Bay City Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you were driving along Highway 35 or Highway 60 in Bay City, and the next, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your car. In an instant, your life changed. When a tractor-trailer or a heavy company truck hits a passenger vehicle, it’s not a fair fight. The physics are brutal, and the results are often life-altering.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely in pain, facing mounting medical bills, and wondering how you’re going to provide for your family. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a fighter who knows the playbook the trucking companies use to avoid paying you. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on the world’s largest corporations and making them pay for the damage they cause.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been representing injury victims since 1998. He brings federal court experience to every case, having been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. We aren’t just local attorneys; we are a powerhouse firm that has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP in the landmark Texas City refinery litigation. We know how to win because we understand how the other side thinks.

Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to work for national insurance defense firms. He spent years inside the system, learning exactly how insurance companies value, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. He knows their formulas, their manipulation tactics, and their scripts. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you, not against you. Together, we provide Bay City families with an advantage most firms can’t match.

We treat our clients like family. 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.” We understand that a truck accident in Bay City isn’t just a legal case—it’s a personal crisis.

If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle wreck, don’t wait. The trucking company is already building their defense. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 888-ATTY-911.

Why Truck Accidents in Bay City are Different

Trucking accidents in Bay City and throughout Matagorda County carry a level of complexity that a standard car wreck simply doesn’t. When a commercial vehicle is involved, you aren’t just dealing with an individual driver; you’re dealing with a multi-layered web of federal regulations, corporate structures, and massive insurance policies.

Bay City sits at a critical junction in the Texas coastal corridor. With Highway 35 serving as a major artery between Houston and Corpus Christi, and Highway 60 funneling traffic toward the industrial hubs of Freeport and the South Texas Project, our roads are heavy with 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, and industrial haulers. These aren’t just larger cars. A fully loaded semi weighs 20 to 25 times more than the average sedan. At 65 mph, that truck needs the length of nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop.

Because the stakes are so high, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict rules under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These regulations govern everything from how many hours a driver can stay behind the wheel (49 CFR Part 395) to the required maintenance of the truck’s braking systems (49 CFR Part 396). When a trucking company skips a safety check or pushes a driver to work 16 hours straight to make a delivery in Bay City, they aren’t just being careless—they’re breaking federal law.

We specialize in identifying these violations. Whether you were hit by a Walmart truck, an Amazon delivery van, or a specialized oilfield hauler, we know what evidence to demand. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you deserve, like the multi-million dollar settlements we’ve recovered for traumatic brain injury and amputation victims.

The clock is already ticking. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, but evidence in these cases can disappear in as little as 30 days. Call (888) 288-9911 now to protect your rights.

18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accident Types in Bay City

Every truck accident has its own fingerprint, shaped by the physics of the vehicle and the negligence of the parties involved. In Bay City, we see specific accident patterns driven by our local geography and industry.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and the cab skid in opposite directions, folding at an angle like a pocket knife. This typically happens when a driver brakes too suddenly or incorrectly on a wet road, such as during the heavy rainstorms we often see on Highway 35. The 49 CFR § 393.48 regulation requires specific brake system performance to prevent this, but if the brakes are worn or the driver is inexperienced, the results are devastating. Multi-vehicle pileups are common, leading to catastrophic crush injuries and TBI.

Rollover Crashes

Trucks have a high center of gravity. When an 18-wheeler takes a turn too fast—common on the interchanges or rural curves around Matagorda County—it can tip. Shifted cargo (a violation of 49 CFR § 393.100) often plays a role. If a truck carrying industrial equipment to the plants near Bay City isn’t loaded correctly, it transitions from a vehicle to a 40-ton weapon.

Underride Collisions

These are among the most lethal accidents on our roads. An underride occurs when a smaller car slides under the trailer of a truck because the truck is missing proper guards (49 CFR § 393.86) or stopped suddenly in low-visibility conditions. These often result in decapitation or fatal head injuries.

Rear-End Collisions from Fatigue

Because trucks take so much longer to stop, a driver who is distracted or fatigued (violating 49 CFR Part 395) will slam into the car ahead with enormous force. We see this often on the long stretches of highway surrounding Bay City where drivers may have been on the road for 12 or 14 hours straight.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

A truck driver makes a wide turn, often to the right, and fails to check their mirrors. A passenger vehicle can be crushed between the truck and a curb or building. This is common in downtown Bay City or at busy intersections near local distribution points.

Whether you were hit by a cement mixer, a dump truck, or a delivery van, our team knows how to prove who was at fault. As client Mongo Slade stated, “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.” We can do the same for you.

Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Specialized Commercial Vehicle Wrecks: Dump Trucks, Garbage Trucks, and Vans

Not every truck accident involves a traditional 18-wheeler. In Bay City, we share the road with many other types of commercial vehicles, each carrying its own set of dangers and liability rules.

Dump Truck Accidents

Loaded dump trucks in Matagorda County often weigh 60,000 pounds or more. They are frequently overloaded to increase profit, which causes tire blowouts and brake failures. If a dump truck hauling gravel or construction materials to a site near Bay City hits you, the liability might extend to the construction company or the developer who hired an unsafe hauler.

Garbage and Waste Truck Crashes

Garbage trucks operate in our residential neighborhoods, often in the dark hours of the morning. They have massive blind spots and constantly back into traffic. Residential garbage truck accidents are often catastrophic because they occur in areas where people, including children and pedestrians, feel safe. Companies like Waste Management or Republic Services are massive corporate entities that will fight to protect their bottom line.

Concrete Mixer and Cement Truck Accidents

Concrete mixers are inherently unstable. The rotating drum filled with liquid concrete creates a “slosh effect” that can cause a rollover at very low speeds. These trucks are among the heaviest on the road, sometimes exceeding 70,000 pounds. When they roll on a passenger car, there is often no survivable space.

Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)

This is a terrifying category because rental companies often put 26-foot trucks into the hands of people with ZERO commercial training. If a driver in a rented moving truck hit you in Bay City, the rental company could be liable for negligent entrustment if they gave that vehicle to someone unqualified or visibly impaired.

Corporate Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

Amazon vans are everywhere in Bay City. Amazon uses a complex maze of “Delivery Service Partners” to try and shield themselves from liability, but we know how to pierce that shield. We examine the Netradyne camera footage and the Mentor app data that Amazon uses to control these drivers. If they control the driver’s route, pace, and behavior, they are the employer—regardless of what the contract says.

No matter what type of company vehicle hit you, you pay us nothing unless we win. Our firm advances all costs for the investigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: Why Speed Wins Cases

In a Bay City truck accident case, the most important evidence is digital. Modern trucks are essentially sophisticated computers on wheels, but that data is at risk of being deleted or overwritten the moment the truck returns to service.

The Black Box (ECM)

Every major commercial truck has an Engine Control Module. This “black box” records your speed, when the brakes were applied, and the throttle position in the seconds before impact. However, most systems overwrite this data in as little as 30 days. If that truck hit you on Highway 60 and the company keeps using it, the evidence of their negligence could be erased before you even file a claim.

ELD Data and HOS Logs

Truckers are required to use Electronic Logging Devices to track their hours. This data proves whether the driver was illegally fatigued. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, these records must be kept, but they can be “adjusted” or lost if an attorney doesn’t immediately send a legal hold.

Our 48-Hour Protocol

When you hire Attorney911, we move immediately. We send a comprehensive Spoliation Letter within 24 to 48 hours. This is a formal legal demand that the trucking company and their insurer preserve:

• ECM and EDR data
• ELD logs and previous paper logs
• The driver’s Qualification File (MVR, medical certs, drug tests)
• Maintenance and inspection reports (Part 396)
• Dashcam and Netradyne video footage
• GPS and telematics data

Trucking companies hire rapid-response lawyers before the ambulance even leaves the scene. You need someone moving just as fast. As Angel Walle said of our firm, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

For more information, watch: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.

Dealing with Big Corporate Defendants: Amazon, Walmart, and Oilfield Fleets

If you were hit by a branded truck, you aren’t just fighting a driver; you’re fighting a corporate giant. These companies have deeper pockets, but they also have more resources to fight back.

Walmart Truck Accidents

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the country. Because they are self-insured for the first several million dollars of every claim, they fight harder because every dollar comes out of their profit. They have their own internal claims adjusters who will call you trying to offer a quick lowball settlement. Never take it. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of experience litigating against these exact types of fleet operators.

Amazon’s Contractor Defense

Amazon will tell you the van that hit you belonged to an “independent contractor.” We’ve heard it before. We’ve litigated against Amazon and we know how to use their own surveillance technology—the four cameras in every van—to prove they exercise total control over the driver. That control makes them liable under the law.

Oilfield and Industrial Vehicles

Matagorda County is home to significant industrial and energy operations. From water trucks hauling to lease sites to heavy equipment movers serving the STP plant, these are industrial accidents on a highway. These cases often involve both FMCSA trucking violations AND OSHA workplace safety failures. If an oilfield truck caused your accident, you likely have a claim for $5 million or more in mandated insurance, but the oil company will hide behind layers of contractors to avoid paying. We know how to cut through those layers.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows the insurance defense playbook. He knows exactly how these corporations plan to deny your claim. We use that information to build the strongest possible case for your recovery.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con alguien que pueda ayudarle.

Who is Liable for Your Bay City Truck Accident?

Most general practice lawyers only sue the driver. We dig deeper. To get you the maximum settlement, we identify EVERY party whose negligence contributed to your crash.

By identifying multiple defendants, we can “stack” insurance policies. If the driver has $750,000 in coverage but the company has a $10 million umbrella policy, we go after it all. We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we aren’t afraid to find every dollar available.

Don Williams experienced this firsthand. He 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 take “no” for an answer. Call 888-ATTY-911.

Understanding Your Catastrophic Injuries

A truck accident doesn’t just leave you with a few bruises. The forces involved cause permanent, life-altering damage.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even a “mild” concussion can be life-changing. TBI victims often face memory loss, personality changes, and the inability to return to their jobs. We have secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to nearly $10 million for victims with brain trauma.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When an 18-wheeler rolls onto a car, the roof crush often severs the spinal cord. Whether it’s paraplegia or quadriplegia, the lifetime care costs can exceed $25 million. You need a settlement that covers not just today’s bills, but the next 40 years of nursing care and home modifications.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Whether a limb is lost at the scene or must be surgically removed due to infection (a complication we’ve successfully litigated), the impact on your life is total. We fight for settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million to ensure you can afford the best prosthetics and rehabilitation.

Wrongful Death

We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a trucking company’s negligence kills a family member, the law allows you to seek justice. We’ve recovered millions for families in wrongful death cases, covering lost income, loss of companionship, and the mental anguish that follows a fatal crash.

You can’t trust the insurance company to value your pain fairly. How much is your spine worth to an adjuster? Their goal is to pay you nothing. Our goal is to get you “every dime you deserve,” as our client Glenda Walker said.

Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

The Compensation You Deserve: Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Under Texas law, you are entitled to be made whole. This includes more than just your current medical bills. We investigate the “hidden” losses that most people overlook.

Economic Damages:

• Past and future medical expenses (surgeries, PT, prescriptions)
• Lost wages and lost benefits (401k, health insurance)
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If a 30-year-old in Bay City can never work again, we calculate the 35 years of income they would have earned.
• Modification of your home or vehicle for accessibility.
• The cost of household services you can no longer perform.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental Anguish: The PTSD, nightmares, and anxiety that come after a terrifying crash.
• Disfigurement and scarring.
• Loss of consortium (damage to your relationship with your spouse).
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

In cases of extreme negligence—such as a trucking company falsifying logs or a driver on drugs—we also pursue Punitive Damages to punish the wrongdoer and prevent it from happening again.

Watch our guide: “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bay City Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Bay City?

In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the truck involved belongs to a government entity (like a city bus or a state utility truck), you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice. Don’t wait—evidence disappears much faster than the legal deadline.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule (51% bar). As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your total settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1 million but found 20% at fault, you still receive $800,000.

The insurance company offered a quick settlement. Should I take it?

Almost never. Early offers are designed to pay you pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign their release, you can never ask for more money—even if you need a spinal surgery six months later. Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 before you sign anything.

Can I sue Amazon for a delivery driver accident in Bay City?

Yes. Despite Amazon’s claims that their drivers are “contractors,” we know how to argue that Amazon’s total control over the routes and monitoring systems makes them legally responsible. We are experienced in cutting through these corporate liability shields.

Who pays my medical bills after a truck wreck?

Ultimately, the negligent trucking company is responsible. However, they won’t pay your bills as they come in. We work with a network of medical providers who can treat you on a “Letter of Protection,” meaning they wait for payment until your case settles. You should focus on healing, not bill collectors.

What makes an 18-wheeler case worth millions?

Case value is driven by the severity of the injury, the amount of available insurance ($750K to $10M+), and the level of the company’s negligence. If we can prove the company ignored federal safety rules just to make more money, juries are often willing to award massive amounts to hold them accountable.

If I’m an oilfield worker, is my accident a trucking case or workers’ comp?

It may be both. While workers’ comp covers some basic costs, it doesn’t pay for pain and suffering or full lifetime losses. We pursue “third-party” claims against the trucking company and the wellsite operator to get you the full compensation that workers’ comp leaves out.

Why do I need a lawyer with federal court experience?

Interstate trucking is governed by the FMCSA and federal laws. Many of these cases are filed in or removed to federal court (such as the Southern District of Texas). A lawyer who only knows local traffic court will be outmatched by the trucking company’s corporate defense team. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and has the experience you need.

Call Attorney911 Now: The Fighter Bay City Families Trust

If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or a company truck, you are already behind. The trucking company’s team is working right now to blame YOU and minimize your pain. They have millions of dollars to protect, and they won’t give it up without a fight.

You need a firm that treats you like family but fights like a shark. Ralph Manginello has over 25 years of experience winning multi-million dollar cases. Lupe Peña knows the insurance companies’ dirty tricks because he used to work for them. We provide the expertise of a mega-firm with the personal attention of a boutique office.

You pay nothing unless we win. There are zero upfront costs. We advance every dime needed for experts, accident reconstruction, and medical file reviews. As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Don’t let them push you around. Your future and your family’s security are on the line. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We are available 24/7. Hablamos Español. Llame al 888-ATTY-911.

Our Fight Starts with Your Call: 1-888-ATTY-911.