Kerr County Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for the Injured After Catastrophic Commercial Vehicle Wrecks
The impact of an 80,000-pound steel titan slamming into your passenger vehicle on I-10 in Kerr County is a force that defies description. One second, you are navigating the scenic vistas of the Texas Hill Country; the next, your world is reduced to the sound of grinding metal and the smell of diesel. When a commercial truck causes a wreck in Kerrville or anywhere across the rugged terrain of Kerr County, the aftermath isn’t just a traffic incident—it is a life-altering emergency.
At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we recognize that you are currently facing the fight of your life. For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has been the advocate families in Kerr County turn to when disaster strikes. We don’t just “handle” cases; we dismantle the defenses of the world’s largest trucking companies. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, a corporate delivery van, or a heavy-duty dump truck, our firm brings a unique and powerful advantage to your side: we understand exactly how the other side thinks. Our team includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who spent years working in insurance defense for a national firm. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
Kerr County’s highways, specifically the high-speed corridors of I-10 that funnel freight from West Texas toward San Antonio and Houston, are notorious for devastating truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured, you need more than a lawyer—you need a team that has recovered over $50 million for Texas families. You need a firm that has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 giants like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and BP.
If you are hurting, do not wait. In the world of commercial litigation, evidence disappears in the blink of an eye. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Specialist in Kerr County
Trucking accidents in Kerr County are fundamentally different from standard car crashes. When two sedans collide on Sidney Baker Street, the issues are usually limited to simple negligence. But when an 18-wheeler is involved, you are suddenly thrust into a complex web of federal regulations, corporate liability shields, and tiered insurance policies.
Ralph Manginello has spent more than two decades navigating the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and local state courts, holding trucking empires accountable. We understand that a truck accident in Kerr County often involves a driver who may have been behind the wheel for 14 hours straight, a trailer that was overloaded for profit, or a braking system that hasn’t been inspected since it left the previous distribution hub.
The trucking company that hit you likely has a rapid-response team already on the ground in Kerr County. They are collecting data, interviewing witnesses, and looking for ways to blame you for the crash. You deserve a team that moves just as fast. As our client Mongo Slade said after his settlement, “the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.” We treat our clients like family, a sentiment echoed by Chad Harris, who noted, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
The Physics of Devastation: Why Kerr County Truck Wrecks Are Different
The sheer weight of a fully loaded commercial vehicle—often reaching the federal limit of 80,000 pounds—means that even a low-speed collision in a Kerrville construction zone can be fatal. A typical passenger car in Kerr County weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. This 20-to-1 weight disparity means that in any collision, the smaller vehicle absorbs nearly all the kinetic energy.
Stopping distances are another critical factor. At 65 mph on a clear stretch of I-10 through Kerr County, a loaded semi-truck requires approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop—that is nearly two football fields. If a driver is fatigued, distracted by a mobile device, or operating with worn brake pads, that distance increases significantly. When we investigate your Kerr County truck accident, we use accident reconstruction experts to prove that the laws of physics made your injuries inevitable the moment the trucking company chose to cut corners on safety.
Ready to take the first step toward justice? Call us today at (888) 288-9911.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA): Proving Negligence in Kerr County
Every commercial vehicle operating in interstate commerce is governed by look at 49 CFR Parts 300-399. These are not merely suggestions; they are federal laws designed to keep you safe on Kerr County roads. When a trucking company violates these rules, it is often “negligence per se,” meaning the violation itself proves they were at fault.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
This is the most common violation we find in Kerr County 18-wheeler accidents. Drivers are strictly limited in how many hours they can drive to prevent fatigue.
- The 11-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- The 14-Hour Window: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- The 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
When a driver is pushing through Kerr County at 3:00 AM to make a delivery deadline in San Antonio, they are often in violation of Part 395. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to catch companies that falsify logs to stay on the road longer.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, they must maintain a Driver Qualification File that includes driving records, medical certificates, and road test results. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or a revoked CDL to drive through Kerr County, they are liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Brake failure accounts for a massive percentage of truck crashes. Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. If an 18-wheeler’s brakes failed on a steep Hill Country grade in Kerr County, we look for evidence that the company deferred maintenance to save money.
49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories
This part governs everything from lighting and reflective sheeting to cargo securement. If a load shifts on a curve in Kerr County because of inadequate tiedowns, the company has violated federal law.
Investigating Every Type of Commercial Vehicle Accident in Kerr County
Kerr County’s economy relies on a diverse range of commercial vehicles. At Attorney911, we handle cases involving every type of truck on the road.
I-10 18-Wheeler & Semi-Truck Wrecks
The most common and catastrophic accidents in our region involve long-haul big rigs. These cases often involve driver fatigue, speeding, and improper lane changes. We know how to navigate the complex insurance layers involved in these high-stakes cases.
Corporate Delivery Fleet Accidents (Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, UPS)
In Kerr County, delivery vans are everywhere. Companies like Amazon often use a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability. They claim the driver is an independent contractor, not an Amazon employee. However, because Amazon controls the routes, the schedules, and uses AI cameras to monitor the drivers, we fight to hold the parent company accountable. Our experience against these giants is a cornerstone of our practice.
Oilfield & Energy Sector Vehicle Crashes
While Kerr County sits on the edge of the major basins, the highways here serve as vital arteries for oilfield traffic. We represent victims hit by water trucks, frac sand haulers, and crew vans. These drivers work brutal shifts and the vehicles are often overweight, creating a lethal combination for Kerr County commuters.
Dump Trucks & Construction Vehicles
With the growth in the Hill Country, construction zones are a constant. Dump trucks and concrete mixers are among the heaviest vehicles on the road, with unique blind spots and high centers of gravity. A dump truck rollover in Kerr County can crush multiple vehicles in an instant.
Rental & Moving Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Penske)
A terrifying reality is that anyone with a standard driver’s license can rent a 26-foot truck and drive it through Kerr County with zero specialized training. When these untrained drivers misjudge turning radii or stopping distances, the rental company may be liable for negligent entrustment.
Public Transit & School Bus Accidents
Cases involving school districts or city transit in Kerr County are subject to the Texas Tort Claims Act. These cases have shorter notice deadlines and government immunity caps. You need a firm that knows how to navigate these specific procedural hurdles.
If you have been hit by any commercial vehicle, call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Catastrophic Injuries: The High Cost of Trucking Negligence
The injuries resulting from a truck accident in Kerr County are rarely minor. We have secured multi-million dollar results for victims facing life-altering conditions.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Settlements for TBIs can range from $1.5M to over $9.8M. These injuries affect your personality, your ability to work, and your memory. Even a “mild” concussion from a rear-end truck collision can have long-term consequences.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis or severe nerve damage can result in lifetime care costs exceeding $25 million. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement covers every medical need for the rest of your life.
- Amputations: Crushing injuries often lead to surgical or traumatic amputations. We have recovered between $1.9M and $8.6M for clients facing this devastating reality.
- Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration forces frequently cause liver, spleen, and kidney damage. These injuries may not be apparent immediately after the wreck, which is why seeking medical care in Kerr County right away is vital.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one, we fight for justice. Settlement ranges for wrongful death in trucking cases often reach $1.9M to $9.5M, covering lost future income and the profound emotional loss your family has suffered.
As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We bring that same tenacity to every case in Kerr County.
Who Is Really Liable? Casting a Wide Net in Kerr County
Most law firms only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must identify every person and company that contributed to the crash. In a Kerr County trucking accident, there may be as many as 16 liable parties:
- The Truck Driver: (Direct negligence)
- The Trucking Company: (Employer liability/Respondeat Superior)
- The Cargo Owner: (Improper loading instructions)
- The Loading Company: (Cargo securement failures)
- The Truck Manufacturer: (Design or manufacturing defects)
- Parts Manufacturers: (Defective brakes or tires)
- Maintenance Companies: (Negligent repairs)
- Freight Brokers: (Negligent selection of unsafe carriers)
- Truck Owners: (Independent from the carrier)
- Government Entities: (Unsafe road design or maintenance in Kerr County)
- Corporate Parents: (Holding giants like Amazon or Walmart accountable)
- Oilfield Operators: (For accidents involving their service contractors)
- Staffing Agencies: (For providing unqualified drivers)
- Rental Companies: (Negligent maintenance of rental fleets)
- Transit Agencies: (Public bus accidents)
- Federal Government: (USPS or military vehicle accidents)
By identifying multiple defendants, we can access multiple insurance policies. This is essential when the primary policy isn’t enough to cover catastrophic medical bills.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
The moment a commercial truck stops moving after an accident in Kerr County, the clock starts. Most 18-wheelers are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM) or “black box.” This data records speed, braking, and steering inputs. However, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or sooner if the truck is put back into service.
When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send a “Spoliation Letter” to the trucking company. This is a formal demand requiring them to preserve:
- ELD logs and driver duty status
- Black box/ECM data
- Dashcam footage (Netradyne or DriveCam)
- Driver qualification files
- Post-accident drug and alcohol test results
- Maintenance and inspection records
- GPS and telematics data
If the company destroys this evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” instructions, which tells the jury to assume the missing evidence proved the company’s guilt. We move fast so that the truth isn’t buried in a Kerr County salvage yard.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Call us at (888) 288-9911 right now.
Understanding Insurance and Damages in Kerr County
Trucking insurance requirements are much higher than for private vehicles. Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) requires minimum liability limits that provide a significant pool for recovery:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous general freight.
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, or large equipment.
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials.
Many larger carriers and corporate fleets carry excess and umbrella policies in the tens of millions. However, getting access to those millions requires a lawyer who understands insurance law. Associate attorney Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense gives our Kerr County clients an “insider advantage.” He understands the tactics adjusters use to minimize pain and suffering and how they use “gaps in treatment” to devalue claims.
In Kerr County, you are entitled to both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity) and non-economic damages (physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life). In cases of gross negligence, we also pursue punitive damages to punish the company and prevent future tragedies on our roads.
Kerr County Truck Accident FAQ
1. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Kerr County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for cases involving government vehicles (like transit buses), you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice of claim. Never wait—evidence in Kerr County truck wrecks vanishes within weeks.
2. Can I sue Walmart if their truck hit me in Kerrville?
Yes. Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the nation. Because their drivers are employees, Walmart is directly liable for their negligence. They often self-insure, which means they fight aggressively to protect their bottom line. We have the experience to go toe-to-toe with Walmart’s legal team.
3. What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-10?
Kerr County follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% bar). As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. We work to minimize your fault by proving the trucker’s violations of safe driving rules.
4. How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer?
At the Manginello Law Firm, it costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee—33.33% if the case settles before trial, and 40% if we go to court. We pay for all the experts, accident reconstructions, and medical records. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
5. Why shouldn’t I just take the insurance company’s first offer?
Initial offers are almost always “lowball” offers. They are designed to settle your case before you know if you need surgery or if your TBI is permanent. Once you sign a release, you can never go back for more. We ensure every future medical cost is calculated into your final settlement.
6. What if the truck driver was on drugs or alcohol?
Commercial drivers are subject to strict drug testing under 49 CFR Part 382. We subpoena post-accident toxicology results. If a driver was impaired, it significantly strengthens the case for punitive damages against the driver and the company.
7. I was hit by an Amazon delivery van; can I sue Amazon?
While Amazon uses contractors, they exercise massive control over how those drivers work. We use the “right-to-control” test to argue that Amazon is the de facto employer and should be held liable for your injuries.
Relentless Representation for Kerr County Families
When an 18-wheeler wreck shatters your life, you need a fighter who treats you like family but fights like a titan. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have spent 25 years making trucking companies pay for their mistakes. We have achieved multi-million dollar results for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases.
We offer fluent Spanish-language representation through attorney Lupe Peña. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Kerr County is our home, and we are dedicated to making its roads safer by holding negligent corporations accountable. Whether you are in Kerrville, Ingram, or Hunt, we are ready to start your investigation today. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working. You should be, too.
Contact Attorney911 today. We answer 24/7. Your justice starts with a single call.
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
attorney911.com
No fee unless we win. Powerful. Proven. Relentless.
