18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Port Lavaca, TX

Every year, thousands of trucking accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler crash in Port Lavaca, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and Texas law. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across the Lone Star State for over 25 years.

Why Port Lavaca Trucking Accidents Are Different

Port Lavaca sits at the crossroads of several critical trucking corridors. The nearby intersection of US-87 and TX-35 sees heavy commercial traffic moving between Victoria, Bay City, and the Gulf Coast. The Port of Port Lavaca serves as an important distribution point for regional industries, creating significant truck traffic through our community.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has extensive experience handling cases on these very routes. We know the specific challenges of Port Lavaca’s trucking corridors, from the tight turns near the historic downtown to the high-speed stretches of Highway 35 where fatigue-related crashes are all too common.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Port Lavaca

Trucking accidents in our area often involve:

Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) limit drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
A maximum 14-hour on-duty window
Required 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits

Despite these rules, we regularly see cases where drivers in the Port Lavaca area violate these limits, often pressured by trucking companies to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how companies manipulate these records.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Port Lavaca’s humid coastal climate accelerates wear on truck components. Common maintenance failures we investigate include:

Brake system deficiencies (49 CFR § 393.48)
Worn or improperly inflated tires (49 CFR § 393.75)
Faulty lighting and reflectors (49 CFR § 393.11)
Cargo securement failures (49 CFR § 393.100-136)

Distracted and Impaired Driving

With long stretches of highway and limited enforcement presence, distracted driving is a significant problem. Federal regulations specifically prohibit:

Hand-held mobile phone use (49 CFR § 392.82)
Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (49 CFR § 392.4-5)

Improper Cargo Loading

The region’s industries create specialized cargo loading challenges. Improperly secured cargo can shift during transport, causing:

Rollover accidents
Jackknife crashes
Spill accidents with hazardous materials

Catastrophic Injuries from Port Lavaca Trucking Accidents

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers – up to 80,000 pounds compared to your 4,000-pound car – means these accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even “minor” TBIs can have lasting effects on memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. Severe TBIs may require lifelong care, with costs exceeding $3 million over a lifetime.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal injuries can result in:

Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Incomplete injuries with partial function loss

The lifetime cost of caring for a spinal cord injury can exceed $4 million.

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck accidents often require surgical amputation of limbs. Prosthetics and rehabilitation can cost $50,000-$500,000, with replacement needed every 3-5 years.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires can cause third-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a life, surviving family members may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Funeral expenses
Pain and suffering before death

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Port Lavaca Trucking Accident?

Unlike typical car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

Direct liability for negligent actions like:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Impaired driving
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

Both vicarious liability (for the driver’s actions) and direct liability for:

Negligent hiring (49 CFR § 391.11)
Negligent training
Negligent supervision
Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service
Failing to maintain vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3)

Cargo Owners and Loaders

Liability for:

Improper loading (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
Overloading vehicles
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo

Maintenance Companies

Liability for:

Negligent repairs
Using substandard parts
Failing to identify safety issues

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Product liability for:

Defective brake systems
Faulty tires
Defective safety equipment

Government Entities

In limited cases, for:

Dangerous road design
Failure to maintain roads
Inadequate signage

The Evidence We Preserve in Your Port Lavaca Trucking Case

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes for the 30 seconds before a crash
ELD Records: Electronic logging device data showing hours of service compliance (49 CFR § 395.8)
GPS/Telematics: Real-time location and speed data
Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident and driver behavior

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File (49 CFR § 391.51)
Employment application and background check
Previous employer verification
Medical certification
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records

Vehicle Records

Maintenance and repair records (49 CFR § 396.3)
Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11)
Out-of-service orders
Tire and brake records

Company Records

Dispatch logs and trip records
Hours of service records
Safety policies and procedures
CSA scores and inspection history

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Port Lavaca Trucking Case

Local Knowledge Meets National Experience

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have extensive experience handling cases throughout the Texas Gulf Coast, including Port Lavaca and Calhoun County. We know the local courts, judges, and trucking corridors that serve our community.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

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 insider knowledge to fight for you.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas, including:

$5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
$3.8+ million for an amputation case
$2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
Millions for families in wrongful death cases

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak with an attorney, not an answering service.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Port Lavaca

If you’ve been in an 18-wheeler accident in Port Lavaca, take these steps:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out immediately
Document the Scene – Take photos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Damage to your car
- The truck and trailer
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs and signals
- Your injuries
Get Information – Collect:
- Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- Insurance information
- Witness names and contact information
Don’t Give Statements – Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

The Attorney911 Difference

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within weeks. We act fast to protect your case.

Comprehensive Investigation

Our team includes:

Accident reconstruction experts
Trucking industry specialists
Medical experts
Vocational rehabilitation specialists
Life care planners

Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees.

Common Questions About Port Lavaca Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – critical evidence disappears quickly.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to maximize your recovery.

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 defendant’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million – which allows for larger recoveries.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

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.

How long will my case take?

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.

Port Lavaca Trucking Corridors We Know

Our attorneys are familiar with the specific challenges of Port Lavaca’s trucking routes:

US-87 (Main Street)

This major north-south route through Port Lavaca sees heavy truck traffic moving between Victoria, Bay City, and points north. The tight turns and downtown traffic create particular hazards.

TX-35 (Main Street)

The east-west route through town connects to major highways and serves as a primary route for trucks accessing the Port of Port Lavaca.

Industrial Areas

The industrial zones around Port Lavaca see specialized truck traffic including:

Petroleum products
Agricultural commodities
Construction materials
Heavy equipment

Port Facilities

The Port of Port Lavaca serves as a critical distribution point, creating significant truck traffic moving in and out of the port area.

Recent Trucking Accident Trends in Port Lavaca

Recent years have seen several concerning trends in our area:

Increased Oil and Gas Traffic

The energy sector’s growth has led to more tanker trucks on our roads, increasing the risk of hazardous material spills and rollover accidents.

Distracted Driving Incidents

With long stretches of highway and limited enforcement, distracted driving has become a significant problem among commercial drivers in our region.

Fatigue-Related Crashes

The area’s role as a distribution hub means many drivers are pushing the limits of hours of service regulations to meet delivery deadlines.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured loads have caused several serious accidents on local highways, particularly with agricultural and industrial cargo.

Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

When trucking companies cut corners on safety, people get hurt. We hold them accountable for:

Negligent Hiring

Failing to properly vet drivers, check driving records, or verify qualifications (49 CFR § 391.11).

Negligent Training

Providing inadequate training on safety procedures, hours of service compliance, or cargo securement.

Negligent Supervision

Failing to monitor driver performance, enforce safety policies, or address known safety violations.

Negligent Maintenance

Deferring critical repairs, using substandard parts, or failing to conduct required inspections (49 CFR § 396.3).

Pressure to Violate Regulations

Encouraging or requiring drivers to violate hours of service regulations to meet delivery deadlines.

Your Port Lavaca Trucking Accident Legal Team

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

With over 25 years of experience, Ralph has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims across Texas. His federal court experience and deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations make him a formidable advocate for injured clients.

Lupe Peña – Associate Attorney

Lupe’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives our firm unique insight into how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He knows their tactics because he used to be on their side.

Our Support Team

Our paralegals, case managers, and support staff work tirelessly to ensure your case moves forward efficiently while you focus on your recovery.

What Our Clients Say

“They treated me like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

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

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Port Lavaca, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your rights.

Our Port Lavaca trucking accident attorneys offer:

Free initial consultations
No fee unless we win your case
24/7 availability
Local knowledge with national experience
Aggressive representation against trucking companies

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters push you around. You need someone who will fight for what you deserve. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.