Kennard Truck Accident and 18-Wheeler Wreck Attorneys

The impact of an 80,000-pound truck isn’t just a traffic event; it’s a life-altering catastrophe. When a semi-truck or commercial vehicle collides with your car on Highway 7 or US-287 in Kennard, the physics are never in your favor. You are overmatched by a machine that is 20 times the weight of your vehicle, and you are facing a corporate entity that began building its legal defense before the ambulance even arrived at the scene.

At Attorney911, we believe that Kennard families shouldn’t have to fight these giants alone. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches of personal injury litigation, holding the world’s largest trucking and insurance companies accountable. We understand the specific dangers of East Texas roads, from log trucks maneuvering through the Davy Crockett National Forest to heavy equipment haulers traversing Houston County. We don’t just handle cases; we manage legal emergencies.

If you’ve been hurt, the clock is already ticking against you. Evidence is being overwritten, corporate adjusters are coached to minimize your pain, and the trucking company is hoping you’ll accept a lowball offer before you understand the true extent of your injuries. Don’t let them win. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we move the earth to get you justice, and you don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.

Why Kennard Families Choose Attorney911

When a catastrophic accident happens in Kennard, you’ll hear from many “general practice” lawyers. But a truck accident isn’t a “fender bender.” It’s a complex intersection of federal safety regulations, industrial physics, and multi-layered insurance policies. You need a team with specialized skills.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

One of the most powerful tools in our arsenal is our associate attorney, Lupe Peña. Before joining us to fight for victims, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He was the one who investigated these crashes for the insurance companies. He knows their playbooks, their valuation software, and the exact tactics they use to deny valid claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to protect you. At Attorney911, we have an attorney who has seen the “other side,” and that perspective is your greatest advantage.

Decades of Courtroom Experience

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been a fixture in Texas courtrooms. With over 25 years of experience, a dual license in Texas and New York, and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, he brings a level of federal court authority most local firms can’t match. Whether your case stays in Houston County or moves to federal court because of the trucking company’s out-of-state headquarters, we have the credentials to follow it.

A Proven Track Record Against Global Corporations

We aren’t afraid of deep pockets. We’ve stood toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies and multinational giants. Our history includes direct involvement in litigating against BP following the Texas City Refinery explosion—a massive industrial disaster with $2.1 billion in settlements. We’ve fought Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS. When we see a branded truck in Kennard, we don’t see a logo; we see a defendant that must be held responsible.

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.” That’s the Attorney911 difference. We combine the power of a major litigation firm with the personalized care of a family-focused practice.

The Davy Crockett Forest Danger: Logging and Heavy Trucking in Kennard

Kennard’s economy and scenery are defined by the timber industry and its proximity to the Davy Crockett National Forest. While this brings vitality to East Texas, it also brings some of the most dangerous commercial vehicles on the road: logging trucks.

East Texas Logging Truck Hazards

Logging trucks present unique risks in and around Kennard. A fully loaded timber truck can easily exceed 80,000 pounds, and unprocessed logs are among the most unstable cargoes a truck can carry. We often see accidents on TX-7 and FM 357 caused by:

• Uncontained Projectiles: If logs aren’t secured according to 49 CFR § 393.116, they can roll off at highway speeds, becoming unguided battering rams that penetrate passenger compartments instantly.
• Overweight Operations: To maximize profit, some timber operations overload their trailers, which increases stopping distances and makes the trucks prone to brake failure on grades.
• Rural Road Navigating: Kennard’s narrow, winding roads through the forest were often not designed for the modern length of timber trailers, leading to “squeeze play” wide turns and head-on collisions.

If a logging truck has devastated your life in Kennard, call 1-888-ATTY-911. We understand the industrial standards required for these loads and will fight for “every dime” you deserve, as our client Glenda Walker can testify.

Proving Negligence: FMCSA Regulations in Kennard Truck Wrecks

Every commercial driver passing through Kennard is bound by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are not merely suggestions; they are federal laws designed to prevent the very tragedy you are experiencing. When a trucking company breaks these rules to save time or money, they are negligent.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the silent killer on Kennard roads. Drivers traveling long distances from Houston or Dallas to East Texas often reach their legal limit before they arrive. Federal law (49 CFR § 395.3) is strict:

• The 11-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• The 14-Hour Window: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty.
• The 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

When we investigate a Kennard truck wreck, we immediately subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data. If that driver was behind the wheel for 14 hours because they were rushing to a delivery in Crockett or Lufkin, the trucking company is strictly liable for that violation.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies in Kennard must verify that their drivers are qualified. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, a driver must hold a valid CDL, pass a medical exam, and have a safe driving history. If a company hires a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple crashes—or fails to check that history—they have committed “negligent hiring.” We dig into the Driver Qualification Files that major carriers often try to hide.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Brake failure is the cause of roughly 29% of all large truck crashes. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires every motor carrier to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. If a truck involved in a Kennard collision had worn-out brake pads or bald tires, the company’s own maintenance logs become the primary evidence against them.

Every Truck on the Road: Kennard Commercial Vehicle Cases

While 18-wheelers get the most attention, any commercial vehicle in Kennard can cause life-changing harm. At Attorney911, we handle the full spectrum of commercial vehicle accidents.

Dump Truck and Gravel Haulers

Loaded dump trucks often weigh 60,000 pounds. In Kennard, these trucks are frequent sights at construction sites and quarries. They are prone to rollovers and “lost load” accidents where gravel or debris smashes into the vehicles behind them. Because these are often operated by smaller local contractors, identifying the hiring entity (the “deep pocket”) is critical.

Garbage and Waste Trucks

Garbage trucks operate in Kennard residential neighborhoods where families walk and children play. They have massive blind spots and are the primary cause of backing-accident injuries. If a waste management truck has struck your vehicle or a pedestrian in your family, call 888-ATTY-911 immediately. These cases often involve municipal entities or large corporations like Republic Services or Waste Management, which require aggressive litigation.

Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

Amazon’s blue vans are everywhere in Kennard. Amazon often uses “Independent Service Providers” to shield themselves from liability, claiming they aren’t the employer. But we know how to pierce that shield. Amazon controls the route, the quota, and the technology that monitors the driver. We treat an Amazon van accident as a corporate liability case from day one.

Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)

U-Haul and Penske rent 26-foot trucks to people with zero commercial training. When an untrained driver in a rental truck can’t judge the braking distance on a Kennard road and rear-ends you, the rental company may be liable for “negligent entrustment” if they gave that vehicle to an obviously unfit driver.

The 48-Hour Urgency: Protecting Your Evidence in Kennard

In a Kennard truck wreck, evidence has an expiration date. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already at work. While you are recovering, they are potentially “cleaning” the scene or allowing electronic data to be overwritten.

The Black Box (ECM) Threat

Most modern trucks have an Engine Control Module (ECM) that records speed, RPM, and brake application. This data is the “smoking gun” of your case. However, many systems overwrite this data every 30 days—or sooner if the truck is put back into service.

Why We Send Spoliation Letters Immediately

Within 24-48 hours of being hired, we send a formal “Spoliation Letter” to the trucking company, the insurer, and the driver. This is a legal demand to preserve all evidence, including:

• ELD logs and paper backups.
• Black box (ECM) and event data.
• In-cab camera and dashcam footage (Netradyne/DriveCam).
• Drug and alcohol test results.
• Dispatch communications and cellular records.

If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” instructions, which tell the jury to assume the destroyed evidence proved the company was guilty. Our speed is your security.

Kennard Oilfield Accident Litigation

East Texas sits on the edge of major energy production, including the Haynesville Shale. This brings a surge of oilfield trucks to Kennard: high-pressure pump trucks, frac sand haulers, and crude oil tankers.

Dual Regulatory Exposure: FMCSA + OSHA

Oilfield truck accidents are a specialty. When a water tanker rolls over near Kennard, it may fall under both FMCSA (rules for the road) and OSHA (rules for the industrial worksite). We have direct experience in this dual-jurisdiction litigation, having fought giants like BP in industrial disaster cases.

We understand the risks of H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) exposure in crude transport and the dangers of overloaded sand trucks on rural lease roads. If an oil company’s production schedule forced a driver to skip sleep and hit your car, we hold the oil company responsible—not just the trucking subcontractor.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their True Cost

A truck accident in Kennard rarely results in “minor” injuries. When 80,000 pounds hits a sedan, the human body is pushed to its absolute breaking point. At Attorney911, we have secured multi-million dollar recoveries for families facing the most difficult recoveries imaginable.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A TBI can happen even without a direct strike to the head. The “coup-contrecoup” force of a semi-truck impact can cause the brain to bounce inside the skull, leading to permanent cognitive damage. Our firm has recovered settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims. We work with neuropsychologists to prove exactly how the accident changed your brain.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A spinal injury is a lifetime of medical needs. Whether it’s paraplegia from a lumbar fracture or quadriplegia from a cervical break, the cost of care can exceed $5 million in the first year alone. We seek settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million for spinal cord victims, ensuring they have the resources for high-quality life care for decades.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Amputations are common in “underride” crashes when a car slides under a trailer. Beyond the initial trauma, the cost of prosthetic replacements can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. We’ve secured amputation settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Wrongful Death

If you’ve lost a spouse, parent, or child in a Kennard truck wreck, we are deeply sorry. No amount of money brings them back, but holding the trucking company accountable can ensure your family’s financial future. Our wrongful death recoveries typically fall between $1.9 million and $9.5 million, covering lost income, loss of companionship, and the mental anguish of a preventable tragedy.

Real Results: What Attorney911 Recovers

We don’t settle for the insurance company’s “best offer.” We fight for your maximum recovery. Our results are grounded in the facts and the pain our clients have endured:

• $5 Million+ Recovery: For a victim who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and vision loss when a logging equipment accident occurred.
• $3.8 Million+ Recovery: For a client who suffered a catastrophic car crash injury that resulted in amputation after medical complications.
• $2.5 Million+ Recovery: For an 18-wheeler crash victim facing long-term physical impairment.

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.” Other firms reject difficult cases; we embrace the fight.

Commercial Insurance and “Nuclear Verdicts”

One of the most important things Kennard residents should know is that trucking cases are high-stakes because the insurance policies are enormous. While a regular driver may only have a $30,000 policy, federal law (49 CFR § 387.9) requires trucking companies to carry:

• $750,000 for general freight.
• $1,000,000 for oil or heavy equipment.
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

Large corporate fleets often carry excess “umbrella” policies that go into the hundreds of millions. These companies fight hard because they have much to lose. This has led to the rise of what the industry calls “Nuclear Verdicts”—jury awards exceeding $10 million that send a message that safety must come before profit. At Attorney911, we prepare every Case for this level of accountability.

FAQ: Your Kennard Truck Accident Questions Answered

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Kennard?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is two years from the date of the accident. However, in the trucking industry, waiting two years is a disaster. You need to file or at least send preservation demands within 48 hours to secure the electronic evidence that will win your case.

2. What if I was partially at fault for the accident on US-287?

Texas follows a Modified Comparative Negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the truck driver was 80% at fault and you were 20%, you recover 80% of your total damages. We fight to prove the driver’s 100% liability.

3. Will my case have to go to a courtroom in Crockett?

Most truck accident cases are filed in the county where the accident happened—which would be Houston County for a Kennard wreck. However, if the trucking company is based in another state, we can often move the case to Federal Court in the Southern District of Texas. Ralph Manginello is admitted to this court and has the experience to handle complex jurisdictional maneuvers.

4. Can I sue the driver and the company that hired them?

Yes. We always aim for the maximum insurance pool. We pursue the driver for their direct negligence, the trucking company for their vicarious liability, and often the “shipper” or “broker” for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier. More defendants mean more insurance coverage for your medical bills and suffering.

5. I’m worried about a log truck hit-and-run in the forest. What can you do?

Hit-and-run commercial accidents are serious crimes. We use our private investigators to canvass local weigh stations, review forest service logs, and check for “paint transfer” on local trailers. We also help you access your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage to ensure you aren’t left with the bill.

6. Hablan Español?

Sí. El abogado Lupe Peña es bilingüe y habla español con fluidez. Entendemos que muchas familias en Texas prefieren comunicarse en su idioma nativo, y estamos listos para representarlos directamente, sin necesidad de intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy mismo.

Your Fight for Justice Starts with One Call

Your life has been turned upside down by a force you didn’t see coming. Whether it was a log truck on FM 357, a delivery van on TX-7, or an 18-wheeler on the highway, the pain you are feeling is real, and the bills you are facing are mounting.

The trucking company is already protecting its future. You need a fighter to protect yours. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 provide the aggressive, specialized representation you need to win against corporate giants. We don’t just see a case; we see a family that deserves justice.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We are available 24/7 to answer your call and begin your legal emergency response. There is no fee unless we win, and the first consultation is always free. Your fight is our fight.

Attorney911 serves the City of Kennard, Houston County, and all of East Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.