18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Gregory, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Gregory, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across South Texas for over 25 years.

Why Gregory Trucking Accidents Are Different

Gregory sits at the crossroads of major commercial trucking routes in San Patricio County. The Port of Corpus Christi, just 15 miles east, handles millions of tons of cargo annually, creating heavy truck traffic through our community. The intersection of US-181 and SH-35 sees constant commercial vehicle movement, with trucks traveling between the port, refineries, and distribution centers throughout the Coastal Bend region.

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 Gregory’s trucking corridors, from the US-181 corridor to the industrial routes serving the nearby port facilities and refineries.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

An 80,000-pound truck doesn’t give you time to react. The physics of these collisions make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:

• Traumatic brain injuries from the extreme forces involved
• Spinal cord damage that may result in permanent paralysis
• Amputations when limbs are crushed beyond repair
• Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures or chemical spills
• Internal organ damage from the crushing impact
• Wrongful death that leaves families shattered

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Gregory

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck 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

Yet we frequently find violations in Gregory trucking cases. Drivers push beyond these limits to meet tight delivery schedules, and trucking companies often look the other way.

2. Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Cargo securement failures cause:

• Rollover accidents when loads shift on curves
• Jackknife crashes from unbalanced weight distribution
• Cargo spills that create road hazards for other vehicles
• Underride collisions when improperly secured loads fall onto roadways

The FMCSA has strict cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) that specify tiedown requirements, working load limits, and securement methods for different cargo types.

3. Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Common issues we see in Gregory cases include:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Deferred maintenance to cut costs
• Failure to conduct required pre-trip inspections

4. Distracted Driving

Despite federal prohibitions (49 CFR § 392.82), many truck drivers in Gregory continue to use mobile devices while driving. Texting, GPS navigation, and dispatch communications create deadly distractions.

5. Speeding for Conditions

Gregory’s proximity to the port means many trucks are on tight delivery schedules. Drivers often exceed speed limits or fail to reduce speed for:

• Heavy traffic on US-181
• Wet road conditions (common in our coastal climate)
• Construction zones
• Sharp curves on rural routes

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Within hours of an accident, trucking companies activate their rapid-response teams. Their goals:

1. Control the narrative – Get their version of events first
2. Destroy evidence – Overwrite black box data, delete dashcam footage
3. Minimize your claim – Offer quick, lowball settlements
4. Shift blame – Claim you caused the accident

Our Advantage: Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for YOU.

What To Do After a Trucking Accident in Gregory

Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and injuries
3. Get trucking company information – Name, DOT number, insurance details
4. Collect witness information – Names and contact details
5. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
6. Call Attorney911 – We’ll send a preservation letter immediately

Critical Evidence We Preserve

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share liability:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligent operation
2. The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
3. The Cargo Owner – For improper loading instructions
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
5. Truck Manufacturer – For defective components
6. Parts Manufacturer – For faulty brakes, tires, etc.
7. Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs
8. Freight Broker – For negligent carrier selection
9. Government Entity – For dangerous road conditions

“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

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Gregory

Jackknife Accidents

When a trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes:

• Sudden braking on wet roads
• Speeding on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Brake failures

Underride Collisions

When a vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often resulting in decapitation. Two types:

• Rear underride – Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side underride – Vehicle strikes side of trailer during turns

Federal law requires rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), but no requirement exists for side guards.

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side, often due to:

• Speeding on curves (especially on rural routes)
• Improperly secured loads
• Liquid cargo “slosh”
• Overcorrection after tire blowout

Tire Blowouts

Common causes:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris
• Manufacturing defects

FMCSA requires minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others) and regular inspections.

Brake Failures

Common issues:

• Worn brake pads/shoes
• Improper adjustments
• Air brake leaks
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid

Cargo Spills

When improperly secured cargo falls onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles. Common with:

• Construction equipment
• Steel coils
• Lumber
• Hazardous materials

Blind Spot Accidents

Commercial trucks have four major blind spots (No-Zones):

1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front
2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind
3. Left Side No-Zone – Extends backward from cab
4. Right Side No-Zone – Largest blind spot, extends far backward

Wide Turn Accidents

When trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. Trucks need significant space to complete turns safely.

The Gregory Difference: Local Knowledge Matters

We understand the unique challenges of Gregory trucking cases:

• Port Traffic: The Port of Corpus Christi generates massive truck traffic through Gregory and surrounding communities
• Industrial Routes: Trucks servicing refineries and chemical plants create additional hazards
• Weather Conditions: Coastal fog and sudden rain showers create dangerous driving conditions
• Local Courts: We know the judges, court staff, and procedures in San Patricio County
• Community Values: Gregory juries understand the importance of holding corporations accountable

What Your Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Gregory Trucking Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998
2. Insurance Defense Insider – Lupe Peña knows how insurance companies evaluate claims from the inside
3. Federal Court Access – We can handle interstate trucking cases in federal court
4. Multi-Million Dollar Results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims
5. Bilingual Services – Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña and our staff speak Spanish fluently
6. Contingency Fee – You pay nothing unless we win your case
7. Local Knowledge – We know Gregory’s roads, courts, and trucking patterns

The Attorney911 Advantage: How We Win Your Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Case Acceptance: We evaluate your case immediately
• Preservation Letters: Sent within 24-48 hours to all potentially liable parties
• Evidence Collection: Dispatch accident reconstruction experts if needed
• Medical Care: Help you get prompt medical attention

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• ECM/Black Box Data: Demand immediate download
• ELD Records: Obtain complete hours of service data
• Driver Qualification File: Subpoena complete hiring records
• Maintenance Records: Obtain all inspection and repair documentation
• Cell Phone Records: Subpoena to prove distracted driving
• Cargo Documentation: Analyze loading and securement records

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident Reconstruction: Determine exactly what happened
• Medical Experts: Establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational Experts: Calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic Experts: Determine present value of all damages
• FMCSA Experts: Identify all regulation violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File Lawsuit: Before the 2-year Texas statute of limitations expires
• Aggressive Discovery: Pursue all potentially liable parties
• Depositions: Question truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager
• Settlement Negotiation: From position of strength
• Trial Preparation: Prepare every case as if going to trial

What To Expect When You Call Attorney911

1. Free Consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
2. Immediate Action – We’ll send preservation letters right away
3. Medical Care Facilitation – We’ll help you get the treatment you need
4. Demand Letter – We’ll calculate ALL your damages and demand fair compensation
5. Negotiation – We’ll fight for maximum settlement
6. Litigation – If needed, we’ll take your case to court
7. Recovery – We’ll get you the compensation you deserve

Gregory Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

• CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline
  600 Elizabeth St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
  (361) 881-3000

• CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Memorial
  2606 Hospital Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78405
  (361) 902-4000

• Corpus Christi Medical Center – Bay Area
  7101 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
  (361) 761-1200

Local Courts

• San Patricio County Courthouse
  400 W Sinton St, Sinton, TX 78387
  (361) 364-9380

• 36th District Court (serving San Patricio County)
  400 W Sinton St, Sinton, TX 78387
  (361) 364-9380

Trucking Corridors in Gregory

• US-181 – Primary north-south route through Gregory
• SH-35 – Connects Gregory to Portland and Rockport
• Port of Corpus Christi Access Routes – Heavy truck traffic to/from port facilities
• Refinery Access Roads – Trucks servicing local refineries and chemical plants

Frequently Asked Questions About Gregory Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Gregory?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Gregory, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident 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. Gregory hospitals can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck 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, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

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 in Gregory?

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.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Gregory?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

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

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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.

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 an airplane’s black box. 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

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Gregory?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Gregory?

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.

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

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

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

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

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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 Gregory’s 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Today

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Gregory trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies in Gregory and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Gregory or San Patricio County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Gregory trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.