City of Hardin Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for the Rights of the Injured
If you have been involved in a collision with a massive commercial vehicle in City of Hardin, you aren’t just dealing with a simple car insurance claim. You are facing a legal emergency. An 80,000-pound 18-wheeler creates forces that the human body was never designed to withstand. When these behemoths collide with passenger vehicles on Highway 146 or along the busy corridors of Liberty County, the results are almost always catastrophic.
At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years holding trucking companies and multi-billion-dollar corporations accountable. We understand that right now, your life feels like it has been shattered. The medical bills are piling up, the physical pain is constant, and the trucking company’s insurance adjusters are likely already calling you to minimize your suffering. We are here to tell you: do not face them alone.
Our firm brings a unique advantage to every City of Hardin case. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working as a national insurance defense lawyer. He knows the “playbook” the big insurers use to deny, delay, and devalue your claim. He sat in the rooms where they decided how little to offer families in crisis. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. We don’t just know the law; we know the tactics they will use against you, and we know how to beat them.
If you are ready to protect your future, we are ready to fight. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. There is never a fee unless we win your case.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Hardin Are Different
A crash involving a commercial truck in City of Hardin is fundamentally different from a car-to-car accident. The physics, the regulations, and the sheer amount of money at stake change everything. When an 18-wheeler is fully loaded, it weighs up to 20 times more than the average sedan or SUV on City of Hardin roads. This weight disparity means that even at low speeds, the kinetic energy transferred during a collision is terminal or life-altering.
Because the stakes are so high, the federal government mandates strict safety standards through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Every commercial vehicle passing through City of Hardin must comply with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When a driver or a company ignores these rules to save time or increase profit, they are breaking the law. Proving these violations is how we secure multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.
Our founder, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This is critical because many City of Hardin trucking cases must be litigated in federal court, especially when the trucking company is headquartered out of state. You need a lawyer who is comfortable in high-stakes federal litigation, not just a local practitioner who handles small traffic tickets. Ralph Manginello has gone toe-to-toe with some of the largest corporations in the world, including BP and major logistics giants, and he has the track record to prove it.
48-Hour Critical Window: Preserving Evidence in City of Hardin
One of the most dangerous mistakes a victim can make is waiting too long to hire a lawyer. In City of Hardin trucking accidents, evidence begins to disappear the moment the scene is cleared. Trucking companies often deploy “Rapid Response Teams”—including private investigators and defense attorneys—to the crash site before the ambulance even reaches the hospital. Their goal is to control the narrative and preserve only the evidence that helps their defense.
We move just as fast. When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send out a spoliation letter. This is a formal legal demand that requires the trucking company to preserve all evidence related to the City of Hardin crash. If they destroy or overwrite data after receiving this letter, they can face severe sanctions in court.
The Data We Secure Immediately:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Most people don’t realize that modern trucks carry an Engine Control Module. This “black box” records the truck’s speed, whether the brakes were applied, the throttle position, and even if the driver was wearing a seatbelt in the seconds leading up to the City of Hardin impact. This data is often overwritten within 30 days if the truck is put back in service.
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records: Federal law requires drivers to record their hours of service electronically. This data proves whether the driver was violating federal rest requirements and was operating while fatigued.
- Netradyne and In-Cab Video: Many corporate fleets, like those delivering for Amazon or Walmart near City of Hardin, use AI-powered cameras that record driver behavior. We fight to see if the driver was distracted, texting, or falling asleep.
- Maintenance Logs: We look for evidence of neglected brakes, worn tires, or steering issues that the company knew about but failed to fix to save money.
Don’t let the trucking company hide the truth about what happened to you. Call 888-ATTY-911 immediately so we can lock down this evidence today.
Specialized Knowledge of FMCSA Regulations (49 CFR 390-399)
Winning a trucking accident case in City of Hardin requires a deep understanding of the complex web of federal regulations that govern the industry. These aren’t just “guidelines”; they are legal requirements. When we prove that a trucking company violated these 49 CFR regulations, it establishes negligence per se—meaning the company is liable as a matter of law.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is the silent killer on City of Hardin highways. Drivers are under immense pressure to deliver loads on time, which often leads to them staying behind the wheel far longer than the law allows. Under 49 CFR 395.3, drivers are strictly limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty. If a fatigued driver hit you on SH 105 or Highway 146, we will subpoena their ELD logs to prove they were driving illegally.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that every driver they put on our City of Hardin roads is fully qualified. This includes maintaining a complete Driver Qualification File (49 CFR 391.51) that contains their background check, road test results, medical examiner’s certificate, and annual driving record reviews. If a company hires a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple safety violations, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Inspections
Thousands of trucks on Texas roads are “accidents waiting to happen” because of poor maintenance. 49 CFR 396 requires every motor carrier to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Brake failure is a factor in nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. We investigate whether the trucking company skipped pre-trip inspections or used substandard parts to increase their profit margins at the expense of City of Hardin residents.
Learn more about these complex rules in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Types of Catastrophic Truck Accidents in City of Hardin
Our team has the experience to handle every type of collision involving heavy commercial vehicles. Every crash has a unique mechanical profile, and proving exactly how the accident happened is essential for a maximum recovery.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab. This typically happens when the drive wheels lock up on wet or slick roads, often due to improper braking or speeding. For a driver in City of Hardin, a jackknifed truck becomes an inescapable wall of steel blocking multiple lanes. These accidents almost always indicate a violation of 49 CFR 392.6 (safe speed) or 49 CFR 393.48 (brake system malfunction).
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most terrifying type of crash, an underride happens when a smaller passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck trailer. Because the trailer sits so high, it can shear off the top of a car, leading to decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. While federal law (49 CFR 393.86) requires rear impact guards, many are poorly maintained or lack the structural integrity to stop a car. We investigate whether the trucking company failed to equip the trailer with modern, effective guards.
Rollover Accidents
Because of their high center of gravity, trucks are extremely prone to rolling over, especially when taking curves too fast on City of Hardin exits or during sudden lane changes. Shifted cargo (violating 49 CFR 393.100) is a major cause of rollovers. When a 40-ton truck rolls, it crushes everything in its path. We look at the “slosh effect” in liquid tankers and the load securement logs to prove the company’s negligence.
Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents
An 18-wheeler has massive blind spots, often called “No-Zones.” If a driver fails to check their mirrors or if their mirrors are not adjusted according to 49 CFR 393.80, they can merge directly into your lane. Similarly, “wide turn” accidents occur when a driver swings left before turning right, trapping a smaller vehicle in the “squeeze” between the truck and the curb. This is a common occurrence on the narrower streets of City of Hardin and at congested intersections.
Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler or a delivery van, you deserve a fighter. As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” Call us at (888) 288-9911 for your free consultation.
Corporations and Deep Pockets: Holding the Giants Accountable
High-volume freight traffic is the lifeblood of Liberty County, but it also creates immense danger for those living in City of Hardin. When you are hit by a commercial vehicle, you aren’t just suing a driver; you are potentially going up against a Fortune 500 company. These entities have “deep pockets,” which means they have millions in insurance coverage, but it also means they have the resources to fight your claim aggressively.
Walmart and Corporate Fleet Accidents
Walmart operates one of the largest private trucking fleets in the nation. Because they are often self-insured, every dollar they pay you in a settlement comes directly from their corporate bottom line. They employ internal adjusters whose only job is to protect Walmart. We have the documented experience of litigating against corporate giants like Walmart, and we know how to navigate their unique insurance structures.
Amazon Delivery Van and DSP Liability
If you were hit by an Amazon delivery van in City of Hardin, you may have been told Amazon isn’t responsible because the driver works for a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP). Amazon uses this contractor structure as a liability shield. However, because Amazon controls the routes, the technology, and the strict delivery windows that pressure drivers to speed, we work to pierce that shield and hold the parent corporation responsible.
Oilfield Trucking and Industrial Traffic
City of Hardin is at the heart of the Texas energy sector. This means our roads are shared with heavy-duty oilfield vehicles, including:
- Frac Sand Haulers: Often overloaded and driven by fatigued operators working 14-hour shifts.
- Water and Crude Tankers: High-risk vehicles carry hazardous materials that require a $5 million federal insurance minimum.
- Hot Shot Trucks: Smaller flatbeds that often speed through City of Hardin to deliver urgent parts to wellsites.
In these cases, we look at BOTH FMCSA regulations and OSHA workplace safety standards. If the oil company created an unsafe work schedule or hired a cut-rate trucking contractor with a high out-of-service rate, they are just as liable as the driver. Ralph Manginello was involved in the BP Texas City refinery litigation, one of the largest industrial disaster cases in history. He understands the complexities of the energy industry and how to make oil companies pay.
Identifying All Liable Parties: Why Our Investigation Goes Deeper
Most law firms will only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must identify EVERY party whose negligence contributed to your accident in City of Hardin. A wider net of liability means access to more insurance policies and higher compensation for your family.
16 Parties We May Hold Accountable:
- The Truck Driver: For speeding, distraction, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company/Carrier: For negligent hiring or HOS pressure.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For providing dangerous or unstable loads.
- The Loading Company: For failing to secure cargo according to Part 393.
- The Truck Manufacturer: For design defects in brakes or steering.
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires or component failures.
- Maintenance Companies: For failing to properly repair critical safety systems.
- Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
- The Truck Owner: For negligent entrustment of a dangerous vehicle.
- Government Entities: For poor road design or dangerous intersections in City of Hardin.
- Corporate Parent Companies: Holding Amazon or FedEx liable for contractor actions.
- Oilfield Operators: For failing to maintain safe lease roads or wellsite ingress.
- Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified or untrained drivers.
- Rental Truck Companies: Like U-Haul or Penske, for negligent maintenance of their fleet.
- Transit Agencies or School Districts: For bus accidents within City of Hardin.
- The Federal Government: In cases involving USPS or military vehicles through the FTCA.
Finding the money requires finding all the responsible parties. As client Donald Wilcox noted: “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.” Let us find the compensation that others might miss. Reach us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of a Lifetime of Care
We understand that a truck accident in City of Hardin doesn’t just result in a few scrapes and bruises. These collisions cause “polytrauma”—multiple severe injuries that change the course of a life in an instant. When we calculate your damages, we don’t just look at the bills you have today; we project what your needs will be 20, 30, or 40 years from now.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The brain is surprisingly fragile. When a truck slams into your car, the impact forces your brain to collide with the inside of your skull. This can cause “diffuse axonal injury,” where the microscopic fibers of the brain are torn. Symptoms like memory loss, personality changes, and chronic headaches can last a lifetime. Our firm has recovered settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These victims face millions of dollars in lifetime care costs, including round-the-clock nursing, home modifications, and specialized medical equipment. We have secured spinal cord settlements ranging from $4.7 million up to over $25 million for catastrophic paralysis.
Traumatic Amputation and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb is one of the most psychologically and physically taxing injuries a person can endure. In City of Hardin wide-turn or “squeeze play” accidents, arms or legs are often crushed beyond repair. Modern prosthetics can cost $50,000 or more and must be replaced every few years. Our amputation results typically fall between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.
Severe Burns and Internal Organ Damage
Fires from ruptured fuel tanks can cause third- and fourth-degree burns, requiring months in a specialized burn unit and dozens of painful skin graft surgeries. Additionally, the blunt-force trauma of a truck impact can rupture the spleen, liver, or kidneys, often causing life-threatening internal bleeding that parameics in City of Hardin must triage in seconds.
If you are suffering, we are here to support you. We help our clients find the best medical providers in Texas, often arranging for treatment where you pay nothing until your case is settled. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Understanding Your Recovery: Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Under Texas law, you are entitled to be made “whole” after an accident in City of Hardin. This means the trucking company must pay for every way their negligence has negatively impacted your life. We work with economists, vocational experts, and life-care planners to ensure we don’t leave a single penny on the table.
Economic Damages (The Calculable Losses)
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: From the LifeFlight ride to every future surgery and physical therapy appointment.
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Including bonuses, 401(k) matches, and pension contributions you will miss.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury prevents you from ever returning to your career in the oilfield, construction, or any profession, you are entitled to the difference in your lifetime earnings.
- Household Services: The value of the cooking, cleaning, and child care you can no longer perform.
Non-Economic Damages (The Quality of Life)
- Pain and Suffering: The physical agony of your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: The anxiety, PTSD, and depression that follow a violent crash.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: The permanent changes to your appearance.
- Loss of Consortium: The impact the injury has on your relationship with your spouse and children.
As Glenda Walker said after her case resolved: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We bring that same relentless drive to every person we represent in City of Hardin.
Frequently Asked Questions for City of Hardin Victims
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, in City of Hardin trucking cases, you should never wait. The trucking company is legally allowed to destroy many logs after six months. If you wait the full two years, the evidence you need to win may already be gone.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident in City of Hardin?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means as long as you were not 51% or more at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and the truck driver was 80% at fault, you would recover 80% of your total damages. Don’t let the insurance company’s accusations of fault stop you from calling us. They often use this tactic just to lower their payout.
Can I sue the oil company if a sand truck ran me off the road?
Yes. If the sand truck was working for a company like ExxonMobil, Chevron, or Diamondback Energy, those operators can often be held liable. We look at whether the oil company hired a trucking contractor with a history of safety violations or if they set a production schedule that forced the driver to speed or drive while fatigued.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Zero dollars upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we take on all the financial risk of the case. We pay for the experts, the investigators, and the court filings. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. Our goal is to remove every barrier between you and justice.
Why do I need a lawyer with federal court experience?
Commercial trucking is an interstate business. Many trucking companies are headquartered in other states, allowing them to “remove” your case to federal court. Federal court has much stricter procedural rules and faster timelines than Liberty County courts. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and has the experience to navigate these complex environments.
The Advocate You Need for the Future You Deserve
A truck accident in City of Hardin is a life-altering event, but it does not have to be a life-ending one. You have the right to hold the negligent parties accountable and the right to the financial resources you need to recover.
At Attorney911, we treat our clients like family. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We know that right now, you need more than just legal advice; you need a partner who will take the weight of this battle off your shoulders.
Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler on Highway 146, a delivery van in your neighborhood, or a piece of heavy oilfield equipment, we are ready to stand with you. Our team brings 25 years of experience, a former insurance defense perspective, and a proven history of recovering multi-million dollar results for Texas families.
Don’t let the trucking company write the ending to your story. Take the first step toward justice today. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. Hablamos Español. Your consultation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation.
Attorney911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When you are hit by a truck, we hit back harder.
Localized Case Study: A Scenario on SH 146
Imagine this: It’s a rainy Tuesday morning in City of Hardin. You are heading toward Liberty on SH 146. A frac sand hauler, rushing to make a delivery window at a nearby wellsite, tries to take the curve near the city limits too fast. The driver, who has already been on duty for 15 hours in violation of 49 CFR 395.3, taps the brakes too hard. The trailer jackknifes, sweeping across both lanes. Your car is pinned against the guardrail, crushed by 80,000 pounds of steel.
In this moment, your life changes. But the trucking company’s defense has already begun. By the time the paramedics get you to the trauma center, the company has already pulled the black box data and called their lawyers. If you call Attorney911 within those first 48 hours, we secure that data. We prove the HOS violation. We prove the excessive speed. And we ensure that you are treated as a human being, not just a claim number to be minimized.
Call us now. Evidence is disappearing every hour you wait. 1-888-ATTY-911.
Video Library: Essential Resources for Victims
- The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8
- Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4
- Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc
- The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag
- I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM
- What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E
- The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Serving City of Hardin, Liberty County, and the surrounding areas.
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
Houston Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office: 316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Beaumont Office: Available for local meetings.
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