Texas Truck Accident Lawyers: Your First Responders in a Legal Emergency

The impact is catastrophic. Imagine you’re traveling on I-10 outside Houston or merging onto the I-35 corridor near Austin when 80,000 pounds of steel slams into your vehicle. In an instant, your car is crushed, your life is altered, and a ticking clock begins. At Attorney911, we know that an 18-wheeler accident in Texas isn’t just a bigger car wreck—it’s a high-stakes battle against massive corporations and their insurance armies. With over 25 years of experience, Ralph Manginello and our entire team have spent decades holding trucking companies accountable for the devastation they leave on Texas roads.

Texas is the heart of American logistics, but that distinction comes with a deadly price. Whether you were hit by a long-haul semi-truck, an Amazon delivery van in a residential neighborhood, or an overloaded water truck in the Permian Basin, the legal reality remains the same: the trucking company has already started building its defense. Before the ambulance even leaves the scene of a crash on I-45, their rapid-response teams are often already on-site, looking for ways to minimize your recovery. We are here to push back harder. Our founder, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has recovered over $50 million for families across our state. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you aren’t just hiring a lawyer; you are securing a team that treats you like family and fights for every dime you deserve.

The Authority You Need After a Truck Wreck in Texas

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life forever, you need more than a general practice attorney; you need a fighter who understands the specific physics and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. Managing Partner Ralph P. Manginello has been representing injury victims since 1998, bringing a level of federal court experience that most billboard firms simply cannot match. We have gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including litigating against BP following the Texas City refinery disaster. This experience means we aren’t intimidated by the legal teams from Walmart, Amazon, or the major oil companies operating in the Eagle Ford Shale.

Our firm features a unique strategic advantage that most Texas firms lack. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings an insider’s perspective because he used to work for the insurance companies. He knows the defense playbook, he understands how adjusters value claims, and he recognizes the manipulation tactics they use to lowball victims. Lupe Peña is also fluent in Spanish, ensuring that our Spanish-speaking clients in Texas receive direct, clear representation without the need for interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. As client Glenda Walker stated after we secured her recovery, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and a national fraternity, demonstrating our capability to handle the most complex and high-value litigation in the state. If you’ve been hurt in a Texas trucking accident, call 888-ATTY-911 today for a free evaluation.

Texas Trucking Laws and the Statute of Limitations

In Texas, the law moves quickly, and you cannot afford to wait. Under the Texas statute of limitations, you generally have only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. While two years may sound like a long time, in the world of trucking litigation, it is a blink of an eye. Evidence like electronic logging data and black box recordings can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Every day you wait is a day the trucking company uses to bury the truth.

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, provided your level of responsibility is not more than 50%. If a jury finds the truck driver was 80% at fault and you were 20% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies in Texas know this and will aggressively try to shift the blame onto you. That is why Ralph Manginello and our team work tirelessly to investigate the crash, using accident reconstruction experts to prove the truck driver’s negligence was the primary cause of your injuries.

Don’t let a “he said, she said” scenario destroy your chance at justice. We know how to use the law to protect you. Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 to discuss how Texas law applies to your specific case.

Proving Negligence through FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the standards for all commercial vehicles on Texas highways. When a truck driver or carrier violates these rules, it isn’t just a mistake—it is a violation of federal law. These 49 CFR regulations are the cornerstone of any successful truck accident claim.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service and Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is the silent killer on Texas interstates like I-20 and I-10. Federal law is extremely clear: property-carrying drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty and must take 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving. Because Texas is a massive state where a single trip from El Paso to Beaumont can take over 12 hours, drivers are frequently pressured to violate these “Hours of Service” (HOS) rules. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when drivers have falsified their logs to meet unreasonable delivery deadlines set by their employers.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification and Training

Under Part 391, motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This file must include a valid CDL, a current medical examiner’s certificate, and a background check showing the driver’s history. If a carrier like a Texas oilfield trucking company hires a driver with multiple DWIs or a history of reckless driving, they are liable for “negligent hiring.” Ralph Manginello and our investigators meticulously review these files to see if a trucking company put a dangerous driver on the road simply to save on labor costs.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Commercial trucks are the heaviest vehicles on the road, and they must be maintained with precision. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires every carrier to systematically inspect and repair their vehicles. If a brake failure on a dump truck at a Texas construction site causes a collision, we look for the maintenance records. If the brakes were improperly adjusted or if the tires were worn below the 4/32-inch requirement for steer tires, that is clear evidence of negligence.

Violation of these federal standards puts every Texan at risk. If you suspect a regulatory violation caused your accident, call (888) 288-9911 immediately.

Types of Texas Truck Accidents We Handle

A fully loaded 18-wheeler in Texas can weigh 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs only 4,000 pounds. This size disparity means that even a low-speed collision can result in life-altering trauma.

Jackknife Accidents on Texas Highways

When a driver brakes too hard or too fast on a wet Texas road, the trailer can swing out at a 90-degree angle to the cab. This “jackknife” can sweep across all lanes of a highway like the Sam Houston Tollway, creating a massive pileup. Empty or lightly loaded trailers are particularly prone to this maneuver, as there is less weight keeping the rear tires planted.

Rollover Crashes in the Oilfield

The Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale see a high volume of tanker trucks and sand haulers. These vehicles have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a curve too fast on a rural Texas FM road, or if the cargo (like produced water) sloshes around, the entire rig can roll over. Crushing injuries from rollovers are often fatal, and in Texas, we see these far too often in our energy-producing regions.

Underride Collisions: A Lethal Reality

Underride collisions occur when a car slides beneath the rear or side of a trailer. These accidents often decapitate or severely injure passenger vehicle occupants. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, but side underride guards are still not mandated. If a truck was missing its “Mansfield Bar” or had a defective guard, we hold the manufacturer and the carrier liable for the devastating injuries that follow.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn Accidents

Many Texas truck accidents happen in urban areas like Dallas or San Antonio during turns. A truck’s “No-Zone” includes the areas directly in front, behind, and to the sides where the driver has no visibility. When a truck driver fails to check their mirrors or makes an improperly wide right turn—squeezing a car between the trailer and the curb—they are violating the duty of care they owe to every Texan sharing the road.

Whether your accident involved a jackknife on I-35 or a tire blowout on a rural highway, we have the expertise to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Dedicated Advocacy for Oilfield Trucking Victims

The Texas energy boom has brought thousands of commercial vehicles to regions like West Texas and South Texas. Frac sand haulers, water tankers, and crude oil trucks now crowd roads that were never engineered for that kind of weight. Oilfield trucking accidents are uniquely complex because they often fall under both FMCSA and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations.

When an oilfield crew van rolls over at 4 AM or a water truck runs a stop sign on a lease road, the oil company will usually claim the driver was an “independent contractor” to avoid liability. We know how to pierce that shield. We investigate the “wellsite traffic management plans” and the “Journey Management Plans” that oil companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Pioneer use. If the operator exercised control over the driver’s route or schedule, they can be held responsible for the crash. At Attorney911, we understand the dual-jurisdiction nature of these cases. We fight to hold both the trucking company and the multi-billion dollar oil operator accountable for the unsafe conditions they created.

Targeted Litigation Against Corporate Fleets

In Texas, we are surrounded by branded corporate trucks. Amazon Prime delivery vans, Walmart 18-wheelers, FedEx Ground trucks, and Sysco food distributors are everywhere. These cases offer a “deep pocket” for recovery, but these corporations fight viciously.

• Amazon Delivery Accidents: Amazon uses a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model to try and distance themselves from liability. We argue that because Amazon monitors drivers with Netradyne AI cameras and controls every single route through their algorithm, they are the effective employer.
• Walmart Truck Crashes: Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world. They are often self-insured, meaning they pay settlements from their own capital. Their adjusters are notoriously aggressive. Ralph Manginello and our team know how to counter their tactics.
• FedEx and UPS: While UPS typically employs its drivers directly, FedEx Ground uses an “Independent Service Provider” model. We know the difference and how to find the insurance layers (often including $5 million contingent policies) that apply to your case.

When you’ve been hit by a corporate giant, you need a firm that knows how they operate. Call (888) 288-9911 and put our 25+ years of experience to work for you.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

The most critical mistake you can make after a Texas truck accident is waiting to hire a lawyer. Evidence in these cases is digital and ephemeral. The “black box” (Engine Control Module) records your speed, the truck’s speed, brake application, and throttle position at the moment of impact. However, most ECMs are programmed to overwrite that data after a certain number of hours or miles.

Within 48 hours of being retained, we send a formal Spoliation Letter to every liable party. This letter is a legal demand that they preserve:

1. ECM and ELD Data: Objective proof of speed and fatigue.
2. Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets use Netradyne or DriveCam systems.
3. Driver Qualification Files: Background checks and training records.
4. In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS): Critical in oilfield cases.
5. Post-Accident Drug Tests: Required under 49 CFR Part 382.

If a trucking company destroys this evidence after receiving our letter, we can request a “spoliation instruction” from the judge, telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company. Every hour matters. Call 888-ATTY-911 right now.

All 16 Liable Parties We Investigate

We don’t just sue the driver. To maximize your recovery in Texas, we cast a wide net to find every available insurance policy. Liable parties may include:

• The Driver: For direct negligence.
• The Trucking Company (Carrier): Under respondeat superior or negligent supervision.
• The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For overloading or imbalanced loads.
• The Loading Company: For failing to properly secure cargo.
• The Truck/Parts Manufacturer: For defective brakes or steering.
• Maintenance Companies: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
• Freight Brokers: For hiring an unsafe carrier.
• The Oilfield Operator: For dangerous lease road conditions.
• Rental Companies (U-Haul/Penske): For negligent maintenance of their fleet.
• The Federal Government: If hit by a USPS mail truck (under the FTCA).

Our exhaustive investigation is what sets us apart. As client Donald Wilcox said, “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.” We find the money other firms miss.

Understanding Catastrophic Trucking Injuries

Trucking accidents don’t cause simple fender benders; they cause life-altering traumas. Ralph Manginello and our team have recovered millions for victims suffering from:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can change your personality, your memory, and your ability to work. In Texas, we have secured settlements for TBI victims ranging from $1.5 million to over $9 million. We work with neuropsychologists to document the subtle but profound changes that occur when the brain is shorn or bruised by a massive impact.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

A spinal injury can cost millions in lifetime care. From home modifications to 24/7 nursing care, we ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of your injury. Our firm has experience with cases resulting in recoveries of up to $25 million for quadriplegic and paraplegic victims.

Amputation and Crush Injuries

Losing a limb is both a physical and psychological trauma. We ensure you have the resources for the best prosthetics and physical therapy available in Texas. We’ve recovered over $3.8 million in cases involving amputations caused by vehicle collisions and medical complications.

Wrongful Death in Texas

Losing a loved one is a pain that never truly heals. Under Texas law, surviving spouses, children, and parents can bring a wrongful death action to recover for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. We approach these cases with the utmost compassion, fighting to ensure your family’s future is secure.

Calculating Fair Compensation and Damages

In Texas, you are entitled to “make whole” damages. Our attorneys, including a former insurance defense lawyer, know how to quantify your suffering.

• Economic Damages: These are calculable losses. They include every hospital bill, every hour of missed work, every future surgery, and the cost of replacing your vehicle.
• Non-Economic Damages: This is your pain and suffering. It is the loss of enjoyment of life, the PTSD that keeps you from driving on Texas highways, and the chronic pain that keeps you awake at night.
• Punitive Damages: If we can prove the trucking company acted with gross negligence—such as knowingly letting a driver stay on the road for 20 hours straight—we may pursue punitive damages to punish the defendant and prevent it from happening again.

Federal law requires non-hazmat trucks to carry at least $750,000 in insurance, but most major carriers have millions in layers of coverage. We know how to reach those layers.

Texas Truck Accident FAQ

Q: Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident?
A: Ultimately, the at-fault trucking company’s insurance is responsible. In the meantime, we help you coordinate care, often using your health insurance or medical liens to ensure you aren’t paying out of pocket for treatment.

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: This is the most common defense in corporate and oilfield cases. We use the “right-to-control” test under Texas law to show that if the company controlled the driver’s work, they are responsible for the driver’s mistakes regardless of the “contractor” label.

Q: How much is my truck accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include the severity of your injuries, the amount of insurance available, and the evidence of the company’s negligence. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar results for Texans across the state.

Q: Is a “black box” always in a truck?
A: Nearly all commercial trucks manufactured after 1996 have an Electronic Control Module (ECM) that acts as a black box. We act fast to preserve this data before the trucking company overwrites it.

Q: Why should I hire Ralph Manginello?
A: Because you aren’t just a case number to us. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We have 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and a former insurance insider on our side.

Your Fight Starts With One Call: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Texas—from the ship channel in Houston to the hills of Austin or the oilfields of Beaumont—you are facing a legal emergency. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working. Their adjusters are already looking for ways to pay you less. Level the playing field today.

At Attorney911, the Manginello Law Firm is here 24/7. We offer free, no-obligation consultations. You will pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Don’t let a negligent corporation destroy your future. Reach out and get the fighter your family deserves.

Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Attorney911: Powerful. Proven. Your First Responders.
Houston Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
ralph@atty911.com
https://attorney911.com

Texas trucking accidents demand aggressive representation. Ralph Manginello and his team provide exactly that. With three offices serving Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and beyond, we are never far from our clients. Call now before the evidence disappears and the trucking companies win by default. Your justice is our mission.