Standing Up to Giants: Your Comprehensive Guide to Truck Accident Justice in the United States
The moment an 80,000-pound commercial truck slams into a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the laws of physics dictate a life-altering outcome. In the United States, these collisions aren’t just traffic accidents; they are legal emergencies. When disaster strikes on a major corridor like I-10, I-35, or I-95, the trucking company already has a rapid-response team moving to protect its bottom line. You deserve an equally aggressive force in your corner.
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been that force. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, our managing partner has built a reputation for making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Based in Houston with offices in Austin and Beaumont, Attorney911 serves victims across the United States who have been broken by the negligence of corporate fleets and commercial carriers. We don’t just know the law; we know the industry. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who used to defend the very companies we now fight. This insider knowledge gives us a distinct advantage—we know their playbook, we know how they undervalue claims, and we know exactly how to beat them.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident anywhere in the United States, your fight for recovery starts today. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Why United States Trucking Accidents Are Different
A typical car accident in the United States might involve a few thousand dollars in property damage and a straightforward insurance claim. An 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle crash is a different beast entirely. The sheer mass of these vehicles—often 20 to 25 times heavier than a standard sedan—means that even low-speed impacts result in catastrophic injuries.
Across the United States, trucking is the lifeblood of the economy, but that economic pressure creates a culture of corner-cutting. From driver fatigue to deferred maintenance, the drive for profit often outweighs the commitment to safety. When a trucker hauling freight through the United States violates a federal safety regulation, it isn’t just an “oops.” It is a calculated risk that put your family in danger.
The Corporate Defendant Advantage
When we take on a case involving a Walmart truck, an Amazon delivery van, or a FedEx semi, we aren’t just suing a driver. We are going head-to-head with some of the most powerful corporations in the world. Companies like Walmart and UPS are often self-insured, meaning they pay claims from their own coffers. They have every incentive to fight you tooth and nail.
Fortunately, we have a documented track record against these Fortune 500 giants. We’ve litigated against Coca-Cola, Amazon, BP, and major oilfield operators. We understand that these cases involve layers of liability—from the parent company to the freight broker to the maintenance contractor. Our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, a critical credential for handling interstate trucking cases that often cross state lines throughout the United States.
Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR): Proving Their Negligence
Every commercial vehicle operating in the United States must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are not suggestions; they are the law. Codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), these rules exist to prevent the very tragedy you are currently enduring. When a trucking company in the United States violates these parts, it serves as powerful evidence of negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The Fatigue Factor)
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the United States. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers 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 a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. With the United States Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, most drivers must now use engine-synchronized devices to record their hours. We subpoena this ELD data immediately to prove if a driver was illegally exhausted at the time of your crash.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications
The United States has strict standards for who can sit behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound machine. Companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator, including their driving record, medical examiner’s certificate, and drug test results. If a trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or health issues that impair driving, they could be liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Maintenance
Commercial trucks in the United States must be “systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained.” This includes everything from brake systems and lighting to tires and cargo securement. Brake failures account for nearly 30% of truck accidents. If a company deferred maintenance to save a few dollars while their truck was traversing the United States, they are responsible for the consequences.
If you suspect a regulation was broken, don’t wait for the company to admit it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now so we can begin our investigation.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
In the United States, evidence in a trucking case has a shelf life. The most critical data points—the “black box” Engine Control Module (ECM) data and the ELD logs—can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Trucking companies are notorious for repairing vehicles and destroying files the moment the law allows them to do so.
This is why we trigger our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol. Within hours of being retained, we send a formal “spoliation letter” to the trucking company and their insurer. This letter legally mandates that they preserve:
- The ECM/Black Box data (recording speed, braking, and throttle).
- In-cab camera footage (Netradyne, DriveCam, or Lytx systems).
- GPS and telematics data showing the truck’s route.
- Dispatch records and “deadlines” given to the driver.
- The physical vehicle itself for expert inspection.
When a corporate giant like Amazon or Walmart sees a letter from Attorney911, they know they are being watched. If they destroy evidence after receiving it, we can seek severe sanctions in court, including an “adverse inference” instruction, where the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence proved the company was guilty.
Protect your rights before the evidence disappears. Call (888) 288-9911 today.
High-Weight, High-Risk: Commercial Vehicle Accident Types
Whether you were hit on a rural county road or a crowded United States freeway, the mechanics of the accident determine who is liable.
Jackknife and Rollover Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer outpaces the cab during braking, folding like a pocketknife. In the United States, this often happens on wet roads or when a driver takes a curve too fast. Rollovers are equally devastating and are usually caused by top-heavy loads or speeding. 49 CFR § 393.100 dictates how cargo must be secured; if the load shifted and caused the rollover, the loading company and the carrier share the blame.
Underride and Rear-End Collisions
Underride collisions occur when a smaller car slides beneath the trailer. These are frequently fatal in the United States, often resulting in decapitation. While federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, many are poorly maintained. Furthermore, a fully loaded semi requires over 500 feet to stop at highway speeds. A rear-end collision by a truck in the United States is almost always the result of following too closely or brake maintenance failure.
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
A “road gator”—long strips of tire tread—is a common sight on United States highways. These blowouts can send a truck careening out of control. We investigate whether the tire was a poor-quality retread or if the truck was overweight, both of which are common violations.
Learn more in our video guide: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.
Beyond 18-Wheelers: Delivery Vans, Dump Trucks, and More
While big rigs dominate the news, many victims in the United States are injured by other commercial vehicles. We handle the full spectrum:
- Amazon & Delivery Vans: Amazon’s “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model is designed as a liability shield. They use small independent contractors to deliver packages, hoping you won’t sue the multi-billion dollar parent company. We know how to pierce this shield by proving Amazon’s pervasive control over routes and quotas.
- Dump Trucks & Concrete Mixers: These are among the heaviest vehicles on United States roads. A fully loaded mixer weighs up to 70,000 pounds. These drivers often work under extreme time pressure because the concrete has a limited “pour window.”
- Rental & Moving Trucks: Companies like U-Haul and Penske rent massive trucks to civilians who need zero special training to drive them. These untrained drivers often misjudge stopping distances and clearance heights, leading to catastrophic wrecks in residential areas of the United States.
- Garbage & Utility Trucks: These operate in our neighborhoods, often in the dark. Their massive blind spots and frequent backing maneuvers make them a primary threat to pedestrians and children.
No matter the size of the truck, the impact is the same. Talk to us today: 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.
Vulnerable Road Users: When Trucks Strike Pedestrians and Cyclists
Within the United States, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists have no metal cage to protect them. When an 80,000-pound truck makes a “wide right turn” and fails to see a cyclist in its blind spot—a classic “right hook” accident—the results are almost always fatal or catastrophic.
Trucking insurers often try to blame the pedestrian or cyclist for “being in the blind spot.” Our team, led by Ralph Manginello, counters this with the law: drivers have a heightened duty of care when operating dangerous machinery. If the truck wasn’t equipped with side-guards or blind-spot sensors that are standard in the industry, the company is liable for your suffering.
Oilfield Trucking: The High Stakes of Energy Transport
If your accident occurred in an oil-producing region involving the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, or Bakken formations, you are dealing with a distinct set of industrial hazards. Oilfield trucks—sand haulers, water tankers, and crew vans—frequently operate on two-lane rural roads that were never engineered for such weight.
These drivers often work shift cycles that make HOS compliance impossible. This creates a “Dual Jurisdiction” case. The truck is governed by FMCSA on the highway, but when it’s on the wellsite, OSHA regulations (like 29 CFR 1910.1200 regarding chemical exposure) apply. Ralph Manginello’s experience in the BP Texas City refinery litigation gives us a unique perspective on taking on energy giants like ExxonMobil, Chevron, or Halliburton. We aren’t intimidated by the oil industry’s army of lawyers.
Casting the Widest Net: 16 Potentially Liable Parties
Most United States attorneys only sue the driver. We dig deeper. To maximize your recovery, we identify every party that contributed to the crash. This could include:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence.
- The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior.
- The Cargo Owner: If the freight was dangerous or improperly disclosed.
- The Loading Company: For overweight or shifting loads.
- The Maintenance Company: For faulty brakes or tire repairs.
- The Manufacturer: For design defects like failed underride guards.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a “conditional” or “unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Corporate Parent (Brand Owner): Like Amazon or Walmart.
- The Oilfield Operator: For creating unsafe site conditions.
- Governmental Entities: If a United States road defect or improper work zone was involved.
By identifying multiple defendants, we can “stack” insurance policies, ensuring there is enough money to cover your lifetime medical needs.
Understanding Your Catastrophic Injuries
A truck crash doesn’t just leave you with a few bruises. It leaves you with a “before” and “after” life. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims in the United States suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Whether it’s a concussion (mild TBI) or a permanent cognitive deficit (severe TBI), the impact on your life is total. A TBI can change your personality, erase your memories, and end your career. Our settlements for brain injury victims have reached up to $9.8 million because we understand that the cost of 24/7 care for the rest of one’s life is staggering.
Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis
Spinal injuries often result from the crushing force of a truck’s weight. From paraplegia to quadriplegia, these injuries require home modifications, specialized vehicles, and lifetime medical support. We have achieved spinal cord settlements ranging from $4.7 million to over $25 million.
Amputation & Crush Injuries
Losing a limb in a crash is a trauma that never fully heals. Between the cost of prosthetics (which must be replaced every few years) and the psychological toll of disfigurement, an amputation claim must be valued correctly. We’ve seen these settlements reach $8.6 million in the United States.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one, we are deeply sorry. No check can bring them back, but holding the trucking company accountable can ensure your family’s financial future isn’t destroyed by their negligence. Wrongful death settlements in the United States routinely fall in the $1.9M to $9.5M range.
Learn more: “Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo.
Insurance Realities and “Nuclear Verdicts”
Unlike private cars, commercial trucks in the United States must carry significant insurance.
- General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
- Oil & Large Equipment: $1,000,000 minimum.
- Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 minimum.
However, many catastrophic accidents exceed these limits. Large corporations often carry “excess” or “umbrella” policies that provide $25 million to $100 million in total coverage.
In recent years, the United States has seen a trend of “Nuclear Verdicts”—jury awards exceeding $10 million. In 2021, a Florida jury awarded $1 billion in a trucking case. In 2022, Werner Enterprises paid $150 million in a Texas settlement. While these are industry examples and not our specific cases, they demonstrate that juries across the United States are tired of trucking companies putting profits over people. We use this leverage to force insurance companies to pay you fairly at the settlement table.
The Insider Advantage: Our Team Knows Their Tactics
Why hire Attorney911? Because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña. Insurance companies hire adjusters to find excuses to deny your claim. They will look at your United States social media accounts, they will cherry-pick your past medical records, and they will offer you a “quick settlement” while you are still in a hospital bed.
Lupe Peña knows exactly how they calculate “pain and suffering.” He knows how they use software like Colossus to lowball victims. We use this “insider” knowledge to block their tactics before they even use them. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We fight for our family.
Frequently Asked Questions for United States Truck Accident Victims
How long do I have to file a claim in the United States?
Under [State] law, you generally have [X years] from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is called the Statute of Limitations. However, in cases involving government-owned trucks or wrongful death, the deadlines may be much shorter. Never wait. The sooner we start, the better we can preserve evidence.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
In the United States, most jurisdictions follow some version of “comparative negligence.” This means that even if you were 20% at fault for the crash, you can still recover 80% of your damages. As long as you aren’t more than 50% responsible, you likely have a pathway to compensation.
Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
The trucking company’s insurance will not pay your bills paycheck-by-paycheck. They pay in one lump sum at the end. In the meantime, we help our United States clients find high-quality medical providers who will treat them under a “Letter of Protection” (LOP). This allows you to get the surgery or therapy you need now, with the provider being paid out of the final settlement.
Can I sue Amazon if their branded van hit me?
YES. Even though Amazon calls their drivers “independent contractors,” we argue they are under Amazon’s “right to control.” Amazon monitors their speed, dictates their breaks, and manages their routes. We believe this makes Amazon liable for the driver’s actions in the United States.
Your Recovery Starts with One Call: 1-888-ATTY-911
If you are reading this, your life has likely been turned upside down. You are facing mounting medical bills, the inability to work, and a level of physical pain you never thought possible. The trucking company is not your friend. Their insurance company is not there to help you.
You need a warrior who has been in the ring for over 25 years. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered over $50 million for victims across the United States. We treat our clients like human beings, not case numbers. As client Glenda Walker stated, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Don’t let the trucking company destroy your future after they’ve already damaged your health. We are available 24/7, across the United States, to take your call.
One number. One fight. One goal: Your Justice.
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Address: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Online: https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español. Consulta Gratis.
