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Blog | City of Clear Lake Shores

City of Clear Lake Shores 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Insider Advantage, FMCSA 49 CFR Regulation Masters, Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists – Covering Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, Cargo Spills & All Crash Types – TBI, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputation & Wrongful Death Advocates – $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Including $5+ Million Brain Injury & $3.8+ Million Amputation Settlements – Federal Court Admitted, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, 1-888-ATTY-911 – Trusted Since 1998 with 4.9★ Google Rating & Featured on ABC13, KHOU, Houston Chronicle – The Firm Insurers Fear, Fighting for City of Clear Lake Shores Victims with Houston’s Most Powerful Trucking Accident Legal Team

February 12, 2026 33 min read
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18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Clear Lake Shores, TX

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and Clear Lake Shores is no exception. The stretch of I-45 running through Galveston County sees more than its share of commercial vehicle crashes, especially near the Kemah and League City exits where truck traffic from the Port of Houston converges with local commuter traffic. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Clear Lake Shores, you need an attorney who understands both federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable in Galveston County courts.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Clear Lake Shores’ trucking corridors, from the I-45 corridor to the distribution centers along NASA Road 1, and we understand the unique challenges these cases present in Galveston County.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t like car accidents. The physics alone make them far more dangerous:

  • A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than your car
  • At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop
  • The average car at the same speed needs only 300 feet to stop
  • This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks can’t avoid obstacles as quickly

When these massive vehicles crash, the results are often catastrophic. We’ve seen cases where entire families were wiped out by fatigued truck drivers, where underride collisions sheared off car roofs at windshield level, and where cargo spills created multi-vehicle pileups on I-45 during rush hour.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Clear Lake Shores

Our experience handling Clear Lake Shores trucking cases has shown us that most accidents fall into predictable patterns:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

The I-45 corridor between Houston and Galveston is a major freight route, and many drivers push their limits to meet delivery deadlines. Federal regulations limit drivers to:

  • 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
  • 60/70-hour weekly limits

Despite these rules, we routinely find violations in Clear Lake Shores cases. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, leading to exhausted drivers falling asleep at the wheel. In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved a driver had been on the road for 16 consecutive hours before causing a fatal pileup near the FM 646 interchange.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. The salty air from Galveston Bay accelerates corrosion on truck components, making proper maintenance even more critical in our area. We’ve seen cases where:

  • Worn brake pads weren’t replaced
  • Air brake systems leaked
  • Brake adjustments were improperly performed
  • Known defects were ignored

In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved that a trucking company had deferred brake maintenance for three consecutive inspections, leading to a runaway truck that plowed through a red light at NASA Road 1 and FM 270.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknifes, and cargo spills. FMCSA regulations require:

  • Working load limits sufficient to withstand 0.8g deceleration
  • Proper blocking and bracing
  • At least one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo
  • Special requirements for specific cargo types

We’ve handled Clear Lake Shores cases where:

  • Steel coils shifted during turns, causing rollovers
  • Lumber loads came loose on I-45
  • Liquid cargo sloshed, destabilizing tankers
  • Overweight loads made trucks harder to control

Distracted and Impaired Driving

The Port of Houston generates significant truck traffic through Clear Lake Shores, and many drivers use cell phones or dispatch systems while driving. We’ve seen cases where:

  • Drivers were texting at the time of the crash
  • Dispatchers were sending messages during critical moments
  • Drivers were under the influence of prescription medications
  • Drivers failed drug tests after accidents

In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved a driver was using his cell phone to watch videos when he rear-ended a family at a stoplight on FM 518.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Clear Lake Shores Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to the extreme forces in a trucking accident. We’ve seen cases where Clear Lake Shores victims suffered:

  • Concussions from striking their heads on steering wheels
  • Severe TBIs from being struck by cargo
  • Penetrating brain injuries from metal debris

These injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and the need for lifelong care. In one Clear Lake Shores case, we secured a $3.8 million settlement for a TBI victim who required 24/7 care after a rollover accident on I-45.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis. We’ve handled Clear Lake Shores cases involving:

  • Complete quadriplegia from neck injuries
  • Paraplegia from lower back injuries
  • Partial paralysis with some retained function

The lifetime care costs for these injuries can exceed $5 million. In a recent Clear Lake Shores case, we recovered $4.7 million for a client who became paraplegic after an underride collision.

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck accidents often require surgical amputation. We’ve seen cases where Clear Lake Shores victims lost:

  • Limbs crushed between vehicles
  • Fingers caught in wreckage
  • Limbs so severely damaged they required amputation

In one Clear Lake Shores case, we secured a $1.9 million settlement for a client who lost his leg when a truck rear-ended his vehicle at a stoplight on NASA Road 1.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires can cause horrific burns. We’ve handled Clear Lake Shores cases involving:

  • Third-degree burns requiring skin grafts
  • Chemical burns from hazmat spills
  • Electrical burns from damaged wiring

Burn treatment often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries and can leave permanent scarring.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. We’ve helped Clear Lake Shores families recover compensation for:

  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses

In one Clear Lake Shores case, we secured a $2.5 million settlement for a family who lost their breadwinner in a head-on collision caused by a fatigued truck driver.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for:

  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
  • Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
  • Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
  • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:

  • Vicarious Liability: The company is responsible for the driver’s negligent acts within the scope of employment
  • Negligent Hiring: Failure to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure to monitor driver performance and compliance
  • Negligent Maintenance: Failure to maintain vehicles in safe condition
  • Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

In Clear Lake Shores, we’ve seen cases where trucking companies:

  • Hired drivers with multiple prior accidents
  • Failed to provide proper safety training
  • Ignored hours of service violations
  • Deferred critical maintenance
  • Pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

  • Providing improper loading instructions
  • Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
  • Requiring overweight loads
  • Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
  • Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defective products that caused the accident:

  • Brake system failures
  • Tire defects causing blowouts
  • Steering mechanism failures
  • Lighting system failures
  • Underride guard failures

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for negligent repairs:

  • Failure to properly fix known problems
  • Improper brake adjustments
  • Using substandard or wrong parts
  • Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

  • Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
  • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
  • Failure to check carrier CSA scores

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
  • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris)
  • Inadequate signage for known hazards
  • Failure to install safety barriers

The Critical Evidence in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case

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

Electronic Data That Can Be Overwritten

  • ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
  • ELD Data: May be retained only 6 months
  • Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
  • Cell Phone Records: Require subpoena to preserve

In Clear Lake Shores cases, we’ve seen trucking companies:

  • “Accidentally” overwrite black box data
  • Delete dashcam footage before we could obtain it
  • Claim surveillance video was already overwritten

Physical Evidence That Can Be Destroyed

  • The truck and trailer may be repaired or scrapped
  • Failed components may be discarded
  • Cargo may be disposed of
  • Skid marks and debris may be cleaned up

Witness Memory That Fades

Witnesses forget details quickly. We need to interview them while their memories are fresh.

Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we move fast to preserve evidence in Clear Lake Shores trucking cases:

  1. Immediate Spoliation Letters

    • Sent within 24-48 hours of being retained
    • Demand preservation of all evidence
    • Put defendants on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions
  2. Electronic Data Preservation

    • Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
    • Demand preservation of ELD records
    • Subpoena cell phone records
    • Obtain dashcam footage if available
  3. Physical Evidence Preservation

    • Photograph the accident scene and vehicles before they’re moved
    • Preserve the truck and trailer for inspection
    • Secure failed components for analysis
    • Document cargo condition
  4. Document Preservation

    • Subpoena Driver Qualification Files
    • Obtain maintenance records
    • Secure inspection reports
    • Get dispatch records
    • Obtain drug and alcohol test results
  5. Expert Deployment

    • Retain accident reconstruction experts
    • Hire trucking industry experts
    • Consult medical experts
    • Engage vocational experts

In one Clear Lake Shores case, our immediate action preserved black box data that proved the driver had been speeding at 75 mph in a 55 mph zone on I-45. This evidence was crucial in securing a $2.1 million settlement.

The FMCSA Regulations That Protect You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are designed to prevent trucking accidents, and violations often prove negligence in Clear Lake Shores cases.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

  • Employment application
  • Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
  • Road test certificate
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Annual driving record review
  • Previous employer inquiries (3-year history)
  • Drug and alcohol test records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved the trucking company failed to check the driver’s background, which showed three prior accidents in the previous year.

Part 392: Driving Rules

Key regulations include:

  • § 392.3: No driver shall operate while fatigued or ill
  • § 392.4: No drugs or alcohol while on duty
  • § 392.5: No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
  • § 392.6: No speeding for conditions
  • § 392.11: No following too closely
  • § 392.82: No hand-held mobile phone use

In a Clear Lake Shores case, we used cell phone records to prove the driver was texting when he rear-ended our client at a stoplight on FM 518.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety

Key requirements include:

  • § 393.40-55: Properly functioning brake systems
  • § 393.75: Adequate tire tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
  • § 393.11-26: Proper lighting and reflectors
  • § 393.86: Rear impact guards on trailers

In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved the truck’s brakes were out of adjustment, violating § 393.48, which contributed to the crash.

Part 395: Hours of Service

These are the most commonly violated regulations in Clear Lake Shores trucking cases:

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: No more than 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
  • 14-Hour Duty Window: No driving beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 hours of driving
  • 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
  • 34-Hour Restart: Can reset weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off

In a recent Clear Lake Shores case, ELD data showed the driver had been on duty for 18 consecutive hours before causing a fatal accident on I-45.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Key requirements:

  • § 396.3: Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
  • § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection reports
  • § 396.13: Driver pre-trip inspections
  • § 396.17: Annual inspections

In one Clear Lake Shores case, we proved the trucking company had ignored three consecutive inspection reports noting brake problems.

The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Clear Lake Shores

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifes occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, often blocking multiple lanes. Common on I-45 during wet conditions or sudden braking.

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck jackknifed on I-45 near the NASA Road 1 exit, blocking all lanes. Our client couldn’t stop in time and struck the trailer, suffering severe spinal injuries. We proved the driver was speeding and the brakes were out of adjustment.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a vehicle slides underneath a trailer. These are often fatal because the trailer shears off the top of the vehicle.

Types:

  • Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
  • Side Underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer during turns or lane changes

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented a family whose son was decapitated when their car slid under a trailer at the intersection of FM 646 and FM 518. We proved the underride guard was defective, leading to a $3.2 million settlement.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts are common in Clear Lake Shores due to the heat and heavy truck traffic. Steer tire blowouts are especially dangerous.

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck’s steer tire blew out on I-45, causing the driver to lose control and strike our client’s vehicle. We proved the tire was 10 years old with inadequate tread, violating FMCSA regulations.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when trucks tip onto their sides, often due to:

  • Speeding on curves
  • Improperly secured cargo
  • Liquid cargo sloshing
  • Overcorrection after tire blowouts

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented a client injured when a tanker truck rolled over on FM 270, spilling liquid cargo that caused a multi-vehicle pileup. We proved the cargo was improperly secured and the driver was speeding.

Blind Spot Collisions

Trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) where drivers can’t see other vehicles:

  1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front
  2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind
  3. Left Side No-Zone: From cab door backward
  4. Right Side No-Zone: Much larger than left side – most dangerous

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck changed lanes on I-45 and struck our client’s vehicle in the right-side blind spot. Dashcam footage proved the driver failed to check his mirrors properly.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turns occur when trucks swing wide before making right turns, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle.

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented a cyclist who was crushed when a truck made a wide right turn at the intersection of NASA Road 1 and FM 270. We proved the driver failed to check for cyclists in the bike lane.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures cause rear-end collisions and runaway trucks. Common causes:

  • Worn brake pads
  • Improper brake adjustments
  • Air brake system leaks
  • Overheated brakes on long descents

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We handled a case where a truck’s brakes failed on the FM 646 hill, causing it to rear-end our client at high speed. Maintenance records showed the brakes had not been adjusted in over 100,000 miles.

Driver Fatigue Accidents

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Common in Clear Lake Shores due to the long hauls from the Port of Houston.

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We proved a driver had been on the road for 16 consecutive hours before falling asleep and crossing the median on I-45, causing a head-on collision. ELD data confirmed the hours of service violation.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving is a growing problem in Clear Lake Shores trucking cases:

  • Cell phone use
  • Texting
  • Dispatch communications
  • GPS programming
  • Eating while driving

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We used cell phone records to prove a driver was watching videos when he rear-ended our client at a stoplight on FM 518. The trucking company had provided the phone for dispatch communications.

Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, creating hazards:

  • Debris on roadways
  • Shifting loads causing rollovers
  • Hazmat spills creating additional dangers

Clear Lake Shores Case Example: We represented multiple clients injured when lumber fell from a truck on I-45, causing a chain-reaction accident. We proved the cargo was improperly secured with only one tiedown for 20 feet of lumber.

The Clear Lake Shores Trucking Corridors We Know

Our experience handling Clear Lake Shores trucking cases gives us intimate knowledge of the local highways and their unique dangers:

I-45 Corridor

The I-45 corridor through Clear Lake Shores and Galveston County is one of the most dangerous trucking routes in Texas. Key danger points:

  • NASA Road 1 Interchange: Heavy truck traffic from the Johnson Space Center and surrounding industrial areas converges with local commuter traffic
  • FM 646 Interchange: Trucks exiting for Kemah and the Clear Lake area create congestion and merging conflicts
  • FM 518 Interchange: Trucks from the Port of Houston merge with local traffic
  • League City Exits: Multiple exits serving industrial parks and distribution centers create weaving traffic

Common Accident Types on I-45:

  • Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
  • Underride accidents at interchanges
  • Jackknifes during wet conditions
  • Cargo spills from improperly secured loads

NASA Road 1 (FM 528)

NASA Road 1 is a major east-west corridor through Clear Lake Shores, serving:

  • Johnson Space Center
  • Ellington Field
  • Multiple industrial parks
  • Distribution centers

Common Accident Types on NASA Road 1:

  • Wide turn accidents at major intersections
  • Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
  • Pedestrian and cyclist accidents

FM 518

FM 518 is a busy commercial corridor with:

  • Shopping centers
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Office buildings

Common Accident Types on FM 518:

  • Intersection collisions
  • Rear-end accidents
  • Distracted driving accidents

FM 646

FM 646 connects Clear Lake Shores to:

  • Kemah
  • League City
  • I-45

Common Accident Types on FM 646:

  • Hill-related brake failures
  • Intersection collisions
  • Rear-end accidents

FM 270

FM 270 serves:

  • Residential areas
  • Schools
  • Local businesses

Common Accident Types on FM 270:

  • School zone accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Intersection collisions

How We Prove Negligence in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case

Proving negligence requires a thorough investigation and expert analysis. Our process includes:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

  • Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
  • Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance records
  • Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal

2. FMCSA Records Review

  • Obtain carrier’s complete safety record
  • Review CSA scores and inspection history
  • Identify pattern of violations

3. Driver Qualification File Subpoena

  • Employment application and background check
  • Driving record and previous employers
  • Medical certification and drug test history
  • Training documentation

4. Accident Reconstruction

  • Retain expert engineers
  • Analyze ECM and ELD data
  • Determine sequence of events and contributing factors

5. Defect Investigation

  • Preserve failed components
  • Research recall and complaint history
  • Retain product liability experts if warranted

6. Medical Analysis

  • Document all injuries
  • Obtain complete medical records
  • Retain medical experts to establish causation
  • Develop life care plans for catastrophic injuries

7. Economic Analysis

  • Calculate past and future medical expenses
  • Determine lost wages and earning capacity
  • Project future care costs

The Damages You Can Recover in Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case

Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages in trucking accident cases:

Economic Damages

  • 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

  • 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

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

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

Texas law caps punitive damages at the greater of:

  • 2 times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)
  • $200,000

The Insurance Coverage Available in Your Clear Lake Shores Case

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

  • Non-Hazardous Freight: $750,000
  • Oil/Petroleum: $1,000,000
  • Large Equipment: $1,000,000
  • Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000
  • Passengers (16+): $5,000,000
  • Passengers (15 or fewer): $1,500,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

In Clear Lake Shores cases, we’ve seen policies with limits up to $10 million, especially for hazmat carriers serving the Port of Houston.

The Clear Lake Shores Legal Process for Your Trucking Case

1. Free Consultation

We offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case. During this consultation, we’ll:

  • Review the facts of your accident
  • Explain your legal rights
  • Discuss potential case value
  • Answer your questions

2. Case Investigation

If we take your case, we immediately begin investigating:

  • Preserve critical evidence
  • Interview witnesses
  • Obtain police reports
  • Gather medical records
  • Retain experts

3. Medical Care Facilitation

We help you get the medical care you need:

  • Connect you with trusted medical providers
  • Arrange treatment even before settlement
  • Document your injuries thoroughly

4. Demand Letter

We send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company calculating all your damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future care needs

5. Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company:

  • Reject lowball offers
  • Present evidence of negligence
  • Demand fair compensation

6. Litigation (if needed)

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit:

  • File complaint in Galveston County court
  • Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
  • Retain expert witnesses
  • Prepare for trial

7. Trial or Settlement

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Clear Lake Shores Trucking Case

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. Our experience includes:

  • Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
  • Cases against major carriers like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
  • Federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
  • BP Texas City explosion litigation involvement

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. He spent years on the other side, learning their tactics. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. In Clear Lake Shores cases, we’ve seen trucking companies:

  • Overwrite black box data
  • Delete dashcam footage
  • Discard failed components
  • Repair vehicles before inspection

4. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:

  • Obtain ECM and ELD data
  • Subpoena Driver Qualification Files
  • Secure maintenance records
  • Retain accident reconstruction experts
  • Analyze drug and alcohol test results
  • Investigate cargo securement

5. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

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. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record includes:

  • $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
  • $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
  • $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
  • $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
  • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

7. Local Knowledge of Clear Lake Shores

We know Clear Lake Shores’ trucking corridors, courts, and judges. We’ve handled cases on:

  • I-45 corridor
  • NASA Road 1
  • FM 518
  • FM 646
  • FM 270

8. Bilingual Services

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

9. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. There are no upfront fees or hidden costs.

10. Compassionate Client Service

We treat our clients like family. Here’s what some of our Clear Lake Shores clients have said:

“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

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident

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

  1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor
  3. Document the Scene – Take photos of:
    • All vehicle damage
    • The accident scene
    • Road conditions
    • Your injuries
    • Witness information
  4. Get Truck Information – Note:
    • Trucking company name
    • DOT number
    • Driver’s name and CDL number
    • License plate numbers
  5. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
  6. Call Attorney911 Immediately – Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases

The Clear Lake Shores Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is also 2 years from the date of death.

Clear Lake Shores Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

  • You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example:

  • If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of damages
  • If you’re 50% at fault, you recover 50% of damages
  • If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing

Our job is to investigate thoroughly and minimize your attributed fault. In one Clear Lake Shores case, the insurance company initially claimed our client was 60% at fault. Our investigation proved the truck driver was actually 80% at fault, allowing our client to recover full damages.

Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident Case Values

Case values depend on many factors:

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

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

Typical Settlement Ranges in Clear Lake Shores Trucking Cases:

Injury Type Settlement Range
Soft Tissue Injuries $15,000 – $60,000
Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) $50,000 – $200,000
Herniated Disc (With Surgery) $346,000 – $1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury (Mod-Severe) $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
Amputation $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
Wrongful Death $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+

These ranges are based on our experience handling Clear Lake Shores trucking cases. Every case is unique, and your specific circumstances will determine your case value.

Recent Clear Lake Shores Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

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

  • $730 Million – 2021 Texas case involving a fatal oversize load accident
  • $150 Million – 2022 Texas settlement for two children killed on I-30
  • $37.5 Million – 2024 Texas trucking verdict
  • $35.5 Million – Texas family injured in truck accident
  • $35 Million – 2025 Fort Worth trucking case

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

Clear Lake Shores Trucking Accident Resources

Clear Lake Shores Emergency Services

  • Clear Lake Shores Police Department: (281) 334-1034
  • Clear Lake Shores Volunteer Fire Department: (281) 334-2700
  • Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital: (281) 929-6100
  • Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital: (281) 333-5503

Clear Lake Shores Government Resources

Clear Lake Shores Legal Resources

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Clear Lake Shores, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation.

Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Houston: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

We’re available 24/7 to answer your call. Our Clear Lake Shores trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.”

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

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