18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Santa Clara, TX – Attorney911

Every year, thousands of catastrophic trucking accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Santa Clara, TX, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable, and has the resources to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Guadalupe County and the greater San Antonio region for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. When you call us, you’re not just getting a Santa Clara truck accident lawyer—you’re getting a team of legal emergency responders ready to act immediately to protect your rights.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Santa Clara Are Different (and More Dangerous)

Santa Clara sits at the intersection of I-10 and US-90, two of the busiest freight corridors in Texas. This means:

• High truck traffic volume – Thousands of commercial trucks pass through Santa Clara daily, increasing accident risks
• Long-haul fatigue – Drivers coming from San Antonio, Houston, or El Paso may be pushing hours-of-service limits
• Local distribution hubs – Warehouses and distribution centers in Schertz, Seguin, and New Braunfels create heavy truck traffic on local roads
• Rural road dangers – Many truck accidents occur on FM 1101, FM 78, and FM 467, where high-speed truck traffic mixes with local vehicles
• Port of Houston freight – Many trucks passing through Santa Clara are carrying cargo from the Port of Houston, one of the busiest in the nation

Trucking companies know these risks—but they cut corners anyway. They pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, skip maintenance, and falsify logbooks. When these violations lead to catastrophic accidents, we hold them fully accountable.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Santa Clara, TX

Trucking accidents don’t happen by accident. They’re caused by negligence, recklessness, and corporate greed. The most common causes we see in Santa Clara and Guadalupe County include:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. But trucking companies routinely pressure drivers to violate these rules—and drivers falsify their logbooks to hide it.

How we prove it:

• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data – Shows exact driving times and rest breaks
• Dispatch records – Prove the trucking company pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines
• Cell phone records – Show the driver was communicating with dispatch while over hours
• GPS data – Confirms the driver’s route and timing

“We’ve seen cases where drivers admitted to being on the road for 16+ hours straight—well beyond the legal limit. That’s not just negligence; that’s gross negligence, and it makes trucking companies liable for punitive damages.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face constant distractions:

• Dispatch communications (Qualcomm messages)
• GPS navigation
• Cell phone use (texting, calls, social media)
• Eating, drinking, or adjusting controls while driving

Federal law (49 CFR § 392.82) bans hand-held phone use for truck drivers—but many still do it. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction at the time of the crash.

3. Improper Cargo Loading & Securement

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:

• Shift during transit, causing rollovers
• Fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other drivers
• Overload the truck, reducing braking ability

Federal cargo securement rules (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require specific tiedowns, blocking, and bracing. When trucking companies or loading docks fail to follow these rules, they’re legally responsible for the resulting accidents.

4. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes (FMCSA). Common issues include:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

How we prove it:

• Maintenance records – Show if the trucking company deferred repairs
• Post-crash brake analysis – Engineers can determine if brakes were properly adjusted
• Out-of-service inspection history – Proves a pattern of neglect

5. Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of truck accidents every year. Common causes:

• Underinflation (leading to overheating)
• Overloading (exceeding tire capacity)
• Worn or aged tires (not replaced)
• Manufacturing defects
• Road debris punctures

Federal law (49 CFR § 393.75) requires minimum tread depth—but many trucking companies ignore this to save money.

6. Underride Collisions (Rear & Side)

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear underride guards—but:

• Many guards are too weak to prevent underride at highway speeds
• No federal requirement for side underride guards (though they’re proven to save lives)
• Guards are often damaged or improperly installed

7. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need extra space to make turns, so drivers often swing wide (left) before making a right turn. This creates a dangerous gap that other drivers may enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

How we prove it:

• ECM data – Shows turn signal activation and steering inputs
• Dashcam footage – Captures the truck’s movement
• Witness statements – Confirm the truck swung wide before turning

8. Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)

Trucks have four massive blind spots where drivers can’t see other vehicles:

1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone – Extends back from the cab
4. Right Side No-Zone – Largest blind spot, extending back and outward

Most blind spot accidents happen when trucks change lanes without seeing smaller vehicles. We use ECM data, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver failed to check mirrors.

Catastrophic Injuries from Santa Clara Truck Accidents

Because of the massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles, trucking accidents often cause life-altering injuries:

These injuries don’t just cause physical pain—they change lives forever. Victims may be unable to work, require 24/7 care, or face permanent disability. That’s why trucking accident cases often settle for millions of dollars—and why you need an attorney who knows how to maximize your recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Santa Clara Truck Accident?

Unlike car accidents, trucking accidents often have multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to ensure you recover the maximum compensation available.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone, GPS, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving (violating hours-of-service rules)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Violating traffic laws (running red lights, improper lane changes)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the deepest pockets in these cases. They can be liable for:

• Vicarious liability (responsibility for their employees’ actions)
• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers)
• Negligent training (failing to train drivers on safety protocols)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
• Negligent maintenance (deferring repairs, ignoring defects)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims.”
— Attorney911

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

If the cargo was improperly loaded, mislabeled, or hazardous, the company that arranged the shipment may share liability.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Unbalanced load distribution (causing rollovers)
• Overloading the truck (exceeding weight limits)
• Failure to use proper blocking/bracing

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defective part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. Common defects include:

• Brake system failures
• Tire blowouts (manufacturing defects)
• Steering system failures
• Defective underride guards
• Faulty electronic stability control (ESC)

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific components (brakes, tires, couplings) can be liable if their product failed.

7. The Maintenance Company

If a third-party mechanic performed negligent repairs, they may share liability.

8. The Freight Broker

Freight brokers (companies that arrange shipments but don’t own trucks) can be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing a trucking company with a poor safety record.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from the Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for negligent entrustment (allowing an unsafe driver to operate their vehicle).

10. Government Entities (In Limited Cases)

If a dangerous road condition contributed to the crash, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or Guadalupe County may share liability. However, sovereign immunity limits government liability, and strict notice requirements apply.

Why Evidence Disappears Fast in Santa Clara Truck Accident Cases

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears within hours or days. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes to protect their interests—not yours. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Evidence That Must Be Preserved IMMEDIATELY:

What Attorney911 Does Within 48 Hours of Your Call:

✅ Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence
✅ Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data before it’s overwritten
✅ Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
✅ Obtain police crash reports and 911 call recordings
✅ Canvass the accident scene for security camera footage from nearby businesses
✅ Photograph all damage, skid marks, and road conditions before they’re cleared
✅ Interview witnesses before memories fade
✅ Hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash dynamics

“We’ve seen cases where trucking companies ‘lost’ black box data, deleted dashcam footage, and falsified logbooks. That’s why we act FAST—before they can destroy the evidence.”
— Ralph Manginello

How Much Is Your Santa Clara Truck Accident Case Worth?

Trucking accident cases are worth far more than typical car accident claims because:

• Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1M–$5M+)
• Injuries are more severe (TBI, paralysis, amputation, wrongful death)
• Multiple liable parties increase available insurance coverage

Types of Compensation Available in Texas Trucking Cases:

Recent Multi-Million Dollar Trucking Verdicts & Settlements:

“These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages—which strengthens settlement negotiations.”
— Attorney911

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Santa Clara Truck Accident Case?

1. We’re 18-Wheeler Accident Specialists

We don’t handle just any personal injury case—we focus on trucking accidents. This means:

• Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399)
• Experience holding trucking companies accountable (Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, and more)
• Access to trucking industry experts (accident reconstructionists, FMCSA compliance specialists, trucking safety engineers)
• Understanding of commercial insurance policies (MCS-90 endorsements, cargo insurance, excess coverage)

2. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle for maximum value
• How to counter their tactics

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”
— Attorney911

3. We Act Fast to Preserve Evidence

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. We know:

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Witness memories fade within weeks
• Trucks are repaired or scrapped within days

4. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex federal trucking litigation.

5. We’ve Recovered Millions for Texas Truck Accident Victims

Our track record speaks for itself:

• $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

6. We Offer Fluent Spanish-Language Services

Many truck drivers in Santa Clara and Guadalupe County are Spanish-speaking. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual case workers like Zulema, who is praised in client reviews for her kindness and translation skills.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”
— Attorney911

7. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that after a catastrophic accident, medical bills pile up and income stops. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No retainer
• We advance all case expenses
• You pay nothing unless we recover money for you
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

8. We Treat You Like Family

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what our clients say:

“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 After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Santa Clara, TX

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, what you do in the first 48 hours can make or break your case. Follow these steps:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

• Request police and EMS to the scene
• Insist on a police report—it’s critical evidence
• Report all injuries, even if they seem minor

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Go to the hospital or urgent care—even if you feel “fine”
• Adrenaline masks pain—many injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days
• Get documentation of all injuries—this is critical for your case
• Follow all doctor’s orders—skipping treatment hurts your claim

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

• Take photos of:
  • All vehicles involved (exterior and interior damage)
  • The truck’s DOT number (on the door)
  • The trucking company’s name and logo
  • Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
  • Traffic signals, signs, and lane markings
  • Your injuries
• Get contact information from:
  • The truck driver (name, CDL number, contact info)
  • Any witnesses (names, phone numbers)
  • Responding officers (name, badge number)

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

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
• Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim
• They’ll ask leading questions designed to shift blame to you
• Politely decline and tell them you’re represented by an attorney

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

• Time is critical—evidence disappears fast
• We’ll send a spoliation letter within 24-48 hours
• We’ll begin investigating while the evidence is fresh
• We’ll handle all communications with the insurance company

Santa Clara Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?

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

2. Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was at fault?

Yes. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (failing to train drivers on safety protocols)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
• Negligent maintenance (deferring repairs, ignoring defects)

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

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule:

• If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
• If you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example:

• If you were 20% at fault and your damages were $1 million, you could recover $800,000
• If you were 51% at fault, you would recover $0

Our job is to minimize your attributed fault by gathering evidence (ECM data, dashcam footage, witness statements) that proves the truck driver was primarily responsible.

4. 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 trucking companies carry $1M–$5M or more in coverage. Additionally, there may be:

• Cargo insurance (if improper loading contributed to the crash)
• Trailer interchange coverage (if the trailer was leased)
• Excess/umbrella policies (additional coverage beyond primary limits)

We investigate all available insurance policies to maximize your recovery.

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

Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies offer lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation—even if your injuries worsen.

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

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6–12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1–3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2–4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

7. 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.

8. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure you can still recover compensation. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, you may still recover from:

• The truck driver’s personal insurance
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker
• The truck or parts manufacturer

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

Yes. Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting trucking company may be liable. We investigate the relationship between the driver and company to determine all available insurance coverage.

10. What if the truck’s black box data was destroyed?

If the trucking company intentionally destroyed black box data after receiving our spoliation letter, we can ask the court to:

• Instruct the jury to assume the data was unfavorable to the trucking company
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages for intentional evidence destruction

Santa Clara Truck Accident Corridors – Where Crashes Happen Most

Santa Clara sits at the crossroads of major freight routes, making it a hotspot for trucking accidents. The most dangerous corridors in the area include:

1. I-10 (San Antonio to Houston Corridor)

• High truck volume – One of the busiest freight corridors in Texas
• Long-haul fatigue – Drivers coming from California or Florida may be pushing hours-of-service limits
• Speed differentials – Trucks traveling at 65+ mph alongside slower passenger vehicles
• Exit/entrance ramp dangers – Trucks making sudden lane changes near exits like FM 3009 (Schertz exit) or FM 78 (Seguin exit)

2. US-90 (San Antonio to Houston Alternative Route)

• Mixed traffic – Trucks, passenger vehicles, and local traffic share the same lanes
• No median barrier – Head-on collisions are a risk
• Frequent intersections – Trucks making left turns across traffic create hazards
• Railroad crossings – Near FM 1101, trucks may get stuck waiting for trains

3. FM 78 (Schertz to Seguin)

• High truck traffic – Connects I-35 to I-10, a major freight route
• Narrow lanes – Two-lane road with limited shoulder space
• Speeding trucks – Many drivers exceed the 65 mph speed limit
• School zones – Near Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, trucks must slow down

4. FM 1101 (Santa Clara to New Braunfels)

• Rural road dangers – High-speed truck traffic mixes with local vehicles
• Limited lighting – Nighttime accidents are common
• Wildlife crossings – Deer and other animals create hazards
• Sharp curves – Near FM 467, trucks may lose control

5. FM 467 (Santa Clara to McQueeney)

• Two-lane highway – Trucks and cars share the same lanes
• No shoulder – Limited space for emergency stops
• Speeding trucks – Many drivers exceed the 55 mph speed limit
• Farm equipment – Slow-moving vehicles create hazards

6. FM 3009 (Schertz to New Braunfels)

• Heavy truck traffic – Connects I-35 to I-10
• Narrow bridges – Trucks must slow down to cross safely
• Residential areas – Trucks passing through neighborhoods create dangers
• School zones – Near Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD

7. Local Distribution Centers & Warehouses

Santa Clara is near several major distribution hubs, increasing truck traffic on local roads:

• Amazon Fulfillment Center (Schertz) – Heavy truck traffic on FM 3009 and I-35
• Walmart Distribution Center (Schertz) – Frequent truck movements on FM 78
• H-E-B Distribution Center (Schertz) – Delivery trucks on FM 3009 and FM 78
• Coca-Cola Distribution (Seguin) – Trucks traveling on US-90 and FM 78

Santa Clara Truck Accident Resources

Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

If you’re injured in a trucking accident, seek immediate medical attention at:

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Resources

• TxDOT Crash Records: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/data/crash-records.html
• TxDOT Road Conditions: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/data/road-conditions.html

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Resources

• FMCSA Company Safety Records: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/
• FMCSA Inspection Reports: https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/
• FMCSA Hours of Service Rules: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service

Call Attorney911 Now – Your Santa Clara Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Santa Clara, TX, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast, and trucking companies have teams of lawyers working against you.

At Attorney911, we have:
✅ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ A former insurance defense attorney on our team
✅ Federal court experience for complex trucking cases
✅ Fluent Spanish-language services
✅ A track record of multi-million dollar recoveries
✅ 24/7 availability – we answer calls immediately

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911