Reno, Texas Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Wrecks
The impact of an 80,000-pound semi-truck on US Highway 82 in Reno doesn’t just damage property—it shatters lives. When a massive tractor-trailer or a high-speed delivery van collides with your passenger vehicle, the physics are never in your favor. Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds; the machine that hit you is 20 times that size. In an instant, you’re facing a medical and financial crisis that most families are entirely unprepared to handle.
At Attorney911, we know that a truck accident in Reno isn’t just a larger version of a car crash. It is a high-stakes legal battle against some of the most powerful corporations in the world. Since 1998, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has been the fighter that Texas families turn to when they’ve been devastated by commercial vehicle negligence. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph Manginello understands precisely how to navigate the complex federal regulations that govern the trucking industry.
We don’t just guess what the other side is thinking; we already know. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working within a national insurance defense firm. He understands the playbook that trucking companies use to minimize your suffering. He saw how they train adjusters to offer lowball settlements before the full extent of a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage is even known. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses and demand every dime our clients deserve.
If you have been hurt in a commercial vehicle wreck in Reno or anywhere in Lamar County, the clock is already ticking. You need an advocate who has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic injuries—including a $5+ million recovery for a workplace brain injury and a $3.8+ million settlement for an amputation case. We take on the giants like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS because we know that when the stakes are this high, y’all need a law firm that treats you like family, not a case number.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why You Must Act Immediately in Reno
In the world of commercial trucking, evidence has a shelf life. While you are focusing on recovery at a regional trauma center, the trucking company that hit you has already deployed a rapid-response team to the scene on US-82 or Loop 286. Their goal is simple: control the narrative and preserve only the data that helps them.
We move faster. As soon as you retain us, we send a formal spoliation letter to the motor carrier. This legal notice demands the immediate preservation of critical electronic evidence that can “disappear” or be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
What We Secure Within the First 48 Hours:
- ECM (Engine Control Module) “Black Box” Data: This device records the truck’s speed, RPMs, and exactly when the driver hit the brakes—or if they hit them at all.
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records: Federal law mandate under 49 CFR § 395.8 requires digital logs of a driver’s hours. We analyze these to prove the driver was violating federal rest requirements and driving while dangerously fatigued.
- Netradyne and In-Cab Camera Footage: Many modern fleets, especially Amazon DSP vans operating around Reno, are equipped with AI-powered cameras. We demand this footage before the 24-hour overwrite cycle begins.
- The Driver’s Qualification File: We investigate whether the trucking company committed “negligent hiring” by putting a driver on the road with a history of safety violations or a lack of proper CDL endorsements under 49 CFR Part 391.
- Maintenance Logs: Over 29% of truck accidents involve brake failure. We subpoena records under 49 CFR Part 396 to see if the company cut corners on inspections to keep the truck moving.
As client Chad Harris noted after working with us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We fight for that family by ensuring no piece of evidence is hidden. If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Reno, call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now.
Understanding the Federal Regulations (FMCSA) That Prove Negligence in Reno
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules for the road. When a driver or a company breaks these rules, it isn’t just a mistake—it is a violation of federal law that serves as the foundation of your negligence claim.
Our team at Attorney911 meticulously audits every case for violations of the 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations). These are the “Rules of the Road” that keep Reno families safe from 80,000-pound missiles.
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) – The Fatigue Rule
Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of wrecks on long stretches of highway near Reno. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty. When a driver “cooks the books” or ignores these limits to make a delivery deadline for a company like Sysco or Walmart, they are a danger to everyone in Lamar County.
Part 391: Driver Qualifications
A commercial driver must be physically qualified under 49 CFR § 391.41. If a carrier allows a driver with uncontrolled epilepsy, severe vision loss, or a history of drug use to operate in Reno, the company is liable for negligent entrustment. We dig into the medical certificates and background checks that the company hoped you’d never see.
Part 393 & 396: Parts, Maintenance, and Inspections
Commercial vehicles in Reno must be systematically inspected and maintained. 49 CFR § 393.40 requires functional braking systems on all wheels. We often find that companies defer maintenance on items like tires and brakes to save money, directly leading to high-speed rear-end collisions on US-82.
Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8
Common Truck Accident Types We Handle in Reno and Lamar County
Every truck accident has a unique mechanical fingerprint. Because Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of experience to these cases, we understand the physics and the liability patterns of every major crash type.
1. Jackknife Accidents on Wet Reno Roads
A jackknife occurs when the trailer outruns the cab, swinging out at a 90-degree angle. This often happens on US-82 when a driver brakes too hard on a slick surface or is carrying an empty, unbalanced load. A jackknifing 18-wheeler can sweep across all lanes of traffic, creating a multi-vehicle pileup that traps Reno drivers with no escape.
2. Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Crash
Underride collisions are among the most horrific accidents we handle. This is when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a trailer. Despite federal requirements for rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many are poorly maintained or non-existent on older trailers. These crashes frequently result in decapitation and instant fatalities for Reno families.
3. Rollover Wrecks on Lamar County FM Roads
High center-of-gravity vehicles like concrete mixers and liquid tankers are prone to rolling over on Reno’s rural roads and highway exit ramps. Overloaded trailers or shifting cargo (49 CFR § 393.100 violations) can cause the entire rig to tip, crushing any vehicles in the adjacent lane.
4. Wide-Turn “Squeeze Play” at Reno Intersections
Truck drivers must often swing wide to the left to complete a right-hand turn. When they fail to check their mirrors or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a smaller car between the trailer and the curb. This is a classic case of driver inattention and failure to yield.
5. Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents
An 18-wheeler has four massive blind spots. If a driver merges into your lane on the highway in Reno without properly verified mirror adjustments (49 CFR § 393.80), they can force you off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Beyond the 18-Wheeler: Every Commercial Vehicle on Reno Roads
While big rigs get the headlines, other commercial vehicles are just as dangerous. At Attorney911, we hold operators of all commercial fleets accountable.
- Amazon and FedEx Delivery Vans: With the rise of e-commerce, Reno neighborhoods are filled with “last-mile” delivery vans. These drivers are under extreme time pressure, often leading to distracted driving and backing-up accidents. Amazon will often try to hide behind an “independent contractor” label to avoid liability for their drivers. We know how to pierce that shield.
- Dump Trucks and Gravel Haulers: Loaded with construction materials, these trucks can weigh 60,000 pounds. Frequent overloading and poorly secured loads (spilling gravel onto US-82) cause thousands of accidents in North Texas every year.
- Garbage Trucks: These vehicles operate in tight residential areas of Reno during early morning hours. Their limited visibility and constant backing maneuvers make them a high risk for pedestrians and children.
- Rental Trucks (U-Haul/Penske): These are often driven by people with zero commercial training. If a rental company entrusts a 26-foot truck to an unqualified driver who hasn’t been properly briefed on braking distances, the company may be liable for negligent entrustment.
Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao
Who is Really Liable for Your Reno Truck Accident? The 16-Party Web
Most general practitioners only sue the driver and the trucking company. That is a mistake that can leave millions of dollars on the table. At Attorney911, we investigate the entire supply chain to maximize your recovery.
A single Reno truck wreck can involve liability for:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Company (Carrier): Under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they pressured the driver to speed.
- The Loading Company: If improperly secured cargo caused a rollover.
- Truck/Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes or tire blowouts.
- Maintenance Companies: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
- Freight Brokers: For “negligent selection” of an unsafe carrier.
- The Truck Owner: In owner-operator lease arrangements.
- Government Entities: If road design or lack of signage contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent Companies: Holding giants like Walmart or Coca-Cola accountable for the actions of their fleets.
- Staffing Companies: If they provided an unqualified driver.
- Rental Companies: Like Penske or U-Haul for maintenance failures.
- Public Transit Agencies: For bus accidents in the Reno area.
- Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved (requiring FTCA navigation).
By identifying every liable party, we gain access to multiple insurance policies, ensuring that even if one company is underinsured, you can still recover the full value of your damages. As 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.”
Don’t let a corporate giant push you around. Call the firm insurers fear at 888-ATTY-911.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Path to Multi-Million Dollar Settlements
A collision with a commercial vehicle rarely results in minor scrapes. We represent Reno residents who are facing life-altering transformations.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The violence of a truck impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to diffuse axonal injury or permanent cognitive deficit. We have recovered settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range for TBI victims. Symptoms like chronic headaches, memory loss, and personality changes require expert neurological testimony to value properly. Learn more: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
A crushed vertebrae or severed spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These cases require “life care plans” that account for 24/7 nursing care, home modifications, and lifelong medical equipment. Settlement ranges for these injuries typically sit between $4.7M and $25.8M.
Amputation and Loss of Limb
Whether a traumatic amputation at the scene or a surgical necessity due to crush injuries, losing a limb is a catastrophic loss of function and identity. Our firm has secured settlements between $1.9M and $8.6M for amputation victims.
Wrongful Death
If a trucking company’s greed took the life of your spouse, parent, or child in Reno, we pursue justice through wrongful death and survival actions. We fight for lost future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our wrongful death recoveries often range from $1.9M to $9.5M.
Insurance Minimums and the “Nuclear Verdict” Trend in Texas
Financial recovery in Reno depends on the type of cargo the truck was hauling. Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) mandates minimum insurance levels that are far higher than your personal auto policy:
- General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
- Oil and Large Equipment: $1,000,000 minimum.
- Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 minimum.
However, the largest carriers—the ones moving freight through Lamar County every hour—often carry $10 million to $50 million in “excess” or “umbrella” coverage. In recent years, Texas juries have been unafraid to award “nuclear verdicts” exceeding $30 million when they find that a company systematically ignored safety to increase profits. We use these trends as leverage to force insurance companies to pay you fairly now, rather than facing us in court later.
Learn more about insurance tactics: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag
Reno, Texas Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Reno?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting this long is dangerous. Evidence in Reno cases disappears within weeks. We recommend calling us within 48 hours to preserve black box data.
How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer?
You pay us nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict we win for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us an attorney fee. We advance all costs for world-class accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists.
The insurance adjuster for the trucking company called me. Should I talk to them?
Absolutely not. They may sound friendly, but their goal is to get you to admit partial fault or to record you saying your injuries aren’t that bad. Every word you say can be used against you. Simply tell them, “I am represented by Attorney911; please speak with my lawyers.”
What if the accident happened on a private “lease road” or oilfield site?
Oilfield trucking accidents are complex because they involve both FMCSA trucking rules and OSHA workplace safety standards. Whether the crash happened on a public highway or a private caliche road in the oil patch, we can hold the oil company and the trucking contractor accountable.
Can I sue for PTSD after a truck accident in Reno?
Yes. Mental anguish and post-traumatic stress are legitimate, compensable non-economic damages in Texas. If you are experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, or an inability to drive after your wreck, those injuries deserve compensation. Video guide: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A
What if the truck that hit me was a rental like a U-Haul?
Rental truck accidents involve unique liability. While the “Graves Amendment” often protects rental companies from being sued just because they own the truck, we can still sue them for “negligent maintenance” or “negligent entrustment” if they rented to an unqualified driver.
Why Reno Families Choose Attorney911
When a corporate giant hits you, they expect you to be intimidated. They expect you to hire a lawyer who is afraid of the federal courthouse. They don’t expect Ralph Manginello.
For over a quarter-century, our firm has stood as a barrier between Montana-sized corporations and the hard-working people of Reno, Texas. We combine the resources of a “big city” firm with the personal attention of a local advocate. At Attorney911, you aren’t just some client—as client Mongo Slade said, “The team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.”
We solve in months what other firms take years to handle. We take the cases other firms reject because we have the resources to find the evidence they missed. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van, or a Lamar County dump truck, we are here to fight for y’all.
Contact your Reno legal emergency lawyers now. We are available 24/7.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Available Online: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
No fee unless we win. Free consultations for all injury victims in Reno and Lamar County. Let us make them pay for what they took.
