Edwards County Truck Accident Lawyer

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were navigating the quiet spans of US Highway 377 or State Highway 55 in Edwards County, perhaps heading toward Rocksprings or Barksdale. The next, 80,000 pounds of uncontrolled steel slammed into your life. In an instant, the peaceful Hill Country landscape was replaced by twisted metal, shattered glass, and a future that felt suddenly and terrifyingly uncertain.

If you or a loved one has been hit by an 18-wheeler, a corporate delivery van, or a heavy commercial vehicle in Edwards County, you aren’t just dealing with a car wreck. You are dealing with a legal emergency. Trucking companies and their multi-billion dollar insurance providers don’t wait for the ambulance to clear the scene before they start building a defense to protect their profits. You need a team that hits back harder.

At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Since 1998, we have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 giants like Walmart, Amazon, and BP, securing multi-million dollar recoveries for families throughout Texas. Our firm isn’t just about paperwork; we are about results. As client Chad Harris noted, at our firm, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

When 80,000 pounds changes your life forever, you need a fighter who understands the local roads of Edwards County and the federal regulations that governs every mile a truck travels. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why 48 Hours is the Most Critical Window for Your Case

The clock started ticking the moment that semi-truck or delivery van struck you on Highway 377. While you are focused on medical treatment at regional trauma centers, the trucking company is focused on evidence destruction. In Edwards County, where local law enforcement may have limited accident reconstruction resources, the electronic evidence inside the truck is the only objective witness to the truth.

The Black Box and ELD Countdown

Most commercial trucks are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called a “black box,” and an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). These systems record your speed before impact, whether the driver hit the brakes, and exactly how many hours that driver had been behind the wheel.

However, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. If the truck is put back into service and continues driving through Edwards County or across the state line, those critical seconds of data from your accident are erased forever. We send formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours of being retained. These are legal “litigation holds” that prevent the trucking company from repairing the vehicle, deleting logs, or tampering with the black box.

They Are Already Working

Major fleets have rapid-response teams. When a corporate truck causes a fatality or catastrophic injury in a rural area like Edwards County, they often deploy investigators to the scene before the debris is even cleared. They are looking for ways to blame you, the road conditions, or even the weather.

We counter their tactics with our own investigation. Our team includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who previously worked in insurance defense. He used to defend the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook, he knows how they hide evidence, and he knows how they train adjusters to lowball victims. Call us at (888) 288-9911 before you give a statement to any insurance representative.

We Hold the Largest Corporations Accountable

Whether you were hit by a long-haul 18-wheeler on a regional highway or a last-mile delivery van in Rocksprings, we look beyond the driver to find every dollar of available insurance.

Walmart Truck Accidents

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world, with approximately 12,000 trucks and 80,000 trailers. Because Walmart is a direct employer (not a contractor model), they are directly liable for their drivers’ negligence under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Walmart is self-insured for the first several million dollars of any claim, meaning they fight aggressively because every dollar comes out of their own pocket. We have successfully litigated against Walmart trucking operations and understand how to navigate their internal risk management systems.

Amazon and the Contractor Defense

Amazon delivers billions of packages, but they often try to shield themselves from liability by using “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs). If an Amazon van hits you in Edwards County, Amazon will likely claim the driver was an “independent contractor.” We know how to pierce this shield. Amazon controls the routes, the delivery quotas, and uses AI-powered Netradyne cameras to monitor every movement of the driver. We use the “right-to-control” test to prove Amazon is the true employer, accessing their massive corporate insurance layers.

Oilfield Trucking Hazards

Edwards County sits at the edge of significant energy activity. We represent victims hit by water trucks, frac sand haulers, and crude oil tankers that frequent the FM roads throughout the region. These cases are unique because they often involve both FMCSA trucking violations and OSHA workplace safety failures. If an oilfield truck was overloaded or the driver was on hour 16 of a shift, we hold the oil company and the haulers responsible.

Types of Catastrophic Truck Accidents in Edwards County

The geography of Southwest Texas creates specific hazards. From the winding curves near the Nueces River to the straight, fatigue-inducing stretches of Highway 377, the mechanics of these crashes determine the severity of your injuries.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Curves

Heavy vehicles like concrete mixers and sand haulers have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a curve too fast on a two-lane Edwards County road, the load can shift, causing a catastrophic rollover. These accidents often result in “roof crush” injuries, where the cab of the truck or the victim’s vehicle is compressed, leading to traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord severance. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects stability. A rollover is almost always evidence of a violation.

Jackknife Collisions

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. This often happens due to improper braking on wet or uneven surfaces. In a jackknife, the trailer can sweep across both lanes of a highway, leaving you with absolutely nowhere to go. We analyze the ECM data to see if the driver’s braking patterns were negligent or if the brake system was poorly maintained in violation of 49 CFR § 396.

Underride Wrecks

These are the most lethal accidents on the road. When a car strikes the back or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the trailer bed often enters the passenger compartment at head height. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear-impact guards, but many are poorly maintained or “phantom” guards that fail on impact. We have seen these accidents cause permanent disability and wrongful death, and we fight to hold manufacturers and trucking companies liable for these preventable tragedies.

TBI and Spinal Injuries: The True Cost

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million in lifetime care costs. A spinal cord injury can exceed $25 million. These aren’t just numbers; they represent your ability to eat, walk, and recognize your children. We work with life care planners and vocational experts to ensure your settlement covers the next 40 years, not just the next 40 days.

The Web of Liability: Who Is Responsible?

Most lawyers only sue the driver. We investigate all 16 potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery. Stacking insurance policies is the only way to ensure you receive full compensation for catastrophic losses.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or pushing drivers past legal Hours of Service (HOS) limits.
3. The Cargo Owner: If shifting cargo caused a rollover.
4. Loading Companies: For failing to secure loads under Part 393 standards.
5. Truck Manufacturers: For defective brakes or steering.
6. Parts Manufacturers: For tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects.
7. Maintenance Companies: For failing to inspect systems that failed on the road.
8. Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier they knew had a “Conditional” or “Unsatisfactory” safety rating.
9. The Truck Owner: For negligent entrustment of a dangerous vehicle.
10. Government Entities: For road design flaws or missing signage on dangerous turns.
11. Corporate Parents: Holding Amazon or Walmart accountable for the systemic pressure they put on drivers.
12. Oilfield Operators: For failing to maintain safe lease roads or wellsite entries.
13. Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified drivers without checking their Medical Examiner’s Certificates.
14. Rental Companies: Holding U-Haul or Penske responsible for renting to untrained drivers or failing to maintain their rental fleet.
15. Public Transit/School Districts: For bus accidents, which require strict “Tort Claim Notices” within days of the crash.
16. The Federal Government: If a USPS mail truck or military vehicle was involved, following the strict Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) rules.

Proving Negligence: The FMCSA Regulations

Every 18-wheeler you see is a regulated mobile workplace. When they break federal law, people get hurt. We cite these specific violations to prove the trucking company was negligent.

• 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): Did the company check the driver’s background? If they hired someone with three previous DWIs or a suspended CDL, that is negligent hiring.
• 49 CFR Part 392 (Driving Rules): This prohibits driving while ill or fatigued. If a driver was distracted by a dispatch computer or a cell phone, they violated federal safety law.
• 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): Drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window. HOS violations are the #1 cause of fatigue-related deaths in Edwards County.
• 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection and Maintenance): Trucks must be systematically inspected. If the brakes failed because the company skipped an annual inspection to save money, they are liable for your injuries.

Recovering the Damages You Deserve

We don’t settle for “fair.” We fight for the maximum. In Texas, you are entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages include:

• Past and Future Medical Bills: From the initial LifeFlight to the surgery you’ll need in ten years.
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If you were a rancher or professional who can no longer work, we calculate your lost income for the rest of your career.
• Household Services: The cost of hiring help for tasks you can no longer perform.

Non-Economic Damages are life-impact damages:

• Pain and Suffering: The daily agony of living with a shattered pelvis or chronic back pain.
• Mental Anguish: The PTSD and anxiety that makes you terrified to drive past a semi-truck on the highway.
• Loss of Consortium: The impact your injury has on your relationship with your spouse and children.

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 take the difficult cases that other firms reject because we know how to find the evidence they miss.

Edwards County Truck Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a claim in Edwards County?
In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury is two years. However, if your accident involved a government-owned vehicle or a public bus, you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice. Regardless of the legal deadline, the physical evidence deadline is 24 to 48 hours. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows the 51% modified comparative negligence rule. This means as long as you were not 51% or more at fault, you can still recover damages. Your total recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize your fault by proving the truck driver’s FMCSA violations or the company’s negligent maintenance.

Can I sue if the driver didn’t have a CDL?
Yes. In fact, if a company allowed a driver without a valid Commercial Driver’s License to operate an 18-wheeler, they are likely liable for “negligence per se.” This makes it much easier to prove your case. Hiring an unlicensed driver is the definition of corporate negligence.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Zero dollars upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, typically 33.33% pre-trial. We advance all the costs of hiring experts, accident reconstructors, and medical specialists. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime for our time or the expenses we paid. We take all the risk so you can focus on healing.

Will I have to go to court in Edwards County?
98% of trucking cases settle before trial, but the best way to get a fair settlement is to be ready for the courtroom. Insurance companies know which lawyers actually go to trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going before a jury. This leverage is what forces corporate defendants to pay “handsome checks” like the ones our clients describe.

Does your firm handle cases from companies like Amazon and Walmart?
Yes. We have a documented history of litigating against some of the largest corporations in the world, including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and BP. We aren’t intimidated by their teams of lawyers. We know their internal safety programs, and we know how to use their own data to prove they were wrong.

Contact an Edwards County Truck Accident Attorney Today

Don’t let the trucking company choose your future. They have already started their defense. The insurance adjuster who called you wasn’t calling to “check on you”—they were calling to find a reason to pay you less.

Our firm provides personal attention with federal-level results. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and brings 25+ years of experience to your fight. Whether you are in Rocksprings, Barksdale, or anywhere in Edwards County, we are ready to serve you.

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

Your fight for justice starts with a single call. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions through a free, no-obligation consultation. We treat our clients like family, and we fight like hell to get you “every dime you deserve,” as client Glenda Walker said.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or visit us at Attorney911.com. The evidence is disappearing—don’t wait another hour.

The Deep Dive into Trucking Negligence and Corporate Liability

To fully understand why an Edwards County truck accident requires a specialized attorney, one must look at the immense complexity of these cases compared to a standard car wreck. While a car accident involves simple traffic laws, a commercial truck accident involves a massive body of federal law, corporate architecture, and the high-stakes physics of heavy machinery.

Detailed FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

Federal law establishes the standard of care for every trucking company in America. When we represent you, we look for violations of the following:

Driver Training and Fitness (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies are prohibited from putting a driver on the road who is not physically and mentally fit. This includes:

• Medical Examiner Certificates: Drivers must pass a physical every two years. If a driver had a heart condition or severe sleep apnea and the company ignored it, the company is liable for any resulting crash.
• Background Checks: Carriers must investigate the last three years of a driver’s employment and safety history. We often find that “problem drivers” were hired because the trucking company was desperate for workers.

Safe Operation (49 CFR Part 392)

This part of the code governs how a truck behaves on the road.

• Adverse Conditions: 49 CFR § 392.14 requires drivers to reduce speed or stop when weather makes driving hazardous. In the Hill Country, flash floods and sudden fog can reduce visibility to zero. If a trucker didn’t slow down on Highway 55 during a storm, they violated federal law.
• Following Distance: Because an 18-wheeler takes hundreds of extra feet to stop, “tailgating” is a major safety violation. We use black box data to prove a driver was following too closely before a rear-end collision.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo is a leading cause of rollovers and “fly-off” accidents.

• Performance Criteria: Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration in a forward direction. If cargo shifts and causes the driver to lose control on an Edwards County road, the loading company and the trucking carrier are both liable for the failure.

Hours of Service and Driver Fatigue (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is the silent killer in the trucking industry. Carriers often use “incentive-based” pay that rewards drivers for speed and distance, creating an environment where drivers feel forced to lie on their logs.

• The 11-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving time.
• Logbook Falsification: Before ELDs were mandatory, “paper logs” were often called “comic books” because they were so frequently falsified. While ELDs are harder to hack, companies still find ways to pressure drivers to “ghost drive” off-the-clock. We subpoena cellular data and toll records to cross-reference with the ELD logs to prove the driver was actually awake and driving when they should have been resting.

The Science of Accident Reconstruction in Edwards County

In rural Edwards County, physical evidence like skid marks on hot asphalt can fade in days. That is why we hire independent accident reconstructionists—often former high-ranking state troopers—to visit the scene immediately.

Kinetic Energy and Impact Force

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound sedan, the energy transfer is incomprehensible. We use physics to show the jury that you didn’t stands a chance. Even at a “low speed” of 35 mph, the mass of the truck makes the impact forces fatal. We recreate the sequence of events to show that the truck driver could have avoided the crash if they had followed mirrors and braking protocols.

Crush Factor and Deformation

By measuring the crush depth of your vehicle, our experts can calculate the exact speed of the truck at the moment of impact. This often reveals that the driver was speeding or never hit the brakes at all—directly contradicting their statement to the police.

Injuries: Beyond the Emergency Room

Many victims walk away from a truck wreck feeling “okay,” only to find themselves in agonizing pain three days later.

Herniated Discs and Spinal Aggravation

Your spine is not meant to absorb the shock of an 18-wheeler impact. We often see herniated discs at the L4-L5 or C5-C6 levels. Insurance adjusters will claim these are “degenerative” or “age-related” changes. Our team knows how to use your prior medical records to prove that you were asymptomatic and active before the crash. Aggravation of a pre-existing condition is a valid, compensable injury under Texas law.

Internal Organ Trauma

Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can cause “seatbelt sign” injuries—bruising that masks internal bleeding or organ rupture. Spleen and liver lacerations often require emergency surgery. We ensure that every diagnostic test is performed early so that your settlement includes the cost of lifelong monitoring for potential complications.

PTSD and the Modern Victim

As mentioned in our video “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?”, psychological injuries are real. If you can no longer drive on US 377 without a panic attack, you have lost a fundamental freedom. We recover damages for mental anguish and the cost of specialized therapies like EMDR to help you reclaim your life.

Navigating the Webb of Corporate Insurance

When you sue a company like Amazon or a major oilfield hauler, you are navigating a maze of insurance “stacking.”

Primary vs. Excess Policies

A small trucking company may have a $1 million primary policy. But if their driver caused a brain injury, $1 million won’t even cover the first year of medical bills. We look for “umbrella” and “excess” layers. Many corporate defendants have an additional $10 million to $50 million in coverage that they try to keep hidden. If we find that the carrier was working as a contractor for a larger company (like a Walmart supplier), we can often “pull in” the larger company’s insurance as well.

The MCS-90 Endorsement

If a trucking company’s insurance policy has a technical flaw that would normally allow the insurer to deny a claim, the MCS-90 endorsement acts as a federal safety net. It guarantees that the insurance company MUST pay the victim at least the federal minimum ($750k to $5M) regardless of the dispute between the insurer and the trucker. We are specialists in these endorsements, ensuring no victim is left without a source of recovery.

Why Attorney911 Is Different

You have seen the billboards on the way to San Antonio. You have seen the TV commercials. But those mega-firms often treat you like a number. You may never even speak to the attorney on the billboard.

Direct Access

At Attorney911, you have a direct line to your legal team. Ralph Manginello is personally involved in our trucking cases. As client Dame Haskett said, “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”

A Fighter’s Mentality

Ernest Cano described our firm perfectly: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We don’t take the easy way out. We don’t take the first “nuisance” settlement the insurance company offers. We build the case for maximum value, and we are ready to take it to a Edwards County jury if that’s what it takes to get you justice.

Conclusion: Take Back Your Life

An 80,000-pound truck took your peace of mind, your health, or your loved one. It is a debt that can never be fully repaid. However, the law provides a way to secure the resources you need to survive, to heal, and to hold the negligent parties responsible for what they did.

You pay nothing to get started. You pay nothing during the process. We only get paid when we recover money for you. This is the ultimate barrier-remover. Whether you were hit by a dump truck, an 18-wheeler, or an Amazon van, the time to act is now.

Call Attorney911 anytime, 24/7, at 888-ATTY-911.

Let us handle the lawyers, the adjusters, and the investigators while you handle your recovery. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we are ready to fight for you in Edwards County.

Expanded FAQ for Edwards County Victims

What if the truck was from an oilfield company near Rocksprings?
Oilfield trucking accidents are common on the two-lane roads of Edwards County. These cases often involve fatigued workers who have been on duty for 12+ hours. We investigate both the trucking company and the oil company that hired them. Oil companies are often liable for creating the unsafe schedules that lead to these crashes.

Can I sue the company if a part of the truck failed?
Yes. If a tire blowout or brake failure caused the accident, we may have a “Product Liability” claim against the manufacturer on top of a negligence claim against the trucking company for poor maintenance. This opens up even more avenues for compensation.

The insurance company offered me $50,000 today. Should I take it?
Almost certainly NO. $50,000 sounds like a lot of money, but it is a “drop in the bucket” for a trucking company. Once you sign that settlement, you can NEVER ask for more, even if you need surgery later. Never sign anything without having an attorney review the offer. We often turn those $50,000 offers into six and seven-figure settlements.

What if the driver was on drugs or alcohol?
Commercial drivers are subject to strict drug testing under 49 CFR Part 382. We demand the results of the mandatory post-accident drug screen. If a driver was impaired, we pursue “Punitive Damages”—extra compensation designed to punish the company for allowing an impaired driver behind the wheel.

How does “Loss of Earning Capacity” differ from “Lost Wages”?
If you miss three months of work, you have lost wages. If your injury means you can never return to your high-paying trade or profession, you have lost earning capacity. We hire economists to calculate your total salary, bonuses, and benefits from now until retirement to ensure the trucking company pays for the destruction of your career.

Does it matter that I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
In Texas, not wearing a seatbelt can be considered comparative negligence, but it does NOT bar you from recovery. The trucking company will try to use it as an excuse to pay nothing. We use medical experts to show that the massive force of an 18-wheeler would have caused catastrophic injury regardless of seatbelt use.

What about “Hidden Damages”?
Most people forget to claim “Loss of Enjoyment of Life.” If you can no longer hunt, fish, or play with your grandkids because of your back injury, those are real losses. We tell the story of your life before and after the crash so the jury understands exactly what was taken from you.

How do I get my car fixed?
While we focus on your physical injuries, we also assist with your property damage claim. We ensure the insurance company pays fair market value for your vehicle and covers your rental car costs while the case is pending.

What documents do I need to keep?
Keep every medical bill, every discharge paper, and every receipt for out-of-pocket expenses. Keep a “pain journal” where you document your daily struggle. These documents are the building blocks of your non-economic damages claim.

Will I have to talk to the truck driver?
No. Once you hire us, all communication goes through our office. You will never have to face the driver or the company representatives. We handle all the stress of the legal process so you can focus on physical therapy and healing.

Is there a difference between a “settlement” and a “verdict”?
A settlement is an agreement reached between us and the insurance company before the trial ends. A verdict is a decision made by a judge or jury after a full trial. We use the threat of a “Nuclear Verdict” (one exceeding $10 million) to force insurance companies to offer higher settlements.

Why choose Attorney911?
Because we are Powerful & Proven. We have a 4.9-star rating with over 251 reviews. We take on the cases that change lives. As Chad Harris said, you aren’t just a client—you are family. And we protect our family.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for your free consultation.