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Austin Police Investigate Fatal Crash Involving Commercial Vehicle — Attorney911 Brings 25+ Years of Multi-Million Dollar Trucking Verdicts, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Insider Advantage, FMCSA Regulation Experts (49 CFR 390-399), Black Box & ELD Data Extraction, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride & All 18-Wheeler Crash Types, TBI, Spinal Cord Injury & Wrongful Death Specialists to Austin, Travis County, Texas — Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, 1-888-ATTY-911, Hablamos Español

February 18, 2026 34 min read
Austin Police Investigate Fatal Crash Involving Commercial Vehicle — Attorney911 Brings 25+ Years of Multi-Million Dollar Trucking Verdicts, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Insider Advantage, FMCSA Regulation Experts (49 CFR 390-399), Black Box & ELD Data Extraction, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride & All 18-Wheeler Crash Types, TBI, Spinal Cord Injury & Wrongful Death Specialists to Austin, Travis County, Texas — Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, 1-888-ATTY-911, Hablamos Español - Attorney911

Austin Police Investigate Fatal Crash Involving Commercial Vehicle: What This Tragedy Means for Travis County Families

One moment, life is normal. The next, an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle crosses into your lane. In an instant, everything changes. That’s the reality facing Austin families after a recent fatal crash on our city’s streets—another grim reminder of the dangers lurking on Travis County highways.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by commercial vehicle accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has seen firsthand how these crashes shatter lives. “Trucking companies think they can operate with impunity on our roads,” Ralph says. “But when they cut corners on safety, real people pay the price. And in Austin, that price is being paid far too often.”

This latest tragedy didn’t happen on some distant interstate. It happened right here in our community. While we don’t yet know all the details, we know this much: when a commercial vehicle is involved in a fatal crash, the consequences are catastrophic—and the legal battle for justice is just beginning.

The Incident: What We Know So Far

On February 17, 2026, at approximately 9:15 PM, Austin police responded to a fatal crash involving a commercial vehicle. The exact location hasn’t been released, but given the time and circumstances, it likely occurred on one of Travis County’s high-risk corridors:

  • I-35 – The NAFTA superhighway that bisects Austin, carrying more truck traffic than any other route in Texas
  • US-183 – A major freight route connecting Austin to the Hill Country and beyond
  • SH-130 – The toll road designed to divert truck traffic from I-35, but still heavily used by commercial carriers
  • Loop 360 – A scenic but dangerous route where passenger vehicles and trucks mix at high speeds

What we do know is this: a commercial vehicle was involved, and the crash was fatal. That single fact changes everything.

Why Commercial Vehicles Are Different

Most drivers don’t realize that commercial vehicle crashes aren’t just “bigger car accidents.” They’re fundamentally different in ways that affect both the investigation and the legal case:

Factor Passenger Vehicle Commercial Vehicle
Weight 3,000–4,000 lbs Up to 80,000 lbs (20–25x heavier)
Stopping Distance ~300 feet at 65 mph ~525 feet at 65 mph (nearly 2 football fields)
Insurance Coverage $30,000–$100,000 $750,000–$5,000,000+ (federal minimum)
Regulations State traffic laws Federal FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 390-399)
Evidence Police report, witness statements ECM/Black Box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver qualification files
Liable Parties Usually just the driver Driver, trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance provider, manufacturer, broker

This isn’t just a legal technicality. It’s a matter of life and death. When an 18-wheeler crashes, the forces involved are exponentially greater. The injuries are more severe. The legal stakes are higher. And the evidence needed to prove negligence is far more complex.

The Immediate Aftermath: What Happens in the First 48 Hours

In the hours after a fatal commercial vehicle crash, a high-stakes battle begins—one most families don’t even realize is happening.

The Trucking Company’s Rapid Response Team

Within hours of the crash, the trucking company’s rapid response team springs into action. Their mission? Protect the company’s interests—not yours.

Here’s what they’re doing right now:

Securing the truck and trailer – Before police finish their investigation
Downloading ECM/Black Box data – To see what the truck’s systems recorded
Collecting driver logs and ELD records – To check for hours-of-service violations
Interviewing the driver – To shape the narrative before statements are given
Contacting witnesses – To get statements that favor the company
Notifying their insurance company – To start building their defense

Meanwhile, the victim’s family is often still in shock, grieving, or in the hospital. They don’t realize that evidence is disappearing by the hour.

The Critical 48-Hour Window

At Attorney911, we call this the 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window. It’s the most critical period in any trucking accident case—and it’s closing fast.

Evidence Type How Quickly It Disappears Why It Matters
ECM/Black Box Data Can overwrite in 30 days (or with new driving events) Proves speed, braking, throttle position
ELD Records May be retained only 6 months Proves hours-of-service violations
Dashcam Footage Often deleted within 7–14 days Shows what the driver saw and did
Surveillance Video Business cameras overwrite in 7–30 days Captures the crash from multiple angles
Witness Memory Fades significantly within weeks Critical for reconstructing what happened
Physical Evidence Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped Needed for expert analysis of defects
Drug/Alcohol Tests Must be conducted within specific windows Proves impairment at time of crash

Ralph Manginello has seen this play out time and time again. “I can’t tell you how many cases we’ve taken where the family waited a week or two to call a lawyer,” he says. “By then, the black box data is gone. The dashcam footage is erased. The truck is repaired or sold. The trucking company has already built their defense. And the family is left fighting with one hand tied behind their back.”

The Investigation: What Austin Police Are Looking For

Austin Police Department’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit is conducting a thorough investigation. Here’s what they’re examining—and what we’d be looking for if we were representing the victim’s family:

1. The Driver’s Actions

Police are scrutinizing the commercial driver’s conduct in the moments leading up to the crash:

  • Speeding – Was the driver exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.6 – “No motor carrier shall schedule a run… which would require the commercial motor vehicle to be operated at speeds greater than those prescribed”
  • Distraction – Was the driver using a cell phone, GPS, or dispatch device?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving
  • Fatigue – Was the driver operating beyond federal hours-of-service limits?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 395 – Limits driving to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • Impairment – Was the driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.4 – Prohibits driving under the influence of any controlled substance
  • Reckless Driving – Did the driver make unsafe lane changes, fail to yield, or run a red light?

2. The Truck’s Condition

Commercial vehicles must be maintained to strict federal standards. Police are checking:

  • Brake System – Were the brakes properly adjusted and functioning?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.48 – Requires properly functioning brake systems on all wheels
  • Tires – Were the tires properly inflated and within tread depth limits?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 – Minimum tread depth of 4/32” on steer tires, 2/32” on others
  • Lighting – Were all headlights, taillights, and reflectors operational?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.11 – Requires functional lighting devices
  • Cargo Securement – Was the cargo properly loaded and secured?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or spilling
  • Coupling Devices – Were the trailer connections secure?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.70 – Requires proper coupling between truck and trailer

3. The Trucking Company’s Compliance

Beyond the driver and vehicle, police are examining whether the trucking company itself contributed to the crash:

  • Driver Qualification – Did the company properly vet the driver?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 391 – Requires thorough background checks and medical certification
  • Training – Did the company provide adequate safety training?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 380 – Requires entry-level driver training
  • Supervision – Did the company monitor the driver’s performance?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 390.3 – Requires carriers to ensure compliance with regulations
  • Maintenance – Did the company properly maintain the vehicle?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 396 – Requires systematic inspection and maintenance
  • Scheduling – Did the company pressure the driver to violate hours-of-service rules?
  • FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 390.13 – Prohibits coercing drivers to violate regulations

4. Electronic Evidence

Modern commercial trucks are rolling data recorders. Police are seeking:

  • ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
  • ELD Records – Electronic logs showing driving hours and duty status
  • GPS/Telematics Data – Shows the truck’s route, speed, and location history
  • Dashcam Footage – Video from forward-facing and in-cab cameras
  • Cell Phone Records – To prove distraction or communication with dispatch
  • Dispatch Records – Communications between driver and company about the trip

This electronic evidence is often the smoking gun in trucking cases. It provides objective data that can contradict the driver’s or company’s version of events.

In a typical car accident, liability usually falls on one driver. In commercial vehicle crashes, multiple parties can—and should—be held accountable. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize our clients’ recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver is the most obvious defendant, but their personal assets are often limited. We pursue them for:

  • Negligent driving (speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment)
  • Violations of FMCSA regulations (hours-of-service, pre-trip inspections)
  • Traffic law violations (running red lights, unsafe lane changes)

However, drivers typically carry only the minimum insurance required by their employer. That’s why we look deeper.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is often the primary target for several reasons:

  • Vicarious Liability – Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment
  • Direct Negligence – The company can be directly liable for:
  • Negligent Hiring – Failing to properly vet the driver
  • Negligent Training – Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent Supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance
  • Negligent Maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
  • Negligent Scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules

FMCSA regulations make trucking companies directly responsible for safety compliance. When they violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that lead to crashes.

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable if:

  • They provided improper loading instructions
  • They failed to disclose the hazardous nature of the cargo
  • They required the truck to be overloaded
  • They pressured the carrier to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
  • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defect in the vehicle or its components contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. Common defects include:

  • Brake system failures
  • Steering component defects
  • Tire defects causing blowouts
  • Lighting system failures
  • Coupling device defects

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable if their product was defective and caused the crash.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable if:

  • They performed negligent repairs
  • They failed to identify critical safety issues
  • They used substandard or incorrect parts
  • They returned vehicles to service with known defects

8. The Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable if:

  • They negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record
  • They failed to verify the carrier’s insurance and operating authority
  • They failed to check the carrier’s FMCSA safety rating

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability, especially for:

  • Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
  • Failure to maintain owned equipment
  • Knowledge of the driver’s unfitness

10. Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design that contributed to the crash
  • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
  • Inadequate signage for known hazards
  • Failure to install safety barriers
  • Improper work zone setup

Important Note: Government liability is limited by sovereign immunity. There are strict notice requirements and short deadlines for claims against government entities.

The Human Cost: Catastrophic Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Crashes

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. At Attorney911, we’ve represented families dealing with:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is violently shaken or struck, causing damage that can range from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.

Severity Levels:

Level Symptoms Prognosis
Mild (Concussion) Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness Usually recovers, but may have lasting effects
Moderate Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits Significant recovery possible with rehabilitation
Severe Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment Lifelong disability, may require 24/7 care

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Ralph Manginello has seen the devastating impact of TBI firsthand. “Families come to us thinking their loved one will recover,” he says. “But when the doctors explain that their spouse or child will never be the same—that they may not recognize them, may not be able to work, may need lifelong care—that’s when the reality hits. And that’s when the legal battle becomes about more than money. It becomes about justice.”

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in permanent paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Type Definition Impact
Paraplegia Loss of function below the waist Cannot walk, may affect bladder/bowel control
Quadriplegia Loss of function in all four limbs Cannot walk or use arms, may need breathing assistance
Incomplete Injury Some nerve function remains Variable – may have some sensation or movement
Complete Injury No nerve function below injury Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime Care Costs:
– Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
– Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
– Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
– Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are severed in the crash or so severely damaged they must be surgically removed.

Ongoing Medical Needs:
– Initial surgery and hospitalization
– Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
– Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
– Physical therapy and rehabilitation
– Occupational therapy for daily living skills
– Psychological counseling

Impact on Life:
– Permanent disability
– Career limitations or total disability
– Phantom limb pain
– Body image and psychological trauma
– Need for home modifications
– Dependency on others for daily activities

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, electrical fires, or friction burns from road contact.

Burn Classification:

Degree Depth Treatment
First Epidermis only Minor, heals without scarring
Second Epidermis and dermis May scar, may need grafting
Third Full thickness Requires skin grafts, permanent scarring
Fourth Through skin to muscle/bone Multiple surgeries, amputation may be required

Long-Term Consequences:
– Permanent scarring and disfigurement
– Multiple reconstructive surgeries
– Skin graft procedures
– Chronic pain
– Infection risks
– Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage

The extreme forces in truck crashes can cause severe internal injuries:

  • Liver laceration or rupture
  • Spleen damage requiring removal
  • Kidney damage
  • Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
  • Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Bowel and intestinal damage

Why Dangerous:
– May not show immediate symptoms
– Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
– Requires emergency surgery
– Organ removal affects long-term health

Wrongful Death

When a commercial vehicle crash kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. Texas law allows recovery for:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred before death
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death
  • Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or recklessness)

Texas Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit

If you’re the family of a victim in this crash—or any commercial vehicle accident in Travis County—here’s what you need to know about the legal process:

1. The Investigation Phase (0–6 Months)

  • Evidence Preservation – We send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties, demanding they preserve all evidence
  • Accident Reconstruction – We work with experts to determine exactly what happened
  • Regulatory Investigation – We obtain FMCSA records, inspection history, and safety ratings
  • Witness Interviews – We locate and interview witnesses before memories fade
  • Medical Documentation – We gather all medical records to document the full extent of injuries

2. The Demand Phase (6–12 Months)

  • Comprehensive Demand Package – We prepare a detailed demand letter outlining all damages and legal theories
  • Negotiation with Insurance Companies – We engage in settlement discussions from a position of strength
  • Lien Resolution – We negotiate with medical providers and health insurers to reduce liens on the settlement

3. The Litigation Phase (12–24 Months)

  • Filing the Lawsuit – We file suit in the appropriate court (state or federal)
  • Discovery – We exchange information with the defendants through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions
  • Expert Retention – We retain medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and economic experts
  • Motions Practice – We file and respond to motions to shape the case for trial

4. The Resolution Phase (18–36 Months)

  • Mediation – We engage in settlement negotiations with a neutral mediator
  • Trial Preparation – We prepare for trial, including jury selection, witness preparation, and exhibit creation
  • Trial – If necessary, we present the case to a jury
  • Appeal – If either side appeals, we handle the appellate process

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Why This Crash Matters for Austin Families

This isn’t just another news story. It’s a wake-up call for every family in Travis County. Here’s why this crash—and others like it—should concern you:

1. Austin’s Trucking Corridors Are Deadly

Austin sits at the crossroads of some of the busiest trucking routes in America:

  • I-35 – The NAFTA superhighway connecting Mexico to Canada, carrying more truck traffic than any other route in Texas
  • US-183 – A major freight route connecting Austin to the Hill Country and beyond
  • SH-130 – The toll road designed to divert truck traffic from I-35, but still heavily used by commercial carriers
  • Loop 360 – A scenic but dangerous route where passenger vehicles and trucks mix at high speeds
  • SH-71 – A critical link to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the growing logistics hub in Southeast Travis County

These aren’t just roads. They’re economic lifelines for our city. But they’re also danger zones where passenger vehicles and 80,000-pound trucks mix at high speeds.

2. The Trucking Industry’s Safety Record Is Alarming

The trucking industry’s safety record should concern every Austin driver:

  • 5,100+ people killed in large truck crashes annually in the U.S. (NHTSA)
  • 125,000+ people injured in large truck crashes annually
  • 76% of those killed are occupants of the other vehicle (not the truck)
  • Texas leads the nation in truck crash fatalities
  • Austin sees more than its share of these crashes due to our central location

FMCSA Safety Violations Are Rampant

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tracks trucking companies’ safety records through their Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. Here are the most common violations in Texas:

Violation Category % of Inspections with Violations
Hours of Service 28.5%
Driver Fitness 22.3%
Vehicle Maintenance 20.1%
Controlled Substances/Alcohol 1.8%
Hazardous Materials 1.5%
Crash Indicator 1.2%

These aren’t just numbers. They represent real dangers on our roads. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they put your family at risk.

3. The Human Cost Hits Close to Home

Every fatal truck crash leaves behind grieving families. In Austin, we’ve seen:

  • Parents burying children killed by fatigued truck drivers
  • Spouses left as single parents after a breadwinner is killed
  • Survivors facing lifelong disabilities from catastrophic injuries
  • Families drowning in medical bills while insurance companies lowball their claims

Ralph Manginello has represented these families for over 25 years. “I’ve sat across from parents who will never see their child graduate,” he says. “I’ve held the hands of spouses who will never dance with their partner again. I’ve looked into the eyes of survivors who will never walk, never work, never live independently. That’s why we do this work. Because someone has to fight for them.”

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. They have rapid response teams that spring into action within hours of a crash. They have insurance adjusters trained to lowball victims.

And they have one goal: to pay you as little as possible.

But here’s the truth: You have rights. You have power. And you have options.

  • Federal regulations hold trucking companies accountable for safety violations
  • Multi-million dollar insurance policies are available to compensate victims
  • Juries in Travis County have shown they will hold negligent trucking companies accountable
  • Experienced attorneys like Ralph Manginello know how to fight back

What You Can Do: Protecting Your Family on Austin’s Roads

You can’t control what truck drivers do. But you can reduce your risk and protect your rights if the worst happens.

1. Drive Defensively Around Commercial Vehicles

  • Avoid the “No-Zones” – Trucks have massive blind spots:
  • Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
  • Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
  • Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
  • Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward—this is the largest and most dangerous blind spot
  • Never cut in front of a truck – They need much more distance to stop
  • Don’t linger beside a truck – If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you
  • Give trucks extra space when they’re turning – They need to swing wide
  • Be extra cautious at night – Trucks are harder to see, and fatigued driving peaks between midnight and 6 AM

2. Know What to Do If You’re in a Crash

If you’re involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle:

  1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request police and EMS
  2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain
  3. Document everything – Take photos of:
    – All vehicles involved (inside and out)
    – The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals)
    – Your injuries
    – The truck’s DOT number and company name
    – The driver’s license and insurance information
  4. Get witness information – Names, phone numbers, and statements
  5. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
  6. Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney
  7. Call an experienced trucking accident attorney immediately

3. Understand Your Rights

If you or a loved one is injured in a commercial vehicle crash, you have the right to:

  • Full compensation for your injuries, including:
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical impairment
  • Disfigurement
  • Hold all negligent parties accountable – not just the driver
  • Refuse lowball settlement offers from insurance companies
  • Have an attorney fight for you – at no upfront cost

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We Fight Harder

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking accident cases. We specialize in them. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s seen the trucking industry’s tactics evolve—and he knows how to counter them.

  • Federal Court Admission – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (critical for interstate trucking cases)
  • Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts – Ralph has secured significant verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims
  • Insider Knowledge – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows how trucking companies operate from the inside

2. Our Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

  • Evaluate claims to minimize payouts
  • Train adjusters to lowball victims
  • Use recorded statements against you
  • Delay claims to pressure you into accepting less

Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Our Aggressive Evidence Preservation Protocol

We don’t wait to act. Within 24–48 hours of being retained, we:

✅ Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
✅ Demand immediate download of ECM/Black Box data
✅ Subpoena ELD records and hours-of-service logs
✅ Secure dashcam and surveillance footage
✅ Obtain driver qualification files and maintenance records
✅ Preserve the physical truck and trailer for inspection

We’ve seen too many cases where families waited a week or two to call a lawyer—only to find that the critical evidence had already disappeared.

4. Our Comprehensive Investigation Approach

We leave no stone unturned. Our investigation includes:

  • Accident Reconstruction – We work with experts to determine exactly what happened
  • FMCSA Compliance Review – We obtain the trucking company’s safety record and inspection history
  • Driver Background Check – We investigate the driver’s history for prior violations or accidents
  • Electronic Evidence Analysis – We analyze ECM, ELD, and GPS data
  • Maintenance Record Review – We examine the truck’s maintenance history for deferred repairs
  • Cargo Securement Analysis – We determine if improper loading contributed to the crash
  • Witness Interviews – We locate and interview witnesses before memories fade

5. Our Trial-Ready Approach

Most personal injury firms settle cases quickly to avoid the cost and risk of trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Why?

  • Insurance companies know which lawyers will go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys
  • We’re not afraid to take on big trucking companies – we’ve litigated against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and major carriers
  • We have the resources to fight – we advance all costs of litigation, so you never pay out of pocket

6. Our Commitment to Austin Families

We’re not just Texas attorneys. We’re Austin attorneys. We know:

  • Austin’s trucking corridors – I-35, US-183, SH-130, Loop 360
  • Austin’s courts – Travis County District Courts, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • Austin’s trauma centers – Dell Seton Medical Center, St. David’s Medical Center, Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin
  • Austin’s families – We understand the unique challenges facing our community

The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Fight Alone

If you’re reading this because you or a loved one has been affected by a commercial vehicle crash in Austin, we want you to know three things:

  1. This wasn’t your fault – Trucking companies have a responsibility to operate safely. When they fail, they must be held accountable.
  2. You have rights – You deserve full compensation for your injuries, your pain, and your losses.
  3. You don’t have to fight alone – We’re here to help.

Ralph Manginello puts it simply: “Trucking companies think they can operate with impunity on our roads. They think they can cut corners on safety, pressure drivers to violate regulations, and lowball victims when crashes happen. But they’re wrong. We’ve been fighting these companies for over 25 years. We know their tactics. We know their weaknesses. And we know how to win.”

What to Do Next: Take Action Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle crash in Austin, time is not on your side. Evidence is disappearing. Witnesses are forgetting. The trucking company is building its defense.

Here’s what you need to do right now:

  1. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – We answer 24/7, and we’ll start protecting your rights immediately
  2. Don’t talk to insurance adjusters – Anything you say can and will be used against you
  3. Don’t sign anything – Insurance companies will try to get you to sign away your rights
  4. Get medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
  5. Document everything – Take photos, keep records, and write down what you remember

Our Promise to You

When you call Attorney911, here’s what you can expect:

A free, no-obligation consultation – We’ll evaluate your case and explain your options
Immediate evidence preservation – We’ll send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours
No upfront costs – We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win
Aggressive representation – We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve
Compassionate support – We’ll treat you like family, not just another case

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Every hour you wait, evidence in your case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is building its defense.

Don’t let them get away with it.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll start protecting your rights today—and we won’t stop fighting until justice is served.

Learn more about how we fight for trucking accident victims:


You’re not just another case. You’re family.

At Attorney911, we understand that behind every trucking accident case is a real person—a real family—whose life has been turned upside down. We don’t just fight for compensation. We fight for justice. We fight for accountability. And we fight for the future you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle crash in Austin, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company has lawyers. So should you.

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