Bastrop County Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Your Rights After a Catastrophic Commercial Vehicle Crash

The impact was catastrophic. On a busy stretch of Highway 71 in Bastrop County, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your sedan. One moment, you were navigating the daily flow of traffic between Bastrop and Austin; the next, your world was upside down. An 80,000-pound truck doesn’t give you time to react. The force of such a collision is equivalent to being hit by 20 passenger cars at once. Whether the driver was racing to a delivery deadline at a nearby Austin distribution center or failing to manage the sharp curves near Smithville, the results are life-altering.

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Bastrop County, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a fighter who understands the complexity of commercial vehicle litigation. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on the world’s largest trucking companies and winning. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause on Texas roads. With admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and a history of litigating against Fortune 500 giants like BP, our firm brings a level of federal-court experience that most local practitioners simply cannot match.

Don’t let a trucking company’s rapid-response team dictate the future of your recovery. Right now, while you’re reading this, their insurance adjusters are likely already at the scene or review records to minimize your claim. We move just as fast. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 because we know that legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours.

Why Experience Matters in Bastrop County Trucking Cases

Trucking accidents are fundamentally different from standard car crashes. When two sedans collide on Highway 95, you’re usually dealing with one insurance policy and a clear-cut case of driver error. When an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, or an Amazon delivery van causes a wreck in Bastrop County, you are entering a war with a multi-billion dollar industry governed by a massive web of federal regulations.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered over $50 million for Texas families. We understand that you are not just a case number. As our client Chad Harris noted, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency and personal attention it deserves, because we know that your family’s future is on the line.

Furthermore, we possess an “unfair advantage” in these battles. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer. Lupe spent years working for the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook, he knows how they value claims using algorithms, and he knows exactly when they are bluffing during a negotiation. We use this insider knowledge to maximize your settlement. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Reality of Commercial Truck Traffic in Bastrop County

Bastrop County sits at a critical crossroads. With the explosive growth of the Austin metro area and the continued industrial importance of the Houston-to-San Antonio corridor, our local roads are more crowded with heavy trucks than ever before. Highway 71 serves as a main artery for freight moving east toward the coast, while Highway 290 and Highway 21 carry massive volumes of construction vehicles, aggregate haulers, and long-haul semis.

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and Bastrop County is not immune. Whether it’s a delivery van servicing the growing residential neighborhoods in Elgin or a massive concrete mixer heading to a new development site, these commercial vehicles present a constant danger. When these trucks crash, the injuries are almost always catastrophic: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death.

If you have been hit by a truck on a Bastrop County highway, the clock is already ticking. Evidence disappears, and black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. You need an attorney who knows Bastrop County’s trucking corridors and how to secure the evidence needed to win.

Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your case.

Federal Trucking Regulations: Proving Negligence in Bastrop County

To win a trucking accident case, you must prove that the driver or the company violated the law. Most people don’t realize that every 18-wheeler on our roads must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), codified in 49 CFR Parts 300-399. These rules are non-negotiable, and when they are violated, it is often the key to establishing liability.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) and Driver Fatigue

Fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Central Texas. Driven by the pressure of just-in-time delivery for companies like Walmart and Amazon, drivers often push past legal limits.

• The 11-Hour Rule: Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• The 14-Hour Window: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• 30-Minute Breaks: Federal law mandates a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

If a driver was rushing through Bastrop on Highway 71 and crashed because they fell asleep at the wheel, we subpoena their Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove they were in violation of 49 CFR § 395.3.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, a driver must be at least 21 years old, speak English well enough to communicate with the public and follow signs, and be physically qualified. We pull the Driver Qualification File (DQF) for every driver involved in a crash to see if the company skipped background checks or hired someone with a history of safety violations. Hiring an unqualified driver constitutes “negligent hiring.”

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

Every system on a truck involves safety components mandated by federal law.

• Braking Systems: 49 CFR § 393.40 requires trucks to have brakes that work on all wheels.
• Lighting and Reflectors: 49 CFR § 393.11 requires reflective tape and proper lighting so smaller vehicles can see the trailer at night.
• Cargo Securement: 49 CFR § 393.100 dictates how cargo must be immobilized. If a load shifts on a curve in Smithville and causes a rollover, the company has violated federal law.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

A trucking company cannot simply drive a vehicle until it breaks. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must have a systematic inspection and maintenance program. If a brake failure on Highway 21 caused your accident, we will look for maintenance logs to prove the company deferred repairs to save money.

Think the trucking company will admit they broke the law? They won’t. You need us to find the proof. Call 888-ATTY-911.

Analyzing Truck Accident Types in Bastrop County

The mechanics of how a truck crashes determine the severity of the injuries and the legal strategy we use to hold them accountable. In Bastrop County, certain types of accidents are more common due to our specific road designs and industrial traffic.

Rear-End Collisions and Highway Fatigue

Rear-end collisions are common on Highway 71 and Highway 290, where sudden traffic slowdowns are frequent. A fully loaded semi at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. When a distracted or fatigued driver fails to recognize a slowdown near Elgin, they aren’t just bumping you; they are crushing your vehicle. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, following too closely is a direct violation. These impacts commonly result in whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to the violent acceleration-deceleration forces.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across all lanes of a highway. This is common during Central Texas rainstorms when roads become slick. Physics dictates that if the trailer’s momentum exceeds the cab’s braking force, the vehicle folds like a pocket knife. We investigate whether improper braking (49 CFR § 393.48) or speeding for conditions (49 CFR § 392.6) caused the trailer to swing.

Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Crash

Perhaps the most terrifying accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. This “underride” often shears the top off the passenger vehicle, leading to decapitation or fatal head injuries. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards (Mansfield bars), many are old or improperly maintained. Side underride accidents are also prevalent during wide turns. These cases almost always involve wrongful death or catastrophic TBI.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

In many of Bastrop County’s older intersections, a truck driver must swing wide to the left to complete a right turn. If they fail to check their mirrors or signal properly, they can trap a passenger car between their trailer and the curb. This “squeeze play” results in crushing injuries and amputations. We look at the off-tracking geometry and mirror adjustment compliance under 49 CFR § 393.80 to prove the driver was negligent.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Crashes

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. The right side is particularly dangerous. If a driver merges on Highway 71 without seeing you, they can sideswipe you and force you off the road. Truckers have a heightened duty of care to ensure clear lanes before maneuvering.

Tire Blowouts and Maintenance Neglect

A tire blowout at highway speed can cause an immediate loss of control. Often, blowouts are the result of using “retreads” on steering axles or failing to check tire pressure during pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13). We preserve the tire remnants to prove the company neglected basic maintenance.

Rollover Accidents

Top-heavy loads or speeding on ramps (like the interchanges near Bastrop) cause trucks to tip. Rollovers frequently involve shifted cargo (49 CFR § 393.100), meaning the loading company may be just as liable as the driver.

If you were involved in any of these scenarios on Bastrop County roads, your fight starts here. Call (888) 288-9911.

Who is Really Responsible? Identifying Liable Parties

In a Bastrop County car wreck, you sue the other driver. In a truck accident, we cast a much wider net to ensure we find all available insurance coverage.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): Under “respondeat superior,” they are responsible for their employees. They are often liable for negligent hiring or training.
3. The Cargo Owner/Loader: If the load was too heavy or shifted because it wasn’t secured, the company that loaded the trailer is liable.
4. Truck/Parts Manufacturers: If the brakes were defective or a tire was poorly manufactured, we file a product liability claim.
5. Maintenance Companies: Many fleets outsource repairs. If a mechanic did a “patch job” on the brakes, they are in the line of fire.
6. Freight Brokers: Companies that connect shippers to carriers must vet those carriers for safety. If they hire a “bottom feeder” company with a history of crashes, the broker is liable for negligent selection.
7. Corporate Parent Companies: When you’re hit by a Walmart or Amazon truck, we look at the parent corporation’s role in setting the dangerous schedules that led to the crash.

Don’t settle for just the driver’s policy. We find EVERY dollar you are owed. 1-888-ATTY-911.

Corporate Giants: Walmart, Amazon, and the Contractor Defense

Bastrop County is a prime transit zone for some of the world’s biggest companies. Whether it’s a Walmart truck traveling toward Houston or an Amazon delivery van servicing Elgin, these companies bring an army of lawyers to every case.

• Amazon’s Liability Shield: Amazon famously uses “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs)—small, independent companies—to deliver packages. When an Amazon van hits you, Amazon will claim they aren’t responsible because the driver was a contractor. We know how to pierce this shield. Amazon controls the routes, the uniforms, the cameras inside the vans, and the delivery quotas. Under the “right-to-control” test, we argue that Amazon is the true employer.
• Walmart’s Self-Insurance: Walmart operates a massive private fleet. They are self-insured for the first several million dollars of every claim. This means they are paying with their own money, and they will fight more aggressively than a typical insurance company. Ralph Manginello has years of experience litigating against these corporate giants.
• FedEx Ground: Similar to Amazon, FedEx Ground uses independent service providers. However, FedEx carries significant contingent liability policies. We know how to navigate these layered insurance structures.

Our firm includes an attorney who spent years on the inside of these defense games. Lupe Peña knows the corporate playbook. He knows when they are trying to hide behind a contractor label to avoid paying for your medical bills. We don’t let them get away with it.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window

In Bastrop County, evidence in a truck accident disappears faster than you think. You need more than a police report; you need the data.

• The ECM (Black Box): This records speed, braking, and throttle position in the seconds before impact. If the truck keeps driving, this data can be overwritten.
• ELD Logs: Electronic logs prove if the driver was over their hours. Carriers only have to keep these for six months, but they often get “lost” sooner.
• Spoliation Letters: Within hours of you hiring us, we send formal “spoliation letters” to the trucking company, demanding they preserve all evidence. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, they face massive sanctions in court.

The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future in Bastrop County

We understand the human cost of these accidents. A truck wreck doesn’t just damage property; it shatters lives.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): These are the most common life-altering injuries we see. From concussions to severe cognitive impairment, a TBI affects your ability to think, work, and love. We’ve helped families recover millions for TBI cases because the cost of lifetime care can reach $9.8 million or more.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia) requires a lifetime of medical equipment, home modifications, and 24/7 care. Settlements in these cases can range from $4.7 million to over $25.8 million to ensure the victim is never a burden on their family.
• Amputations: The crushing force of a concrete mixer or dump truck often leads to lost limbs. We calculate the cost of prosthetics and the loss of earning capacity over your entire life.
• Wrongful Death: No amount of money brings back a loved one, but it can provide security for the children and spouse left behind. We have secured multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements for Bastrop County families.

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 toughest cases and we don’t stop until you have what you need to move forward.

Bastrop County Truck Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim in Bastrop County?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Evidence like skid marks on Highway 71 or witness memories can fade in weeks. The sooner we start, the stronger your case.

What if the truck was a government-owned vehicle?

If you’re hit by a Bastrop County maintenance truck or a school bus, special rules apply. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice of claim. Government entities have “sovereign immunity” that we must navigate to get you compensation.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

Zero upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. We pay for the investigators, the accident reconstruction experts, and the medical specialists. You only pay us a percentage of the settlement we win for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Can I sue if the driver was an “independent contractor”?

Yes. We use legal tests to show that the company still controlled the driver’s work. If the driver was doing the company’s business, the company is almost always liable.

Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident?

The trucking company’s insurance is ultimately responsible. However, they won’t pay until the case is settled. We work with “vetted, attorney-approved doctors” who will treat you under a Letter of Protection, meaning they wait for payment until your case resolves.

Don’t Face the Trucking Companies Alone

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, delivery van, or any commercial vehicle in Bastrop County, the road to justice starts with one call. Trucking companies spend millions to protect their profits; we spend our lives protecting people like you.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 bring over 25 years of trial experience to the table. We have litigated against the largest corporations on earth and secured multi-million dollar results for our clients. As Mongo Slade said after his case settled, “The team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.”

We offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Whether you are in Elgin, Bastrop, Smithville, or anywhere in Central Texas, we are ready to fight for you.

Hablamos Español. Consulta Gratis.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 now. Your family. Your future. Your fight.