New Braunfels Truck Accident Lawyer

Everything changes in a heartbeat when 80,000 pounds of steel collides with your vehicle on I-35 or Highway 46. One second, you’re navigating the usual New Braunfels traffic near the Town Center or Gruene; the next, you’re facing a life-altering legal emergency. The trucking company already has a team of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their profits. You need a powerhouse in your corner. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years making commercial carriers pay for the devastation they cause.

New Braunfels is no stranger to heavy truck traffic. Positioned directly between San Antonio and Austin, our city serves as a critical artery for the I-35 corridor. With the massive Walmart Distribution Center on FM 1101 and constant last-mile delivery traffic from Amazon hubs in Schertz and San Marcos, the risk of a commercial vehicle accident is a daily reality for New Braunfels residents. Whether you were hit by a long-haul 18-wheeler, an Amazon Prime van, or a gravel truck serving one of our many construction sites, our team knows how to hold them accountable.

We don’t just know the law; we know how the other side thinks. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who once worked for the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook, their “lowball” formulas, and the tactics they use to blame you for an accident that was clearly the trucker’s fault. We use this insider knowledge as an unfair advantage for our clients in New Braunfels and across Comal County. If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why You Need a New Braunfels 18-Wheeler Accident Specialist

Think a truck accident is just a “big car wreck?” Think again. In a standard car crash, you usually deal with one driver and one insurance policy. In a New Braunfels truck accident, you are fighting a multi-layered corporate machine. You might be up against the driver, the carrier, a third-party maintenance contractor, a freight broker, and even the manufacturer of a defective brake system.

Ralph Manginello has been fighting these battles since 1998. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, meaning he brings federal court experience to every case. This is critical because most New Braunfels trucking accidents involve the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA). You need a lawyer who can walk into a courtroom and prove exactly how a carrier violated 49 CFR Part 395 by pushing a fatigued driver past their legal hours of service.

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and amputations. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every New Braunfels case with that level of personal commitment because we know that for you, this isn’t just a legal file—it’s your life.

Learn more about the stakes in our video guide: The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries.

Texas Trucking Laws: The Rules That Govern Your Case in New Braunfels

Navigating a claim in New Braunfels requires a deep understanding of Texas-specific statutes. Unlike some states with longer windows, Texas has a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you don’t file within two years of the date of the accident on an I-35 frontage road or a Comal County highway, you lose your right to pursue compensation forever.

We also have to navigate Texas’s “modified comparative negligence” rule, also known as the 51% bar. In New Braunfels, if a jury decides you were 51% or more at fault for the crash, you recover nothing. If you are 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%. Trucking insurance adjusters in New Braunfels know this rule well, and they will try every trick in the book to shift the blame onto you. They might claim you were speeding or that you were in the truck’s “No-Zone.” Our former insurance defense insight allows us to anticipate these arguments and shut them down with objective evidence, like Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data and highway camera footage.

Whether your accident happened near Landa Park or out on the high-speed stretches of I-10 near Seguin, we apply these laws to maximize your recovery. You can see how we handle these complexities in our guide: How Much Will I Get Paid? What is The Average Personal Injury Settlement?.

FMCSA Regulations: Proving Negligence in New Braunfels

When an 18-wheeler slams into a car on Loop 337, we don’t just look at the point of impact. We look at the federal rules the trucking company broke. The FMCSA (49 CFR) dictates almost every move a commercial carrier makes. Our investigation into your New Braunfels accident will focus on these critical violations:

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Driver fatigue is the silent killer on Texas highways. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th consecutive hour on duty. In New Braunfels, we often find that drivers coming from distant distribution hubs in Houston or Laredo are being pressured to “beat the clock.” We subpoena ELD logs immediately to see if the driver was illegally behind the wheel at the time of your crash.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. We check if the carrier hired a driver with a history of DUIs, high-speed accidents, or a suspended CDL. If a company puts an unqualified driver on New Braunfels roads, they are liable for “negligent hiring.”

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Was the truck’s braking system properly adjusted before it entered Comal County? 29% of truck crashes involve brake failure. Under Part 396, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. If we find that a carrier deferred maintenance to save a few dollars—leading to a catastrophic brake failure on an I-35 off-ramp—we hold them fully responsible.

Explore how these regulations protect you in: The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Types in New Braunfels

New Braunfels sees a diverse mix of commercial traffic. Each type of truck brings unique risks and requires a specific legal strategy.

18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Wrecks

The sheer mass of an 80,000-pound big rig means that any impact is potentially fatal. Common scenarios in New Braunfels include jackknifes on wet pavement after a sudden Hill Country rain or underride collisions where a smaller vehicle is trapped beneath a trailer.

Amazon and Delivery Van Accidents

As New Braunfels grows, so does the volume of delivery vans. Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability, claiming the drivers are independent contractors. We know how to pierce that shield. Amazon controls the routes, the quotas, and monitors the drivers via AI cameras. We’ve litigated against companies like Amazon and FedEx before, and we know that the “contractor” label doesn’t exempt them from responsiblity.

Dump Truck and Construction Vehicle Wrecks

With the massive development along Highway 46 and the I-35 corridor, dump trucks and concrete mixers are everywhere. These trucks are often overloaded, making them prone to rollovers and extended stopping distances. If a concrete mixer serving a new New Braunfels subdivision caused your wreck, their 90-minute delivery window might be the reason for the driver’s reckless speed.

Oilfield Truck Accidents

While New Braunfels isn’t the heart of the oil patch, we are a major transit point for equipment haulers and tankers moving toward the Eagle Ford Shale. These trucks often carry hazardous materials and operate under brutal schedules. We understand the dual jurisdiction of FMCSA and OSHA that often applies to these vehicles.

Learn about the physics of these crashes: Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer.

The 16 Liable Parties: Why Our Investigation Goes Deeper

Most New Braunfels lawyers only look at the driver. We look at the entire supply chain. To get you the maximum settlement, we identify every party that contributed to the crash:

The Driver: For direct negligence like distraction or speeding.
The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and HOS pressure.
The Cargo Owner: If shifting cargo caused a jackknife.
The Loading Company: For improperly securing an 80,000-pound load.
The Truck Manufacturer: For defective steering or lighting systems.
The Parts Manufacturer: For faulty tires or brake components.
The Maintenance Company: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of a dangerous carrier.
The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to the carrier.
Government Entities: If poor road design or unmaintained signals in New Braunfels contributed.
Corporate Parent Companies: Holding brands like Walmart accountable for their fleet’s actions.
Oilfield Operators: If the accident involved a contractor on an oil site.
Staffing Companies: For providing unqualified or medically unfit drivers.
Rental Truck Companies: Like U-Haul or Penske, if they rented to an unfit driver.
Public Transit/School Districts: For bus-related accidents.
The Federal Government: For accidents involving USPS or military vehicles.

By identifying multiple defendants, we can “stack” insurance policies. More defendants mean more resources available to cover your lifetime medical needs.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In the world of trucking litigation, “later” is too late. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is likely at the scene before you’ve even been discharged from the hospital. They’re recording statements, taking photos from angles that favor them, and sometimes even beginning the process of “clearing” unfavorable digital data.

Within 24 to 48 hours of you hiring us, we send out formal spoliation letters. These letters put the carrier on legal notice that they must preserve:

Engine Control Module (ECM) Data: The “black box” that records speed and braking.
ELD Logs: Proving if the driver was over their hours.
Netradyne/In-Cab Footage: Many Amazon and Walmart trucks have cameras that record the driver’s behavior.
Maintenance Files: Showing if they ignored brake or tire issues.

If they destroy this evidence after receiving our letter, we can seek “adverse inference” sanctions in court, meaning the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence proved the company was negligent. In New Braunfels, we move fast because your case depends on it.

See why speed matters: I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Life Impact

We understand that a truck accident in New Braunfels isn’t just a legal claim—it’s a physical and emotional trauma. The weight of an 18-wheeler ensures that injuries are rarely “minor.” Our firm has extensive experience handling:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can change your personality, your memory, and your ability to work. We work with neurologists to document the full neurocognitive impact of your crash. Recoveries for TBI can range from $1.5M to nearly $10M depending on severity.

Spinal Cord Injury

Paralysis—whether paraplegia or quadriplegia—requires a lifetime of care. We hire life care planners to calculate the tens of millions of dollars you will need for home modifications, specialized vehicles, and 24/7 nursing.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Losing a limb in a side-impact or underride crash near New Braunfels requires advanced prosthetics and painful rehabilitation. Our firm has secured settlements exceeding $8M for amputation victims.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a spouse, parent, or child in a Comal County truck wreck, no settlement can replace them. However, a wrongful death claim provides the financial security your family needs to survive the loss of income and the cost of the future. Our results for wrongful death cases often reach into the multi-millions.

Discover more in our video: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits.

Insurance Minimums and Damage Payouts in Texas

Trucking companies are required by federal law to carry substantial insurance. While a typical New Braunfels driver might have a $30,000 policy, 18-wheelers carry:

$750,000 for basic cargo.
$1 Million for heavy equipment or oil.
$5 Million for hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

Large corporate fleets like Walmart or Sysco often carry umbrella policies worth tens of millions. Our job is to find the money. We pursue three types of damages:

Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?.
Punitive Damages: When we prove gross negligence—like a company knowing a driver was on meth or that their brakes were non-functional.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Braunfels Truck Accident Victims

How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler lawyer in New Braunfels?
You pay us zero up-front costs. At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all the money for experts, investigators, and court filings. We only get paid if we win your case. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing for our time.

How long do I have to file a claim in Comal County?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the crash. However, for cases involving government vehicles or children, the rules can change. You should consult us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to prevent missing a deadline.

What if the truck driver says I was in their blind spot?
Truckers are trained to “clear” their blind spots and use their mirrors. Modern trucks often have sensors and cameras. If they hit you during a lane change on I-35, it’s usually because they failed to use the tools provided or weren’t paying attention. We check the truck’s equipment records to see if their safety tech was working.

I was hit by an Amazon van in my neighborhood. Who is responsible?
Amazon’s DSP model is a favorite defense for them. They will try to tell you to sue a small company with limited assets. We fight to hold Amazon responsible by proving the degree of control they exercise over every delivery in New Braunfels.

What if the accident involved multiple vehicles on I-35?
Pileups are common during fog or heavy rain in the Hill Country. These cases are complex because multiple insurance companies will try to point the finger at each other. We use accident reconstruction experts to map out the exact sequence of events and identify the “first negligent actor”—the one who started the chain reaction.

Can I sue the company if the driver was drunk or high?
YES. 49 CFR Part 382 requires carriers to perform random drug and alcohol testing. If a company failed to test their driver or ignored a pattern of substance abuse, we can pursue punitive damages designed to punish that company for endangering the people of New Braunfels.

The insurance company offered me $50,000 right away. Should I take it?
Almost never. Early offers are designed to “close the door” on your claim before you know the full cost of your injuries. Once you sign, you can never go back for more money. Let us evaluate the offer—we often find that $50,000 offers are for cases actually worth $500,000 or more.

Your Fight for Justice in New Braunfels Starts Here

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you don’t just need a lawyer; you need a fighter who treats you like family. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have the resources, the federal court experience, and the insider knowledge to take on the biggest carriers in the world. Whether it’s litigating against BP or currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against a major university, we don’t back down from corporate giants.

Don’t let the trucking company write the story of your accident. We will subpoena the logs, reconstruct the crash, and fight for every dime you deserve. We serve the families of New Braunfels, Gruene, Canyon Lake, and all of Comal County with passion and tenacity.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. Our New Braunfels trucking accident lawyers are standing by 24/7 to take your call. The consultation is free, and the clock is ticking.

New Braunfels Resource References

Major Corridors: I-35, Highway 46, FM 306, Loop 337, I-10 corridor.
Local Distribution: Walmart Distribution Center (New Braunfels), Amazon Fulfillment (Schertz/San Marcos).
Emergency Care: Nearby Level I Trauma Centers in San Antonio and Austin, and local Comal County emergency facilities.
Court System: Comal County District Courts and federal filings via the Southern District of Texas.

Attorney911: Powerful. Proven. Your first responder in a legal emergency.™

Detailed Breakdown of 18-Wheeler Wrecks on I-35 in New Braunfels

I-35 through New Braunfels is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in Texas. With the constant construction, the narrow lanes, and the massive volume of freight moving between Mexico and America’s heartland, “The 35” is a high-risk zone for everyone. Our firm frequently handles cases involving:

Rear-End Collisions in Construction Zones

Truckers often fail to notice the sudden slow-downs near the Highway 46 exit or the Solms Road construction areas. When an 18-wheeler rear-ends a car at 65 mph, the results are often fatal. 49 CFR § 392.11 specifically forbids following too closely, yet it’s a rule broken every minute on I-35.

Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents

In the tighter intersections of downtown New Braunfels or near the older warehouse districts, trucks frequently make wide right turns without properly checking their mirrors. If you were “squeezed” between a trailer and a curb because a trucker swung wide without signaling, the carrier is liable for your injuries.

Jackknife Events on Wet Hill Country Roads

The transition from dry pavement to rain can turn I-35 into a skating rink. If a trucker slams on their brakes on a slick road, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab. We investigate the truck’s speed and tire tread depth (49 CFR § 393.75) to prove the trucker was driving too fast for the weather conditions.

Learn more from our guide: The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Settlements.

The Role of Technology in Your Case

We use cutting-edge technology to win New Braunfels cases. We don’t just rely on police reports; we go deeper:

Drone Videography: To map the accident scene and show sightline obstructions.
Telematics Reconstruction: Using GPS data to show exactly where the truck was and how fast it was moving.
Medical Illustration: To show a jury exactly what a herniated disc or a brain injury looks like, making your pain undeniable.

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.” Don’t let a “no” from another firm stop you. We take the tough cases and we use high-tech evidence to win them.

Corporate Fleet Responsibility: Beyond the Driver

When you are hit by a truck owned by a Fortune 500 company, you are dealing with a “self-insured” defendant. Walmart, for example, pays the first several million dollars of a claim out of their own corporate pocket. This makes them fight harder. They employ internal adjusters who are specifically trained to discourage you.

Lupe Peña, having worked on the defense side, knows exactly how these corporate adjusters value cases in City of New Braunfels. He knows when they are bluffing and when we have them cornered with evidence. We’ve gone head-to-head with Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and big oil companies like BP. Their legal departments don’t intimidate us—they motivate us.

Common New Braunfels Truck Wreck Injuries: A Deeper Look

Herniated Discs and Spinal Trauma

Many of our New Braunfels clients think their back pain is “just a strain.” In reality, the force of a truck impact often ruptures the intervertebral discs. These injuries often require surgery and can lead to chronic, radiating pain. Insurance companies call it “just soft tissue”—we prove it’s a life-long impairment. What Is the Minimum Payout for Whiplash?.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The mental scars of being crushed by a semi-truck are real. If you’re afraid to drive or having nightmares about the pile-up on I-35, you have a right to compensation. “Can I Get a PTSD Payout?” Yes, and we know how to document your mental anguish to a New Braunfels jury. Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?.

Crush Injuries and Internal Bleeding

When a passenger compartment is intruded upon by a truck’s underride guard or cargo, the internal organs are often damaged. These injuries are medical emergencies that require immediate trauma care in San Antonio or Austin. We calculate the cost of the multiple surgeries and ICU stays necessary for your survival.

Identifying Negligent Maintenance in Comal County

Was the truck that hit you reaching the end of its legal tire life? FMCSA § 393.75 requires steer tires to have a minimum tread of 4/32 of an inch. Many companies “tread-bare” their tires to milk another few thousand miles out of them. In the Texas heat, those thin tires explode. If a blowout caused the trucker to lose control near Gruene, the maintenance logs are the smokers gun we use to prove liability.

Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) and Oilfield Risks

Trucks carrying crude oil from the Eagle Ford or chemicals to New Braunfels industrial sites are 80,000-pound bombs. A spill can cause chemical burns, respiratory failure, and massive property damage. Because of the $5 million insurance requirement for HAZMAT, these cases are heavily defended. You need an attorney with experience in industrial disaster litigation. Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City refinery litigation—a case involving 15 deaths and $2.1 billion in settlements—is proof that we can handle the most complex HAZMAT cases.

The Manginello Advantage: Why We are Different

Most firms take hundreds of cases and let paralegals handle the work. Not us. Ralph Manginello is personally involved. He has over 25 years of courtroom experience and is a Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member. We are a boutique firm that delivers massive results.

We take time to listen. We help you find a doctor who will treat you despite having no insurance (using a Letter of Protection). We handle the harassing calls from debt collectors while your case is pending. We focus on your recovery while we build the pressure on the insurance company.

As client Glenda Walker stated, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We aren’t satisfied with a “good enough” settlement. We want the maximum your case supports.

Final Steps: Protecting Your Future in New Braunfels

The moments following a truck accident are a fog of pain and confusion. But the decisions you make now will echo for the rest of your life.

Do not sign anything from the trucking company.
Do not give a recorded statement.
Do not post about the accident on social media.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

We offer 24/7 availability for New Braunfels residents. We will meet you at your home, your hospital room, or our Houston, Austin, or Beaumont offices. If you can’t come to us, we come to you.

Every day you wait is a day the trucking company uses to dismantle your case. They are deleting logs, coaching drivers, and spinning their narrative. It’s time for you to fight back.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Consultation is free. We only win if you win. Let’s start holds the negligent parties accountable.

Deep Dive: Trucking Company Defense Tactics

In New Braunfels, trucking companies often use “independent contractor” defenses to dodge responsibility. If an Amazon van or a FedEx Ground truck hit you, they will claim the driver doesn’t work for them. They use these shell games to hide their billion-dollar assets behind a small LLC with only $1 million in insurance.

Our team, including former defense attorney Lupe Peña, sees through this. We use the “ABC Test” and the “Right to Control” doctrine to prove the parent company is really the employer. If Amazon sets the route and monitors the driver’s speed, they ARE the employer in the eyes of a jury. We piercing the corporate veil to get you the compensation you need.

The Comal County Courthouse: What to Expect

If your case doesn’t settle, we are ready for the Comal County District Court. Juries in New Braunfels are generally thoughtful and respect the law, but they need to see clear, high-tech evidence. We present your case with:

Professional Accident Reconstructionists: Engineers who explain the physics of the crash.
Vocational Experts: To prove how your injury ended your career.
Economists: To calculate the true value of your lost lifetime wages.

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This trial-ready reputation is exactly why insurance companies often settle for higher amounts—they don’t want to see Ralph Manginello in a New Braunfels courtroom.

FAQ: Ongoing Questions for New Braunfels Residents

What if the truck was from another state?
We operate with federal court admission and Ralph Manginello’s dual-state licensure (TX and NY) to handle interstate cases. Most trucking is interstate commerce, meaning federal rules apply regardless of where the company is based.

The driver said they were ‘forced’ by their boss to keep driving. Is the boss liable?
Yes. This is a direct violation of 49 CFR Part 392.3. If a company forces an ill or fatigued driver to stay on the road, the company’s liability shifts from “accidental” to “intentional” in many cases, opening the door for punitive damages.

Is it true that black boxes can be ‘lost’?
Unfortunately, yes. Trucking companies sometimes “accidentally” lose data or put the truck back into service immediately, overwriting the data. This is why our 48-hour spoliation protocol is the most important service we provide.

Can I sue the city if the road was designed poorly?
In some cases, yes. If a New Braunfels road had inadequate signage for a known hazard, the city or the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) might share liability. These cases have very short notice deadlines (sometimes 6 months), so urgency is key.

I have a pre-existing back injury. Can I still win?
Texas law follows the “Eggshell Skull” rule. This means the defendant is responsible for the damage they cause, even if you were already fragile. If the truck accident made your bad back worse (an “aggravation”), the trucking company is 100% liable for the difference.

Your Settlement: How We Maximize the Value

We calculate 17 categories of medical expenses and 7 types of income loss. Most lawyers forget “Household Services”—the cost of hiring someone to do the things you can no longer do, like mowing the lawn or cleaning your home. Over a lifetime, these “hidden” damages can add hundreds of thousands to your recovery.

We also look for “Hedonic Damages”—the loss of the ability to enjoy life. If your injury prevents you from fishing in the Comal River or visiting Gruene Hall with your spouse, the trucking company must pay for that loss of joy.

Learn about damage calculation: How Do Car Insurance Companies Calculate Pain and Suffering?.

Attorney911: Your Local Powerhouse

New Braunfels is a unique city with unique trucking risks. You need a law firm that combines local familiarity with heavyweight power. We have the $50+ million track record, the federal admission, and the absolute commitment to our clients to take your case all the way.

As Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We are ready to fight for you.

Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now. Free case evaluation. No fee unless we win. Your future depends on the action you take today.

Hablamos Español. Consulta gratuita las 24 horas. 888-ATTY-911.

Summary of New Braunfels Proof Points

Ralph Manginello: 25+ years of trucking litigation experience since 1998.
Local Corridors: Specialist in I-35 and Highway 46 trucking accidents.
The PEÑA Edge: Associate Attorney Lupe Peña is a former insurance defense insider.
Results: Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic Hill Country wrecks.
Urgency: Immediate spoliation letters to preserve New Braunfels crash data.
Client Rating: 4.9 Stars with 250+ reviews. We treat you like family.

888-ATTY-911. One call. One fighter. One result. JUSTICE.