Mabank Truck Accident Lawyer | Attorney911 Commercial Vehicle Litigation
The impact of an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer is unlike any other event on the road. In an instant, a routine drive along US-175 or SH-198 in Mabank turns into a life-altering catastrophe. When you are sitting in a passenger vehicle that weighs roughly 4,000 pounds, you have no chance against a commercial vehicle that is 20 times your size. The laws of physics are unforgiving, and the injuries that follow are often permanent.
At Attorney911, we understand that you aren’t just dealing with a traffic accident; you are facing a legal emergency. Since 1998, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has stood as a shield for families devastated by corporate negligence. With over 25 years of experience in federal and state courts, we don’t just handle cases—we wage war against the massive insurance companies that protect negligent trucking fleets. We know the corridors of Mabank and the highways connecting Kaufman County to the rest of Texas. We know the tactics these companies use to hide evidence, and we know how to make them pay.
If you or a loved one has been injured, call us right now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations, and you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you. Our team is available 24/7 because we know that trucking companies start building their defense the moment the wheels stop spinning.
Why Mabank Families Choose Attorney911 for Trucking Litigation
When you are up against a Fortune 500 company like Walmart or Amazon, you cannot afford a general practice lawyer. You need a specialist who understands the complex web of federal regulations and corporate insurance structures. Attorney911 provides a level of aggressive representation that sets us apart from other firms in the region.
The Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña and Insurance Defense Strategy
Our firm brings a unique weapon to your fight. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm. He used to defend the very companies we now sue. He knows exactly how insurance adjusters in Mabank view your claim. He has seen the formulas they use to minimize your suffering and the “playbook” they follow to deny valid claims. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves before they make them. Having an attorney who has seen the other side’s hand is an unfair advantage that we put to work for our clients every single day.
Ralph Manginello’s 25-Year Legacy of Courtroom Wins
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been a relentless advocate for the injured. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, a critical credential because many Mabank truck accident cases eventually move into federal court due to the interstate nature of the trucking industry. From litigating against multinational corporations in the BP Texas City refinery disaster to securing multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, Ralph has established a track record of “winningness” that insurance companies respect—and fear.
As our client Chad Harris noted, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take that responsibility seriously. When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t just hiring a firm; you are joining a family that will fight tooth and nail for every dime you deserve.
The Dangerous Reality of Trucking in Mabank, Texas
Mabank serves as a critical junction in Northeast Texas. Situated at the crossroads of US-175 and SH-198, our town sees a constant flow of commercial traffic moving between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the industrial hubs toward East Texas. While this commerce is vital to our economy, it creates a high-risk environment for local residents.
High-Risk Corridors: US-175 and Kaufman County
The stretch of US-175 passing through Mabank is a notorious corridor for high-speed truck traffic. Long-haul drivers often pass through this area during the early morning or late night hours, struggling with fatigue after hours behind the wheel. The transition zones where the highway narrows or passes through local intersections are prime locations for rear-end collisions and jackknife accidents.
We see a diverse range of commercial vehicles in Mabank, including:
- 18-Wheelers and Semi-Trucks: Moving freight from Dallas distribution centers.
- Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: Serving the ongoing construction boom around Cedar Creek Lake.
- Delivery Vans: Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vehicles rushing to meet residential delivery windows.
- Logging and Timber Trucks: Moving materials toward East Texas processing facilities.
- Agricultural Vehicles: Large equipment and grain haulers operating on rural Kaufman County roads.
Every one of these vehicles is a potential weapon if the driver is distracted, the company skips maintenance, or the cargo is improperly secured. If you’ve been hit, don’t wait. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.
Catastrophic Truck Accident Types We Handle in Mabank
Truck accidents are mechanically different from car crashes. The physics of a 53-foot trailer create unique accident scenarios that require expert reconstruction. Our firm has deep experience in investigating every class of commercial vehicle wreck.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the drive wheels of a tractor-trailer lock up, causing the trailer to swing forward and perpendicular to the cab. This often happens on US-175 during heavy rains when a driver slams on the brakes too late. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, all brakes on a commercial vehicle must be functional. When we investigate a jackknife in Mabank, we look for evidence of improper brake maintenance or driver error. The swinging trailer can sweep across three lanes of traffic, causing a multi-vehicle pileup with devastating results.
Rollover Crashes
Because of their high center of gravity, trucks are prone to rolling over, especially when taking curves too fast on SH-198 or SH-274. Research shows that nearly 50% of truck rollovers result from excessive speed. However, improperly secured cargo—governed by 49 CFR § 393.100—is another leading cause. If a load shifts during a turn, it can pull the entire 80,000-pound rig onto its side, crushing any smaller vehicles in its path.
Underride Collisions: One of the Deadliest Scenarios
Underride collisions occur when a passenger car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. These are almost always fatal because the trailer bed is at the exact height of a car’s windshield. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, these “Mansfield bars” often fail at highway speeds. We investigate whether the trucking company used substandard equipment and fight for the maximum recovery for families who have lost loved ones in these horrific crashes.
Rear-End Collisions and the Physics of Stopping
A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph on the highway near Mabank needs roughly 525 feet to stop—the length of nearly two football fields. When a driver is following too closely or is distracted by a dispatch device, they simply cannot stop in time. These high-energy rear-end impacts often result in catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and permanent spinal cord damage.
Delivery Van and Last-Mile Accidents
In residential areas of Mabank, the danger often comes from smaller delivery vans. Amazon, FedEx, and UPS drivers are under extreme pressure to meet quotas, leading to reckless maneuvers and blind-spot collisions. If an Amazon van hit your car, they will likely claim the driver was an “independent contractor” to avoid liability. We know how to pierce that corporate shield and hold the parent company accountable for the system of pressure they created.
Federal FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules that every trucking company in Mabank must follow. When these rules are broken, it is prima facie evidence of negligence. We cite these regulations to build an airtight case for you.
| FMCSA Regulation | Focus Area | Why It Matters for Your Case |
|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR Part 395 | Hours of Service (HOS) | Prevents fatigued driving by mandating rest breaks. |
| 49 CFR Part 391 | Driver Qualification | Requires companies to vet drivers for safety history and medical health. |
| 49 CFR Part 396 | Inspection & Maintenance | Mandates systematic repairs and daily inspections of brakes and tires. |
| 49 CFR Part 382 | Drug & Alcohol Testing | Requires random and post-accident screening for controlled substances. |
| 49 CFR Part 393 | Parts and Accessories | Sets safety standards for lights, mirrors, and cargo securement. |
In many cases we handle, the “accident” was actually a predictable result of a company choosing profit over safety. Whether it’s a driver logging 14 hours when the law limit is 11, or a company skipping a brake inspection to keep a truck on the road, we uncover the truth. Call 1-888-288-9911 for an attorney who understands the technical details of trucking law.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Mabank?
One of the reasons you need an experienced lawyer like Ralph Manginello is that liability in a truck wreck is rarely limited to the driver. We cast a wide net to find every available dollar for your recovery. We may pursue claims against:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or failing to maintain their fleet.
- The Cargo Owner/Loader: If an improperly balanced load caused a rollover or spill.
- The Parts Manufacturer: If a defective tire blowout or brake failure caused the crash.
- The Maintenance Provider: If a third-party shop performed substandard repairs.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier they knew had a dangerous safety rating.
- Corporate Parent Companies: Holding giants like Walmart or FedEx accountable for their systemic failures.
Insurance stacking is a critical part of our strategy. By identifies multiple liable parties, we can access multiple insurance policies, ensuring that even in cases of catastrophic injury, there is enough coverage to take care of you for the rest of your life.
48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The Clock is Ticking
In Mabank, as in the rest of Texas, evidence disappears faster than you think. The most critical pieces of data for your case are often digital, and they can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
The Black Box (ECM) and ELD Logs
Modern commercial trucks are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM) that records speed, braking, and throttle position in the moments before a crash. Additionally, Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) track the driver’s movements. If we don’t send a formal “spoliation letter” immediately, the trucking company can legally allow this data to be overwritten.
What We Demand in Our Preservation Letters
Within 24-48 hours of being hired, we demand the preservation of:
- The truck’s black box data.
- In-cab camera and dashcam footage (often deleted within 7 days).
- The driver’s “Qualification File” and disciplinary history.
- Post-crash drug and alcohol test results.
- The physical truck and trailer for an independent inspection.
- Dispatch records and delivery schedules.
The trucking company is already building their defense. You need someone building your case. Call (888) 288-9911 right now. Hablamos Español.
Understanding Your Catastrophic Injuries
A truck accident isn’t a “fender bender.” The violence of the impact causes permanent damage to the human body. We assist clients in Mabank suffering from the most serious injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can occur even without a direct blow to the head, simply from the violent whip-action of the impact. Symptoms include chronic headaches, memory loss, and personality changes. We have recovered settlements in the range of $1.5M to $9.8M+ for TBI victims because we understand that these injuries often require a lifetime of specialized care.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
When the vertebrae are crushed or the spinal cord is severed, the results are devastating. Whether it is paraplegia or quadriplegia, the cost of specialized equipment, home modifications, and 24/7 nursing care is astronomical. Settlements for these cases regularly reach $4.7M to $25M+. We work with life care planners to ensure every future need is accounted for.
Amputation and Limb Loss
Crush injuries from a heavy truck impact often leave doctors with no choice but to amputate. A prosthetic limb is not a one-time cost; it must be replaced and maintained for decades. Our firm has secured settlements between $1.9M and $8.6M for amputees, helping them reclaim their independence and dignity.
Wrongful Death: Standing Up for Your Family
If you have lost a spouse, parent, or child in a Mabank truck wreck, we offer our deepest condolences. No check can replace a human being, but a wrongful death claim can provide the financial security your family needs to survive. Under Texas law, you can recover for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. We have seen wrongful death settlements in the $1.9M to $9.5M range.
Commercial Insurance: Why the Stakes are Higher
Trucking companies carry massive insurance because the damage they cause is so great. While a typical car driver might have a $30,000 policy, a commercial carrier is required to carry much more.
| Cargo Type | Federal Minimum Insurance |
|---|---|
| General Freight | $750,000 |
| Oil and Hazardous Materials | $5,000,000 |
| Large Heavy Equipment | $1,000,000 |
The Threat of the Lowball Offer
Because the policies are so large, insurance adjusters act quickly. They may show up at your hospital room or your home in Mabank with a check. They will tell you it’s the most they can offer. Do not sign it. Once you accept that check, you waive your right to ever ask for more. You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. You don’t know how much work you will miss. Our team, led by a former defense attorney, knows that first offer is always a lowball designed to save the insurance company millions at your expense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mabank Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a claim in Mabank?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. The trucking company is already collecting evidence to use against you. The sooner we get involved, the more evidence we can protect.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are found to be 20% at fault, your final settlement will be reduced by 20%. Our investigators work to minimize the fault attributed to you and maximize the liability of the trucking company.
How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer?
At Attorney911, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means there are zero upfront costs for you. We pay for the experts, the investigations, and the court filings. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Can I sue the oil company if an oilfield truck hit me near Mabank?
Yes. If the truck was hauling for an oil and gas company and that company’s schedule or production demands contributed to the driver’s fatigue or negligence, they can be held liable. These cases often involve dual jurisdiction between FMCSA and OSHA regulations.
What is my case worth?
Every case in Mabank is unique. We look at your medical bills, lost income, future care needs, and the degree of pain and suffering you’ve endured. While we cannot give you an exact number without an investigation, our firm has a history of achieving multi-million dollar results for clients with serious injuries.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: Proof of Expertise
We don’t just talk about being “fighters”—we have the results to prove it. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for injured Texans. This includes:
- $5+ Million for a victim of a traumatic brain injury.
- $3.8+ Million for a client who suffered a limb amputation.
- $2.5+ Million for a victim of a catastrophic commercial truck crash.
Clients like Donald Wilcox have experienced our dedication firsthand: “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 drop, and we win them because we outwork the opposition.
Contact Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm Today
You are currently going through one of the most stressful periods of your life. Your health is at risk, your bills are mounting, and your future is uncertain. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to stand in the gap for you.
We provide the personal attention of a boutique firm with the resources and “winningness” of a major litigation powerhouse. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We will do the same for you.
Don’t let the trucking company decide what your life is worth. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 right now for your free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help Mabank families get the justice they deserve.
Attorney911: Powerful. Proven. Your voice against the giants.
