North America Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

One moment, you are driving to work on one of North America’s busy interstates. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel is jackknifing across three lanes of traffic, and your life changes forever. An 18-wheeler doesn’t just “hit” a car; it obliterates it. When you are facing a corporate fleet operator, a massive oilfield trucking company, or a global logistics giant like Amazon or Walmart, you aren’t just fighting a driver. You are fighting a billion-dollar legal machine designed to protect profits by denying your claim.

At Attorney911, we don’t let them. Led by our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, who brings over 25 years of courtroom experience since 1998, we act as the first responders to your legal emergency. We understand North America’s trucking corridors, from the congested I-95 in the Northeast to the high-speed stretches of I-10 across the South and the industrial routes serving the Permian Basin. We know that when an 80,000-pound truck causes a catastrophic accident, the trucking company has a rapid-response team at the scene before the ambulance even leaves. You need a team that moves just as fast.

Our firm offers a unique advantage: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their playbook because he used to help write it. He saw how they train adjusters to lowball victims and how they use independent contractor structures to shield parent companies from liability. Now, we use that insider knowledge to fight for you. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including litigating against BP in the aftermath of the Texas City refinery explosion and currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for egregious hazing. We aren’t intimidated by deep pockets; we know how to reach into them to get you the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in North America, don’t wait. Evidence disappears in as little as 30 days. Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Why Truck Accidents in North America Present a Unique Legal Challenge

Trucking in North America is the lifeblood of the economy, but it is also one of the greatest threats to safety on our highways. With over 5,100 fatalities and 125,000 injuries reported annually in commercial vehicle crashes, the scale of the problem is enormous. In North America, the sheer volume of freight moving through distribution hubs and energy sectors creates a high-risk environment where drivers are constantly pressured to violate safety regulations to meet deadlines.

The Physics of Destruction

The primary reason truck accidents are so devastating is a matter of simple physics. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car in North America weighs only about 4,000 pounds. This 20-to-1 weight disparity means that in any collision, the smaller vehicle and its occupants absorb nearly all the energy of the impact.

Furthermore, a truck traveling at 65 mph requires approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop—nearly two football fields. When a driver is fatigued, distracted, or operating a vehicle with faulty brakes, they simply cannot stop in time to avoid an obstacle. At Attorney911, we work with accident reconstruction experts to prove how these physical realities, combined with corporate negligence, led to your injuries. For more on the severity of these crashes, see our guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

The Corporate Shield

When a delivery van or a big rig hits you in North America, you may find that the name on the side of the truck doesn’t match the name of the company that claims it is responsible. Companies like Amazon and FedEx Ground often use a complex web of “independent contractors” or “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs) to shield themselves from liability. They want the public to see their brand, but they want the legal system to see a small, underinsured LLC.

We know how to pierce these corporate shields. We examine the level of control the parent company exercises—setting routes, mandating uniforms, monitoring drivers with AI cameras, and imposing brutal schedules. If they control the work, they share the liability. We’ve litigated against Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS trucking operations, and we know exactly where the money is hidden.

The clock is ticking on your claim. North America law gives you limited time to act, and the trucking company is already building its defense. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

Proving Negligence: The FMCSA Regulatory Framework

Commercial trucking in North America is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations, codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) Parts 300-399, are not just suggestions—they are federal law. When a trucking company or driver violates these rules, it is a powerful indicator of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the leading cause of catastrophic truck wrecks in North America. To combat this, federal law strictly limits how long a driver can be behind the wheel:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Window: Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• 30-Minute Break: A mandatory break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.

When companies pressure drivers to “push through” and exceed these limits to make North America delivery windows, they are breaking the law. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove these violations.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure they are putting safe drivers on North America’s roads. Under Part 391, a carrier must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator, which includes:

• A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• A current medical examiner’s certificate.
• A documented check of the driver’s three-year driving history.
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing results (49 CFR Part 382).

If a company hires a driver with a history of DUIs or safety violations, they are liable for negligent hiring. Our firm has seen cases where companies purposefully ignore red flags to fill empty seats. Ralph Manginello and our team dig deep into these files to expose the truth.

49 CFR Parts 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Maintenance

A truck is only as safe as its weakest component. Federal law requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles.

• Part 396 requires drivers to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, documenting defects in a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR).
• Part 393 sets standards for brakes, tires, lighting, and cargo securement.

Brake failure accounts for nearly 30% of truck accidents. When a company defers maintenance to save a few dollars in a North America shop, they are essentially putting a high-speed missile on the highway. We secure the maintenance logs and out-of-service records to prove they knew the vehicle was dangerous. Learn more in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

49 CFR Part 397: Hazardous Materials

In North America’s oilfield and industrial sectors, trucks frequently carry hazardous materials (HAZMAT). These vehicles are subject to even stricter rules regarding routing, parking, and placarding. Because a HAZMAT spill in a populated North America area can cause mass casualties, federal law requires a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance for these carriers. We ensure that if you were exposed to chemicals or injured in a crude oil tanker explosion, you receive compensation from these high-limit policies.

Anatomy of a Crash: Common Truck Accident Types in North America

Not all truck accidents are the same. Each has unique mechanics, causes, and liable parties. Understanding the specific type of crash you were involved in is the first step in building a winning case.

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the cab and the trailer of an 18-wheeler skid in opposite directions, folding together like a pocketknife. This often happens on North America’s highways during sudden braking or on wet, slick surfaces like those found on Gulf Coast interstates during heavy rain.

• The Cause: Usually improper braking or excessive speed for road conditions.
• Liability: Under 49 CFR § 393.48, the company must ensure brakes are functional. If a brake imbalance caused the swing, the maintenance provider and the company are liable.

2. Underride Collisions

Among the most horrific accidents we handle, underride crashes occur when a smaller car slides underneath the rear or side of a truck trailer. The height of the trailer often shears off the top of the passenger car at windshield level, leading to instant decapitation or catastrophic TBI.

• The Cause: Inadequate or missing “Mansfield bars” (rear impact guards) or a truck driver changing lanes into a blind spot (side underride).
• Liability: If the truck’s rear impact guards failed to meet standards under 49 CFR § 393.86, the trailer manufacturer and the trucking company are accountable.

3. Rollover Crashes

Trucks have a high center of gravity. Taking a curve on a North America exit ramp too fast or overcorrecting during a lane change can flip an 80,000-pound load onto its side. This is especially dangerous for tanker trucks hauling liquid cargo, where the “slosh effect” creates unpredictable weight shifts.

• The Cause: Speeding, improper load distribution, or driver fatigue.
• Liability: We investigate the loading company and the cargo owner to see if the trailer was overloaded or unbalanced.

4. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

A semi-truck has significant blind spots on all four sides. Many North America drivers don’t realize that if you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you.

• The Cause: Failure to check mirrors (49 CFR § 393.80) or failure to signal an intent to turn.
• Liability: If a driver merges into you because they didn’t check their “No-Zone,” they are directly negligent.

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Truckers often need to swing wide to the left to make a right-hand turn. If a North America driver tries to pass on the right, the turning trailer can crush the car against the curb.

• The Cause: Failure to signal or inadequately checking side mirrors.
• Liability: Truckers are trained professionals who must account for the radius of their turn. Failure to yield right-of-way makes them responsible.

6. Oilfield Truck Accidents

If you are in the North America energy patch, you share the road with water trucks, sand haulers, and crude tankers. These drivers work brutal shifts and often travel on narrow lease roads never designed for 80,000-pound loads.

• The Cause: Extreme fatigue and pressure from companies like Halliburton, Schlumberger, or Pioneer to keep production moving.
• The Liability: In these cases, we look at the oil company, the trucking contractor, and the lease road operator.

7. Last-Mile Delivery Van Wrecks

The familiar blue Amazon van or white FedEx Ground truck is everywhere in North America residential neighborhoods. These drivers are under intense algorithmic pressure to deliver hundreds of packages per shift.

• The Cause: Speeding through residential zones, distracted driving while checking delivery apps, and backing accidents.
• The Liability: Amazon and FedEx will try to point to a “Delivery Service Partner,” but we use their own electronic monitoring data to prove the parent company’s control.

No matter the type of truck that hit you, you deserve answers. Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 for your free consultation today.

16 Parties We Hold Accountable in North America Trucking Cases

Most general-practice lawyers in North America only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must cast a wide net. Each liable party adds another insurance policy to the pool of funds available for your medical care and future.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): Under the doctrine of respondeat superior and for negligent hiring and training.
3. The Cargo Owner (Shipper): If the cargo was inherently dangerous or instructions were improper.
4. The Loading Company: For improperly securing cargo (49 CFR § 393.100) or overloading the trailer.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: For design defects in the engine control, steering, or fuel systems.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires causing blowouts or brake components that failed.
7. The Maintenance Company: If a third-party mechanic failed to identify or repair a known defect.
8. The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier with poor CSA scores.
9. The Truck Owner: If the vehicle was leased to a carrier but the owner failed to oversee safety.
10. The Government Entity: If a North America road design flaw or lack of maintenance (potholes, missing signs) contributed.
11. The Corporate Parent/Brand Owner: For exercising control over delivery partners (Amazon, FedEx).
12. The Oilfield Operator: For failing to maintain safe worksite traffic patterns or lease roads.
13. The Staffing Company: If the driver was provided through a temporary agency without qualification checks.
14. The Rental Truck Company: For renting a large vehicle to an unqualified civilian without training (U-Haul, Penske).
15. The Transit Agency/School District: For accidents involving public buses or student transport.
16. The Federal Government: For accidents involving USPS or military vehicles, following Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) rules.

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 take on the complex liability webs other firms avoid.

The 48-Hour Urgency: Preserving Evidence Before It’s Deleted

In a North America truck accident, the evidence is almost entirely electronic, and it is almost entirely in the hands of the defendant. If you wait 30 days to hire an attorney, you may have already lost your case.

The Black Box (ECM)

Modern commercial trucks have an Engine Control Module that records speed, RPM, throttle position, and brake application in the seconds before a crash. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or even sooner if the truck is returned to service.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

Since December 2017, federal law has mandated ELDs to record driving hours. Companies often “lose” these digital logs if they show an HOS violation. By federal rule (49 CFR § 395.8(k)), logs only need to be retained for 6 months—but we send a Spoliation Letter within 48 hours to extend that duty indefinitely.

Netradyne and AI Cameras

Many corporate fleets, especially Amazon delivery vans, use Netradyne or DriveCam systems with multiple cameras monitoring the road and the driver. This footage is often deleted on a rolling basis, sometimes within 72 hours. Our firm moves immediately to lock down this footage.

Our 48-Hour Evidence Protocol:

1. Immediate Retention: We accept your case and assign an investigator same-day.
2. Spoliation Letters: We send formal legal demands to the trucking company, the insurer, and the data providers (Qualcomm, Samsara) to preserve ALL data.
3. Physical Inspection: We deploy experts to photograph skid marks and road conditions in North America before they are altered by weather or traffic.
4. Subpoenas: We move to subpoena cell phone records to prove the driver was texting or using apps at the moment of impact.

Evidence doesn’t wait. Neither should you. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Catastrophic Injuries: What 80,000 Pounds Does to the Human Body

Whether you were hit by a semi-truck on I-10 or a concrete mixer at a North America construction site, the injuries are often life-altering. We don’t just ask for medical bills; we calculate the cost of a different life.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Settlement Range: $1.5M – $9.8M+
A TBI can range from “mild” concussions to permanent cognitive loss. For victims in North America, this means months of cognitive rehabilitation and the potential loss of a career. We work with neurologists to document the full impact on your memory, personality, and concentration. Learn more: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis

Settlement Range: $4.7M – $25.8M+
A severed or crushed spinal cord results in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These victims face a lifetime of medical equipment, home modifications, and 24/7 caregiving costs. In North America, where the cost of living and specialized care can be high, we ensure your life care plan is fully funded.

Amputation & Crush Injuries

Settlement Range: $1.9M – $8.6M
Traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical removal due to infection or irremediable damage is common when a car is crushed by a big rig. As client Kiimarii Yup shared, “I lost everything… one year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We fight for the cost of cutting-edge prosthetics and career retraining.

Severe Burns and Chemical Exposure

Settlement Range: Varies
Fuel tank explosions or industrial spills lead to third and fourth-degree burns. In oilfield cases, exposure to corrosive chemicals or H2S (hydrogen sulfide) gas can cause permanent respiratory damage. These injuries require multiple skin grafts and psychiatric care for the emotional toll of disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

Settlement Range: $1.9M – $9.5M
When the negligence of a trucking company takes a life, we represent the surviving family in pursuit of justice. Under North America state laws, we seek compensation for lost future income, loss of companionship, and the mental anguish of the survivors.

As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We are ready to be your voice. Call 888-288-9911.

Maximizing Your Recovery: Insurance and Damages

Trucking cases are high-stakes because the insurance policies are massive. Federal law requires much higher limits than standard auto insurance, but getting insurers to pay requires an attorney who understands the math of a multi-million dollar claim.

The Federal Insurance Minimums

• General Freight: $750,000
• Oil and Equipment: $1,000,000
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000

While these are the minimums, many North America corporations like Walmart or Sysco are self-insured or carry umbrella policies totaling $50 million or more.

Economic Damages: The Real Costs

We calculate every penny you have lost and will lose:

• Medical Care: ICU stays ($10k+/day), surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical revisions.
• Lost Income: Not just missed paychecks, but the “Loss of Earning Capacity.” If you were a tradesman in North America and can no longer lift or climb, your lifetime earnings have been destroyed.
• Hidden Damages: Household services (who will mow the lawn or clean now?), lost 401k matches, and health insurance benefits.

Non-Economic Damages: The Human Cost

This is often the largest part of a trucking settlement. We use “victim language” to show a jury what you’ve suffered:

• Pain and Suffering: The daily agony of a herniated disc that won’t heal.
• Mental Anguish: The PTSD and nightmares that prevent you from driving on the highway.
• Disfigurement: The emotional weight of permanent scars or missing limbs.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: No longer being able to play with your kids or participate in the North America outdoors.

Learn more: “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU.

North America Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident claim in North America?
In North America, the statute of limitations for personal injury is typically 2 years from the date of the accident. However, many commercial vehicles (like school buses or municipal garbage trucks) have much shorter Tort Claim Notice deadlines—sometimes as short as 90 to 180 days. Never guess. Call 888-ATTY-911 to confirm your specific deadline.

2. I was hit by an Amazon van—why is Amazon saying they aren’t responsible?
Amazon uses “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs) to carry their packages. They will claim the driver is an independent contractor. At Attorney911, we combat this by showing that Amazon controls the route, the speed, and the driver’s behavior through AI monitoring. If they control the work, they are the employer in the eyes of the law.

3. What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
North America follows a [Modified Comparative Negligence] system. This means that as long as you were not MORE than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your final settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We use ELD and black box data to push that fault percentage onto the truck driver where it belongs.

4. Can I sue an oil company for a water truck rollover in the oilfield?
Yes. If the oil company created an unsafe site traffic plan or forced a trucking contractor to use dangerous, unmaintained lease roads, they share premises and general contractor liability. These cases often involve both FMCSA trucking law and OSHA worksite safety law.

5. How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay us nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. We advance all the costs of hiring elite experts and accident reconstructionists. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a standard percentage of the final recovery.

6. Why is my whiplash from an 18-wheeler worth more than whiplash from a car?
Physics. When a car hits you at 10 mph, you might have minor strain. When an 80,000-pound truck hits you at 10 mph, the MASS transfers incredible force into your neck and spine. This “whiplash” often masks herniated discs or nerve root damage that requires surgery. Insurance companies will try to call it “just soft tissue”—we prove it’s structural damage.

7. Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
While the trucking company is ultimately liable, they don’t pay bills as they come. We can help you access medical care through “Letters of Protection” (LOP), where vetted North America doctors treat you today and agree to be paid from the final settlement. You should never skip treatment because of money.

8. Is a headache normal after a truck crash?
A headache can be a sign of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a concussion. In a truck crash, your brain can hit the inside of your skull with massive force even if you don’t hit your head on anything. Never ignore a headache—get an MRI or CT scan immediately. Learn more: “Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo.

Powerful and Proven: Why North America Victims Choose Attorney911

We are not a “billboard firm” where you are just a file number assigned to a paralegal. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Our Commitment to You:

• Insurer Defense Experience: Lupe Peña spent years on the “other side.” He knows exactly how trucking insurers try to hide evidence and shift blame. We use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
• Federal Court Admission: Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court (Southern District of Texas) and handles complex interstate trucking litigation throughout North America.
• Proven Results: We have recovered over $50 million for our clients. We have taken on Fortune 500 giants like BP, Walmart, and Amazon.
• No Communication Gaps: Ralph personally provides his cell phone number to many clients. As Angel Walle testified, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
• Cultural Connection: Hablamos Español. Our team provides direct bilingual representation so your story is never lost in translation.

Hit by a truck in North America? Don’t let the corporate lawyers bully you. Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Houston (Main Office):
1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
Direct: (713) 528-9070

Austin Office:
316 West 12th Street, Suite 311
Austin, TX 78701

Beaumont Office:
Available by Appointment

Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
Website: https://attorney911.com

No fee unless we win. Free consultations for all North America trucking and commercial vehicle accident victims.