Coleman County Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Litigation Guide

The impact of an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is unlike any other event on the road. In an instant, a routine drive through Coleman County can turn into a life-altering catastrophe. When a tractor-trailer, a delivery van, or a heavy dump truck slams into a passenger car, the physics are unforgiving. At Attorney911, we understand that you aren’t just dealing with a “car wreck”—you’re dealing with a legal emergency that requires immediate, aggressive, and professional intervention.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the courtroom holding powerful trucking companies accountable. Since 1998, he has gone head-to-head with some of the largest corporations and insurance carriers in the world. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has recovered over $50 million for families whose lives were shattered by negligence. When you call us after a collision in Coleman County, you aren’t just getting a lawyer; you’re getting a dedicated team that treats you like family. 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.”

The fight for justice starts immediately. While you are recovering from your injuries, the trucking company has already deployed a rapid-response team to the scene in Coleman County. They are gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and looking for ways to blame you. We move just as fast. We send formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours to ensure that “black box” data, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records, and dashcam footage aren’t “accidentally” overwritten or destroyed.

If you have been hurt on US-84, US-283, or any road throughout Coleman County, your future depends on the steps you take right now. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

The Force of a Commercial Collision in Coleman County

To understand why truck accidents in Coleman County result in such devastating injuries, one must look at the sheer physics involved. A standard passenger vehicle weighs approximately 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This 20-to-1 weight disparity means that in a collision, the smaller vehicle absorbs nearly all the kinetic energy.

Furthermore, the stopping distance for a commercial vehicle is significantly longer than that of a car. A semi-truck traveling at 65 mph on a highway in Coleman County requires approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop—nearly two full football fields. When a driver is fatigued, distracted, or operating a truck with poorly maintained brakes, they simply cannot stop in time to avoid a disaster.

Our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, has spent more than two decades investigating these dynamics. He has litigated against Fortune 500 giants like Walmart, Amazon, and BP, securing multi-million dollar settlements for victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), amputations, and wrongful death. Whether your accident involved a jackknifed rig on US-67 or a delivery van in a residential neighborhood of Coleman County, we have the technical expertise and the financial resources to prove exactly what happened.

Why Experience Matters: The Insurance Defense Advantage

In the world of commercial trucking litigation, insurance companies use every tactic in the book to minimize payouts. They know exactly how much your claim is worth, and their goal is to pay you the bare minimum—or nothing at all. This is where Attorney911 offers an “unfair advantage” to our clients in Coleman County.

Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who previously worked for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years on the inside, learning the formulas adjusters use to value claims and the manipulation tactics they use to get victims to say things that hurt their cases. Today, he uses that “playbook” knowledge to fight against the insurers. He knows when they are lowballing you and when they are bluffing about their liability.

Beyond his insider knowledge, Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation to the Hispanic community in Coleman County without the need for an interpreter. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

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 don’t back down from difficult cases, and we don’t settle for less than you deserve.

FMCSA Regulations: How We Prove Negligence in Coleman County

Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When a trucking company or driver violates these rules in Coleman County, it is often the direct cause of an accident.

Proving a violation of these federal statutes is often the key to establishing negligence per se. We meticulously examine every record to find where the company cut corners.

Hours of Service (HOS) Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue is the silent killer on the roads of Coleman County. Long-haul drivers are often under intense pressure from their employers to “push through” and meet delivery windows. However, federal law is clear:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Limit: A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

When we handle a case in Coleman County, we subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data. If that data shows a driver was behind the wheel for 16 hours straight before hitting you on US-84, that is powerful evidence of negligence that can lead to significant settlements.

Driver Qualification and Training (49 CFR Part 391)

A trucking company has a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. Under Part 391, carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This includes their medical examiner’s certificate, their motor vehicle record (MVR), and their road test results.

If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple speeding tickets and put them on the roads of Coleman County, they can be held liable for negligent hiring. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a 25-year track record of exposing companies that prioritize cheap labor over public safety.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 CFR Part 396)

Every commercial motor vehicle operating in Coleman County must be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained.

• Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers must satisfy themselves that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before starting their shift.
• Brake Systems (§ 393.40): Brakes must be adjusted and functioning on all wheels.
• Tires (§ 393.75): Tires must have adequate tread depth and be free of leaks or visible damage.

Brake failure accounts for nearly 30% of all truck crashes. If a trucking company skipped an annual inspection or deferred maintenance on a rig that failed in Coleman County, they are responsible for the damage that follows.

Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Coleman County

No two accidents are the same, and the mechanics of a crash often dictate the types of injuries sustained. At Attorney911, we handle the full spectrum of commercial vehicle accidents throughout Coleman County.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock or lose traction, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. On the two-lane farm-to-market roads of Coleman County, a jackknifed trailer can block every lane of traffic, leaving oncoming drivers with nowhere to go. These are often caused by improper braking on slick surfaces or unbalanced cargo.

Rollover Crashes

Large trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a curve too fast on a rural road in Coleman County, or if their cargo shifts during a sudden maneuver, the entire vehicle can roll. Rollovers are particularly deadly because they often result in the cab or trailer crushing smaller vehicles.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrifying accident type is the underride. This happens when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a trailer. Because the trailer is at windshield level, these collisions frequently lead to decapitations or severe traumatic brain injuries. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with properly manufactured “Mansfield bars” or rear impact guards as required by federal law.

Rear-End Collisions and Driver Fatigue

Given the heavy freight traffic through Coleman County, rear-end collisions are common. A fatigued driver may fail to notice traffic slowing down for a turn or a construction zone. When a 40-ton vehicle hits a sedan from behind, the car is often propelled into additional vehicles or crushed against an embankment.

Cargo Spills and Overweight Loads

Coleman County sees significant agricultural and industrial transport. Overweight trucks strain their braking systems and tires, making them far more difficult to control. Furthermore, improperly secured cargo—whether it is cattle, gravel, or oilfield equipment—can fall onto the roadway, causing chain-reaction pileups for the drivers behind them.

Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents

Every 18-wheeler has four major blind spots: directly in front, directly behind, and on both sides (especially the right side). Drivers are required to check their mirrors and use caution during lane changes. If a truck “merged into you” or “didn’t see you” in Coleman County, the driver likely violated Part 392 of the FMCSA regulations regarding safe lane changes.

Specialized Commercial Vehicle Litigation in Coleman County

While 18-wheelers get the most attention, any large commercial vehicle can cause a catastrophe. Our firm handles cases involving every type of “company truck” on the road.

Delivery Van and Box Truck Accidents

Amazon, FedEx, and UPS have revolutionized delivery, but they have also flooded the streets of Coleman County with drivers who are often rushed and undertrained. Ralph Manginello has extensive experience litigating against these corporate giants.

• Amazon Delivery Vans: Amazon often tries to hide behind its “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model, claiming they aren’t responsible for the driver because they were a “contractor.” We know how to pierce that shield by showing the extreme level of control Amazon exercises over their routes and schedules.
• FedEx and UPS: These vehicles are in residential neighborhoods and busy commercial districts every day. We hold them accountable for backing accidents, blind spot collisions, and distracted driving.

Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers

Construction is a constant in Central Texas. Loaded dump trucks in Coleman County can weigh 60,000 pounds or more. They often operate on narrow roads and are prone to rollovers and tire blowouts from being consistently overloaded. Concrete mixers carry a “sloshing” liquid load that makes them inherently unstable. If one of these construction vehicles hit you, we investigate the hiring contractor and the vehicle’s maintenance logs.

Rental Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)

One of the most dangerous scenarios on Coleman County roads is a civilian driving a 26-foot U-Haul with zero commercial training. These trucks don’t require a CDL, yet they carry the same risks as a commercial box truck. We investigate whether the rental company was negligent in renting to an unqualified driver or if they failed to maintain the vehicle’s brakes or tires.

Oilfield and Energy Sector Trucking

If your accident occurred in the northern or western reaches of Coleman County, it may have involved an oilfield vehicle. Water trucks, frac sand haulers, and crew transport vans are a constant presence. These drivers often work 14-hour shifts and travel on unpaved lease roads before entering public highways. These cases often involve both FMCSA violations and OSHA safety failures. Ralph Manginello’s experience in BP refinery litigation gives him a unique perspective on the energy industry’s specific hazards.

Bus and Public Transit Accidents

Whether it’s a school bus, a charter coach, or a transit vehicle, accidents involving multiple passengers require a specialized legal approach. We understand the sovereign immunity issues that arise when a government entity is involved in Coleman County, and we move quickly to meet the shortened notice deadlines required for government tort claims.

Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorcyclists

Not every victim of a truck accident in Coleman County is inside a car. We also represent those who were most exposed at the time of the crash.

• Pedestrians: A pedestrian struck by a truck has nearly a 0% chance of escaping without permanent, catastrophic injury. Many of these occur when delivery trucks back up without a spotter or through a crosswalk.
• Cyclists: The “right hook” is a common killer—a truck turns right across a bike lane in Coleman County, never seeing the cyclist in their blind spot.
• Motorcyclists: Because trucks generate massive wind turbulence and have huge blind spots, motorcyclists are at extreme risk. The weight differential is nearly 100-to-1.

Identifying All Liable Parties: Looking Beyond the Driver

Most law firms only look at the driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery in Coleman County, we must cast the widest possible net. There are often up to 16 different parties who may share responsibility for your injuries:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or drinking.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): For vicarious liability and negligent hiring.
3. The Corporate Parent (e.g., Walmart or Amazon): For setting unsafe policies or exercising excessive control over contractors.
4. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For requesting an overweight or unsafe load.
5. The Loading Company: If shifting cargo caused a rollover in Coleman County.
6. The Maintenance Provider: If a third-party shop failed to fix the brakes properly.
7. The Truck Manufacturer: If a tire defect or a failing steering column caused the crash.
8. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective component parts.
9. The Freight Broker: For hiring a “bottom-tier” carrier with a history of safety violations.
10. The Oilfield Operator: For maintaining unsafe lease roads or worksites.
11. Staffing Agencies: If they provided an unqualified driver to a carrier.
12. Rental Companies: For negligent entrustment or maintenance.
13. Government Entities: If a road design defect in Coleman County contributed.
14. Transit Agencies: For bus and passenger vehicle issues.
15. The Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved.
16. The Truck Owner: In some complex lease situations.

By identifying every liable party, we can “stack” insurance policies. A single driver may only have $750,000 in coverage, but the corporate parent or cargo owner may have $10 million or more in excess coverage. We find every dollar available to help you heal.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The Clock is Ticking in Coleman County

The most important advice we can give any victim in Coleman County is this: Do not wait. Every hour that passes is an opportunity for the defense to hide the truth.

• ECM/Black Box Data: This data shows if the driver hit the brakes or was speeding. Most systems overwrite this data in 30 days. If the truck is put back in service and driven, that data is gone forever.
• ELD Electronic Logs: Federal law only requires these logs to be kept for 6 months. Trucking companies often “lose” them as soon as the standard retention period ends.
• Dashcam Video: Modern corporate fleets like Amazon and Walmart use AI cameras (Netradyne/DriveCam). This footage is often deleted within 7–14 days unless a formal hold is placed on it.
• Physical Evidence: The truck itself may be sold or repaired within weeks.

The moment you hire us, we send a comprehensive spoliation letter to every company involved in your Coleman County wreck. We demand that they stop repairs, preserve all electronic data, and protect the driver qualification and maintenance files. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” instructions, telling the jury to assume the evidence was bad for the company.

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery

A truck accident doesn’t just cause bruises; it changes your biology. We work with the top medical experts and life-care planners in Texas to build the full medical picture of your case in Coleman County.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs are frequent in 18-wheeler accidents due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head. Even a “mild” concussion can lead to permanent cognitive deficits, personality changes, and memory loss. Severe TBIs may require lifelong care. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims, with results ranging from $1.5M to over $9.8M.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When the impact force is great enough to snap a car’s frame, it is easily great enough to fracture a human spine. A C-level or T-level injury can result in permanent quadriplegia or paraplegia. These cases carry massive lifetime costs for rehabilitation, home modifications, and 24/7 nursing care. We have seen spinal settlements reach $25M+ for catastrophic cases.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

The weight of a commercial vehicle can literally crush a limb beyond the point of medical repair. Amputation is a life-long injury requiring constant prosthetic replacement (at $5,000–$50,000 per limb) and intense physical therapy. We have secured amputation settlements in the $1.9M to $8.6M range.

Burn Injuries and Internal Organ Damage

Fuel tank ruptures lead to high-intensity fires. Third- and fourth-degree burns leave permanent scarring and require dozens of painful skin graft surgeries. Simultaneously, the “blunt force trauma” of a truck crash often results in ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, and punctured lungs.

Wrongful Death in Coleman County

We offer our deepest condolences to families who have lost a loved one. Under Texas law, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for the loss of income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Our firm has recovered between $1.9M and $9.5M for grieving families in these tragic cases.

Damages: What Can You Actually Recover?

When we file a lawsuit for a truck accident in Coleman County, we seek three distinct types of damages for you:

1. Economic Damages: These are the calculable losses. They include every hospital bill, every cent of lost wages, the loss of your future earning capacity, and the property value of your vehicle.
2. Non-Economic Damages: This covers the “human cost.” Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. As client Glenda Walker said, we fight to get you “every dime” you deserve.
3. Punitive Damages: In cases of “gross negligence”—such as a driver who was high on meth or a company that intentionally put a truck with no brakes on the road—we ask the jury to punish the company. These damages are designed to send a message that this conduct is not tolerated in Coleman County.

Texas Law and Your Case in Coleman County

It is critical to understand the specific laws that govern your claim in the State of Texas:

• Statute of Limitations: In Coleman County, you generally have only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to recovery is lost forever.
• Modified Comparative Negligence: Texas follows the “51% Bar Rule.” This means you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were 50% or less responsible. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is why having an attorney like Lupe Peña—who knows the insurance company’s tricks to shift blame onto you—is so vital.

FAQ: Your Questions About Coleman County Truck Accidents

What is the first thing I should do after being hit by a truck in Coleman County?
Seek medical attention immediately. Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care. After that, do not speak to any insurance adjusters and call 1-888-ATTY-911. We need to begin preserving evidence right away.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Absolutely nothing out of pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all the costs of the investigation, the expert witnesses, and the court filings. We only collect a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a penny for our time.

Can I sue the company whose name was on the side of the truck?
Yes. Whether it was a Walmart truck, an Amazon van, or a Halliburton water hauler, we can often sue the corporate parent. This is critical because these companies are “solvent defendants” with deep pockets and high insurance limits.

How long will my truck accident case take in Coleman County?
It varies based on the complexity and your medical recovery. Simple cases may resolve in 6–12 months, while catastrophic injury cases requiring extensive litigation can take 2–3 years. We never recommend settling until we know the full extent of your future medical needs.

What if the truck driver was from another state?
Interstate trucking is common on the highways of Coleman County. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is licensed in both Texas and New York and has federal court admission. We have the capability to litigate against out-of-state companies and drivers in both state and federal courts.

Does a “No Insurance” sign on the truck mean I can’t recover?
No. This is a common tactic to discourage lawsuits. Under the MCS-90 endorsement required by federal law, commercial carriers must have insurance or bonds that guarantee payment for public liability, regardless of what the sign on the truck says.

What if I have PTSD and am afraid to drive after my accident in Coleman County?
Mental anguish and PTSD are 100% compensable injuries. We work with mental health professionals to document the psychological toll the crash has taken on your life.

Is a herniated disc considered a serious injury?
Absolutely. Insurance companies will try to call it “soft tissue” or “degenerative,” but a herniated disc often requires spinal injections or surgery and leads to lifelong chronic pain. We fight these lowball characterizations every day.

What is the average settlement for an 18-wheeler accident in Coleman County?
There is no “average” because every case is unique. However, because of the high insurance requirements ($750k–$5M), trucking settlements are significantly higher than standard car accident settlements. We have recovered multi-million dollar results for many clients.

Can I recover for “loss of consortium”?
Yes. This is a claim for the impact the injury has had on your relationship with your spouse. The loss of intimacy, companionship, and shared family duties are real damages under Texas law.

Will I have to go to court?
Most cases—about 95%—settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it is going to a jury. Insurance companies only offer fair settlements when they know the attorney on the other side is a real trial lawyer who isn’t afraid of the courtroom. Ralph Manginello is a 25-year veteran of the trial process.

What if the accident involved an oilfield sand truck or water hauler?
These are high-value cases. Oil company fleet accidents in Coleman County involve specific OSHA and industry standards. We investigate whether the company’s production schedule created “unreasonable fatigue” for the driver.

Should I take the first settlement offer the insurance company sent me?
NO. First offers are almost always “nuisance” offers designed to close the file before you realize you need surgery or have a permanent disability. Never sign a release without a free evaluation from an attorney.

How does my lawyer prove the truck driver was on drugs or alcohol?
We subpoena the post-accident drug and alcohol test results that the FMCSA requires carriers to conduct after any significant crash in Coleman County. We also look for patterns of substance abuse in the driver’s history.

What if I was a passenger in the truck that crashed?
You have the same rights to recovery as a driver in another vehicle. Often, passengers in commercial vehicles face even greater risks during rollovers and jackknifes.

Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?
We can help you set up “Letters of Protection” (LOPs) with medical providers in the Coleman County area or in nearby hubs like Abilene or Brownwood. This allows you to get the treatment you need now and have the doctor wait to be paid out of the final settlement.

What is a “nuclear verdict”?
This is a term used by insurance companies to describe jury awards that exceed $10 million. They happen when a company’s conduct is so reckless that a jury decides to send a massive financial message. We have been involved in litigating cases that fall into this category.

Does Lupe Peña really know how insurance companies think?
Yes. Having worked as a national insurance defense attorney, he sat in on the meetings where they decided which claims to fight and which to settle. He knows the algorithms they use to devalue your suffering. That is your competitive edge.

Can I sue for “negligent maintenance” even if the driver was safe?
Yes. If a tire blows out on US-283 because the company used a retread tire on a steer axle (a major safety violation), the driver might not have been able to prevent the crash, but the company is 100% liable for the equipment failure.

Is Coleman County a good place for a personal injury lawsuit?
Juries in rural Texas counties like Coleman County increasingly recognize that trucking companies must be held to a high standard. When a corporate giant endangers their community, local jurors are often willing to hold them fully accountable.

Contact Attorney911: Your Coleman County Legal First Responders

A trucking accident is a traumatic, life-altering experience. Your family shouldn’t have to navigate the complex maze of federal regulations, insurance stacking, and corporate defense tactics alone. You need someone with the experience of Ralph Manginello and the insider knowledge of Lupe Peña.

We have recovered more than $50 million for our clients, and we are ready to fight for you. We take cases other firms reject, and we solve in months what others couldn’t handle in years. As client Greg Garcia said, “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello Law Firm were able to help me out.”

The trucking company’s team is already working. It’s time to start working on your side. Whether you were hit by a Walmart rig, an Amazon delivery van, or a local dump truck, your fight for justice starts with one call.

Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to serve the residents of Coleman County. Don’t let your evidence disappear. Don’t let the insurance adjuster win. Call the “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” and get the powerful, proven representation you deserve. No fee unless we win. Consultation is free.

Contact Information

• Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: Attorney911.com
• Hablamos Español.

Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Because when disaster strikes in Coleman County, every second counts.