Justice After a Town of Melvin Truck Accident: Your Guide to 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Litigation
The impact was catastrophic. On US-87 near the Town of Melvin, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In a split second, your world stopped. While you were being rushed to a trauma center, the trucking company was likely already making different kinds of calls. They have rapid-response teams, investigators, and corporate lawyers whose only job is to protect their bottom line. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in the Town of Melvin, you need more than a lawyer—you need a team that has been in this ring for over two decades.
At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent more than 25 years holding the world’s largest corporations accountable. We don’t just “handle” truck accident cases; we deconstruct them. Whether you were hit by a long-haul 18-wheeler, an oilfield sand hauler passing through the Town of Melvin, or a corporate delivery van, we understand the physics of the crash and the complex federal laws that govern it. Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has litigated against Fortune 500 giants like Walmart, Amazon, and BP. We know how they fight, and we know how to make them pay.
If you’re facing mounting medical bills and an uncertain future, call 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis throughout the Town of Melvin—meaning you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you.
Why Experience Matters When an 18-Wheeler Hits You in the Town of Melvin
Trucking cases are not “big car accidents.” They are governed by an intricate web of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that don’t apply to everyday drivers. Proving negligence in a Town of Melvin truck accident requires an attorney who can speak the language of logbooks, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), and Engine Control Modules (ECM).
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. Since then, he has secured multi-million dollar settlements for families whose lives were shattered by commercial vehicle negligence. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who brings a unique “insider” advantage to every case: he used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He has seen the internal playbooks trucking insurers use to minimize, delay, and deny claims. He knows how they value a case and—more importantly—he knows how to counter their tactics to ensure our Town of Melvin clients get every dime they deserve.
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 take that responsibility seriously. When you call (888) 288-9911, you aren’t just getting a law firm; you’re getting a dedicated team that treats your Town of Melvin case with the urgency it deserves.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule in the Town of Melvin
In the aftermath of a Town of Melvin truck wreck, the clock is your enemy. Evidence in these cases is highly perishable. The “black box” data (ECM) that records the truck’s speed and braking can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Driver logs and dashcam footage have limited retention windows.
The moment we are retained for a Town of Melvin accident, we send a comprehensive spoliation letter to the trucking company. This legal document puts them on formal notice: do not delete, do not modify, and do not destroy a single byte of data. Destructive “cleanup” after an accident on Town of Melvin roads is common—we move fast to stop it.
Learn more about the critical first steps in our video guide: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.
Understanding Truck Accident Types on Town of Melvin Highways
Town of Melvin sits at a critical junction in McCulloch County. US-87 serves as a major freight corridor connecting the Gulf Coast to the Permian Basin. This means our roads are shared with heavy equipment, agricultural haulers, and high-speed long-haulers. Every truck type carries unique risks.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when an 18-wheeler’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. This often happens on Town of Melvin roads when a driver brakes suddenly while traveling at excessive speeds or on slippery surfaces. The trailer becomes an unguided missile, sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. Proving liability in these cases involves analyzing the truck’s brake maintenance records under 49 CFR § 393.48 and checking the ELD logs for driver fatigue.
Rollover Crashes
Rollovers are among the most lethal accidents in the Town of Melvin area. High-profile trucks carrying top-heavy agricultural loads or “sloshing” liquid cargo like crude oil are particularly vulnerable. When a truck driver takes a curve on US-87 too fast, the center of gravity shifts, and the vehicle tips. These crashes frequently result in “roof crush,” causing catastrophic spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries to those in the cab and crushing any passenger vehicle in the truck’s path.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most terrifying crash type is the underride. This is when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a trailer because the truck lacked proper impact guards. Despite federal requirements under 49 CFR § 393.86, many trailers on Town of Melvin roads have worn or missing guards. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in decapitation-level neck trauma.
Rear-End Collisions
An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When a driver is distracted—common in Town of Melvin accidents involving cell phone use (violating 49 CFR § 392.82)—they simply cannot stop 80,000 pounds in time. The impact forces are 20-25 times higher than a standard car-on-car collision.
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
Brake problems contribute to roughly 29% of large truck crashes. When a trucking company defers maintenance to save money, they are effectively putting a time bomb on Town of Melvin highways. Our team subpoenas maintenance logs required by 49 CFR § 396.3 to see if the carrier was cutting corners on inspections.
Watch our detailed guide: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.
Pinpointing Responsibility: The 16 Liable Parties
Most lawyers only look at the driver. We look at the entire corporate web. In a Town of Melvin truck accident, we investigate and may hold the following parties accountable:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring (49 CFR Part 391).
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If the load was inherently dangerous or inadequately disclosed.
- The Loading Company: For failing to secure cargo properly, leading to a shift or spill (49 CFR Part 393).
- Truck/Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or steering systems.
- Maintenance Companies: For failing to identify mechanical red flags.
- Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier with a “conditional” or “unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Truck Owner: If the vehicle was negligently entrusted to an unfit driver.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or unaddressed potholes on Town of Melvin streets contributed.
- Corporate Parent Companies: When the truck carries a major brand like Walmart or Coca-Cola.
- Oilfield Operators: If the truck was hauling for an E&P company that dictated unsafe timelines or neglected lease roads.
- Staffing Companies: For providing unqualified or unvetted labor.
- Rental Truck Companies: Like U-Haul or Penske, if they failed to maintain their equipment.
- Transit Agencies: If a public bus was involved.
- School Districts: In the event of a school bus collision near Town of Melvin.
- The Federal Government: Under the FTCA, if a USPS or military vehicle was involved.
By identifying every liable party, we can “stack” insurance policies. As client Glenda Walker said, we “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We leave no stone unturned for Town of Melvin families.
The Truth About Corporate Fleet Accidents in the Town of Melvin
If you were hit by a Walmart truck, an Amazon van, or a FedEx Ground vehicle, the legal battle takes on a different dimension. These companies are “solvent defendants” with deep pockets, but they also have the most aggressive defense strategies.
Amazon Delivery Van Accidents
Amazon delivery drivers in the Town of Melvin area often work for “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs). This is a legal shield Amazon uses to claim they aren’t the employer. However, Amazon controls the route, the delivery quota, and monitors the driver with Netradyne cameras. We know how to pierce this shield and hold Amazon directly responsible for the time-pressure they place on their drivers.
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 a claim, they fight every Town of Melvin accident case with extreme vigor. They have rapid-response teams on-site before you’ve even seen a doctor. You need 1-888-ATTY-911 on your side to match their intensity.
FedEx and UPS Accidents
FedEx Ground also uses the contractor model, whereas UPS treats drivers as employees. These distinctions change who we sue and how we calculate damages. Whether it’s a “package car” on a residential Town of Melvin street or a tractor-trailer on US-87, we understand the corporate hierarchy of these logistics giants.
Oilfield Trucking Hazards Near the Town of Melvin
Town of Melvin serves as a gateway for traffic entering and exiting the Permian Basin. This brings specific hazards:
- Frac Sand Haulers: Often overloaded, these trucks have a high center of gravity and unstable handling.
- Water Tankers: Thousands of produced water trucks travel through McCulloch County. The “slosh effect” of liquid cargo makes them prone to rolling on the narrow roads surrounding Melvin.
- Crew Vans: Fatigued oilfield workers traveling at 4:30 AM in 15-passenger vans that have documented rollover risks.
Because these accidents often occur on private lease roads or remote FM roads, the investigation requires knowledge of BOTH FMCSA and OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910). We hold the oil company, the trucking contractor, and the wellsite operator accountable when their production pressure leads to Town of Melvin tragedies.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future in the Town of Melvin
A collision with an 18-wheeler doesn’t result in a “fender bender.” It results in life-altering trauma. We focus on securing the resources you need for long-term recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can cost between $1.5M and $9.8M in lifetime care. It isn’t just about headaches; it’s about the cognitive fog, memory loss, and personality changes that make returning to your Town of Melvin job impossible. We work with neuropsychologists to document the full extent of the damage. For more info, see: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Recoveries for spinal injuries range from $4.7M to over $25M. This covers the home modifications, 24/7 caregiving, and lifetime medical complications. Whether it’s paraplegia or quadriplegia, we focus on the “loss of freedom”—the inability to walk your child to school in Town of Melvin or provide for your family.
Traumatic Amputation
A limb lost to a truck’s crushing force results in $1.9M to $8.6M settlements. This must cover prosthetic replacements (which can cost $50,000 every 3-5 years) and the phantom limb pain that medication can’t always touch.
Wrongful Death
If a trucking company’s negligence killed a loved one in the Town of Melvin, Texas law allows you to pursue compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our wrongful death recoveries typically fall in the $1.9M to $9.5M range. No amount of money brings them back, but it ensures your family is not financially devastated also.
Calculating Your Damages Under Texas Law
In the Town of Melvin, we fight for three broad categories of damages:
- Economic Damages: This is the math. Your ER bills, future surgeries, physical therapy, $5,000/day ICU stays, and every lost paycheck from your job. We include “loss of earning capacity”—the career income you would have earned if you hadn’t been hurt.
- Non-Economic Damages: This is the human cost. The chronic pain of a herniated disc, the nightmares of PTSD, the loss of intimacy with your spouse, and the simple heartbreak of no longer being the person you were.
- Punitive Damages: When a trucking company knowingly put an impaired driver on Town of Melvin roads or falsified their safety logs, we ask the jury to punish them.
Most carriers carry a minimum of $750,000 to $1,000,000 in insurance. Large fleets like Walmart or Halliburton have much deeper pockets. We know how to navigate the “MCS-90” auto endorsement to ensure you aren’t left with nothing. Learn more here: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag).
Town of Melvin Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in the Town of Melvin?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for a Town of Melvin case, you should not wait. Evidence like ELD data and black box recordings can be lost in as little as 30 days. The sooner you call 1-888-ATTY-911, the better our chances of protecting your claim.
What if I was partially at fault for the crash on US-87?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar). If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Insurance companies aggressively try to shift blame to Town of Melvin victims—we know how to push back with objective data.
How much does a Town of Melvin truck accident lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee. You pay $0 upfront. We advance all the costs of hiring accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists. We only get a percentage of the final recovery. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime.
What if the truck was from an out-of-state company?
Because trucking involves interstate commerce, many Town of Melvin cases are filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is critical for taking on large carriers from across the country.
I was hit by an Amazon van—can I sue Amazon?
While Amazon tries to shield itself using the “independent contractor” label for DSPs, we thrive on proving that Amazon exercises enough control over those drivers to be held liable. If the van was blue and had an Amazon logo, call us immediately at (888) 288-9911.
What are the most common FMCSA violations in Town of Melvin crashes?
Leading violations include Hours of Service (HOS) limits (49 CFR § 395.3), where drivers “push through” fatigue, and failure to inspect vehicle components (49 CFR § 396.11). Falsified logbooks are also a major factor in Town of Melvin oilfield accidents.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s adjuster?
Absolutely not. You are not a pest to them; you are a liability. Anything you say—even a simple “I’m doing okay”—can be used to devalue your pain and suffering. Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows these scripts. Let us handle the communication for you.
Can I recover money for PTSD after a Town of Melvin wreck?
Yes. Mental anguish and PTSD are legally compensable injuries in Texas. If you are afraid to drive on US-87 or find yourself reliving the crash, these are real losses that belong in your claim. See more in: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.
How long will my Town of Melvin case take?
Simple claims might resolve in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving multi-million dollar damages or corporate litigation can take 1.5 to 3 years. We never recommend a “quick” settlement until we know the full extent of your future medical needs.
Do I need a follow-up if my Town of Melvin accident was “minor”?
Yes. Adrenaline masks internal bleeding and TBIs. If you have any soreness or a lingering headache, go to an ER or urgent care. Gaps in medical treatment are the #1 way insurance companies try to deny Town of Melvin claims.
Our Results and Our Promise to the Town of Melvin
We have recovered over $50 million for Texas injury victims. As Donald Wilcox recalls, “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.” We take the tough cases. We take the cases other firms reject. And we win.
If you are hurting, confused, and being hounded by adjusters, stop. Take a breath. You have rights, and you have us. We know the roads of and Town of Melvin and the courtrooms of McCulloch County. We will fight “tooth and nail” for you, as Ernest Cano said of our firm’s work.
Hablamos Español. Llame al Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Contact Attorney911 Today
Trucking companies hire lawyers before the ambulance even leaves the scene. Don’t give them a head start. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, a concrete mixer, or an oilfield sand hauler, we are ready to move.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (713) 528-9070.
Visit us at attorney911.com.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Our headquarters are in Houston, but our secondary office in Austin and our team in Beaumont allow us to serve Town of Melvin families across the heart of Texas. Your road to justice starts with one call. 888-ATTY-911. We answer, we fight, and we win.
📘 FMCSA Regulation Quick Reference for Town of Melvin Victims
- 49 CFR Part 382: Drug & Alcohol testing (Drivers must pass pre-employment and random tests).
- 49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications (Carriers must maintain a “Driver Qualification File”).
- 49 CFR Part 392: Rules of the Road (Prohibits operating while ill or fatigued).
- 49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Stability & Equipment (Tires, brakes, and cargo securement).
- 49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The “11-hour rule” meant to prevent fatigue).
- 49 CFR Part 396: Inspection & Maintenance (Requires daily post-trip reports).
🏢 Corporate Defendant Intelligence
- Walmart Fleet: ~12,000 drivers. Uses Smith System defensive driving. We subpoena their telematics.
- Amazon Logistics: Uses Netradyne “AI” cameras. We demand the footage within 48 hours.
- Halliburton Service Trucks: Equipped with IVMS (In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems). This data belongs to the victim.
🚛 Additional Truck Types Found in the Town of Melvin
- Dump Trucks (E.14.1): Loaded with gravel, these can weigh 65,000 lbs. One of the top causes of Town of Melvin construction-zone accidents.
- Garbage Trucks (E.14.2): Frequent stops and massive blind spots make them a hazard in Town of Melvin neighborhoods.
- Concrete Mixers (E.14.3): The “slosh” of liquid cement creates unique rollover risks on curve exits.
- Rental Trucks (E.14.4): U-Haul and Penske rent 26,000-lb trucks to people with NO commercial license. We hold them liable for negligent entrustment.
Your fight is our fight. Call Attorney911 now: (888) 288-9911.
