Hubbard Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide
The impact of an 80,000-pound steel machine slamming into a passenger vehicle is a life-altering event that few people are prepared for. If you find yourself in the aftermath of a catastrophic wreck in Hubbard, Texas, you aren’t just dealing with a traffic accident—you’re facing a legal emergency. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have stood as a frontline defense for families whose lives have been shattered by the negligence of trucking companies and commercial fleet operators.
Hubbard sits at a vital crossroads in Hill County, where Highway 31 and Highway 171 bring a constant stream of 18-wheelers, agricultural haulers, and corporate delivery vans through the heart of our community. Whether you were hit by a long-haul semi-truck bypassing the Hillsboro congestion or a grain hauler servicing local farms, the results are often devastating. Permanent disability, mounting medical debt, and the overwhelming weight of physical pain can make the future look bleak. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to carry that burden alone. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and more than $50 million recovered for our clients, we have the resources and the tenacity to hold corporate giants accountable for the damage they’ve caused.
Our firm is uniquely positioned to handle these complex cases. We are joined by associate attorney Lupe Peña, who previously worked for a national insurance defense firm. This gives our team an “insider advantage” that other firms simply cannot match. Lupe knows the playbook the insurance companies use to minimize your suffering, because he used to read it from the other side of the table. Today, he uses that knowledge to anticipate their moves and secure every dime our clients deserve. If you’ve been hurt in a Hubbard truck accident, the clock is already ticking on your case. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we win your case.
Why Truck Accidents in Hubbard Demand Specialized Legal Expertise
Hubbard is a unique geographic environment for trucking safety. While many people focus on the dangers of I-35 just to our west, local residents know that the two-lane corridors of US-31 and US-171 present their own set of lethal challenges. When an 18-wheeler is forced to navigate the tighter turns and narrower shoulders of Hill County’s regional highways, the margin for error disappears. An 80,000-pound truck is essentially a kinetic weapon; at 65 miles per hour, it possesses enough force to crush any car, SUV, or pickup truck in its path.
At Attorney911, we recognize that a truck accident in Hubbard requires a different level of investigation than a standard car wreck. While a typical car insurance policy might cap out at the Texas minimum of $30,000, commercial motor carriers are required by federal law to carry between $750,000 and $5 million in liability coverage. This creates a “high-stakes” environment where trucking companies hire rapid-response teams—lawyers and investigators who are sometimes on the scene of a crash before the ambulance has even reached the hospital. You need a legal team that can move just as fast.
Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, is a critical asset for Hubbard victims. Because many trucking companies are headquartered outside of Texas, these cases often move into the federal system. We are prepared to litigate at the highest levels, whether your case stays in the Hill County court system or moves to a federal docket. Our history includes taking on Fortune 500 companies like BP, Walmart, and Amazon. We aren’t intimidated by their teams of corporate defense lawyers, and we will fight tooth and nail to ensure your family’s future is protected.
As our client Chad Harris once said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That personal commitment is the foundation of our practice in Hubbard and throughout Texas.
The Hubbard Trucking Landscape: Dangerous Highways and High-Risk Zones
To win a trucking case in Hubbard, an attorney must understand the local terrain. Hubbard’s position as a hub for both agricultural logistics and regional freight transit creates a “mix” of commercial vehicles that you won’t find in larger urban metros. We represent victims involved in accidents on every major thoroughfare in and around the Hub:
- Highway 31 (Magnolia Ave): This is a primary arterial route connecting Waco to Corsicana. The high volume of East/West freight traffic through Hubbard means residents are constantly sharing the road with 18-wheelers that are trying to maintain tight delivery schedules.
- Highway 171: Connecting Hillsboro down toward Hubbard, this road sees a mix of regional delivery trucks and agricultural equipment. The intersections along 171 are common sites for T-bone and wide-turn accidents.
- The Highway 31/171 Intersection: Right in the center of Hubbard, this crossroads is a high-risk zone. When large trucks attempt to make turns through our downtown area, the risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists is extreme.
- Farm-to-Market (FM) Roads: The rural roads surrounding Hubbard, such as FM 937 and FM 2114, were often not engineered to handle the 80,000-pound weight of modern commercial hauling. Soft shoulders, narrow lanes, and lack of lighting make these roads particularly dangerous for night-driving truck accidents.
Whether your accident happened on the main drag of Magnolia Avenue or a remote county road in Hill County, we know how to deploy investigators to document the skid marks, preserve debris patterns, and download the critical electronic data that proves how the crash occurred. Call us at (888) 288-9911 to start our investigation of your Hubbard truck accident today.
FMCSA Regulations: Using Federal Law to Prove Negligence in Hubbard
Trucking is a heavily regulated industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict standards under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) that every driver and company must follow. When a truck driver hits you in Hubbard, our first task is determining which federal laws were broken. These violations provide the “smoking gun” evidence needed to establish liability.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) and Driver Fatigue
Fatigued driving is a scourge on Texas highways. Under Part 395, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty. In many Hubbard accidents, we find that drivers—under pressure from their employers—have falsified their logs to stay on the road longer. A sleepy driver has a slower reaction time than an intoxicated person. If a fatigued driver drifted across the centerline of Highway 31 and hit you, we will find the proof.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Files
A trucking company has a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. Part 391 requires companies to maintain a “Driver Qualification File” for every operator. This file must include their driving record, medical examiner’s certificate, and proof of drug and alcohol testing. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple speeding tickets to operate a 26,000-pound box truck through Hubbard, they are liable for “negligent hiring.”
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Brake failure and tire blowouts don’t just “happen.” They are the results of skipped inspections. Under Part 396, every commercial vehicle must be systematically inspected and maintained. Drivers are required to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections. If our investigation reveals that the truck that hit you in Hubbard had worn-out brake pads or mismatched retread tires that should have been replaced, we will hold the maintenance company and the carrier responsible.
49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation
This section covers everything from lighting and reflectors to cargo securement. If a trailer was improperly loaded at a warehouse near Corsicana and the cargo shifted during a turn in Hubbard, causing a rollover, Part 393 violations are the key to your recovery. We look at everything: were the Tiedowns sufficient? Was the center of gravity too high?
We use these regulations as a blueprint for justice. By citing the specific 49 CFR section violated, we move the conversation from “it was an accident” to “they broke the law.” Learn more about how we use these rules in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Comprehensive Coverage of Hubbard Truck Accident Types
Not every truck accident looks the same. The physics vary depending on the vehicle and the maneuver being performed. Our 25+ years of experience in Hubbard and across Texas has taught us how to litigate every specific scenario.
Jackknife Accidents on Hubbard Highway
A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab. This usually happens during sudden braking on wet or slick roads, which are common in Hill County during the spring rain season. A jackknifed truck can block three lanes of Highway 31, leaving you with absolutely nowhere to go. These accidents are often caused by violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake malfunction) or speeding for conditions (§ 392.6).
Underride Collisions: Catastrophic and Fatal
Underride crashes are the most lethal type of Hubbard truck accident. This happens when a car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. Because the trailer is higher than the car’s hood, the impact often shears off the top of the passenger vehicle. If a truck driver in Hubbard makes an unsafe lane change or stops suddenly without functioning tail lights (violating § 393.11), the results for the people in the smaller car are often fatal.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” in Downtown Hubbard
Hubbard’s intersections weren’t always designed for 53-foot trailers. When a truck swings wide to the left to make a right turn, they often leave a gap. If you enter that gap and the truck completes its turn, your vehicle can be crushed against the curb. These “squeeze play” accidents often result in amputations and severe crush injuries. We prove the driver failed to check their mirrors or signal properly.
Rear-End Collisions from 80,000-Pound Missiles
A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs nearly 525 feet to stop—the length of two football fields. When a distracted or fatigued driver on Highway 171 fails to notice traffic slowing down, they strike the car in front of them with the force of a building. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for Hubbard victims suffering from herniated discs and traumatic brain injuries after being rear-ended by commercial vehicles.
Tire Blowouts and Maintenance Neglect
A tire blowout on an 18-wheeler can send a massive “road gator” (tire debris) through your windshield or cause the truck driver to lose control and swerve into your lane. We investigate whether the tire was a substandard retread or if the trucking company ignored 49 CFR § 393.75 requirements for tread depth. For more on this, see our video “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.
18-Wheeler Cargo Spills and Shift Errors
If a flatbed hauling timber or large equipment loses its load on a Hubbard road, the results are terrifying. Shifting cargo can also cause a driver to lose control, leading to a rollover. We hold the loading company and the cargo owner liable for these failures under § 393.100 securement standards.
Beyond the 18-Wheeler: Other Commercial Vehicles in Hubbard
Many people use the term “truck accident” to refer only to big rigs, but our roads in Hubbard are filled with other dangerous commercial vehicles. At Attorney911, we handle cases involving every type of industrial and business vehicle on the road.
Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles:
Hubbard’s growth means more construction. A fully loaded dump truck can weigh 65,000 pounds. When these trucks are overloaded to increase profit, they become prone to rollovers and brake failure. If a construction truck hit you on Highway 171, we investigate the construction company and the developer who hired them.
Garbage and Waste Trucks:
These are some of the most dangerous vehicles in residential Hubbard. Because of frequent stops and massive blind spots, garbage trucks are a leading cause of child pedestrian fatalities and backing-accident injuries. The waste management companies—many of them multibillion-dollar corporations—often prioritize speed over safety on their routes.
Concrete Mixers / Cement Trucks:
A concrete mixer carries a liquid load that “sloshes” back and forth, constantly shifting the truck’s center of gravity. This makes them highly prone to rolling over during even minor turns. If you were crushed by a cement truck in Hubbard, you are dealing with one of the heaviest and most lethal vehicles allowed on our roads.
Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske):
Here’s a scary fact about Hubbard roads: anyone with a standard driver’s license and a credit card can rent a 26-foot truck weighing 26,000 pounds and drive it into traffic. Most of these drivers have ZERO training. If a rental company like U-Haul or Penske rented a truck to someone who was obviously unfit to drive it, or if they failed to maintain the truck’s brakes, we can hold them liable.
Box Trucks and Delivery Vans (Amazon/FedEx):
Last-mile delivery is explosive in Hill County. High-pressure quotas forced on drivers by companies like Amazon and FedEx lead to reckless driving, illegal parking, and distracted navigation. If a blue Amazon van or a white FedEx Ground truck hit you in Hubbard, don’t let them hide behind their “independent contractor” shield. We know how to pierce that shield and find the insurance money.
Hubbard School Bus and Transit Accidents:
When a bus is involved in a crash, there are dozens of lives at risk. Whether it’s a school bus serving Hubbard ISD or an interstate charter bus, these cases involve unique sovereign immunity issues if a government entity is involved. We know the strict notice deadlines required for claims against public agencies.
If you’ve been hurt by any commercial vehicle, do not settle for a general lawyer. You need someone who knows the specific hazards of the industry. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 for help now.
Identifying Every Liable Party: The Attorney911 “Wide Net” Strategy
Most law firms in Hubbard will only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that’s not enough. To truly maximize your recovery and ensure you aren’t left with unpaid medical bills, we cast a wide net to identify every party that contributed to your accident. In a trucking case, up to 16 different parties may be responsible:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
- The Trucking Company (Carrier): They are responsible for the driver’s actions and for provide safe equipment.
- The Brand Owner (Corporate Parent): If a Walmart or Amazon logo is on the truck, we look for ways to hold the multi-billion dollar parent company liable.
- The Cargo Owner / Shipper: If the weight or nature of the cargo made the accident worse.
- The Loading Company: If the truck was loaded in a way that caused it to be top-heavy or unstable.
- The Freight Broker: Companies like C.H. Robinson who “hired” the carrier. We look for negligent selection of unsafe trucking companies.
- The Maintenance Company: If a third party was paid to fix the brakes or steering and they did a poor job.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect (like a weak underride guard) contributed to the severity of the crash.
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires (blowouts) or component failures.
- The Truck Owner: In many “owner-operator” leases, several different companies may have shared responsibility for the vehicle.
- Oilfield Operators: If the accident involved a truck hauling equipment to a wellsite or lease.
- Staffing Agencies: If the driver was provided by a temporary labor company that failed to vet them.
- Rental Truck Companies: For negligent entrustment or maintenance.
- Government Entities: If Hubbard road design or a lack of maintenance (like a missing stop sign) was a factor.
- Public Transit Agencies: For bus accidents.
- Federal Government (USPS): If you were hit by a mail truck, special federal tort rules apply.
By identifying every liable party, we open up multiple insurance policies. This “stacking” of coverage is often the only way to ensure our clients get full compensation for catastrophic injuries like paralysis or TBI. 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.”
Catastrophic Injuries from Hubbard Truck Wrecks
When 40 tons of steel collide with your body, the physical damage is rarely “minor.” We represent Hubbard families dealing with the absolute worst-case scenarios. We approach these sections with a heavy heart but a fighting spirit, knowing that your recovery depends on the resources we secure for you.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from Hubbard Crashes
A brain injury changes the very essence of who you are. Whether it’s a “mild” concussion or a severe penetrating trauma, TBI can result in cognitive loss, personality changes, memory failure, and inability to work. We have reached settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for brain injury victims. We work with neuropsychologists to quantify the loss of cognitive function so the jury understands exactly what has been taken from you. Learn more in our video “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
When an 18-wheeler causes a rollover or an underride, the axial loading on the spine is immense. Injuries resulting in quadriplegia or paraplegia require 24/7 care for life. Settlement ranges for these cases often sit between $4.7 million and $25.8 million. We retain life care planners to calculate every dollar your family will need for medical equipment, specialized nursing, and home modifications for the next 30 or 40 years.
Traumatic Amputation and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb is a permanent, life-altering trauma. Whether the limb was lost at the scene of the Hubbard crash or surgically removed later due to medical complications (like our multi-million dollar amputation settlement involving a staph infection), the cost is staggering. Between prosthetics, physical therapy, and phantom limb pain, amputation victims need significant resources. Our amputation results typically range from $1.9 million to over $8.6 million.
Severe Burns and Chemical Exposure
If you were struck by a Hubbard fuel tanker or a truck hauling hazardous materials, you may be facing life as a burn survivor. Third and fourth-degree burns require multiple skin grafts and result in permanent disfigurement. The psychological toll of these injuries is as severe as the physical pain.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from a truck impact can cause your liver, spleen, or kidneys to rupture. Internal bleeding is a medical emergency that can become fatal if not treated within the “golden hour” after the crash.
Wrongful Death in Hubbard
Nothing can replace a spouse, a child, or a parent. But in Texas, you have the right to hold the negligent party accountable for the financial and emotional hole left in your life. Wrongful death settlements for trucking accidents often range from $1.9 million to over $9.5 million. We fight to ensure your family’s future and your loved one’s legacy are honored.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window
In Hubbard, the clock starts moving against you the second the crash happens. Evidence in 18-wheeler cases is perishable. If you wait more than a few days to contact us, critical proof of the trucking company’s negligence may be destroyed.
Electronic Evidence at Risk:
- ECM/EDR (The Black Box): This records the truck’s speed, braking, and throttle position for the seconds leading up to impact. It can be overwritten within 30 days.
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device): This proves whether the driver was speeding or violating hours-of-service laws. It can be deleted or altered if not legally protected.
- Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets (Amazon, Walmart) use cameras like Netradyne or DriveCam. Some only keep “non-event” footage for 24-100 hours.
- GPS and Telematics: This data shows the truck’s exact route and speed throughout Hill County.
Physical Evidence at Risk:
- Skid Marks: On the hot Texas asphalt of US-31, skid marks can fade or disappear within days.
- The Truck Itself: Trucking companies want their vehicles back on the road. They will often repair the truck and dispose of the defective parts (the brakes, the tires) before we can inspect them.
Our Response: Within 24 hours of being hired, we send a formal Spoliation Letter (Legal Hold). This legal demand forces the trucking company and their insurer to preserve every piece of data and physical equipment related to the crash. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” sanctions, where the jury is instructed to assume the destroyed evidence proved the company was guilty.
Don’t let them hide the truth. Call us today so we can lock down the evidence before it’s gone: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Understanding Texas Law: Statute of Limitations and Comparative Negligence
Hubbard victims are governed by Texas civil law, which has specific “traps” that can catch a victim off guard.
The 2-Year Statute of Limitations:
In most scenarios, you have exactly two years from the date of your truck accident to file a lawsuit in Texas. If you miss this deadline by even one day, you lose your right to recover forever. For wrongful death claims, the two-year clock typically starts on the date of death. Don’t wait until the 23rd month—building a trucking case takes time.
Modified Comparative Negligence (The 51% Rule):
The trucking company’s insurance will almost certainly try to blame YOU. They’ll say you were speeding or that you “pulled out in front” of the truck. This is a critical legal battle because in Texas, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you get NOTHING. If you are 50% or less at fault, you still recover, but your settlement is reduced by your percentage of blame. Having an attorney like Lupe Peña—who knows how the insurance adjusters manipulate these fault percentages—is your greatest defense.
No Cap on Compensatory Damages:
Unlike some states, Texas generally does not cap the amount you can recover for pain and suffering or medical bills in a truck accident. Your recovery is tied to the actual reality of your loss.
Insurance Tactics: What You Are Up Against in Hubbard
When you are hit by a commercial truck in Hubbard, you aren’t dealing with a “good neighbor” insurance company. You are dealing with “Risk Management” departments whose sole performance metric is based on how little money they pay you.
- The Early Lowball Offer: They may call you while you are still in the hospital and offer you $10,000 or $20,000. They know you have bills piling up. But if you take that money, you sign away your right to ever ask for a dime more.
- Recorded Statement Traps: They’ll say they “just want to get your version of events.” Do not do it. Under the stress of an accident, a person might say “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see him.” The adjuster will use those words a year later in court to call you a liar.
- Pre-Existing Condition Defense: They’ll dig through your medical history from 10 years ago to claim your current back pain isn’t from the Hubbard wreck, but from an old injury.
- Surveillance: Insurance companies have been known to hire private investigators to follow victims. If they catch a photo of you carrying a grocery bag, they’ll argue you aren’t really disabled.
We stop these games. Once you hire Attorney911, the insurance company is legally forbidden from contacting you. They have to talk to us.
FAQ: Hubbard Truck Accident Common Questions
What should I do first after an accident on US-31 in Hubbard?
First, check for injuries and call 911. Police documentation is essential in Hillsboro and Hubbard courts. If you’re able, photograph everything—the truck’s DOT number on the door, the license plates, and the road conditions. Seek medical attention immediately; many truck accident injuries involve delayed symptoms.
An Amazon van hit me in a residential Hubbard neighborhood. Who do I sue?
Amazon often claims their drivers are “independent contractors” to shield themselves from liability. We fight this. Amazon controls the routes, the packages, and the cameras monitoring the driver. We pursue both the small contractor and Amazon itself.
How much does a Hubbard truck accident lawyer cost?
With Attorney911, there are zero upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee (33.33% pre-trial). We pay for the investigators, the experts, and the court filings. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us a single cent.
How long will my Hubbard trucking case take?
Simple cases with clear liability might resolve in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries and multiple corporate defendants can take 1-3 years. We never rush to settle until we know the full extent of your future medical needs.
What if the truck driver has a bad safety record?
We investigate the driver’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores. If the carrier kept a “habitual offender” on the road, it can lead to punitive damages meant to punish the company for reckless behavior.
Can I still recover if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
Yes, but call us immediately. Gaps in treatment are an insurance company’s favorite way to deny a claim. We help you explain the delay and get you to the right medical specialists.
Our Results and Your Success: The Attorney911 Track Record
We aren’t just telling you we’re good—we’ve proven it. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches of Texas litigation. Our firm has achieved multi-million dollar settlements for Traumatic Brain Injuries, Amputations, and Wrongful Death cases. Whether it’s litigating against retail giants like Walmart, logistics fleets like FedEx, or industrial operators in the energy sector, we know how to secure the “handsome checks” our clients need to rebuild.
Client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That is our promise to Hubbard.
Contact Hubbard’s Dedicated Truck Accident Team Now
The trucking company has already made its first move. Have you? Every minute you wait is a minute they use to build their defense and hide evidence. You deserve a fighter who treats you like family and knows how to make corporate giants pay.
Whether you are in Hubbard, Hillsboro, or anywhere in Hill County, we are ready to help. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña y Ralph Manginello al 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7. Your recovery starts with one call.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
Houston Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Beaumont Office: Available by appointment
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
Don’t wait. Your case. Your family. Your future. 1-888-ATTY-911.