18-Wheeler Accidents in McGregor, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in McGregor, Texas, you’re facing one of the most devastating experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks—up to 80,000 pounds—mean that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or even wrongful death.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims across Texas, including right here in McGregor and McLennan County. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families devastated by truck crashes. We know the trucking industry’s tactics, the federal regulations they violate, and how to hold them fully accountable for your injuries.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about 18-wheeler accidents in McGregor—from the most common causes to the critical steps you must take in the first 48 hours to protect your case. We’ll also explain how much your case could be worth, what evidence we’ll collect, and why McGregor trucking accident victims trust Attorney911 to fight for them.

If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash in McGregor, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in McGregor Are So Dangerous

McGregor sits at a critical crossroads for Texas trucking traffic. Major highways like I-35, US-84, and SH-317 run through or near the city, connecting Waco, Temple, and Austin to the rest of the state. This means heavy truck traffic—including:

• Long-haul freight trucks traveling between Dallas and Austin
• Local delivery trucks serving McGregor’s businesses and distribution centers
• Oilfield and construction trucks hauling equipment to and from nearby industrial sites
• Agricultural trucks transporting crops and livestock from rural McLennan County

With so many trucks on McGregor’s roads, accidents are far more likely—and far more deadly—than typical car crashes.

The Physics of Truck Crashes: Why They’re So Devastating

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 20-25 times more than a passenger car.
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
• The force of impact in a truck crash is 80 times greater than in a car accident.
• Underride crashes (where a car slides under a trailer) often result in decapitation or fatal head injuries.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in McGregor

Truck crashes don’t happen by accident—they’re usually caused by negligence, recklessness, or outright violations of federal safety rules. The most common causes we see in McGregor trucking cases include:

Example: A recent McGregor truck crash on US-84 involved a driver who had been on the road for 14 hours straight (violating FMCSA hours-of-service rules). The driver fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the center line, and collided head-on with a family’s SUV, killing two people. Our investigation revealed that the trucking company had a history of HOS violations and had falsified logbooks to hide the driver’s fatigue.

What to Do Immediately After an 18-Wheeler Accident in McGregor

The first 48 hours after a truck crash are critical to your case. Evidence disappears fast, and trucking companies send rapid-response teams to protect their interests—not yours. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

• McGregor Police Department and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office will respond to the scene.
• Request an ambulance—even if you feel “fine,” internal injuries, concussions, and spinal damage may not be immediately apparent.
• Get a police report—this is critical evidence for your case.

2. Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Okay

• Go to the nearest hospital (such as Providence Healthcare Network in Waco or Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center).
• Follow all doctor’s orders—skipping treatment gives insurance companies a reason to deny your claim.
• Document all injuries—keep records of diagnoses, prescriptions, and medical bills.

3. Document the Scene (If You’re Able)

• Take photos and videos of:
  • The truck and trailer (including license plates, DOT numbers, and company logos)
  • Damage to all vehicles (inside and out)
  • Skid marks, road debris, and road conditions
  • Traffic signs and signals
  • Your injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
• Get witness contact information—independent witnesses can make or break your case.

4. Get the Truck Driver’s and Trucking Company’s Information

• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Trucking company name, DOT number, and insurance info
• Truck and trailer license plate numbers

5. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company

• The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you within hours—they are not on your side.
• Anything you say can and will be used against you to minimize your claim.
• Politely decline and tell them to contact your attorney.

6. Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in McGregor IMMEDIATELY

• Critical evidence (black box data, ELD logs, dashcam footage) can be destroyed in 30 days.
• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve all evidence.
• The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’re available 24/7 to help.

Why McGregor Trucking Accident Victims Need a Lawyer

After a truck crash, the trucking company and their insurer will do everything in their power to pay you as little as possible. They have teams of lawyers, investigators, and adjusters working against you from day one.

Here’s why you need an experienced McGregor truck accident attorney on your side:

1. Trucking Companies Hide Evidence

• Black box data (ECM/ELD) can be overwritten in 30 days.
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Maintenance records, driver logs, and inspection reports “disappear.”
• Witnesses are pressured to change their stories.

We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve all evidence.

2. Insurance Companies Will Lowball You

• The first settlement offer is always a lowball—they hope you’ll take it before you know the full extent of your injuries.
• They’ll blame you for the accident (even if it wasn’t your fault).
• They’ll downplay your injuries (“It’s just whiplash”).
• They’ll delay your claim to pressure you into accepting less.

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all their tricks.

3. Multiple Parties May Be Liable

Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties, including:

• The truck driver (for speeding, fatigue, distraction, etc.)
• The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision)
• The cargo loader (for improperly secured or overweight loads)
• The maintenance company (for brake failures, tire blowouts, etc.)
• The truck manufacturer (for defective parts like brakes or tires)
• The freight broker (for hiring an unsafe carrier)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

4. Trucking Cases Are Complex and Expensive

• Federal trucking regulations (FMCSA) apply—not just Texas traffic laws.
• Accident reconstruction experts are needed to prove fault.
• Medical experts must document your injuries and future care needs.
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity.
• Life care planners develop long-term care plans for catastrophic injuries.

We have the resources to handle complex trucking cases—no matter how big the trucking company.

How Much Is Your McGregor Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

• Severity of your injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations, etc.)
• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Average Settlements and Verdicts in Texas Trucking Cases

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts & Settlements:

• $730 Million (2021) – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (Texas) – Navy propeller oversize load killed a 73-year-old woman.
• $150 Million (2022) – Werner Enterprises settlement (Texas) – Two children killed on I-30.
• $462 Million (2024) – St. Louis underride crash (Missouri) – Two men decapitated.
• $160 Million (2024) – Alabama rollover – Driver left quadriplegic.
• $37.5 Million (2024) – Texas trucking verdict – Catastrophic injuries.

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for McGregor truck accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery

Your case could be worth far more than the insurance company’s initial offer. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

How We Prove Negligence in McGregor Trucking Cases

To win your case, we must prove that the trucking company or driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. Here’s how we do it:

1. Preserving Critical Evidence

We immediately send spoliation letters demanding preservation of:

• ECM/Black Box Data (speed, braking, throttle, GPS location)
• ELD Logs (hours of service, fatigue violations)
• Dashcam Footage (driver behavior before the crash)
• Driver Qualification File (hiring records, training, violations)
• Maintenance Records (brake inspections, tire replacements, repairs)
• Drug & Alcohol Test Results (impairment evidence)
• Cell Phone Records (distracted driving proof)
• Cargo Loading Records (securement violations, overweight loads)

2. Investigating the Trucking Company’s Safety Record

We obtain the trucking company’s FMCSA safety records, including:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) Scores – Shows pattern of violations.
• Inspection History – Reveals maintenance issues.
• Crash History – Proves prior accidents.
• Driver Violations – Shows negligent hiring/training.

Example: In a McGregor case, we discovered that the trucking company had multiple prior crashes and dozens of HOS violations—proving a pattern of reckless behavior.

3. Hiring Expert Witnesses

We work with top experts to build your case, including:

• Accident Reconstructionists – Prove how the crash happened.
• Medical Experts – Document your injuries and future care needs.
• Vocational Experts – Calculate lost earning capacity.
• Economic Experts – Determine the present value of your damages.
• Life Care Planners – Develop a lifetime care plan for catastrophic injuries.

4. Proving Violations of Federal Trucking Regulations

Trucking companies must follow strict FMCSA rules. Common violations we find include:

5. Taking Your Case to Trial (If Necessary)

While 95% of cases settle, 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.

We have the experience, resources, and reputation to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get you full compensation.

Common Injuries in McGregor 18-Wheeler Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries from these crashes are often catastrophic. Some of the most common—and devastating—injuries we see include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Caused by: Head striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield; violent shaking.
• Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, seizures, coma.
• Long-Term Effects: Permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, inability to work.
• Lifetime Costs: $85,000 – $3,000,000+

2. Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis

• Caused by: Crushing forces, vertebral fractures, or severed spinal cord.
• Types:
  • Paraplegia (loss of function in legs)
  • Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Lifetime Costs: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+

3. Amputations

• Caused by: Crushing injuries, entrapment, or surgical removal due to severe damage.
• Types: Arm, leg, hand, or foot amputations.
• Lifetime Costs: $500,000 – $3,000,000 (including prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity).

4. Severe Burns

• Caused by: Fuel tank ruptures, electrical fires, or chemical spills.
• Types:
  • First-degree (superficial)
  • Second-degree (blistering, scarring)
  • Third-degree (full-thickness, requiring skin grafts)
  • Fourth-degree (damage to muscle and bone)
• Lifetime Costs: $200,000 – $5,000,000+

5. Internal Organ Damage

• Caused by: Blunt force trauma from the crash.
• Common Injuries:
  • Liver or spleen rupture (life-threatening internal bleeding)
  • Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
  • Kidney damage
  • Bowel or intestinal perforation
• Treatment: Emergency surgery, long-term medical care.

6. Wrongful Death

• Caused by: Fatal head trauma, crushing injuries, or internal bleeding.
• Damages Available:
  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Pain and suffering before death
  • Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

If your loved one was killed in a McGregor truck accident, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a McGregor Truck Accident?

Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

Potentially Liable Parties in McGregor Trucking Cases

Example: In a McGregor case, we discovered that:

• The truck driver had falsified his logbook to hide HOS violations.
• The trucking company had failed to conduct background checks on the driver (who had a history of reckless driving).
• The maintenance company had ignored brake warnings on the truck.
• The cargo loader had overloaded the trailer, making it unstable.

By holding all four parties accountable, we secured a $3.2 million settlement for our client.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in McGregor?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the accident.

However, you should NOT wait. Critical evidence disappears quickly, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’ll start investigating your case immediately.

Why McGregor Truck Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

When you’re up against big trucking companies with unlimited resources, you need a law firm with the experience, reputation, and fighting spirit to take them on. Here’s why McGregor families trust Attorney911:

1. Over 25 Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been handling trucking accident cases since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America, including:

• Walmart
• Coca-Cola
• Amazon
• FedEx
• UPS

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate. He used to work for the other side—now he fights for you.

3. We Handle Cases Others Reject

Many law firms won’t take difficult cases—we do. We’ve won millions for clients whose cases were rejected by other attorneys.

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

4. We Treat You Like Family

We know how devastating a truck accident can be. We’ll fight for you like we’d fight for our own family.

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

5. We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Español)

Many truck drivers in McGregor are Spanish-speaking, and we want to make sure everyone gets the legal help they deserve.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

6. We Work on Contingency—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We advance all costs of investigating and litigating your case. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

7. We Have Offices Across Texas

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from McGregor. We regularly handle cases in McLennan County and throughout Central Texas.

McGregor Trucking Accident Case Results

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for truck accident victims across Texas. Here are just a few examples:

Your case could be worth far more than you think. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About McGregor Truck Accidents

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

• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine.
• Document the scene (photos, videos, witness info).
• Get the truck driver’s and trucking company’s information.
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company.
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence.

2. How much is my McGregor truck accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), so catastrophic injuries can be fully compensated.

3. Who can I sue after a truck accident in McGregor?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner/shipper
• The cargo loading company
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker
• The truck owner (if different from the carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

4. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in McGregor?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death.

However, you should NOT wait. Critical evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.

5. 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.

6. How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?

• 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 compensation.

7. What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball you to save money. The first offer is almost always far less than your case is worth.

Talk to an attorney first. We’ll negotiate aggressively to get you full compensation.

8. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

9. How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence to prove fatigue, including:

• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data – Shows hours of service violations.
• Dispatch records – Prove pressure to drive beyond legal limits.
• Cell phone records – Show late-night calls or texts.
• Witness statements – Passengers or other drivers may have noticed the driver falling asleep.
• Video footage – Dashcam or surveillance video may show erratic driving.

10. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance company is still liable. We’ll pursue all available insurance coverage to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

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

Yes. Even if the driver was an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable under:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s safety record)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor the driver’s compliance with FMCSA rules)

12. What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving a spoliation letter, we can ask the court to:

• Instruct the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.
• Impose monetary sanctions against the company.
• Enter a default judgment in extreme cases.

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

We can connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis—meaning they’ll wait to get paid until your case settles.

14. How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigating and litigating your case, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Our fee is typically 33-40% of the recovery, depending on the complexity of the case.

15. What if I already talked to the insurance company?

It’s not too late. Do NOT give any more statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney. We can step in and handle all communications with the insurance company.

McGregor Trucking Accident Resources

Hospitals & Trauma Centers Near McGregor

• Providence Healthcare Network (Waco) – (254) 751-4000
• Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center (Waco) – (254) 202-2000
• Scott & White Medical Center – Temple – (254) 724-2111

McGregor Police Department

• Non-Emergency: (254) 840-2858
• Emergency: 911

McLennan County Sheriff’s Office

• Non-Emergency: (254) 757-5111
• Emergency: 911

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

• McLennan County Office: (254) 750-7700
• Report Road Hazards: 1-800-558-9368

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

• Safety Records: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Report Trucking Violations: 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238)

If You’ve Been Hurt in a McGregor Truck Accident, Call Attorney911 Now

The trucking company has lawyers working against you right now. You need a fighter on your side who knows how to hold them accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims in McGregor, Waco, and across Texas. We know the trucking industry’s tactics, the federal regulations they violate, and how to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t wait—evidence disappears fast. Call us today.