24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Brewster County

Brewster County Truck Accident & 18-Wheeler Lawyers: Attorney911 Combines Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years Fighting Corporations with a Former Insurance Defense Insider to Beat Great West Casualty and Old Republic. We Represent Victims of 80,000-Pound Walmart Semis, Halliburton Oilfield Tankers, Amazon Box Trucks, and Dump Trucks in Jackknife, Rollover, and Underride Crashes. Proven $50M+ Recovered: TBI ($5M+), Amputation ($3.8M+), and Wrongful Death Settlements. We Extract Samsara ELD Data and Motive Telematics Before the 30-Day Black Box Overwrite and Corporate Rapid-Response Teams Conceal Evidence. $750,000 Minimum Federal Insurance Exposed for Pedestrians, Motorcyclists, and Drivers Hit by Trucks—Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, 1-888-ATTY-911, Hablamos Español.

February 17, 2026 15 min read
brewster-county-featured-image.png

Brewster County Truck Accident Lawyer: Your 1-888-ATTY-911 Emergency Response Team

The impact was catastrophic. On a lonely stretch of US-90 outside of Alpine, or winding through the high-elevation curves of SH-118 in Brewster County, 80,000 pounds of steel doesn’t just hit a car—it changes a life forever. One moment, you were driving through the beautiful Big Bend region; the next, a jackknifed 18-wheeler or an overloaded oilfield water truck has turned your world upside down. You’re hurt, you’re overwhelmed, and you’re looking at a mountain of medical bills while the trucking company’s lawyers are already at the scene.

At Attorney911, we know exactly what you’re up against. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been the advocate Brewster County families turn to when disaster strikes. With over 25 years of trial experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph doesn’t just “handle” cases; he wins them. We aren’t just local attorneys; we are a high-stakes litigation team that has gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP during the Texas City refinery litigation.

When an 18-wheeler, an Amazon van, or a Halliburton service truck causes a wreck in Brewster County, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands the local terrain and the federal regulations that govern these massive vehicles. We know the roads from Marathon to Terlingua, and we know how to hold negligent companies accountable.

If you’ve been injured, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We are available 24/7 to handle your Brewster County trucking emergency.

Why Brewster County Truck Accidents Are Different

Brewster County is the largest county in Texas, spanning over 6,000 square miles of desert, mountains, and ranch land. While our views are spectacular, our roads are some of the most dangerous for commercial vehicle accidents. The combination of high-speed limit highways like US-90 and mountainous, winding roads like SH-118 creates a high-risk environment for 18-wheelers and commercial fleets.

The Problem of Remoteness and the “Golden Hour”

In Brewster County, the distance to a Level 1 trauma center can be hundreds of miles. When a truck accident occurs near Big Bend National Park or on the remote reaches of US-385, every minute counts. Trauma surgeons talk about the “Golden Hour”—the first 60 minutes after a catastrophic injury that often determines survival.

In Brewster County, responding to a truck wreck on a ranch road or a lease road involves extended response times for EMS and law enforcement. This means injuries like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord damage can become far worse before the victim even reaches a hospital in Alpine or is airlifted to a larger facility in El Paso or Odessa.

The Proximity to the Permian Basin

Though Brewster County is known for tourism, it sits right on the edge of the nation’s most active oilfield. We see a constant flow of heavy equipment, frac sand haulers, and crude oil tankers moving toward the Permian Basin. These trucks are often operated by drivers who have been on shift for 14 hours or more, pushing the limits of FMCSA hours-of-service regulations to meet production quotas for companies like Chevron or ExxonMobil.

Extreme Desert Conditions

Brewster County’s environment is brutal on heavy machinery. Extreme heat in the low desert areas near Lajitas can lead to catastrophic tire blowouts on 18-wheelers. On the other hand, the elevation changes in the Chisos and Davis Mountains mean that a truck’s braking system is constantly under stress. When a trucking company fails to maintain their fleet for these Brewster County conditions, innocent drivers pay the price.

Don’t wait for evidence to disappear. Call (888) 288-9911 today for a free evaluation of your Brewster County trucking case.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Insider Knowledge and Boardroom Experience

Most law firms see a truck accident as just a “big car wreck.” We know better. 18-wheeler litigation is a highly specialized field that requires deep knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations and a willingness to take on Fortune 500 defendants.

Our Secret Weapon: Lupe Peña’s Defense Background

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a unique advantage to every Brewster County truck accident case. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years defending insurance companies and learning exactly how they evaluate, minimize, and deny claims.

Lupe knows the “playbook” that insurers use to lowball victims. He understands the software they use to calculate settlements and the tactics they employ to shift blame onto you. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR the people of Brewster County. Having an attorney who knows how the other side thinks isn’t just a benefit—it’s an unfair advantage in negotiations and in the courtroom.

Hablamos Español: Direct Communication for our Brewster County Community

We are proud to serve the diverse population of West Texas. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, meaning we can communicate directly with our Spanish-speaking clients and their families without the need for interpreters. Whether you are more comfortable in English or Spanish, your voice will be heard.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Federal Trucking Regulations: The “Law of the Road” in Brewster County

Every 18-wheeler crashing through Brewster County is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and they are the key to proving that a trucking company was negligent.

49 CFR Part 395: The Battle Against Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is the leading cause of truck wrecks on Brewster County’s long, straight highways. Under Part 395, drivers are strictly limited to how long they can be behind the wheel. The 11-hour driving limit and the 14-hour on-duty window exist to ensure that drivers stay alert.

When we investigate a Brewster County crash, we immediately pull the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data. If a driver for a company like Walmart or Werner Enterprises pushed through their rest period to make a delivery deadline, we will find that violation and use it to build your case.

49 CFR Part 391: Qualified Drivers Only

Not everyone is fit to operate an 80,000-pound machine. Part 391 requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This includes their medical certificate, driving record, and drug test results. If a trucking company hired a driver with a history of alcohol abuse or a disqualifying medical condition, they are liable for “negligent hiring.”

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance is Not Optional

Brake failure on the mountain passes of Brewster County is a death sentence. Part 393 and 396 require systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. We look for proof of deferred maintenance—worn brake pads, underinflated tires, or faulty lights—that the company skipped to save a few dollars.

OSHA and Oilfield Safety (29 CFR 1910)

For accidents involving oilfield trucks, we look beyond the road. If your accident happened while loading or unloading equipment, OSHA standards apply. We have extensive experience with the dual-jurisdiction cases where both FMCSA and OSHA regulations have been ignored by oilfield operators.

The trucking company has already started their investigation. You need to start yours. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Common Truck Accident Types in Brewster County

Because of our unique geography, Brewster County sees specific types of commercial vehicle accidents that require a specialized approach.

1. Rollovers on Mountain Curves

Rollovers are frequent on SH-118 and the winding roads leading to the Big Bend. High centers of gravity combined with shifting cargo and excessive speed on curves are a deadly mix. Whether it’s a top-heavy crude tanker or a cattle hauler, these wrecks often result in crushed vehicles and catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

2. Rear-End Collisions from Highway Speed

On US-90, the speed limits are high and the distances are long. A fatigued driver in a heavy semi-truck who doesn’t notice traffic slowing down or a car turning into a ranch entrance can cause a rear-end collision with the force of an explosion. A fully loaded truck at highway speed needs more than 500 feet to stop—that’s almost two football fields.

3. Oilfield Water Truck and Sand Hauler Spills

The “oil patch” activity nearby means Brewster County is home to sand haulers and produced water trucks. When these tanks leak or the cargo shifts, it can lead to immediate loss of control or hazardous material spills. We have experience holding companies like Pioneer and Halliburton accountable for failures in cargo securement (Part 393).

4. Jackknife Accidents in Adverse Weather

While West Texas is generally dry, sudden summer monsoons or winter ice can make Brewster County roads incredibly slick. When a driver brakes improperly on these surfaces, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab—a jackknife—sweeping across all lanes of traffic and trapping everyone in its path.

5. Corporate Delivery Fleet Accidents (Amazon, Walmart, FedEx)

Amazon delivers 10 billion packages a year, and their blue vans are now a constant sight on the streets of Alpine. Amazon often tries to hide behind their “Independent Service Partner” (DSP) model, claiming they aren’t responsible for the driver. We know how to pierce that shield and find the corporate liability for the delivery quotas and pressure that cause these neighborhood wrecks.

Whatever the causes, your family deserves justice. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and let our family fight for yours.

Identifying All Liable Parties: Casting a Wide Net

Most lawyers only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we investigate every party that touched that truck or the cargo it was carrying. More liable parties meant more insurance coverage to pay for your catastrophic injuries.

  • The Driver: For direct negligence, fatigue, or distraction.
  • The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring.
  • The Oilfield Operator: For creating dangerous worksite conditions or hiring unsafe contractors.
  • The Cargo Shipper: For improperly loading or overloading the trailer.
  • The Maintenance Company: For failing to repair braking or steering systems.
  • The Manufacturer: If a tire blowout or brake failure was caused by a design or manufacturing defect.
  • The Corporate Parent: Like Amazon or FedEx, for setting unsafe delivery metrics.
  • The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.

We leave no stone unturned. Call (888) 288-9911 for a free Brewster County case review.

Catastrophic Injuries: What is Your Family’s Future Worth?

A truck wreck isn’t a “fender bender.” It is a violent, life-altering event. We have secured multi-million dollar results for victims facing the toughest recoveries of their lives.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Whether it’s a mild concussion or a severe brain injury, TBI changes how you think, feel, and interact with the world. Our firm has recovered settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range for TBI victims. We work with neurologists and life care planners to ensure your settlement covers a lifetime of cognitive therapy and support.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When the roof of a car collapses under a truck’s trailer, the spine is often the first to go. Paralysis resulting from a truck wreck can require a lifetime of care. We have seen spinal cord injury settlements reach the $4.7M to $25.8M range.

Amputation and Loss of Limb

Losing a limb in a Brewster County wreck is a devastating trauma. We recovered $3.8 million for a client who faced medical complications leading to an amputation. We fight for the cost of top-tier prosthetics and occupational therapy that allows you to regain your independence.

Wrongful Death

No amount of money can bring back a loved one killed on a Brewster County highway. However, a wrongful death claim can provide for the children left behind and hold the negligent company publicly accountable. Settlements for these tragic cases often fall in the $1.9M to $9.5M range.

As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We will do the same for you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Trucking companies are in the business of protecting their bottom line. Within hours of a wreck in Brewster County, their insurance adjusters are often at the scene to “interpret” evidence.

Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days or less. ELD logs can be “lost.” Maintenance records can be altered. This is why we send a formal Spoliation Letter immediately. This legal notice demands the preservation of:

  • ECM (Engine Control Module) data showing speed and braking.
  • ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data showing hours of service.
  • Driver Qualification Files and training records.
  • In-cab dashcam and Netradyne camera footage.
  • Company dispatch and GPS route records.

The clock is ticking. Call 888-ATTY-911 before the evidence gets “erased.”

Commercial Truck Insurance: Accessing the Deep Pockets

In a normal Brewster County car accident, you might be limited by a $30,000 policy. Trucking is different. Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) requires massive insurance minimums:

  • $750,000 for general freight.
  • $1,000,000 for oil and heavy equipment hauls.
  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

Large corporate fleets like Walmart or Sysco often carry much more—sometimes over $100 million in “excess” or “umbrella” coverage. However, these companies are often self-insured, meaning every dollar they pay you comes directly off their balance sheet. They will fight tooth and nail to keep that money. You need an attorney like Ralph Manginello, who has litigated against Fortune 500 giants and won.

Brewster County Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Brewster County?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for cases involving government vehicles or specific types of commercial liability, you must move much faster. In reality, you should contact us within 48 hours to ensure evidence is preserved.

2. Can I sue a trucking company if I was partially at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar). This means as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove the truck driver’s primary responsibility.

3. What if I was hit by an Amazon delivery van in Alpine?

Amazon uses a complicated contractor system to try and avoid responsibility. We know the tactics to pierce that “independent contractor” shield. We look at the level of control Amazon exercises through their monitoring apps and delivery schedules to prove they are the true employer.

4. How much does a Brewster County truck accident lawyer cost?

At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are zero upfront costs for you. We pay for all the investigation, the experts, and the court fees. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

5. Why should I choose Attorney911 over a big billboard firm?

Big “mill” firms often treat clients like file numbers, handing cases off to paralegals. Ralph Manginello spent 25 years building a firm based on personal attention. As client Dame Haskett said, “Ralph reached out personally.” We treat our clients like family and prepare every Brewster County case as if it is going to a jury trial.

Your Fight for Justice Starts with One Call

An 18-wheeler wreck in Brewster County is a devastating event, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you were hit by a semi-truck on US-67 or injured by an oilfield hauler near Marathon, the team at Attorney911 is ready to respond. We have the federal court experience, the multi-million dollar track record, and the insider insurance knowledge to secure the future your family deserves.

Don’t let the trucking company dictate your recovery. Take control of your case today.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for your 100% free, no-obligation consultation. Our Brewster County emergency legal team is standing by 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911