Your Guide to Truck Accident Justice in Hays County

The impact of an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is unlike anything else on our roads. When a fully loaded semi-truck slams into a passenger car on the I-35 corridor in San Marcos or a heavy dump truck loses control on Highway 290 near Dripping Springs, the physics are unforgiving. You aren’t just dealing with a “car wreck.” You are dealing with a legal emergency in Hays County that requires an immediate, aggressive response. At Attorney911, we have spent more than 25 years fighting these battles. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998, and our team includes former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña. We know the playbook the insurance companies use because we used to see it from the other side. Now, we use that insider knowledge to fight for the families of Hays County.

If you or a loved one has been injured by an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or a construction vehicle, the clock is already ticking. Evidence is disappearing, and the trucking company’s lawyers are already building their defense. You need a fighter in your corner who understands the federal regulations, the corporate structures, and the high stakes of Hays County litigation. We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar results for traumatic brain injuries and amputations. We are here to help you navigate the aftermath of a catastrophic crash and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why Hays County Truck Accidents are Genuinely Different

Hays County sits at the heart of one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Our position along the I-35 corridor—the primary freight artery for North American trade—means our residents share the road with thousands of long-haul 18-wheelers every single hour. The sheer volume of commercial traffic in Buda, Kyle, and San Marcos creates a high-risk environment where one mistake by a fatigued or distracted driver can change a life forever.

The complexity of these cases goes far beyond a standard insurance claim. In a typical car accident, you deal with two drivers and two insurance companies. In a Hays County truck accident, you may be up against a multi-national corporation, a freight broker, a third-party maintenance provider, and a sophisticated insurance carrier with a “rapid-response” team designed to minimize your payout. We understand these dynamics. Whether it was an Amazon delivery van navigating a residential neighborhood in Kyle or a massive gravel truck involved in a construction project near Wimberley, we know how to peel back the layers of liability to find every available dollar for your recovery.

The Power of Experience: Ralph Manginello and the Attorney911 Advantage

When your future is on the line, experience is the only thing that matters. Ralph Manginello, our founding partner, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has spent over two decades litigating against the world’s largest corporations. We have gone toe-to-toe with giants like BP, following the 2005 refinery explosion, and we bring that same “Fortune 100” litigation experience to every truck accident case in Hays County.

Our clients aren’t just case numbers. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take that responsibility seriously. When we take your case, we advance all costs of the investigation and litigation. You pay us nothing unless we win. From the moment you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we are working to protect your rights, preserve your evidence, and build a case that forces the trucking company to the negotiating table or into a courtroom.

The Insider’s Edge: Why Lupe Peña’s Background Matters for You

One of the most significant advantages we offer Hays County victims is the perspective of associate attorney Lupe Peña. Before joining our team to fight for the injured, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He was the lawyer the insurance companies called to help them pay as little as possible. He knows exactly how they value claims, how they use “independent” medical exams to downplay injuries, and where they hide the extra layers of insurance coverage.

Today, Lupe uses that insider knowledge to expose their tactics. He knows how to counter the “independent contractor” defense that companies like Amazon and FedEx Ground use to shield themselves from liability. He is also fluent in Spanish, providing direct, personal representation to our Spanish-speaking community in Hays County without the need for interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con un equipo que entiende su idioma y su lucha.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Foundation of Your Case

Every commercial truck operating in Hays County is governed by a strict set of federal laws known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Codified in 49 CFR Parts 390-399, these rules are designed to keep the public safe. When a trucking company violates these rules to increase their profit margin, people get hurt. We use these regulations as the foundation of our negligence claims.

49 CFR Part 395: The Battle Against Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is the silent killer on I-35 through Hays County. To prevent accidents caused by exhaustion, the FMCSA mandates strict Hours of Service (HOS) rules:

• The 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• The 14-Hour Window: A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• The 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
• ELD Mandate: Since December 2017, almost all commercial trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to automatically record driving time.

In many Hays County crashes, we find that drivers have falsified their logs or were pressured by dispatchers to “push through” to meet a delivery deadline at a nearby fulfillment center. We subpoena the ELD data and dispatch records to prove these violations. If a driver was trailing a load from Laredo to Dallas and bypassed their required rest stop before crashing near San Marcos, we will find that evidence.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification and Accountability

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, they must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator, which includes:

• CDL Verification: Proof of a valid Commercial Driver’s License.
• Medical Certification: Results of required physical exams to ensure the driver is fit to operate an 80,000-pound machine.
• Driving Record (MVR): An annual review of the driver’s history.
• Road Test Results: Documentation that the driver actually knows how to handle the vehicle.

If a trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple speeding tickets, they may be liable for negligent hiring. Our team rigorously examines these files in every Hays County investigation to determine if the company put an unsafe driver on our roads.

49 CFR Part 396: Maintenance and Inspection

A truck is a complex industrial machine that requires constant maintenance. Under Part 396, carriers must systematically inspect and repair their fleets. This includes:

• Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers must check brakes, tires, and lights before every journey.
• Annual Inspections: Every vehicle must undergo a comprehensive safety check.
• Maintenance Logs: Companies must keep records of every repair and inspection for at least one year.

Brake failure is a common cause of rear-end collisions on Hays County highways. If the maintenance logs show that the company was deferring brake repairs to save money, that is evidence of gross negligence. As we see in our video guide, “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” (RCTumr1looc), failing to follow tire rotation and replacement protocols can lead to catastrophic loss of control.

Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Hays County

The way an accident happens tells a story about who is at fault. Because we handle every type of commercial vehicle crash, we understand the specific mechanics and regulatory violations associated with each.

18-Wheeler Jackknife and Rollover Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer outruns the cab, swinging out at a 90-degree angle. This often happens on the steep grades or sharp interchanges of Hays County when a driver brakes too hard on a wet road or takes a curve at excessive speed. Rollovers are equally devastating, often caused by top-heavy cargo shifting (a violation of 49 CFR Part 393) or the “slosh effect” in liquid tankers. When these massive vehicles lose control on I-35, they often create multi-vehicle pileups that affect dozens of families.

Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Crash

Underride accidents are the nightmare of the trucking world. This happens when a passenger car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer because the truck lacks proper guards (Mansfield Bars). The height mismatch often results in the car’s roof being sheared off. Whether caused by a truck stopping suddenly without working taillights or a driver merging without checking their “No-Zone” blind spots, underride crashes in Hays County are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic brain injuries.

Corporate Delivery Fleet Accidents: Amazon, Walmart, and UPS

Hays County is a hub for retail logistics. We see a massive volume of delivery vans and corporate trucks every day. These cases involve unique legal hurdles:

• Amazon Accidents: Amazon often claims it isn’t liable because the driver works for a small “Delivery Service Partner.” We know how to pierce this shield by showing the level of control Amazon exercises through its routing algorithms and Netradyne AI cameras.
• Walmart Wrecks: Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world. They are self-insured for millions, meaning they fight every claim from their own pocket. You need an attorney like Ralph Manginello, who has litigated against Walmart and won.
• H-E-B and Regional Fleets: As a Texas-based firm, we know the regional giants like H-E-B. Their trucks are everywhere in Hays County. When their drivers cause harm, we know who to call and how to secure the evidence.

Construction and Heavy Vehicle Accidents

With the explosion of growth in Buda and Dripping Springs, construction vehicles are a constant presence.

• Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: These vehicles can weigh 60,000+ pounds. They often operate on narrow secondary roads not meant for heavy loads. Overloading and negligent maintenance are frequent causes of these crashes.
• Rental/Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske): Unlike professional truckers, rental truck drivers often have zero experience handling large vehicles. If the rental company rented a massive box truck to an obviously incompetent or impaired driver, they may be liable for negligent entrustment.

Vulnerable Road User Accidents

Truck accidents aren’t limited to vehicle-on-vehicle impacts.

• Pedestrians and Cyclists: In urban areas like San Marcos near the university, pedestrians are at extreme risk from turning trucks with massive blind spots.
• Motorcyclists: An 80,000-pound truck versus a 600-pound motorcycle is never a fair fight. We fight the bias that often shifts blame to motorcyclists to ensure they get the compensation they deserve.

The 16 Parties We Hold Accountable

Most lawyers stop at the driver. We don’t. To maximize your recovery in Hays County, we identify every party that contributed to the disaster. The more defendants we identify, the more insurance policies we can stack to cover your losses.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): For the actions of their employees and their own failure to train and supervise.
3. The Cargo Owner: If the cargo was inherently dangerous or contributed to the crash.
4. The Loading Company: For improperly securing the load, causing it to shift.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect (like a weak roof or lack of underride guards) made the injuries worse.
6. Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or steering components.
7. Maintenance Companies: If a third-party shop performed negligent repairs.
8. Freight Brokers: For negligently hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
9. The Truck Owner: If the truck was leased to an unsafe driver.
10. Government Entities: If poor road design or a lack of signage in Hays County contributed to the crash.
11. Corporate Parent Companies: Holding giants like Amazon responsible for their “contractor” fleets.
12. Oilfield Operators: If the accident involved equipment hauling for a major energy producer.
13. Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified or dangerous drivers to carriers.
14. Rental Truck Companies: For negligent maintenance or entrustment of U-Hauls and Penske trucks.
15. Public Transit Agencies/School Districts: For bus accidents requiring special “Notice of Claim” procedures.
16. The Federal Government: If the accident involved a USPS vehicle (FTCA claims).

Urgency: The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

After an 18-wheeler accident in Hays County, the evidence doesn’t wait. Trucking companies often send their own investigators to the crash site before the police have even cleared the road. They aren’t there to help you; they are there to find ways to blame you.

Black Box Data is at Risk: The Engine Control Module (ECM) in a semi-truck records speed, braking, and throttle usage. This data is often overwritten after 30 days or if the truck continues to be driven. We send formal “spoliation letters” immediately—often within 24 hours of being hired—to legally forbid the company from destroying this data.

ELD and Maintenance Records: Federal law only requires trucking companies to keep certain records for six months. If your case takes longer than that to file, the evidence of the driver’s fatigue or the truck’s mechanical failure could be legally shredded unless a preservation notice is in place.

As client Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Our speed is your advantage. We don’t give the trucking company time to hide the truth. We move fast to secure the dashcam footage, the satellite GPS data, and the driver’s qualification file because we know that in Hays County, justice delayed is justice denied.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Recovery

A truck accident doesn’t just result in “injuries.” It results in a complete restructuring of your life. When we value a case in Hays County, we look at the total impact—not just the immediate medical bills.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can change your personality, your cognitive ability, and your ability to earn a living. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5M to over $9.8M for TBI victims. These cases require neuropsychologists and life-care planners to document the decades of care that will be required. Learn more in our video, “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” (GBYAHi5aiEQ).

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A C4 spinal cord injury can result in quadriplegia and lifetime care costs exceeding $20 million. Our firm has secured settlements from $4.7M to over $25M for spinal cord victims. We fight to ensure your home is modified, your transportation is accessible, and your medical needs are covered forever.

Amputations and Severe Burns

Losing a limb or suffering third-degree burns is a traumatic, life-altering experience. We’ve seen amputation settlements from $1.9M to $8.6M. These awards must cover the cost of prosthetics (which must be replaced every few years) and the psychological toll of disfigurement.

Wrongful Death in Hays County

If the worst has happened and you have lost a family member, no amount of money can replace them. However, a wrongful death claim provides the financial security your family needs to survive. We help Hays County families recover losses for future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Typical settlements in these tragic cases range from $1.9M to $9.5M.

The “Invisible” Injuries: PTSD and Anxiety

Not all scars are physical. Driving anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are common after surviving a near-fatal truck crash. As we discuss in “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” (9803X_jnR4A), these are real, compensable injuries. If you are afraid to get back on I-35 or are suffering from flashbacks, your claim must reflect that trauma.

Understanding Damages: How Much is Your Case Worth?

The value of a Hays County truck accident case is often significantly higher than a standard car accident because the insurance minimums are much larger.

Most Fortune 500 fleets like Walmart or Amazon carry far more—often $50 million or more in “umbrella” or “excess” coverage. When we handle your case, we are looking for:

• Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, and life-care costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and disfigurement.
• Punitive Damages: Large awards designed to punish the trucking company if they showed a reckless disregard for human life—such as letting a driver stay on the road for 20 hours straight.

In Hays County, we also keep a close eye on the “Nuclear Verdict” trend. Juries across Texas are sending a message that safety should come before profit. Recent verdicts in our state have exceeded $100 million for egregious negligence. While every case is different, these numbers show that when the truth is brought to light, juries will hold these companies accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hays County Victims

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Hays County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for claims against government entities (like a city bus or a county truck), you may have as little as six months to provide formal notice. Never wait; evidence starts disappearing within 48 hours.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-35?
Texas follows a 51% Bar Rule for modified comparative negligence. This means that as long as you are 50% or less responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why having an attorney who can prove the trucking company’s majority fault is critical.

The insurance company offered me a settlement today. Should I take it?
Almost certainly NOT. Quick offers are designed to “close the file” before you realize you have a herniated disc or a mild TBI that will require years of therapy. Once you sign their release, your case is over forever. As Glenda Walker said of our firm, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We ensure you don’t leave money on the table.

Does it matter that I was hit by an Amazon van and not a big semi-truck?
Yes, but only in terms of the legal strategy. Amazon vans are commercial vehicles, but because they often weigh less than 26,001 pounds, the drivers may not be required to have a CDL. However, they are still doing business on Hays County roads. We use the “Control Test” to hold Amazon liable for the actions of their delivery partners.

What is “Black Box” data and how do you get it?
Nearly every commercial truck manufactured in the last 20 years has an Engine Control Module (ECM). It tracks speed, braking, and steering inputs. We use “Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recovery” to download this data. If the truck driver claims they were going the speed limit on I-35 but the black box shows they were doing 80 mph, your case is won.

The truck that hit me was from another state. Where do I sue?
This is where federal court experience matters. Because the accident happened in Hays County, we can often sue here in our local courts. However, many trucking cases are “removed” to federal court because the parties are from different states (Diversity Jurisdiction). Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court ensures we can fight for you wherever the case ends up.

What are “Hidden Damages” I might be missing?
Beyond the obvious bills, you can recover for “Loss of Household Services” (the value of the chores and care you can no longer provide your family) and “Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions” (if you had a bad back that the crash made significantly worse). An experienced attorney searches for every possible loss.

Why Attorney911? The “Powerful and Proven” Difference

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler wreck in San Marcos or anywhere in Hays County, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team that sees you as a person and not a file.

• 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been litigating personal injury cases since 1998. He knows the judges, the courts, and the tactics.
• The Defense Advantage: Lupe Peña knows the insurance company playbook because he used to write it. We anticipate their moves before they make them.
• A Proven Track Record: With over $50 million recovered, we have the resources to take on the biggest corporations in America.
• Direct Attorney Access: You won’t be shuffled off to a paralegal. As client Dame Haskett said, “Ralph reached out personally.”
• No Fee Unless We Win: We take all the financial risk. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us a cent for our time or expenses.

Your Fight for Justice Starts with One Call

Trucking companies in Hays County have teams of lawyers working right now to protect their profits. You deserve a team working just as hard to protect your family. Don’t let your evidence disappear while you focus on healing. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on your recovery.

Hays County drivers deserve Hays County advocates. We know these roads, we know this law, and we know how to make trucking companies pay for the harm they cause.

Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for your 100% FREE consultation.

Our team is available 24/7 to respond to your legal emergency. Hablamos Español. Llame hoy para proteger su futuro.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | Attorney911
Houston • Austin • Beaumont • Serving All of Hays County
1-888-ATTY-911
https://attorney911.com