18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Franklin, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, hundreds of families in Franklin and across Robertson County face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. The aftermath can be overwhelming—catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of how to hold powerful trucking companies accountable. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Franklin, Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands both the federal trucking regulations and the local dynamics of our community.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims in Franklin and throughout Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings unparalleled experience to your case, having secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. When you’re up against corporations with vast resources and teams of lawyers, you need a Franklin trucking accident attorney who knows how to level the playing field.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Franklin Are Different

Franklin’s location in Robertson County presents unique challenges for truck accident victims. Our community sits at the crossroads of major transportation routes, with US Highway 79 running through the heart of town and connecting to Interstate 45 just a short drive away. This strategic location means Franklin sees significant commercial truck traffic—from local agricultural hauls to long-distance freight moving between major Texas cities.

The trucking corridors serving Franklin include:

• US Highway 79 (east-west corridor connecting to I-45)
• FM 46 (serving local agricultural and oil field traffic)
• FM 1940 (connecting Franklin to Hearne and beyond)

These highways carry a mix of local trucks and interstate freight, creating unique risks for Franklin residents. The combination of rural road conditions, high-speed commercial traffic, and local drivers unfamiliar with sharing the road with large trucks creates a dangerous environment that too often leads to catastrophic accidents.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Franklin

Understanding the specific factors that contribute to trucking accidents in our area helps us build stronger cases for our clients. Some of the most common causes we see in Franklin and Robertson County include:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers passing through Franklin often push their limits to meet tight delivery deadlines. The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents, but violations remain common. These regulations limit drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 14-hour on-duty window after coming on duty
• A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

When drivers violate these rules, they put everyone on Franklin’s roads at risk. Our firm has seen cases where drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to conceal hours of service violations, leading to preventable accidents.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Franklin’s agricultural and oil field industries generate significant cargo traffic that must be properly secured. When cargo isn’t loaded correctly, it can shift during transit, causing trucks to become unstable and leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents. FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Part 393) specify exact requirements for cargo securement, including:

• Proper tiedown strength and quantity
• Correct load distribution
• Specific requirements for different cargo types

We’ve handled cases where improperly secured oil field equipment or agricultural products caused catastrophic accidents on Franklin-area roads.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

The long distances many trucks travel through Franklin mean maintenance is critical. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save costs, the results can be deadly. Common maintenance issues we investigate include:

• Brake failures (a factor in 29% of large truck crashes)
• Tire blowouts (11,000+ crashes annually nationwide)
• Faulty lighting and reflectors
• Steering system failures

The FMCSA requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles (49 CFR Part 396). When companies fail to comply, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, distracted and impaired driving remains a significant problem among commercial drivers. In Franklin, we’ve seen cases involving:

• Cell phone use while driving (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held use)
• Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
• Fatigue from pushing beyond hours of service limits
• Drug and alcohol impairment (49 CFR § 392.4 and § 392.5)

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The open stretches of US Highway 79 through Robertson County can tempt drivers to exceed speed limits. However, 18-wheelers require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles—up to 525 feet at highway speeds. When truck drivers speed or drive aggressively, they put Franklin residents at serious risk.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Franklin Trucking Accidents

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers—up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—means that accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. In our Franklin cases, we’ve seen:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in trucking accidents. The force of impact can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to:

• Concussions (mild TBI)
• Severe brain damage requiring lifelong care
• Cognitive impairments affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making
• Personality changes and emotional disorders

Treatment for TBI can cost millions over a lifetime, and many victims never fully recover their pre-accident abilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the occupants often suffer severe spinal injuries that can result in:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Partial paralysis with some retained function
• Chronic pain and limited mobility

The lifetime cost of caring for someone with spinal cord injuries can exceed $5 million, not including lost wages and pain and suffering.

Amputations

The crushing forces in truck accidents often lead to traumatic amputations or require surgical removal of limbs. Amputees face:

• Multiple surgeries and hospitalizations
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each, with replacements needed throughout life)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Psychological trauma and adjustment to disability

Severe Burns

Fires and explosions are common in truck accidents, especially when fuel tanks rupture or hazardous materials are involved. Burn victims often suffer:

• Third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Chronic pain and infection risks
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a truck collision can cause severe internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent, including:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage requiring dialysis
• Lung contusions or collapse
• Internal bleeding that can be life-threatening

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses

The Unique Challenges of Franklin Trucking Accident Cases

Franklin’s location and community characteristics create specific challenges for truck accident victims:

Rural Road Conditions

Many of the roads in Robertson County are rural and may lack proper signage, lighting, or maintenance. These conditions can contribute to accidents and complicate investigations. Our team understands the unique challenges of rural road accidents and knows how to document these factors effectively.

Limited Emergency Response Resources

As a smaller community, Franklin may have longer emergency response times than larger cities. This can affect the quality of initial accident reports and the preservation of evidence. We work quickly to gather evidence before it’s lost or compromised.

Agricultural and Oil Field Traffic

Franklin’s economy includes significant agricultural and oil field activity, which means our roads see specialized truck traffic. These industries have unique cargo securement requirements and safety considerations that must be understood to build strong cases.

Local Court System Familiarity

Our team has extensive experience navigating the Robertson County court system. We understand the local judges, court procedures, and what it takes to present a compelling case to Franklin-area juries.

How We Build Strong Cases for Franklin Trucking Accident Victims

When you hire Attorney911 for your Franklin trucking accident case, we immediately implement our comprehensive investigation protocol:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of critical evidence, including:

• ECM/Black box data (can be overwritten in as little as 30 days)
• Electronic logging device (ELD) records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Driver qualification files
• Cell phone records
• Cargo loading documentation

Comprehensive Accident Reconstruction

We work with top accident reconstruction experts who use advanced technology to determine exactly what happened in your accident. This includes:

• Analyzing skid marks and vehicle damage
• Reviewing ECM and ELD data
• Examining roadway conditions and signage
• Reconstructing the sequence of events

Thorough Investigation of All Liable Parties

18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against:

• The truck driver for negligent operation
• The trucking company for negligent hiring, training, or supervision
• The cargo owner for improper loading instructions
• The loading company for improper securement
• Truck and parts manufacturers for defects
• Maintenance companies for negligent repairs
• Freight brokers for negligent carrier selection
• Government entities for roadway defects

Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims. We use this insider knowledge to:

• Counter lowball settlement offers
• Expose bad faith insurance practices
• Negotiate from a position of strength
• Prepare every case for trial to create leverage

The Attorney911 Advantage for Franklin Residents

When you choose Attorney911 for your Franklin trucking accident case, you benefit from:

Decades of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for clients across Texas, including multi-million dollar verdicts in complex trucking cases.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which is critical for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims and what tactics they’ll use to minimize your recovery.

Bilingual Services

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

Local Knowledge

We understand Franklin’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges of Robertson County cases. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so you never receive a bill from us.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Franklin

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Franklin, follow these critical steps:

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
3. Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Skid marks and debris
   • Your injuries
   • Street signs and traffic signals
4. Collect information – Get:
   • The truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • The trucking company’s name and DOT number
   • Witness names and contact information
   • The responding officer’s name and badge number
5. Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly. Politely decline to give any statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney
6. Contact Attorney911 immediately – The sooner we can begin preserving evidence, the stronger your case will be

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Call a Franklin Trucking Accident Lawyer

Time is critical in trucking accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly:

• ECM/Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records may only be retained for 6 months
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade significantly within weeks
• Physical evidence may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

The trucking company has rapid-response teams working to protect their interests from the moment an accident occurs. You need someone fighting for you just as aggressively.

The Franklin Trucking Accident Case Process

When you hire Attorney911, we guide you through every step of the legal process:

1. Free Initial Consultation – We evaluate your case and explain your legal options
2. Immediate Evidence Preservation – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
3. Comprehensive Investigation – We gather all available evidence and identify liable parties
4. Medical Care Coordination – We help you get the treatment you need while documenting your injuries
5. Demand Package Preparation – We calculate all your damages and send a formal demand to the insurance company
6. Aggressive Negotiation – We fight for maximum compensation without accepting lowball offers
7. Litigation (if necessary) – We file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial
8. Resolution – We achieve the best possible outcome through settlement or trial verdict

Common Questions About Franklin Trucking Accident Cases

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

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

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Franklin follows Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

How much is my Franklin trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies—often $1 million or more—which means larger potential recoveries for catastrophic injuries.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation creates leverage in negotiations and shows the insurance company we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

How long will my 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.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:

• The trucking company’s insurance policy
• Other liable parties (driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, etc.)
• Umbrella or excess insurance policies
• The trucking company’s assets

Even if a trucking company goes bankrupt, there are often other avenues for recovery.

Can I afford to hire a Franklin trucking accident attorney?

Yes! We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so you never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Recent Franklin-Area Trucking Accident Examples

While we can’t discuss specific cases we’ve handled, Franklin and Robertson County have seen several high-profile trucking accidents in recent years that illustrate the dangers our community faces:

US Highway 79 Collision

In 2023, a multi-vehicle collision on US Highway 79 near Franklin involved an 18-wheeler and several passenger vehicles. The accident resulted in multiple injuries and highlighted the dangers of commercial trucks sharing the road with local traffic on this busy corridor.

FM 46 Agricultural Haul Accident

A 2022 accident on FM 46 involved an agricultural truck carrying heavy equipment. Improperly secured cargo shifted during transit, causing the truck to overturn and spill its load across the highway. This incident demonstrated the unique risks posed by Franklin’s agricultural trucking industry.

I-45 Connection Crash

A 2021 accident near the Franklin/I-45 connection involved a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel after violating hours of service regulations. The resulting collision caused significant injuries and underscored the importance of enforcing federal trucking safety rules.

Holding Franklin Trucking Companies Accountable

Franklin residents deserve safe roads, and trucking companies must be held accountable when their negligence causes harm. Some of the major trucking companies we’ve successfully taken on include:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Various local and regional carriers

We’ve also handled cases against agricultural haulers, oil field service companies, and other specialized carriers that operate in the Franklin area.

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your Franklin trucking accident case, you’re getting more than just a law firm—you’re getting a team that treats you like family. Our clients consistently praise our:

• Personal attention – You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not just paralegals
• Aggressive representation – We fight for every dollar you deserve
• Clear communication – We keep you informed every step of the way
• Proven results – Our track record speaks for itself
• Compassionate approach – We understand the trauma you’re going through

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. 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

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

Franklin Trucking Accident Resources

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Franklin, these local resources may be helpful:

Medical Facilities

• Franklin Medical Center – Local hospital providing emergency and follow-up care
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station – Level II trauma center (approximately 30 minutes from Franklin)
• CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital – Comprehensive medical services (approximately 30 minutes from Franklin)

Law Enforcement

• Franklin Police Department – Local law enforcement handling accident reports within city limits
• Robertson County Sheriff’s Office – Handles accidents outside Franklin city limits
• Texas Department of Public Safety – Investigates serious accidents on state highways

Trucking Safety Resources

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Provides road condition information and safety resources
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Regulates commercial trucking and provides safety data
• Texas Trucking Association – Industry organization promoting safety and professionalism

Contact Franklin’s Trusted 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Franklin, Texas, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests—you need someone fighting for you.

Call Attorney911 now for a free, no-obligation consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 https://attorney911.com

We’re available 24/7 to take your call. Remember—every hour you wait, evidence in your Franklin trucking accident case is disappearing. Call us now to protect your rights and your future.

Hablamos Español. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español con fluidez y puede representarlo directamente sin intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.