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Burnet County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation Experience, Led by Ralph P. Manginello—Federal Court Admitted Trial Attorney with $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families—Backed by Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Who Knows Every Claim Denial Tactic, FMCSA Regulation Masters (49 CFR Parts 390-399), Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, Tire Blowout & All Catastrophic Truck Crashes, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation & Wrongful Death Advocates—Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, Three Texas Offices (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), 4.9★ Google Rating, 1-888-ATTY-911

February 10, 2026 31 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Burnet County: Your Complete Legal Guide

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment your vehicle collides with an 18-wheeler on Burnet County’s highways, your life divides into “before” and “after.” One second, you’re driving home from work on US-281 or hauling equipment to a jobsite on FM-963. The next, you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that wants to pay you as little as possible.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for Burnet County families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against major trucking companies. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re getting Burnet County’s most experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys – not just another Texas law firm.

Why Burnet County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Burnet County’s unique geography and economic activity create specific trucking accident risks:

  • US-281 Corridor: This major north-south route connecting San Antonio to Wichita Falls sees heavy commercial traffic from oil field equipment, agricultural products, and general freight. The stretch between Marble Falls and Burnet is particularly dangerous with its mix of highway speeds and local access points.

  • FM-963 and FM-2342: These farm-to-market roads carry significant agricultural trucking, including livestock haulers and heavy equipment transports. The rural nature of these routes means limited emergency response times and fewer witnesses.

  • Highland Lakes Area: Tourism generates seasonal truck traffic with boat haulers, RV transports, and construction equipment. The winding roads around Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake create rollover hazards.

  • Granite Industry: Burnet County’s historic granite quarries generate massive stone shipments that require specialized flatbed trailers. These oversize loads create unique accident risks.

  • Oil and Gas Activity: While not as intense as the Permian Basin, Burnet County sees oilfield trucking on routes like SH-29, carrying drilling equipment, fracking materials, and hazardous substances.

When an 18-wheeler accident happens in Burnet County, you need attorneys who understand these local factors and how they affect your case.

The Physics of Devastation: Why Truck Crashes Cause Catastrophic Injuries

An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle. This massive weight disparity creates devastating physics:

  • Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, a fully loaded truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. Your car needs only about 300 feet. This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly.

  • Impact Force: Force equals mass times acceleration. An 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a 3,500-pound car at the same speed. This energy transfers to your vehicle in a crash.

  • Underride Risk: The average trailer height is 13.5 feet – well above your car’s hood. In rear-end or side collisions, your vehicle can slide underneath the trailer, shearing off the roof and causing catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Common injuries we see in Burnet County trucking accidents include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Including paraplegia and quadriplegia that change lives forever
  • Amputations: Limbs crushed or severed in the impact
  • Severe Burns: From fuel tank ruptures and fires
  • Internal Organ Damage: Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, and internal bleeding
  • Wrongful Death: When the forces are simply too great

The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They Do After the Crash

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company activates their rapid-response team:

  1. Accident Scene Investigation: They send investigators to photograph the scene, measure skid marks, and interview witnesses – all while you’re being loaded into an ambulance.

  2. Evidence Preservation (For Them): They download ECM/black box data, ELD logs, and dashcam footage – but only what helps their case.

  3. Driver Protection: They coach the driver on what to say (and not say) to police and insurance adjusters.

  4. Insurance Strategy: Their adjusters start building a case to minimize your claim.

  5. Legal Preparation: They notify their defense attorneys to prepare for litigation.

Their goal: Pay you as little as possible. Our goal: Hold them fully accountable.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In Burnet County 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we do immediately:

Within 24 Hours:

  • Send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
  • Demand immediate preservation of ECM/black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage
  • Secure the police accident report
  • Photograph your injuries and vehicle damage

Within 48 Hours:

  • Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Obtain GPS and telematics data showing the truck’s route and speed
  • Canvass the accident scene for surveillance camera footage
  • Interview witnesses before memories fade
  • Hire accident reconstruction experts to document the scene

Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly:

  • ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
  • ELD Records: Only required to be kept for 6 months
  • Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
  • Physical Evidence: The truck may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
  • Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks

FMCSA Violations: The Legal Foundation of Your Case

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Here are the most common FMCSA violations we find in Burnet County trucking cases:

1. Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue:

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
  • 30-Minute Break Rule: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
  • 34-Hour Restart: Drivers can reset their weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

How We Prove HOS Violations:

  • ELD data showing driving time
  • Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
  • Fuel receipts and toll records showing continuous driving
  • Driver logs (even falsified ones can reveal patterns)

2. Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must thoroughly vet their drivers:

  • Driver Qualification File: Must include employment application, driving record, medical certification, and previous employer verification
  • Medical Certification: Drivers must pass DOT physicals every 2 years
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing: Pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing required
  • Background Checks: Must investigate 3-year driving history

Common Violations:

  • Hiring drivers with suspended or revoked CDLs
  • Employing drivers with multiple accidents or violations
  • Failing to conduct required drug tests
  • Allowing drivers to operate with expired medical certificates
  • Incomplete or missing qualification files

3. Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Poor maintenance causes approximately 29% of truck crashes:

  • Systematic Inspection and Maintenance: Required for all vehicles
  • Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers must inspect vehicles before each trip
  • Post-Trip Reports: Drivers must report defects after each trip
  • Annual Inspections: Comprehensive inspections required yearly
  • Brake Systems: Must be properly adjusted and maintained
  • Tires: Must have adequate tread depth and be properly inflated

Common Maintenance Failures:

  • Worn brake pads or shoes
  • Improper brake adjustment
  • Tire blowouts from underinflation or worn tread
  • Steering system failures
  • Lighting and reflector deficiencies
  • Coupling device failures

4. Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, spills, and loss-of-control accidents:

  • Working Load Limits: Tiedowns must have sufficient strength
  • Number of Tiedowns: Minimum requirements based on cargo length and weight
  • Load Distribution: Cargo must be evenly distributed
  • Blocking and Bracing: Required for certain cargo types
  • Specialized Cargo Requirements: Specific rules for logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.

Common Securement Failures:

  • Insufficient tiedowns for the load
  • Worn or damaged tiedowns
  • Improper load distribution causing instability
  • Failure to use edge protection
  • Not re-inspecting cargo during transit

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Burnet County Trucking Cases

In most car accidents, only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:

  1. The Truck Driver: For negligent operation (speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment)
  2. The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability, negligent hiring, training, or supervision
  3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
  4. The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement
  5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: For design or manufacturing defects
  6. Parts Manufacturer: For defective components (brakes, tires, steering)
  7. Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs or inspections
  8. Freight Broker: For negligent carrier selection
  9. Truck Owner (if different from carrier): For negligent entrustment
  10. Government Entity: For dangerous road design or maintenance

Our Investigation Process:

  1. Immediate Evidence Preservation: Spoliation letters sent within 24-48 hours
  2. FMCSA Records Review: Obtain carrier’s complete safety record
  3. Driver Qualification File Subpoena: Examine hiring and training practices
  4. Corporate Structure Analysis: Identify all related companies and insurance policies
  5. Accident Reconstruction: Determine sequence of events and contributing factors
  6. Defect Investigation: Preserve failed components for expert analysis

Burnet County-Specific Trucking Accident Types

1. Jackknife Accidents on US-281

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On US-281, these are particularly dangerous due to:

  • High traffic volumes between Marble Falls and Burnet
  • Sudden traffic slowdowns near local access points
  • Wet or icy conditions on bridges
  • Empty or lightly loaded trailers more prone to jackknifing

Common Causes:

  • Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
  • Speeding on curves
  • Improperly loaded cargo shifting
  • Brake system failures
  • Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

2. Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections

Burnet County’s rural intersections create underride hazards:

  • FM-963 and US-281: High-speed approaches with limited visibility
  • SH-29 and FM-2342: Heavy truck traffic from granite quarries
  • FM-1431 and SH-185: Tourist traffic mixing with commercial vehicles

Underride Dangers:

  • Trailers often lack proper underride guards
  • Low visibility at night or in fog
  • Sudden stops by trucks without adequate warning
  • Wide turns cutting off traffic

3. Rollover Accidents on Winding Roads

The winding roads around Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake create rollover hazards:

  • RM-2341: Sharp curves with steep drop-offs
  • CR-404: Narrow roads with limited shoulder space
  • SH-29: Mountainous sections with sudden elevation changes

Common Causes:

  • Speeding on curves
  • Top-heavy loads (especially construction equipment)
  • Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
  • Overcorrection after tire blowouts
  • Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions

4. Rear-End Collisions on FM-1431

FM-1431’s mix of tourist traffic and commercial vehicles creates rear-end collision risks:

  • Sudden stops by tourist vehicles unfamiliar with the area
  • Following too closely by truck drivers
  • Distracted driving (cell phones, GPS, dispatch communications)
  • Brake failures from poor maintenance
  • Driver fatigue from long hauls

5. Wide Turn Accidents in Burnet and Marble Falls

The tight streets of Burnet and Marble Falls create wide turn hazards:

  • Downtown Burnet: Narrow streets with limited turning space
  • Marble Falls Historic District: Pedestrian zones with restricted visibility
  • Highland Lakes Square: Shopping areas with heavy truck traffic

Common Causes:

  • Failure to properly signal turning intention
  • Inadequate mirror checks before and during turns
  • Improper turn technique (swinging too early or too wide)
  • Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turns

6. Tire Blowout Accidents on SH-29

SH-29’s heavy truck traffic and extreme Texas heat create tire blowout risks:

  • Underinflated tires overheating in summer heat
  • Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
  • Worn or aging tires not replaced
  • Road debris punctures
  • Manufacturing defects

Blowout Consequences:

  • Loss of control leading to jackknife or rollover
  • Debris striking following vehicles
  • Multi-vehicle pileups from sudden lane departures

The Insurance Battle: How Trucking Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you:

1. Quick Lowball Settlement Offers

  • Their Tactic: Offer a quick settlement before you understand your injuries
  • Our Counter: Never accept early offers. We calculate full future damages first

2. Denying or Minimizing Injuries

  • Their Tactic: Claim your injuries are pre-existing or exaggerated
  • Our Counter: Obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony

3. Blaming the Victim (Comparative Fault)

  • Their Tactic: Claim you were partially at fault to reduce your recovery
  • Our Counter: Investigate thoroughly and gather evidence disproving fault allegations

4. Delaying the Claims Process

  • Their Tactic: Drag out the process hoping you’ll accept a low offer
  • Our Counter: File lawsuit to force discovery and set depositions

5. Using Recorded Statements Against You

  • Their Tactic: Get you to give a recorded statement they’ll use to minimize your claim
  • Our Counter: Advise clients NEVER to give statements without attorney present

6. “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense

  • Their Tactic: Claim your injuries existed before the accident
  • Our Counter: Apply Texas “Eggshell Skull” doctrine (take plaintiff as found)

7. “Gap in Treatment” Attacks

  • Their Tactic: Claim your injuries aren’t serious because you missed appointments
  • Our Counter: Document all treatment and explain gaps with medical records

8. Sending Surveillance Investigators

  • Their Tactic: Follow you to catch you doing activities inconsistent with your injuries
  • Our Counter: Advise clients on appropriate conduct and expose unfair surveillance

9. Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners

  • Their Tactic: Send you to doctors who minimize your injuries
  • Our Counter: Counter with your treating physicians and independent experts

10. Drowning You in Paperwork

  • Their Tactic: Overwhelm you with requests for documents
  • Our Counter: Aggressive litigation and motion practice to force resolution

What Your Burnet County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on multiple factors, but trucking accidents typically result in higher settlements than car accidents due to:

  • Higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
  • Multiple liable parties with separate insurance policies
  • Catastrophic injuries with lifelong consequences
  • Potential for punitive damages in egregious cases

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

  • 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):

  • 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):

Available when the trucking company acted with:

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

Texas-Specific Factors:

  • Comparative Negligence: Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault (if less than 50%)
  • Non-Economic Damage Caps: None for trucking accidents (unlike medical malpractice)
  • Punitive Damage Cap: Greater of (2x economic + non-economic capped at $750,000) OR $200,000
  • Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of the accident

Burnet County Trucking Accident Verdicts and Settlements

While we can’t discuss our specific cases, recent Texas trucking verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when companies are held accountable:

  • $730 Million (2021): Texas jury awarded $480 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages against Landstar Ranger for an oversize load that killed a 73-year-old woman

  • $150 Million (2022): Werner Enterprises settlement for two children killed on I-30 – largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history

  • $37.5 Million (2024): Texas trucking verdict for catastrophic injuries

  • $35.5 Million: Texas family injured in truck accident

These verdicts show that Burnet County juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence. Insurance companies know this, which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Burnet County Families Choose Us

1. Burnet County-Specific Experience

We know Burnet County’s trucking corridors, courts, and juries. Our attorneys have handled cases on every major route in the county:

  • US-281 from Marble Falls to Burnet
  • SH-29 from Llano to Burnet
  • FM-1431 from Marble Falls to Kingsland
  • FM-963 and FM-2342 rural routes
  • Downtown Burnet and Marble Falls urban areas

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies evaluate claims, what makes them settle, and how to counter their tactics.

3. Federal Court Experience

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

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families devastated by trucking accidents. Our track record demonstrates our ability to hold trucking companies fully accountable.

5. Spanish-Language Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Burnet County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

6. 24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24/7 and send preservation letters immediately to protect your evidence.

7. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Burnet County

Immediate Steps (If You’re Able):

  1. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor – adrenaline masks pain
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries
  4. Get Truck Information: Company name, DOT number, driver’s name and CDL number
  5. Collect Witness Information: Names and contact information
  6. Preserve Evidence: Don’t let the trucking company take the truck before inspection
  7. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 – we’ll send a preservation letter immediately

What NOT to Do:

  • Don’t give recorded statements to any insurance company
  • Don’t sign anything from the trucking company or their insurer
  • Don’t post on social media about the accident or your injuries
  • Don’t delay medical treatment – gaps in treatment hurt your case
  • Don’t accept a quick settlement – it’s always a lowball offer

The Legal Process: What to Expect in Your Burnet County Case

1. Free Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss how we can help. There’s no obligation and no fee for this consultation.

2. Case Investigation

We’ll:

  • Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
  • Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
  • Subpoena ECM/black box data and ELD records
  • Interview witnesses
  • Hire accident reconstruction experts

3. Medical Treatment

We’ll help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have insurance. We work with doctors who treat on a lien basis, meaning they get paid when your case settles.

4. Demand Letter

We’ll send a comprehensive demand to the trucking company’s insurance calculating all your damages.

5. Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. Most cases settle at this stage.

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial.

7. Trial or Settlement

The vast majority of cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary.

Burnet County-Specific Resources for Trucking Accident Victims

Medical Facilities:

  • Seton Highland Lakes Hospital (Burnet): 3201 S Water St, Burnet, TX 78611
  • Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Marble Falls: 810 W Highway 71, Marble Falls, TX 78654
  • St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center (for trauma cases): 2400 Round Rock Ave, Round Rock, TX 78681

Law Enforcement:

  • Burnet County Sheriff’s Office: (512) 756-8080
  • Burnet Police Department: (512) 756-6404
  • Marble Falls Police Department: (830) 693-3611
  • Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol): (512) 389-4800

Legal Resources:

  • Burnet County Courthouse: 220 S Pierce St, Burnet, TX 78611
  • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): (512) 463-8588
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): (800) 832-5660

Support Services:

  • Burnet County Dispute Resolution Center: (512) 756-8080
  • Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (for low-income individuals): (888) 988-9996
  • Brain Injury Association of Texas: (512) 326-1212

Burnet County Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific Burnet County statistics aren’t always available, statewide Texas data provides context:

  • Annual Truck Crashes in Texas: Approximately 35,000
  • Fatal Truck Crashes in Texas: Approximately 600 per year
  • Injury Crashes: Approximately 15,000 per year
  • Most Dangerous Highways: I-35, I-10, I-45, I-20
  • Common Causes: Driver fatigue (31%), speeding (29%), brake failures (29%)
  • Most Dangerous Times: Weekdays during morning and afternoon rush hours
  • Most Dangerous Days: Weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday)

Burnet County’s mix of rural routes, tourist traffic, and commercial activity creates unique accident patterns that require local expertise to navigate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burnet County Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Burnet County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get truck and driver information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

2. Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Burnet County?

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The cargo owner
  • The loading company
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from the carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

3. How much is my Burnet County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Degree of defendant’s negligence
  • Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Burnet County?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

5. What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened.

6. What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD records, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

7. What is an ELD and why does it matter in my case?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. This evidence is critical for establishing negligence.

8. What is ECM/black box data and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Engine RPM and throttle position
  • Whether cruise control was engaged
  • GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

9. How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

10. Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

11. 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. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

12. How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

  • $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
  • $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

13. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept a quick settlement offer. These are always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Always consult an experienced trucking accident attorney before accepting any settlement.

14. How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

  • Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
  • Moderate cases with extended treatment: 12-24 months
  • Complex cases with multiple parties: 18-36 months
  • Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

15. 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.

16. Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. 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. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

17. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We work with doctors who treat on a lien basis, meaning they get paid when your case settles. We’ll help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have insurance.

18. Can I still recover compensation if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver owns their own truck, 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.

19. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t recover. We identify all potentially liable parties and available insurance policies to maximize your recovery options.

20. What if my loved one was killed in a Burnet County 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

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

When You Need a Burnet County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Burnet County, you need attorneys who:

✅ Have over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Know Burnet County’s trucking corridors and courts
✅ Include a former insurance defense attorney on staff
✅ Have federal court experience for interstate cases
✅ Offer Spanish-language services
✅ Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Are available 24/7 to send preservation letters immediately

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. Our Burnet County 18-wheeler accident attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Hablamos Español

At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Burnet County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Our Promise to Burnet County Families

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just getting a law firm – you’re getting a team that will:

  1. Fight Aggressively: We’ll hold the trucking company fully accountable for their negligence
  2. Protect Your Evidence: We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence destruction
  3. Maximize Your Recovery: We identify all liable parties and available insurance policies
  4. Communicate Clearly: You’ll always know what’s happening with your case
  5. Treat You Like Family: We understand the devastating impact of trucking accidents and treat our clients with compassion

The Time to Act Is Now

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Burnet County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests.

Don’t let them win. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Our Burnet County 18-wheeler accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We’re available 24/7 to answer your call and send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.

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