Meridian Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Victims

An 18-wheeler is not just a larger version of a car. It’s an 80,000-pound wall of steel that requires nearly two football fields to stop when traveling at highway speeds. On the busy trucking corridors of Meridian, such as State Highway 6 and State Highway 22, families in cars and SUVs share the road with massive semi-trucks, delivery vans, and industrial vehicles every single day. When one of these giants causes an accident, the result isn’t a “fender bender.” It’s a life-altering catastrophe.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a truck in Meridian, you’re currently facing a legal emergency. While you’re focusing on medical treatment at a regional trauma center in Waco or Fort Worth, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already at the scene. They’re collecting evidence to build a defense and looking for ways to pay you as little as possible. You need a team that moves just as fast.

At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on the world’s largest trucking corporations and making them pay. We don’t just know the law; we know the tactics they use to hide the truth. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who spent years working inside the system. He knows how insurance adjusters are trained to lowball you, and he knows how to counter every move they make.

We are ready to fight for you in Meridian. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Experience Matters in Your Meridian Truck Accident Case

Trucking litigation is significantly more complex than a standard car accident case. In Meridian, a typical car crash involves two drivers and two insurance policies. A truck accident involves federal regulations, electronic data, and a long list of potentially liable parties, from the driver to the corporate parent of a Fortune 500 company.

Ralph Manginello has been litigating personal injury cases since 1998. With over two decades of courtroom experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, he has the federal court background necessary to handle interstate trucking cases that other firms might shy away from. We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and catastrophic losses.

As client Chad Harris said about our firm, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We bring that family-first mentality to every case in Meridian, combined with the aggressive strategy needed to win against companies like Walmart, Amazon, and major oilfield operators.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings an “unfair advantage” to your Meridian case. Before joining Attorney911, he worked for a national insurance defense firm. He sat in the meetings where insurance companies decided how much to offer victims. He saw the algorithms they used to minimize pain and suffering. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery. He knows when an adjuster is bluffing, and he knows exactly what evidence forces them to pay the full value of your claim.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why You Must Act Now

In a Meridian truck accident, evidence has an expiration date. While you are recovering, the clock is ticking on the most important data in your case. Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic systems that record the truth about what happened, but that truth can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.

The “Black Box” (ECM Data)

The Engine Control Module (ECM) records thousands of data points in the seconds before a crash. It tells us the truck’s exact speed, whether the driver hit the brakes, how hard they braked, and if they were accelerating into the impact. If the truck driver claims they weren’t speeding on SH 6, the black box will prove otherwise. However, if the truck is put back into service, new driving data will overwrite the crash data.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

FMSCA regulation 49 CFR Part 395 requires most drivers to use ELDs. These devices track every minute of a driver’s day. We use this data to prove hours-of-service violations. If a driver had been behind the wheel for 14 hours straight when they hit your car in Meridian, the ELD is the “smoking gun” that proves fatigue.

Our Immediate Response

The moment we are retained for a Meridian case, we send a formal spoliation letter. This is a legal demand that the trucking company, the insurer, and the vehicle owner preserve all evidence, including:

• ECM and EDR data
• ELD logs and driver qualification files
• Maintenance records and inspection reports
• Dashcam footage and GPS telematics
• Dispatch communications

Don’t let the trucking company delete the evidence that proves their guilt. Call 888-ATTY-911 immediately so we can lock down the data.

Dealing with Corporate Giants in Meridian

Meridian sits at a crossroads of commerce for Central Texas. Whether it’s a Walmart 18-wheeler delivering to stores in the region or an Amazon Logistics van rushing to meet a delivery quota, these aren’t just trucks—they are corporate assets.

Walmart Truck Accidents

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world, with over 12,000 trucks. When a Walmart truck is involved in an accident in Meridian, the company doesn’t rely on a standard insurance adjuster. They use a professional risk management team tasked with protecting the company’s bottom line. We have litigated against Walmart and know how to navigate their self-insured structure to get results.

Amazon Delivery Van Accidents

Amazon has revolutionized delivery, but at a high cost to safety. Their Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model is designed to shield Amazon from liability. Amazon claims the drivers aren’t theirs, but the small companies they contract with. We see through this liability shield. Amazon controls the routes, the timing, and even monitors the drivers through AI cameras. If you were hit by an Amazon van in Meridian, we know how to hold the billion-dollar parent company accountable.

FedEx and UPS Wrecks

Whether it’s a FedEx Ground contractor or a direct UPS employee, these package delivery giants are under intense pressure. This pressure often leads to speeding, illegal U-turns, and distracted driving. Our firm has experience piercing the corporate structures of these logistics giants to find the insurance coverage you need.

Oilfield and Agricultural Trucking in Bosque County

While Meridian is known for its beautiful “Top of the Hill Country” landscape, it is also a hub for heavy agricultural and industrial traffic. Grain haulers, livestock trailers, and service trucks for the energy sector frequently use SH 6 as a primary transit route.

Grain and Livestock Haulers

Overloaded agricultural trucks create a unique hazard in Meridian. When a trailer is carrying thousands of pounds of grain or shifting livestock, its center of gravity is dangerously high. Violations of 49 CFR Part 393 (Cargo Securement) in these cases can lead to devastating rollovers. We investigate whether the cargo was properly balanced and if the driver stayed within the legal weight limits.

Oilfield Service Trucks

Meridian frequently sees traffic from water tankers, sand haulers, and equipment trucks serving broader regional energy interests. These drivers often work brutal 12-hour shifts. When you combine industrial-weight loads with extreme driver fatigue, the result is often a head-on or rear-end collision. We understand both FMCSA trucking laws and OSHA regulations that govern these industrial worksites.

If you’ve been injured by a company truck, you need a lawyer who isn’t intimidated by big oil or big retail. Call (888) 288-9911 today.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Meridian

Every truck accident has a specific mechanical cause. By understanding the physics and the regulations involved, we can pinpoint exactly where the trucking company failed.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer outruns the cab, folding like a pocketknife. This is often caused by improper braking on a curve or slippery road. On the twisting sections of Highway 22 near Meridian, a jackknife can sweep across both lanes of traffic, leaving victims with nowhere to go. We investigate the brake maintenance records per 49 CFR Part 396 to see if a mechanical failure contributed to the swing.

Underride Collisions

These are among the most lethal accidents we handle. If a car strikes the back or side of a semi-trailer and slides underneath, the results are often fatal. FMSCA requires rear impact guards (Mansfield bars), but many are old or improperly maintained. A side underride has no current federal guard requirement, but a trucking company can still be held liable for failing to equip their fleet with available safety technology.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Crashes

An 18-wheeler has four massive blind spots. If a driver changes lanes on SH 6 without checking their mirrors, they can crush a passenger vehicle without even realizing they’ve made contact. We subpoena driver training records to see if the company properly instructed the driver on No-Zone safety.

Brake Failure and Tire Blowouts

Brake problems contribute to nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. When a truck’s brakes fail while descending a grade into the Meridian area, it becomes a 40-ton missile. FMSCA Part 393 and 396 are very clear: carriers must systematically inspect and maintain their brakes. A failure is almost always evidence of a company cutting corners on maintenance. We also look for evidence of retread tires being used on steer axles, which is a dangerous and illegal violation of safety standards.

Learn more in our video guide: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc

Identifying All Liable Parties: Casting a Wide Net

Many law firms only sue the driver. We know better. In a Meridian truck accident, there can be a dozen different entities responsible for the crash. By identifying every liable party, we can “stack” insurance policies to ensure there is enough money to cover your medical care and future lost wages.

We investigate the liability of:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, and supervision.
3. The Cargo Owner: If the freight was improperly described or inherently dangerous.
4. The Loading Company: If the load was unbalanced or improperly secured (violations of 49 CFR § 393.100).
5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers: If a design defect (like a weak underride guard) caused the injury.
6. Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, steering, or tires.
7. Maintenance Companies: If a third-party mechanic failed to fix a known issue.
8. Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record (negligent selection).
9. The Truck Owner: In some owner-operator lease arrangements.
10. Government Entities: If a road design defect or missing signage in Meridian contributed to the crash.
11. Corporate Brand Owners: Holding companies like Amazon or Walmart responsible for their “independent” contractors.
12. Oilfield Operators: If the accident happened on a private lease road or involved a wellsite contractor.
13. Staffing Agencies: If they provided an unqualified driver for the route.
14. Rental Companies: Like U-Haul or Penske, for negligent maintenance of their trucks.
15. Public Transit Agencies: For bus accidents involving city or school vehicles.
16. Federal Government: If the accident involved a USPS truck or military vehicle (FTCA claims).

Every additional defendant means another insurance policy protecting your future. That is how we maximize your recovery in Meridian.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Life Impact

The injuries resulting from a truck accident in Meridian are rarely “soft tissue.” When you are hit by a vehicle 20 times the size of yours, the damage to the human body is permanent.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a semi-truck impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull with violent force. Even if there is no visible wound, the internal damage (diffuse axonal injury) can destroy cognitive function. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. As we discuss in our video, “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ), these cases require specialized medical experts to prove the full extent of the damage.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

A vertebral fracture or spinal cord severance changes your life in a heartbeat. The lifetime cost of care for a quadriplegic can exceed $5 million just for medical needs. We work with life care planners to calculate every penny you will need for home modifications, 24/7 nursing, and specialized transportation.

Amputation and Crush Injuries

Whether a limb is lost at the scene or must be surgically removed because of a “squeeze play” wide-turn accident, the impact on your career and identity is massive. Settlements for amputations often range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million because they account for the lifetime cost of prosthetics and the loss of physical capability.

Wrongful Death

We are deeply sorry if you have lost a family member in a Meridian truck accident. No settlement can bring them back, but it can provide for the children they left behind and hold the negligent corporation fully accountable. In Texas, wrongful death trucking settlements often reach between $1.9 million and $9.5 million.

If you’re in pain, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for help.

FMCSA Regulations: Proving They Broke the Law

We build your case on a foundation of federal law. Every 18-wheeler that passes through Meridian must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR). When a trucking company breaks these rules, they are presumed negligent.

• 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): Did the company check the driver’s background? Did the driver have a current medical certificate? If not, the carrier is liable for negligent hiring.
• 49 CFR Part 392 (Driving Rules): This prohibits drivers from operating while ill or fatigued (§ 392.3) and mandates speed restrictions for conditions (§ 392.6).
• 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): This is the most important regulation in fatigue cases. Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off. If the company’s dispatch logs show they were pressuring the driver to bypass these limits for a delivery in Meridian, we win.
• 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection & Maintenance): This requires systematic vehicle upkeep. If a truck in Meridian had an “out of service” violation that went unrepaired before the crash, the company’s intent to cut corners is clear.

The Compensation You Deserve

We leave no stone unturned when calculating your damages. In Meridian, you are entitled to more than just a check for your current hospital bills.

Economic Damages

This includes every calculable dollar you’ve lost and will lose:

• Medical Expenses: Every surgery, physical therapy session, and prescription.
• Lost Wages: The paychecks you’ve missed while in the hospital.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury prevents you from returning to your high-paying job, the trucking company must pay for the career you lost.

Non-Economic Damages

This is where our firm’s storytelling ability matters:

• Pain and Suffering: The daily agony of life with a permanent injury.
• Mental Anguish: The anxiety and PTSD that follows a near-fatal crash.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the hobbies, sports, and family activities you can no longer participate in.

Punitive Damages

In cases of “gross negligence”—like a trucking company that knowingly sends a driver with a disqualifying driving record onto a highway in Meridian—juries may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the company and prevent similar conduct in the future.

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the past, and we aren’t afraid to take your case to court. Experience the “The Firm Insurers Fear” advantage. Call (888) 288-9911.

Frequently Asked Questions for Meridian Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a claim in Meridian?

In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involved a government entity (like a city-owned truck), the notice period may be much shorter. Regardless of the legal deadline, the evidence deadline is much shorter. You must act within 48-72 hours to ensure black box data is preserved.

What if I was partially at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% bar). As long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1 million but found 20% at fault, you recover $800,000. Our job is to prove the truck driver’s negligence was the primary cause.

How much insurance does the truck have?

By federal law (49 CFR § 387), non-hazmat 18-wheelers must carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. Trucks hauling oil or hazardous equipment must carry $1 million. If a truck is carrying hazardous materials, the minimum jumps to $5 million. Large corporate fleets like Walmart and Amazon typically have umbrella policies that exceed $50 million.

I can’t afford a lawyer right now. What should I do?

You should call Attorney911. We work on a 100% contingency fee basis. This means we advance all the costs of the investigation, the expert witnesses, and the litigation. You don’t pay us a single dime unless and until we recover money for you. If we don’t win, we don’t get paid. 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.”

Do I have to sue the truck driver personally?

In most Meridian cases, we sue both the driver and the trucking company. Under the law of respondeat superior, the trucking company is usually responsible for the driver’s actions. Suing the company is essential because they have the insurance coverage necessary to pay for a catastrophic injury.

What if the truck driver was an “Independent Contractor”?

This is the most common defense used by companies like Amazon and FedEx. They claim they aren’t liable because the driver wasn’t their “employee.” We use specific legal tests—Amazon’s right to control the driver, their monitoring of the driver, and their control over the route—to prove an agency relationship. We cut through the fine print to hold the multibillion-dollar brand responsible.

Trust the Meridian Truck Accident Team That Wins

When your car is crushed by an 18-wheeler on SH 6, your world stops. The trucking company doesn’t care about your medical bills or your family’s future. They care about their profit margins. You need an attorney who treats you like family but fights their lawyers like a prize fighter.

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña bring a combined force of 25+ years of experience, federal court excellence, and insurance industry “insider” knowledge to every client in Meridian. We have litigated against the largest retailers, logistics companies, and oilfield operators on the planet—and we have made them pay millions.

As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We are ready to do the same for you.

Don’t wait while evidence is deleted. Don’t sign anything from an insurance adjuster. Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at Attorney911 today.

24/7 Availability: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Consultation is 100% FREE.
No Fee Unless We Win.

Attorney911 serves victims in Meridian, Clifton, Valley Mills, and throughout Bosque County. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We travel to you.