Fighting for the Injured After a Truck Accident in Hico, Texas

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving along US Highway 281, perhaps heading home after a stop at the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant or moving through the intersection at State Highway 6. In an instant, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. Maybe it was an 18-wheeler that failed to stop, a delivery van rushing to a Hico doorstep, or a gravel truck from a nearby construction site. Whatever the vehicle, your life changed the moment that metal groaned and glass shattered.

When a truck accident happens in Hico, the aftermath is a blur of sirens, pain, and confusion. You aren’t just dealing with a few scratches or a dented bumper; you’re likely facing mounting medical bills, the inability to work, and a trucking company that has a team of lawyers already working to deny your claim. You don’t have to face this fight alone.

At Attorney911, we are more than just a law firm; we are Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches fighting for injury victims. He brings federal court experience and a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements for families throughout Texas. Our team also includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their playbook because he used to help write it. Now, he uses that “insider advantage” to make them pay you every dime you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Whether you are in the hospital in Hamilton or being treated in Stephenville or Fort Worth, we are ready to listen and start building your case today.

Why Hico Trucking Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents in Hico and throughout Hamilton County aren’t just big car accidents. The physics, the regulations, and the insurance layers make these cases incredibly complex. Hico sits at a critical crossroads. US-281 is a primary north-south artery for through-freight, moving everything from heavy machinery to consumer goods. SH-6 serves as a vital corridor for livestock haulers and grain trucks serving our local agricultural community.

Because of Hico’s unique position, our roads are shared by a dangerous mix of 18-wheelers, local farm equipment, and corporate delivery fleets from giants like Walmart and Amazon. When a collision occurs here, the injuries are almost always catastrophic. The weight differential alone—a 4,000-pound sedan versus an 80,000-pound semi—means that the occupants of the car absorb nearly all the energy of the impact.

We understand the local landscape. We know that an accident on a two-lane stretch of SH-220 requires a different investigative approach than a multi-vehicle pileup on a wider highway. We know that the nearest Level I trauma centers are a significant distance away, often requiring LifeFlight transport to Waco or Fort Worth, which adds a layer of medical urgency and cost that must be addressed in your claim.

Putting the “Insurance Defense Advantage” to Work for You

One of the most significant reasons victims in Hico choose us is because of the unique background of our team. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent a significant portion of his early career defending big insurance companies. He saw how they train their adjusters to lowball victims. He saw how they use claims valuation software to strip the human element out of your suffering.

Today, Lupe Peña uses that knowledge to anticipate their moves. When an insurance company tries to say your back injury was “pre-existing,” he knows which medical records to pull to prove them wrong. When they try to shift the blame onto you, he knows how to dismantle their arguments. By hiring a team that includes a former defense attorney, you are leveling the playing field. We know their “insider” secrets, and we use them to maximize your compensation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Learn more about managing the immediate aftermath of a crash in our video: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.

The Clock is Ticking: Hico Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have a limited amount of time to seek justice. For most personal injury and wrongful death cases resulting from a Hico truck accident, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident.

However, you should never wait two years to call a lawyer. In a trucking case, every hour matters. Within days, the trucking company may have repaired their vehicle, overwritten the electronic log data, or contacted key witnesses to get their version of the story on the record first. Federal regulations only require companies to keep certain records, like driver logs, for six months. If we don’t send a formal “spoliation letter” immediately, that evidence can be legally destroyed.

Don’t let the clock run out on your future. Whether you were hit by a commercial van or a massive big rig, the time to act is now. Call 888-ATTY-911.

FMCSA Regulations: How We Prove the Trucking Company Broke the Law

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established a massive body of law known as Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These rules govern everything from how long a driver can stay behind the wheel to how often the brakes must be inspected. When a truck accident happens in Hico, our investigation starts with identifying which of these federal laws were violated.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is a silent killer on Texas highways. Long-haul drivers passing through Hico on US-281 are often under immense pressure to meet delivery windows. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14-hour window after coming on-duty. When a driver falsifies their logs or pushes through those limits, they are as dangerous as a drunk driver. We download Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove the driver was fatigued.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure the people they put behind the wheel are fit to drive. This includes running background checks, verifying a valid CDL, and ensuring the driver has a current medical examiner’s certificate. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or serious safety violations, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Hico’s hills and rural roads test a truck’s mechanical integrity. Under Parts 393 and 396, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. This covers brakes, tires, lights, and steering. A brake failure on a 6% grade isn’t an “accident”—it’s often a sign of deferred maintenance. We subpoena maintenance logs to show if the company skipped inspections to save money.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules

This section prohibits hazardous behaviors like speeding, following too closely, and using a handheld mobile phone. If a distracted driver in a corporate box truck was texting while driving through Hico, they violated Part 392.82. We subpoena cell phone records to prove this distraction.

When we prove that a trucking company violated even one of these regulations, it becomes difficult for them to deny their negligence. Ralph Manginello and our team use these federal citations as the foundation for building your multi-million dollar case.

Types of Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Hico

The mechanics of an accident dictate the injuries and the liability. We handle every type of truck-related crash occurring on our local Hico roads.

Jackknife Accidents

On wet or slick Texas roads, such as SH-6 during a thunderstorm, a truck driver who brakes improperly may cause the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. This “jackknife” can sweep across multiple lanes, trapping every car on the road with nowhere to go. These often result in multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic crush injuries.

Rollover Crashes

Trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a turn too fast—common on Hico’s rural curves—or if a load of livestock shifts abruptly, the vehicle can tip. Rollovers are particularly deadly because they often result in roof crush, where the cab collapses onto the occupants, causing severe spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries.

Underride Collisions

These are the most horrifying crashes on our highways. An underride occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck trailer. This often shears off the top of the passenger car at windshield height. These are almost always fatal. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with properly maintained Mansfield bars (rear impact guards) as required by 49 CFR § 393.86.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

An 18-wheeler has four massive blind spots. A driver failing to check their mirrors before merging on US-281 can easily crush a sedan or sideswipe a motorcyclist. If the trucking company failed to equip the truck with available modern safety technology like blind-spot sensors or side-view cameras, we push for corporate negligence.

Rear-End Impact

When a car stops for a school bus or a red light in Hico, a following semi needs 525 feet to stop. If that driver is distracted, fatigued, or carrying an overweight load, they can’t stop in time. A rear-end hit by 80,000 pounds often results in internal organ damage and fractured vertebrae.

Wide Turn Accidents

Hico’s downtown intersections require precision. When a driver swings wide to make a right turn, they may trap a vehicle in the “squeeze play,” crushing it against the curb. This is a common cause of pedestrian and cyclist injuries in town.

Agricultural and Livestock Truck Accidents

Hico is agricultural ground. We see specific hazards here involving grain haulers, cattle trucks, and farm equipment. Overloaded grain hoppers have a different braking dynamic, and shifting livestock can cause unpredictable handling. We understand these local industries and how to hold them accountable.

Corporate Delivery Fleet Crashes: Walmart and Amazon

Hico sits within the delivery reach of major hubs. When a Walmart semi-truck or an Amazon delivery van causes an accident, you are fighting more than a driver. You are fighting a corporate machine. Amazon often hides behind a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to claim they aren’t responsible for the driver. We know how to pierce that shield by showing that Amazon exercises total control over the routes, the schedules, and the driver’s performance through their own apps and Netradyne cameras.

Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles

Local roadwork and construction bring heavy dump trucks and concrete mixers onto Hico roads. These vehicles often travel over the legal weight limit and are prone to rolling over on uneven ground. We investigate the construction company, the equipment owner, and the driver to find all available insurance coverage.

Rental Truck Accidents (U-Haul and Penske)

Almost anyone with a basic driver’s license can rent a 26-foot truck and drive it through Hico with zero training. These drivers are often overwhelmed by the size and stopping distance of these rigs. If the rental company gave a massive vehicle to an obviously inexperienced or unqualified driver, they may share liability.

Whether you were in a car, on a motorcycle, or walking along a Hico street, if a commercial vehicle hit you, we can help. Hear more about these cases in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Who is Liable for Your Hico Truck Accident?

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they can only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we investigate the whole chain. More defendants mean more insurance policies to stack, maximizing the money you receive.

1. The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or fatigue.
2. The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, they are responsible for their employees. They are also liable for negligent hiring and training.
3. The Cargo Owner/Loader: If the load shifted because it was improperly secured (violating 49 CFR Part 393), the company that loaded it is at fault.
4. The Maintenance Company: If a brake failure was caused by a third-party shop that performed negligent repairs.
5. The Parts Manufacturer: If a defective tire blew out or a steering hitch failed (product liability).
6. The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known history of safety violations.
7. The Corporate Parent (e.g., Walmart or Amazon): For setting schedules that make safe driving impossible.
8. Government Entities: If the accident was caused by a known road defect or missing signage that the city or state failed to fix.
9. The Rental Company: If they failed to maintain a U-Haul or Penske truck properly.
10. Federal Government (USPS): If a mail truck hit you, we navigate the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) requirements.

By investigating all 16 potential liable parties, we ensure No Stone is Left Unturned. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 giants including BP and major oilfield operators—we aren’t afraid of their legal teams. Call us today at (888) 288-9911.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The Black Box

In any Hico truck wreck, the most important evidence is electronic. Every modern truck has an Engine Control Module (ECM) and an Event Data Recorder (EDR)—the “black box.”

This box records:

• How fast the truck was going.
• The exact second the brakes were applied.
• The engine’s RPM and throttle position.
• Whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt.
• If the truck had experienced mechanical “fault codes” before the crash.

Here is the danger: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Some systems erase old data the moment the truck starts driving again. If the trucking company moves that tractor-trailer 50 miles away, your best evidence could be gone forever.

This is why we send a formal Spoliation Letter within 24 to 48 hours of being hired. This letter legally freezes the evidence and prevents the company from destroying dashcam footage, ELD logs, or black box data. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, we can ask the judge for a “spoliation instruction,” which tells the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was bad for the trucking company.

Ready to secure your case? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us start the preservation process now.

Understanding Your Injuries and Their True Cost

Truck accident injuries are life-altering. We have secured multi-million dollar recoveries for families dealing with the most severe trauma.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $1.5M – $9.8M+ range. A TBI affects your personality, your memory, and your ability to earn a living. Even a “mild” concussion can lead to years of cognitive struggle.
• Spinal Cord Injury: $4.7M – $25.8M+ range. Paralysis—whether paraplegia or quadriplegia—requires a lifetime of care, home modifications, and specialized equipment.
• Amputation: $1.9M – $8.6M. Losing a limb involves phantom pain, prosthetic costs, and profound psychological trauma.
• Severe Burns: Often caused by fuel tank ruptures. These require multiple skin grafts and carry a high risk of life-threatening infections.
• Internal Organ Damage: Splenic ruptures or liver lacerations can cause “hidden” internal bleeding that leads to sudden death if not caught in Hico’s nearest emergency rooms.
• Orthopedic Fractures: Compound fractures of the femur or pelvis from being crushed inside a car often require multiple surgeries and result in permanent mobility loss.
• Wrongful Death: $1.9M – $9.5M. We help grieving Hico families recover for the loss of companionship, the loss of guidance for children, and the financial support that was taken away.

Beyond the physical, we fight for non-economic damages. As client Chad Harris said, at our firm you are “Family.” We understand the mental anguish, the PTSD that makes you afraid to drive on US-281 again, and the depression that follows a serious injury. We make the jury understand what that pain really feels like.

Learn more at: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Maximum Insurance: Why We Aren’t Afraid of Big Pockets

A typical car insurance policy in Texas might only have $30,000 in coverage. That won’t even cover one day in a Level I trauma unit. But trucking companies operate under different rules.

• General Freight: Minimum $750,000.
• Oil and Large Equipment: Minimum $1,000,000.
• Hazardous Materials: Minimum $5,000,000.

Many large companies, like those serving the Hico agricultural sector, carry $10 million to $50 million in “umbrella” or “excess” coverage. These “deep pockets” mean there is money available to pay for your life-long medical needs—but they will fight like hell to keep it.

Large corporations like Walmart and Amazon are often self-insured, meaning their own employees handle the claims. They are aggressive, professional, and their bonus structure might depend on how little they pay you. Lupe Peña knows their tactics. While they hire investigators to follow you home from your local Hico grocery store, we are building a case they can’t ignore.

Discover how insurance companies calculate value in our video: “How Do Car Insurance Companies Calculate Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EE9AWT12Kg.

Hico Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long does a truck accident case in Hico typically take?

A straightforward case with clear liability might resolve in 6 to 12 months. However, complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or corporate defendants like Amazon or Walmart can take 1 to 3 years. We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing the value of your recovery.

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

Yes. Texas follows the “51% Bar Rule.” As long as you were 50% or less at fault for the accident on US-281 or SH-6, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $1 million and you were 20% at fault, you would receive $800,000.

3. I was hit by a dump truck at a Hico construction site. Is that different?

It’s just as serious. Dump trucks often weigh 60,000 pounds or more. These cases often involve identifying the general contractor who was responsible for site safety. We investigate the hauling company and the company that leased the truck to find all available insurance coverage.

4. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Trucking companies often use the “independent contractor” label as a shield from liability. We use legal tests—including the right-to-control test—to prove they were actually employees. If the company controlled their route, their uniform, and their schedule, they are liable for that driver’s actions in Hico, regardless of what the contract says.

5. Do I need to pay you anything up front?

Absolutely not. Specifically, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket. We advance all the costs for accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and court filings. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, we don’t get paid a dime.

6. Where would a Hico truck accident lawsuit be filed?

Depending on the specifics, your case would likely be filed in the Hamilton County District Court. However, because trucking accidents often involve companies from other states, your case may be moved to Federal Court—specifically the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and is fully prepared to represent you there.

7. What is a “nuclear verdict” and does it apply to my Hico case?

A “nuclear verdict” is a jury award that exceeds $10 million. Juries award these when they find that a trucking company showed total disregard for safety—like letting a driver work for 20 hours straight or ignoring broken brakes. While every case is unique, these trends show that Texas juries are increasingly willing to hold negligent companies fully accountable for the damage they cause.

8. My doctor says I have a herniated disc. Will the insurance company cover this?

Insurance companies famously try to call herniated discs “degenerative” or “age-related.” We use your medical history and imaging to prove that the massive force of a collision with an 18-wheeler in Hico aggravated or caused that injury. These cases routinely result in significant settlements because of the long-term pain and surgical needs involved.

9. A mail truck hit me in Hico. Can I sue the USPS?

Yes, but you have to follow the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). You cannot just file a lawsuit in state court. You must file an administrative claim with the USPS within two years. If you miss their specific paperwork requirements, your case will be dismissed. This is why you need an experienced attorney who handles federal claims.

10. Does your firm handle cases involving cyclists or pedestrians hit by trucks in Hico?

Yes. Vulnerable road users have no protection against a multi-ton vehicle. We specifically look for “Right Hook” accidents—where a truck turns right at an intersection like US-281 and SH-6 and sweeps a cyclist under the wheels. We’ve recovered millions for victims with no vehicular protection.

Our Results Speak for Themselves

We don’t just talk about winning; we have the numbers to prove it. From $5 million brain injury settlements to catastrophic amputation recoveries, our firm has recovered over $50,000,000 for injured families. We have gone up against the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the Texas City refinery disaster, and we have the stamina to see your case through to the very end.

As client Glenda Walker said, we “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That is our promise to Hico. We don’t take easy settlements to clear our desk. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial next week. That trial-readiness is what forces insurance companies to offer the settlements you actually deserve.

Haboramos Español: Bilingual Services for Our Community

We understand that Hico and the surrounding Central Texas area are home to a vibrant Spanish-speaking community. Many truck drivers and local workers speak Spanish as their first language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without the need for interpreters. We want you to feel comfortable and heard. Hablamos su idioma. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis hoy mismo.

Contact Attorney911 Today — Your Hico Truck Accident Team

You have been through enough. The medical appointments, the calls from debt collectors, and the physical pain are overwhelming. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders. We will handle the investigators, the adjusters, and the corporate lawyers. We will find every dollar of insurance coverage available to you.

Remember:

• Zero Upfront Costs: You pay nothing unless we win.
• 24/7 Availability: We answer trucking accident calls immediately.
• Proven Expertise: 25+ years of experience and federal court admission.
• Insider Knowledge: We know the insurance company tactics.

Don’t let the trucking company write the story of your accident. Take control of your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured anywhere in Hico or Hamilton County, call us now.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Your fight for justice begins with one phone call. We are ready to answer, ready to fight, and ready to win for you.