies fail to properly train drivers on:

• Defensive driving techniques
• Hours of service compliance
• Cargo securement procedures
• Emergency maneuvers for rural roads
• Hazard recognition for local conditions

This lack of training contributes to accidents on Somerville’s roads.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is that multiple parties may be liable. Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve:

The Truck Driver

For direct negligence such as speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment.

The Trucking Company

For:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (deferred repairs)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

For:

• Improper loading instructions
• Failure to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

The Loading Company

For:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck or Parts Manufacturers

For:

• Defective brake systems
• Defective tires
• Defective steering components
• Defective lighting systems

Maintenance Companies

For:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify safety issues
• Using substandard parts

Freight Brokers

For:

• Negligent carrier selection
• Failure to verify carrier safety records
• Selecting carriers based solely on price

Government Entities

For:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage

Our investigation focuses on identifying ALL responsible parties to maximize your recovery.

The Critical Evidence in Your Somerville Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Electronic Data That Must Be Preserved Immediately

1. ECM/Black Box Data

   • Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
   • Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
   • Shows exactly what the driver was doing before the crash

2. ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data

   • Records driver hours of service
   • Proves fatigue violations
   • FMCSA requires 6 months retention, but we demand preservation immediately

3. GPS and Telematics Data

   • Shows real-time location and speed
   • Reveals route and driving patterns
   • Can prove speeding or unauthorized route deviations

4. Dashcam Footage

   • Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras
   • Often deleted within 7-14 days
   • Provides objective evidence of what happened

5. Dispatch Records

   • Communications between driver and company
   • Shows schedule pressure and instructions
   • Can reveal attempts to falsify logs

Physical Evidence That Must Be Preserved

1. The Truck and Trailer Themselves

   • Must be preserved for inspection
   • Trucking companies often repair or sell vehicles quickly

2. Failed Components

   • Brakes, tires, steering parts
   • Must be preserved for defect analysis

3. Cargo and Securement Devices

   • Shows how cargo was loaded and secured
   • Can prove securement violations

Documentary Evidence We Pursue

1. Driver Qualification File

   • Employment application
   • Driving record
   • Medical certification
   • Training records
   • Previous employer verification

2. Maintenance Records

   • Inspection reports
   • Repair orders
   • Parts purchases
   • Out-of-service orders

3. Drug and Alcohol Test Results

   • Pre-employment tests
   • Random tests
   • Post-accident tests

4. Cell Phone Records

   • To prove distracted driving
   • Requires subpoena

5. Accident Register

   • Company’s record of previous accidents
   • Shows pattern of safety violations

Why You Need a Somerville Trucking Accident Lawyer Immediately

1. Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices demand that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions to the jury
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment in extreme cases
• Punitive damages

2. Understanding Local Conditions

We know Somerville’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges of our area:

• Highway 36 has challenging curves and limited shoulders
• FM 50 sees heavy distribution center traffic
• Local oil field roads can be poorly maintained
• Burleson County courts have specific procedures and judges
• Local juries understand the impact of trucking accidents on our community

3. Dealing with Insurance Companies

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will contact you quickly—often within hours. They’re trained to:

• Get you to admit fault
• Minimize your injuries
• Get you to accept a lowball settlement
• Discourage you from hiring an attorney

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained. We handle all communications with the insurance company so they can’t use your words against you.

4. Building a Strong Case

We work with experts to build your case:

• Accident reconstruction specialists who analyze the crash dynamics
• Medical experts who document your injuries and future care needs
• Vocational experts who calculate your lost earning capacity
• Economic experts who determine the present value of your damages
• Life care planners who develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts who identify all violations

5. Maximizing Your Recovery

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers:

• Minimum: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• Typical: $1-5 million for most carriers
• Hazardous materials: $5 million minimum

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving you with unpaid medical bills.

What Your Somerville Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

The value of your case depends on many factors:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (time missed from work)
• Lost earning capacity (if you can’t return to your previous job)
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, 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)
• 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)

Available when the trucking company acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Recent trucking verdicts in Texas demonstrate what’s possible:

• $730 million – Ramsey v. Landstar (2021) – Oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 million – Recent Texas trucking verdict
• $35.5 million – Family injured in truck accident

These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies fully accountable for their negligence.

The Somerville Trucking Accident Claim Process

Step 1: Free Consultation

We offer free, confidential consultations. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss your options—with no obligation.

Step 2: Immediate Investigation

We act quickly to preserve evidence:

• Send spoliation letters
• Obtain police reports
• Interview witnesses
• Preserve electronic data
• Document the scene

Step 3: Medical Care Facilitation

We help you get the medical treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance. We work with doctors who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they’ll wait for payment until your case settles.

Step 4: Demand Letter

We send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company, calculating all your damages and demanding full compensation.

Step 5: Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit.

Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit and take your case to court. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations.

Step 7: Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to a jury if necessary. We don’t back down from tough cases or big trucking companies.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Somerville Trucking Accident Case?

1. Local Knowledge, National Resources

We’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We know Somerville, Burleson County, and the unique challenges of trucking accidents in our area. But we also have the resources to take on national trucking companies.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.

3. Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our results include:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries
• Significant recoveries for wrongful death cases
• Substantial verdicts against major trucking companies

4. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This is critical for interstate trucking cases, which can often be filed in federal court.

5. Bilingual Services

Many truck drivers in our area speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff, so we can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients without interpreters.

6. No Fee Unless We Win

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.

7. Personal Attention

Unlike big billboard firms that treat you like a case number, we treat our clients like family. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Trucking Accident in Somerville

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Somerville, take these steps immediately:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
3. Document the scene – Take photos and video of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene
   • Road conditions
   • Skid marks
   • Injuries
4. Get information – Collect:
   • Truck driver’s name and CDL number
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Insurance information
   • Witness contact information
5. Don’t give statements – Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
6. Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Somerville Trucking Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

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 much are trucking accident cases worth in Somerville?

Case values vary widely depending on:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers, allowing for larger recoveries.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Bankruptcy complicates matters, but we explore all options for recovery, including:

• The company’s insurance policy
• Personal assets of the driver
• Other liable parties (maintenance companies, manufacturers, etc.)

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 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.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get the medical treatment you need. We work with doctors who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they’ll wait for payment until your case settles.

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a compensable injury. Symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks to the accident
• Nightmares
• Severe anxiety
• Avoidance of driving or certain locations
• Depression

Documentation from a psychologist or psychiatrist is important for these claims.

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

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 is proven

Our Promise to Somerville Families

When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a team that will:

1. Fight aggressively for maximum compensation
2. Handle all communications with insurance companies
3. Preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
4. Keep you informed every step of the way
5. Never treat you like a case number
6. Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

We understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped families in Somerville and across Texas rebuild their lives after devastating trucking accidents. Let us help you.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Somerville, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing right now. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss your options—with no obligation.

Hablamos Español. Nuestro equipo incluye abogados y personal que hablan español, para que podamos comunicarnos directamente con usted sin intérpretes.

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call Attorney911 now.