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San Jacinto County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation Experience, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Insider Advantage, FMCSA Regulation Mastery (49 CFR Parts 390-399), Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Expertise, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure & All Crash Types, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation & Wrongful Death Specialists – $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Federal Court Admitted, Three Texas Offices (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Hablamos Español, 1-888-ATTY-911, Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Ready to Fight for San Jacinto County Victims on I-10, US-59 & Rural Highways

February 14, 2026 29 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in San Jacinto County: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in San Jacinto County, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal situations imaginable. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks create catastrophic forces that often result in life-altering injuries or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why San Jacinto County Trucking Accidents Are Different

San Jacinto County’s unique geographic position creates special challenges for trucking safety. Our county sits at the intersection of major freight corridors, with I-69/US-59 running through the heart of the county and I-10 just to our south. These highways connect the Port of Houston to East Texas and beyond, creating a constant flow of heavy truck traffic through our communities.

From the bustling distribution centers in Shepherd to the rural roads leading to logging operations in the Sam Houston National Forest, our county sees a diverse mix of trucking activity. The combination of high-speed interstate traffic, rural roads with limited shoulders, and seasonal weather variations creates unique risks that require specialized legal knowledge.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Every year in Texas, thousands of families are forever changed by trucking accidents. The statistics are sobering:

  • Over 5,100 people die in truck crashes annually nationwide
  • 76% of those killed are occupants of other vehicles
  • Trucking accidents cause 125,000+ injuries each year
  • An 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop at highway speeds – nearly two football fields

In San Jacinto County, we see these accidents occur at dangerous intersections like FM 2666 and US-59, along rural stretches where fatigued drivers lose focus, and near weigh stations where trucks may be improperly loaded. The consequences are often catastrophic.

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. When an 18-wheeler changed my life forever, I needed a lawyer who treated me like family – and that’s exactly what Attorney911 did.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in San Jacinto County

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly common on San Jacinto County’s highways during wet conditions or when drivers brake suddenly to avoid wildlife crossing the road.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are among the most deadly accidents, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. The lack of side underride guards on most trailers makes these accidents especially dangerous on our county’s rural roads.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents frequently occur when trucks take curves too fast or when cargo shifts unexpectedly. In San Jacinto County, we see these accidents on exit ramps from US-59 and along FM 150 where the road winds through the national forest.

Rear-End Collisions

With the high volume of truck traffic on US-59, rear-end collisions are common when trucks fail to stop in time for slowed or stopped traffic. The massive weight disparity means these accidents often cause severe injuries to occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks making wide turns can trap vehicles in their “squeeze zone” – the area where the trailer tracks inside the cab’s path. In San Jacinto County, we see these accidents at busy intersections like FM 2666 and US-59 where trucks make right turns into gas stations and distribution centers.

Tire Blowouts

San Jacinto County’s combination of long highway stretches and rural roads creates ideal conditions for tire blowouts. The extreme Texas heat can cause tire failures, especially on trucks that haven’t been properly maintained. When a steer tire blows, the driver can lose control completely.

Brake Failures

Brake failures are particularly dangerous on the hilly terrain of San Jacinto County. Trucks descending from higher elevations can experience brake fade when the braking system overheats, leading to runaway trucks that can’t stop.

Cargo Spills

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit or spill onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles. In San Jacinto County, we see cargo spills from trucks carrying everything from timber to industrial equipment to hazardous materials.

Who Is Liable in Your San Jacinto County Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents are complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Distracted driving (texting, phone use, dispatch communications)
  • Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
  • Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier may be directly liable for:

  • Negligent Hiring: Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
  • Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
  • Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the trucking company is also vicariously liable for the driver’s negligent acts committed within the scope of employment.

Cargo Owners and Loaders

The company that loaded the cargo may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Overloading the vehicle beyond weight limits
  • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

  • Defective brakes or brake components
  • Defective tires that cause blowouts
  • Defective steering mechanisms
  • Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)
  • Failure to warn of known dangers

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

  • Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
  • Failure to identify critical safety issues
  • 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
  • Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Government Entities

In limited cases, government entities may share liability for:

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

“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

The Critical Role of FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations are your strongest ally in proving negligence. These federal rules establish clear safety standards that trucking companies must follow. When they violate these regulations, it creates powerful evidence of negligence.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents. FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue-related crashes:

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
  • 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative 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 duty

Violations of these rules are among the most common we find in San Jacinto County trucking accidents. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now provide objective proof of these violations.

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must maintain complete Driver Qualification (DQ) Files containing:

  • Employment application and background check
  • Motor Vehicle Record from state licensing authority
  • Road test certificate or equivalent
  • Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for 2 years)
  • Annual driving record review
  • Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
  • Drug and alcohol test records

Missing or incomplete DQ files prove negligent hiring.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Key requirements include:

  • Pre-trip and post-trip inspections by drivers
  • Annual comprehensive inspections
  • Maintenance records retention for 1 year
  • Immediate repair of out-of-service violations

Brake system violations are particularly common and dangerous.

Cargo Securement Requirements (49 CFR Part 393)

Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or spilling. Specific requirements include:

  • Aggregate working load limit of at least 50% of cargo weight
  • Minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo length and weight
  • Proper blocking and bracing
  • Securement for specific cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Cargo securement violations cause rollovers and spill accidents.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Trucking companies must conduct:

  • Pre-employment drug testing
  • Random drug and alcohol testing
  • Post-accident testing
  • Reasonable suspicion testing

Positive test results or failure to conduct required tests create liability.

“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

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

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

Why 48 Hours Is Critical

Evidence Type Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites 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
Witness Memory Fades significantly within weeks
Physical Evidence Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
Drug/Alcohol Tests Must be conducted within specific windows

What We Do Immediately

When you call Attorney911 after a San Jacinto County trucking accident, we spring into action:

  1. Send Spoliation Letters: Within 24-48 hours, we send formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence.

  2. Preserve Electronic Data:

    • ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position
    • ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations
    • GPS/Telematics: Show route, speed, location history
    • Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
    • Dashcam Footage: May show driver behavior before crash
  3. Secure Physical Evidence:

    • The truck and trailer
    • Failed components (brakes, tires, steering)
    • Cargo and securement devices
    • Any debris from the accident scene
  4. Obtain Records:

    • Driver Qualification File
    • Maintenance and inspection records
    • Dispatch logs and trip records
    • Drug and alcohol test results
    • The trucking company’s safety policies
  5. Conduct Scene Investigation:

    • Photograph the accident scene
    • Document road conditions
    • Measure skid marks
    • Identify surveillance cameras
    • Interview witnesses
  6. Engage Experts:

    • Accident reconstruction specialists
    • Trucking industry experts
    • Medical experts
    • Economic experts

“Evidence in San Jacinto County 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies in San Jacinto County and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.”
— Attorney911

Catastrophic Injuries from Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. The massive size and weight disparity creates forces that overwhelm passenger vehicles.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to the extreme forces of a trucking accident. Symptoms may include:

  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Memory loss and confusion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes and depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Speech difficulties
  • Personality changes

Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care costing millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:

  • Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
  • Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
  • Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
  • Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement below injury

Lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries range from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.

Amputations

Amputations can occur at the scene due to crushing forces or may be required surgically due to severe damage. Ongoing needs include:

  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Psychological counseling
  • Home modifications
  • Lifetime replacement of prosthetics

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel fires, hazmat spills, or electrical fires. Burn injuries require:

  • Multiple reconstructive surgeries
  • Skin grafts
  • Pain management
  • Infection treatment
  • Psychological counseling

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening:

  • Liver lacerations
  • Spleen damage requiring removal
  • Kidney damage
  • Lung contusions or collapse
  • Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members may bring wrongful death claims for:

  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages if gross negligence is proven

Commercial Truck Insurance and Damages

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies.

FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements

Cargo Type Minimum Coverage
Non-Hazardous Freight (10,001+ lbs GVWR) $750,000
Oil/Petroleum (10,001+ lbs GVWR) $1,000,000
Large Equipment (10,001+ lbs GVWR) $1,000,000
Hazardous Materials (All) $5,000,000
Passengers (16+ passengers) $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.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium
  • Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Available when the trucking company acted with:

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

Nuclear Verdicts: What’s Possible

Recent trucking verdicts demonstrate what juries are willing to award:

  • $462 Million (2024, Missouri) – Underride decapitation
  • $160 Million (2024, Alabama) – Quadriplegic from rollover
  • $141.5 Million (2024, Florida) – Carrier case
  • $730 Million (2021, Texas) – Navy propeller oversize load fatality
  • $150 Million (2022, Texas) – Werner settlement for two children killed

In Texas, we’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions. These verdicts show that when trucking companies are held fully accountable, juries will award significant damages.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your San Jacinto County Trucking Case

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He 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.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years on the other side, watching adjusters minimize claims and seeing how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Proven Track Record of Results

  • $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
  • $50+ Million total recovered for Texas families

Federal Court Capability

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

Local Knowledge of San Jacinto County

We know San Jacinto County’s trucking corridors, from US-59 to the distribution centers and truck stops where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. We know exactly what data to demand from the trucking company’s black box, ELD, and other electronic systems.

Willingness to Go to Trial

While most 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.

Spanish-Language Services

Many trucking accident victims in San Jacinto County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved. When life changed in an instant, I needed someone who would fight for every dime – and that’s exactly what Attorney911 did.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in San Jacinto County

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

  1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

    • Request police and emergency medical services
    • Report all injuries, even if they seem minor
  2. Seek Medical Attention

    • Go to the hospital or urgent care immediately
    • Adrenaline masks pain – internal injuries may not be apparent
    • Medical records create critical evidence for your case
  3. Document the Scene

    • Take photos of all vehicles involved
    • Photograph the accident scene from multiple angles
    • Capture road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals
    • Take pictures of your injuries
  4. Collect Information

    • Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
    • Record the trucking company name and DOT number (on truck door)
    • Collect insurance information from all parties
    • Get names and contact information from witnesses
  5. Preserve Evidence

    • Don’t let the trucking company take possession of the truck
    • Don’t sign anything from any insurance company
    • Don’t give recorded statements
  6. Call Attorney911 Immediately

    • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for 24/7 emergency legal help
    • We’ll send preservation letters to protect critical evidence

Next Steps (First Week)

  1. Follow All Medical Advice

    • Attend all follow-up appointments
    • Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
    • Keep records of all medical visits and expenses
  2. Document Everything

    • Keep a daily journal of your pain levels and symptoms
    • Record how your injuries affect your daily activities
    • Save all medical bills and receipts
  3. Stay Off Social Media

    • Insurance companies will use your posts against you
    • Even innocent photos can be misinterpreted
  4. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters

    • Their job is to minimize your claim
    • Refer all communications to your attorney
  5. Meet with Your Attorney

    • Provide all accident details
    • Sign necessary authorizations
    • Discuss your legal options

Long-Term Steps

  1. Continue Medical Treatment

    • Follow through with all recommended care
    • Don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement
  2. Stay in Communication with Your Attorney

    • Update them on any changes in your condition
    • Respond promptly to requests for information
  3. Be Patient

    • Complex trucking cases take time to resolve
    • Rushing to settle often results in lower compensation

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years. When I needed results fast, Attorney911 delivered.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

Frequently Asked Questions About San Jacinto County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in San Jacinto County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect information from the driver and witnesses, and call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, so time is critical.

Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. San Jacinto County hospitals like CHI St. Luke’s Health – Emergency & Diagnostic Center in Cleveland can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

What information should I collect at the accident scene?

Document everything possible:

  • Truck and trailer license plates
  • DOT number (on truck door)
  • Trucking company name and logo
  • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
  • Photos of all vehicle damage
  • Photos of the accident scene and road conditions
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Witness names and phone numbers
  • Responding officer’s name and badge number

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

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

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident?

Multiple parties may be liable:

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

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

  • CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
  • Inspection history and out-of-service rates
  • Crash history
  • Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

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

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

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

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

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

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Dispatch logs
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records
  • Cell phone records
  • Insurance policies
  • The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

  • Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
  • Impose monetary sanctions
  • Enter default judgment in extreme cases
  • Award punitive damages

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in San Jacinto County?

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. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions in Texas.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages if gross negligence

The statute of limitations is 2 years – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Texas?

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

How long do trucking accident cases 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 maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident 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.

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

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

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

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

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

  • Motor carrier’s liability policy
  • Trailer interchange coverage
  • Cargo insurance
  • Owner-operator’s policy
  • Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in San Jacinto County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing as you read this. The trucking company and their insurance team are already working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting your rights. Our San Jacinto County trucking accident attorneys work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis. Cuando un camión cambia la vida de su familia para siempre, necesitan un abogado que los trate como familia.”
— Attorney911

Don’t wait. Every hour counts when evidence is at risk. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now to speak with our experienced San Jacinto County trucking accident attorneys. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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