Harris County Truck Accident & 18-Wheeler Wreck Attorneys
The impact was catastrophic. On a highway as busy as I-10 or I-45 in Harris County, an 80,000-pound steel frame slammed into your car with zero warning. In that split second, your life, your career, and your family’s future changed forever. You weren’t just hit by a vehicle; you were hit by a corporate logistics machine that is already working to protect its bottom line.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Harris County, you are currently in a legal emergency. While you are focusing on high-level trauma care at Memorial Hermann or Ben Taub, the trucking company has likely already deployed a rapid-response team to the crash site. They are gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and looking for any possible way to blame you for the collision.
At Attorney911, we don’t let them get away with it. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies and corporate fleet operators accountable. Since 1998, he has litigated against some of the world’s largest corporations, including BP and Walmart, recovering multi-million dollar settlements for families throughout Harris County. We understand the physics of these crashes, the federal regulations that were likely violated, and the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize your suffering.
Our team brings an unfair advantage to your case: associate attorney Lupe Peña. Before joining us to fight for victims, Lupe worked as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows their playbook because he used to use it. He understands how adjusters value claims, how they use recorded statements against you, and exactly what evidence makes them pay maximum value. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Why Harris County is the Crossroads of Danger for Trucking Accidents
Harris County is the trucking capital of the South, home to the Port of Houston and the intersection of some of the busiest freight corridors in the United States. While this powers our local economy, it also creates a deadly environment for families sharing the road with 18-wheelers, crude oil tankers, and delivery vans.
The trucking corridors serving Harris County are unique in their complexity. From the heavy industrial traffic along the Loop 610 to the massive logistics hubs in North Houston near I-45, we see a volume of commercial traffic that few other regions can match. When an 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds on the Sam Houston Tollway hits a rain-slicked patch during a Gulf Coast storm, the results are rarely minor. It is almost always life-altering.
Whether your accident happened near the Ship Channel, in the heart of downtown, or out on the Northwest Freeway (US-290), you need an attorney who knows these roads and knows the companies that operate on them. From Amazon fulfillment centers to ExxonMobil refineries, corporate trucks are everywhere in Harris County. We’ve gone head-to-head with these giants—Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS—and we make them pay for the negligence of their drivers and the systemic failures of their safety programs.
Every hour you wait, evidence is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, and Harris County’s weather can wash away physical evidence at the scene in minutes. Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-288-9911. We answer 24/7.
The Insurance Defense Advantage: Why Our Team is Different
When you hire a lawyer after an 18-wheeler wreck, you are entering a fight against a sophisticated legal and insurance team. Trucking companies don’t just have insurance; they have “emergency response” protocols designed to shield them from liability. They have lawyers who specialize in nothing but defeating claims like yours.
That is why having Lupe Peña on our team is your greatest asset. Lupe spent years on the inside of the insurance industry. He knows the software programs like Colossus that insurance companies use to lowball your “pain and suffering” damages. He knows how they train adjusters to look for “pre-existing conditions” in your medical records to deny your claim.
At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of courtroom experience, we use this insider knowledge to stay three steps ahead. We don’t just “handle” cases; we build them for trial. We’ve recovered millions for victims of traumatic brain injuries and amputations because we know exactly what evidence forces an insurance company to realize they cannot win in front of a Harris County jury. You are NOT just another case number to us. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Call 888-ATTY-911 today for your free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Proving Negligence: The 49 CFR FMCSA Regulations
The backbone of every successful 18-wheeler accident case is proving a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are the laws that govern every commercial truck on Harris County roads, from the driver’s health to the truck’s brakes.
When a truck hits you, it isn’t enough to just say they was “careless.” We look for specific violations of 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These violations prove the trucking company was negligent as a matter of law.
Driver Qualifications (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are safe. Under Part 391, they must maintain a Driver Qualification File that includes a thorough background check, a history of medical consistency, and proof of a valid CDL. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or uncontrolled medical issues that led to a crash in Harris County, they are liable for negligent hiring.
Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
Driver fatigue is the #1 killer in 18-wheeler accidents. Federal law is strict: a driver can only be behind the wheel for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour of being on duty. In the high-pressure logistics hubs around Harris County, companies often push drivers to violate these rules to meet delivery quotas. We subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove exactly how long the driver had been awake.
Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
An 80,000-pound truck is only as safe as its brakes and tires. Systematic inspection and maintenance are required by law. If a tire blowout on Highway 225 or a brake failure on the I-10 bridge caused your accident, our first move is to demand the maintenance logs. If the trucking company deferred repairs to save money, they put everyone in Harris County at risk.
Learn more about these complex rules in our definitive guide: The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Every Type of Truck Accident Handled in Harris County
Accident dynamics vary based on the vehicle and the road. We have handled every major type of commercial vehicle crash, tailoring our investigation to the specific physics of the impact.
Jackknife Accidents
On Harris County’s interchanges, a truck that brakes too hard on a wet road can see its trailer swing out like a folding knife. This often sweeps across three or four lanes of traffic, creating a pileup that leaves victims with no way to escape. We use accident reconstruction experts to prove the driver’s braking or speed was the cause.
Underride Collisions
These are the deadliest crashes we see. When a passenger car strikes the side or rear of a trailer and slides underneath, the results are often fatal decapitations or severe TBIs. We investigate whether the truck was missing required reflectors or if the underride guards were defective.
Rollover Accidents
Top-heavy loads—common with the liquid tankers leaving Harris County refineries—are prone to rolling over on curves or when a driver swerves. Center-of-gravity shifts can make the truck impossible to control. We look at cargo securement and weight limits under 49 CFR Part 393 to prove negligence.
Blind Spot “No-Zone” Crashes
An 18-wheeler has four massive blind spots. If a driver changes lanes on the Sam Houston Tollway without checking those zones, they can crush a small car beside them. Drivers are required to check mirrors and signals, but fatigue and distraction often lead to these preventable side-swipe crashes.
Whether you were hit by a semi or a delivery van, the pressure is on. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
Specialized Commercial Vehicle Wrecks
Our expertise isn’t limited to 18-wheelers. Any commercial vehicle on the road carries a higher duty of care and carries massive insurance policies.
- Amazon & FedEx Delivery Vans: With fulfillment centers all over Harris County, these blue vans are in every neighborhood. We know how to pierce the “independent contractor” shield Amazon uses to try to avoid responsibility for their drivers’ rush-hour negligence.
- Dump Trucks & Concrete Mixers: Construction in Harris County is non-stop. These trucks are among the heaviest on the road and are frequently overloaded. A concrete truck rollover essentially flattens any vehicle in its path.
- Garbage Trucks: Frequent stops and constant backing in residential areas make these vehicles a high risk for pedestrians and children.
- Rental Trucks (U-Haul/Penske): When an untrained driver gets behind the wheel of a 26-foot moving truck with zero experience, Harris County roads become dangerous. We hold the rental companies accountable for negligent entrustment.
Oilfield & Energy Sector Vehicle Accidents
Harris County is the energy capital of the world. Our roads are filled with specialized oilfield vehicles: frac sand haulers, produced water tankers, and hot shot crews. These drivers work 12-to-16-hour shifts and are frequently impaired by extreme fatigue. Combined with the dual jurisdiction of FMCSA and OSHA regulations at the worksite, these cases require an attorney like Ralph Manginello who has litigated against major oil companies like Halliburton and Schlumberger.
Who is Liable for Your Injuries?
Many law firms only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must go after EVERY liable party. More defendants mean more insurance pools to cover your catastrophic medical bills. We investigate up to 16 different parties, including:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, and HOS pressure.
- The Cargo Owner/Loader: If an improperly secured load shifted and caused a rollover.
- Truck Manufacturers: If a defective brake system or tire blowout caused the crash.
- Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier with a known history of safety violations.
- Corporate Parent Companies: Holding companies like Walmart or Amazon responsible for the systemic failures of their fleet.
- Oilfield Operators: Holding the lease holder responsible for hazardous wellsite traffic patterns.
In Harris County, if you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover. Don’t let the insurance company tell you that being “partially” responsible means you get nothing. Texas Law protects you, but you need a fighter to enforce it.
Call (888) 288-9911 for an attorney who understands the full web of commercial liability.
48-Hour Evidence Emergency: Act Now or Lose Your Case
Trucking companies in Harris County don’t wait for you to get out of the hospital. Their specialists are gathering data right now. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.
The ECM (Black Box) Data Threat:
The truck that hit you has an Engine Control Module. It recorded the truck’s speed, RPMs, and exactly when the driver hit the brakes. This data is the “smoking gun” of your case. However, many systems overwrite this data in 30 days—sooner if the truck is put back in service.
Spoliation Letters:
The moment we are retained, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company and their insurer. This is a legal order demanding they preserve the truck, the driver’s cell phone records, the ELD logs, and all maintenance files. If they destroy them after receiving our letter, we can ask the judge for sanctions that effectively win your case before it even starts.
Learn more about why these records matter in our video: Why Documenting Everything After an Accident is Crucial at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwYkU92qcX0.
Catastrophic Injuries: What is Your Future Worth?
A truck crash does more than break bones. It shatters lives. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims in Harris County suffering from:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From mild concussions to permanent cognitive loss. Our TBI settlements range from $1.5M to over $9.8M. We understand that while you may look fine on the outside, your ability to work and connect with your family has been devastated.
- Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis: These cases require lifetime care planning. We’ve seen recoveries from $4.7M to $25.8M for these life-altering losses.
- Amputation: Whether traumatic or surgical, the loss of a limb requires expensive prosthetics and rehabilitation. Our amputation results range from $1.9M to $8.6M.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a parent, spouse, or child, we are deeply sorry. No check replaces them, but holding the company accountable ensures your family is provided for. Our wrongful death settlements range from $1.9M to $9.5M.
We also handle serious orthopedic injuries, herniated discs requiring surgery, and severe burns from fuel fires. We help you get to the right specialist—doctors who understand truck accident trauma—even if you don’t have health insurance. Client Chavodrian Miles said, “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing.”
Commercial Insurance: Why These Cases Are High-Value
If you were hit by another car in Harris County, you might be limited to a $30,000 policy. Trucking accidents are different. Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) mandates minimum insurance:
- $750,000 for general freight.
- $1,000,000 for oil or heavy equipment.
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials or passengers.
Because of the “Nuclear Verdict” trend, many large carriers now carry $10 million or $50 million in “excess” or “umbrella” coverage. Corporate giants like Walmart and Amazon are often self-insured, meaning they have virtually unlimited assets to pay for their negligence—if you have an attorney who can make them.
Lupe Peña’s background is essential here. He knows how these layered insurance policies work and how to “stack” them to cover your lifetime medical bills. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put an expert in your corner.
Harris County Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Harris County?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Evidence like ELD logs and video footage from nearby businesses on I-45 or the Beltway 8 disappear within weeks.
What if an Amazon van hit me, but Amazon says the driver isn’t their employee?
This is the Amazon DSP defense. They use small companies as a “shield.” We know how to pierce that shield by showing that Amazon still controls the driver’s route, their uniform, and their schedule via their proprietary technology.
Who pays my medical bills after a truck wreck?
Ultimately, the trucking company’s insurance is responsible. In the meantime, we can work with your health insurance or help you obtain treatment through a “Letter of Protection” so you aren’t paying out of pocket while you recover.
I was hit by a truck while riding my bike/walking—do I have a case?
YES. Pedestrians and cyclists are frequently the victims of truck drivers failing to check blind spots or making wide “squeeze play” turns. These are some of the most catastrophic cases because you have zero protection against 80,000 pounds.
What is the “Black Box,” and can you get the data?
It is the Engine Control Module. We send a preservation demand immediately to ensure it isn’t erased. This data proves whether the driver was speeding or falling asleep before they hit you on the Hardy Toll Road.
How much does a Harris County truck accident lawyer cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee. You pay nothing upfront, and we advance all the costs of hiring experts and filing the lawsuit. We only get paid if we win money for you. Zero fee unless we win.
The Firm Insurers Fear: Attorney911
When a trucking company sees Attorney911 on the other side of the courtroom, they know they are in for a fight. They know about Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of federal court experience. They know our team includes an insider from the insurance world. Most importantly, they know we don’t settle for less than every dime our clients deserve.
As Donald Wilcox said after we won his case, “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.”
If you are hurting, if your bills are stacking up, and if the trucking company is trying to push you around—it’s time to hit back. Our offices in Houston and Beaumont are ready to serve the people of Harris County and beyond.
Your family. Your future. Your fight. We are ready when you are.
Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Available 24/7. Hablamos Español.
Verified Multi-Million Dollar Results across Traumatic Brain Injury ($1.5M-$9.8M), Amputation ($1.9M-$8.6M), and Wrongful Death ($1.9M-$9.5M). Managing Partner Ralph Manginello — Admitted to the State Bar of Texas (1998) and U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
