Richwood, Texas Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Litigation Guide

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving along Highway 288 in Richwood, perhaps heading toward the job sites in Freeport or returning home after a long day. In an instant, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. Maybe it was a chemical tanker coming from the plants, a flatbed hauling heavy equipment, or a delivery van rushing to meet a quota. Whatever the vehicle, your life changed in an instant.

At Attorney911, we know that an 18-wheeler accident in Richwood is a legal emergency. While you are still dealing with the shock and the pain, the trucking company is already mobilizing. They have rapid-response teams, investigators, and corporate lawyers on the scene before the ambulance even leaves for the hospital. You need a fighter in your corner who moves just as fast.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on the largest corporations in the world and winning. Since 1998, our firm has stood up for families in Richwood and throughout Brazoria County, recovering multi-million dollar settlements for those devastated by commercial vehicle negligence. We aren’t intimidated by the teams of lawyers from companies like Walmart, Amazon, or the major petrochemical operators that dominate our local landscape. We know their playbook, we know their tactics, and we know how to make them pay.

If you’ve been hurt in a Richwood truck accident, don’t wait. Every hour you wait is an hour the trucking company uses to disappear evidence. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Richwood Truck Accidents Require Specialized Representation

Trucking accidents in Richwood are unique because of where we are. We are the gateway to the Port of Freeport and the massive industrial complexes of the Texas Gulf Coast. Our roads—Highway 288, FM 2004, Highway 332, and Highway 35—are some of the most heavily traveled commercial corridors in the state. We share our streets with tankers carrying hazardous chemicals, trailers full of intermodal containers, and massive convoys of service trucks.

When one of these vehicles causes a crash, it isn’t just a “car accident.” It is a complex investigation involving federal regulations, industrial safety standards, and multi-layered corporate liability.

Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He used to defend the very companies we now sue. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, how they hide evidence, and how they train their adjusters to lowball victims in Richwood. We use that insider knowledge to stay three steps ahead of the defense.

Whether you were hit by a semi-truck on Highway 288 or a delivery van in a Richwood neighborhood, we handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 for the aggressive representation you deserve.

Texas Trucking Laws and Your Rights in Richwood

Navigating the legal aftermath of a commercial vehicle crash requires a deep understanding of Texas-specific statutes. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello with over two decades of trial experience, we ensure that every client in Richwood understands their standing under the law.

The Statute of Limitations in Texas

In Richwood and throughout the state, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death claims, the clock also starts on the date of the loss. Two years may sound like a long time, but in the world of trucking litigation, it is a blink of an eye. Evidence like the “black box” (ECM) data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek justice forever.

Modified Comparative Negligence (The 51% Rule)

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a jury finds you 20% responsible for a crash on FM 2004, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Trucking companies in Richwood use this rule as a weapon, trying to shift any amount of blame onto the victim to save money. We use federal data and accident reconstruction to prove the trucker’s negligence exceeded any other factor.

Federal Court Admission

Because many trucking companies are headquartered out of state, these cases often move to federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This is critical for Richwood victims. If your attorney isn’t prepared to handle a case in federal court, the trucking company will use that as leverage. We have the experience to fight them in any venue, state or federal.

The clock is ticking on your Richwood trucking claim. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now to preserve your rights.

FMCSA Regulations: Proving Negligence in Richwood Truck Wrecks

Every commercial truck operating in Richwood is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are the laws of the road for the trucking industry. When a driver or company violates these rules, it isn’t just a mistake—it is evidence of negligence.

At Attorney911, we dig deep into these regulations to build your case. We look for violations of:

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents on Highway 288. Federal law strictly limits how long a driver can be behind the wheel:

• The 11-Hour Rule: A driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• The 14-Hour Window: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• The 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Trucking companies often pressure drivers to ignore these rules to make deliveries to the Freeport plants on time. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when a driver was operating while dangerously exhausted.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. This part of the law requires:

• A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• A current medical examiner’s certificate.
• A clean background check and driving record review.

If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or safety violations to drive through Richwood, they are liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucks are massive machines that require constant upkeep. Companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain every vehicle in their fleet. Brake failures and tire blowouts are rarely “accidents”—they are usually the result of skipped inspections. We demand all maintenance logs to see if the company chose to save a few dollars rather than fixing a deadly brake issue.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories (Cargo Securement)

For the chemical and industrial trucks in Richwood, cargo securement is a life-or-death issue. This regulation mandates how loads must be blocked, braced, and tied down. An unsecured load that shifts on a curve on Highway 35 can cause a rollover or a devastating spill.

When they break the law, we hold them accountable. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a team that knows the FMCSA book inside and out.

Common Truck Accident Types in Richwood

Richwood’s unique position near the coast and the petrochemical hub means we see specific types of truck accidents that require specialized investigation. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have seen the devastation these crashes cause.

Rollover Accidents on FM 2004 and Interchanges

The ramps connecting Highway 288 and Loop 274 are frequent sites of rollover accidents. These often occur when a truck is carrying a top-heavy load—common with chemical containers—and takes a curve too fast. Physics is unforgiving; an 80,000-pound truck with a high center of gravity will tip if the driver is speeding or the cargo shifts.

Jackknife Accidents in Wet Weather

Richwood experiences significant Gulf Coast rain and fog. When a truck driver slams on the brakes on a rain-slicked Highway 288, the trailer can swing out at a 90-degree angle to the cab. This “jackknife” sweeps across multiple lanes, leaving cars in Richwood with nowhere to go.

Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Crash

An underride occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of a trailer. Because the trailer is at head-height for a car driver, these accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). While federal law requires rear impact guards (Mansfield bars), many are poorly maintained or missing entirely.

Tanker Spills and Hazmat Incidents

With Dow Chemical and other major players just miles away, Richwood residents are at risk from chemical tankers. A breach in a tanker on Highway 332 can lead to toxic exposure, fires, or explosions. These cases involve not only personal injury law but also environmental regulations and the OSHA dual-jurisdiction framework.

Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents

Many of the roads in Richwood weren’t built for modern oversized loads. When an 18-wheeler swings wide for a right turn, it can “squeeze” a passenger car against the curb. These accidents are often fatal for pedestrians and cyclists in the Richwood area.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If a driver fails to check their mirrors or if their sensors are malfunctioning, they can merge directly into your car on Highway 288, causing a high-speed sideswipe that often leads to a rollover.

Whether it was a tire blowout or a brake failure, we investigate the cause. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Commercial Vehicle Types We Handle in Richwood

While long-haul 18-wheelers get the most attention, any commercial vehicle can cause a catastrophe. Attorney911 handles cases involving every type of truck on Richwood roads:

• Dump Trucks and Gravel Haulers: Heavy loads of construction materials are constantly moving for the expansion of the Freeport LNG facilities. These trucks often have unsecured loads and poor maintenance records.
• Garbage Trucks: Operating in Richwood neighborhoods, these vehicles have limited visibility and frequent stops, making them high-risk for pedestrian and backing accidents.
• Concrete Mixers: The “slosh effect” of liquid concrete makes these some of the most rollover-prone vehicles on the road.
• Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS): The pressure to meet delivery quotas means these drivers often speed through residential Richwood streets.
• Rental Trucks (U-Haul, Penske): These are often driven by people with zero commercial training. If the rental company gave a 26,000-pound truck to an unqualified driver, they are liable.
• Oilfield Service Trucks: Water trucks, sand haulers, and crew transport vans from the nearby energy sector are a constant presence and a constant danger.

Injured by a company vehicle? We sue the company and the driver. Call (888) 288-9911.

Identifying All Liable Parties: Who Pays for Your Richwood Accident?

One of the biggest mistakes a lawyer can make is only suing the driver. In a major truck wreck, the driver’s insurance is never enough to cover catastrophic injuries. We cast a wide net to find every dollar of insurance available. Under the leadership of Ralph Manginello, we investigate:

1. The Trucking Company: Liable for the driver’s actions (Respondeat Superior) and for their own failure to hire/train/supervise.
2. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Companies like Dow or BASF may be liable if they required the truck to be loaded in an unsafe manner.
3. The Loading Company: If a third party loaded the cargo and it shifted during transit, they are on the hook.
4. The Maintenance Company: If a repair shop failed to fix a known brake issue.
5. Manufacturers: If a tire blew out or an airbag failed due to a design defect.
6. Freight Brokers: For negligently hiring a carrier with a “conditional” or poor safety rating.
7. Government Entities: If a known road defect in Richwood contributed to the crash.
8. Corporate Parent Companies: We have litigated against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and others. If their name is on the truck, they should be responsible for the damage it causes.

The Independent Contractor Defense

Amazon and FedEx Ground will tell you the driver wasn’t their employee. They use a shield of “independent contractors” to try and avoid paying for your injuries. We know how to pierce that shield. We use the Right-to-Control Test to prove that if the corporation controls the route, the uniform, the timing, and the driver’s methods, they are an employer in the eyes of the law.

Don’t let them hide behind paperwork. We find the person responsible. Call 888-ATTY-911.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: Your Case Depends on Speed

In Richwood, evidence at a truck accident scene disappears almost immediately. The Texas heat can degrade tire marks, and the next rainstorm can wash away debris.

What is at risk?

• ECM Data: The “Black Box” records your speed and braking. It can be overwritten in 30 days of normal driving if the truck is put back in service.
• ELD Logs: Federal law only requires these be kept for 6 months.
• Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets use AI cameras like Netradyne, but they only save clips when a “trigger” event occurs. Routine footage is often deleted in a matter of days.

Within 24 hours of you hiring us, we send a Spoliation Letter to the trucking carrier and their insurance company. This is a formal legal demand that they freeze all evidence. If they destroy data after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for an “adverse inference,” which tells the jury they can assume the destroyed evidence proved the company was guilty.

They are already building their defense. Let us start building your case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Recovery

A truck accident isn’t a small injury. When 40 tons hits 2 tons, the human body suffers in ways that take years to repair—if they can be repaired at all. Our firm has secured multi-million dollar results for victims with:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From “mild” concussions to permanent cognitive loss. Our recoveries in TBI cases have ranged from $1.5M to $9.8M.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis (quadriplegia/paraplegia) requires a lifetime of care. These cases regularly see results from $4.7M to over $25M.
• Amputations: Losing a limb means a lifetime of prosthetics and rehabilitation. Our range for these cases is $1.9M to $8.6M.
• Severe Burns: Whether from fuel fires or chemical exposure at the Freeport plants.
• Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration forces can rupture the spleen or liver even if there is no visible external bleeding.

The Hidden Cost: Psychological Trauma (PTSD)

Many victims in Richwood find that they are terrified to drive on Highway 288 after a crash. PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares are not just “emotions”—they are documented medical injuries. We fight for compensation for your mental anguish and lost enjoyment of life just as hard as we fight for your medical bills.

Your life changed in an instant. Let us fight to make it right. Call (888) 288-9911.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Why the Stakes are Higher

Victims often ask why they need an attorney with 25+ years of experience for a truck wreck. The answer is simple: the money involved. Commercial trucks carry massive insurance policies dictated by federal law:

• General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
• Oil and Large Equipment: $1,000,000 minimum.
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): $5,000,000 minimum.

Many larger carriers carry $10M to $50M in “umbrella” or excess coverage. However, the insurance adjusters for these policies are the elite of their profession. They aren’t going to hand over $5 million because they “feel bad.” They only pay when they are cornered.

Our associate, Lupe Peña, worked inside these companies. He knows that their first offer is a “lowball” designed to see if you are desperate. We never accept the first offer. We calculate your Total Lifetime Damages, including future surgeries, lost earning capacity, and the value of your pain and suffering.

Total Lifetime Losses

We don’t just look at today’s bills. If you are 40 years old and can no longer work your job at the plant, you haven’t lost a few weeks of pay—you’ve lost 25 years of income, retirement benefits, and career advancement. We bring in vocational experts and economists to prove exactly what that truck driver took from you.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Richwood Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a claim in Richwood?

In Texas, you generally have two years. However, you should call us within 48 hours to preserve evidence.

2. What if the accident happened on a private oilfield road?

These cases are complex. They involve the FMCSA (if on a public road) and OSHA (workplace safety standards). We understand the dual-jurisdiction framework of oilfield injuries.

3. Can I still recover money if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. We fight the insurance company’s attempts to blame you for the crash.

4. Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?

The trucking company won’t pay as you go. We can help you find vetted doctors in the Brazoria County area who will treat you on a “Letter of Protection” (LOP), meaning they get paid once your case settles.

5. Do I have to go to court?

About 95% of our cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it is going to a jury. When the insurance company knows we are ready to walk into the courtroom, they offer higher settlements.

6. What if the driver was high or drunk?

Commercial drivers have a lower legal limit (0.04 BAC) than car drivers. If they were impaired, we pursue punitive damages to punish the company for allowing them on the road.

7. I was hit by an Amazon van—who do I sue?

Depending on the facts, we sue the driver, the Delivery Service Partner (DSP), and Amazon directly. Amazon has four cameras in their vans; they know exactly what happened. We get that footage.

8. My spouse was killed in a truck crash in Richwood. What can I do?

We are so sorry for your loss. You may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover for lost income, funeral costs, and the loss of your loved one’s companionship.

9. What are “hidden damages”?

These include things like loss of consortium (the impact on your marriage), the value of household services you can no longer do, and the “hedonic” loss of activities you once loved.

10. How much does it cost to hire you?

Zero dollars upfront. We work on a contingency fee. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

Have more questions? We have answers 24/7. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Our Firm’s Proven Track Record for Texas Families

When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t hiring a “billboard lawyer.” You are hiring a boutique firm where you treat you like family. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

• $50 Million+ Recovered: We have a history of significant settlements.
• BP Explosion Litigation: Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in litigation against BP after the 2005 refinery disaster. We have the stamina for long, difficult corporate battles.
• Rejected Cases: Client Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm said no. We took the case and he walked away with a “handsome check.”
• The Insurance Advantage: With Lupe Peña’s background, we have the “inside scoop” on how to maximize your claim.

We serve families throughout Richwood, Lake Jackson, Clute, Freeport, and the surrounding areas. We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we are available to meet with you at your home or in the hospital in Richwood.

Contact Attorney911 Today — The Call Is Free

Do not let the trucking company write the story of your accident. They have already started their investigation—let us start ours. From the “black box” downloads to the multi-million dollar medical evaluations, we handle every detail so you can focus on getting your life back.

Remember:

1. No Fee Unless We Win.
2. 24/7 Availability.
3. 25+ Years of Experience.
4. Hablamos Español.

The trucking company has their legal team. Get yours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 right now.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to fight for Richwood. Your journey to justice starts with one phone call. 1-888-ATTY-911.