Town of Crawford Truck Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Your Future After a Catastrophic Commercial Vehicle Crash
The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were navigating the familiar turns of State Highway 317 or heading toward Waco on State Highway 6; the next, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your car. In that split second, your life changed forever. When an 18-wheeler or a heavy delivery van collides with a passenger vehicle in the Town of Crawford, it isn’t a fair fight. Your car weighs maybe 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you is twenty times that size.
If you are reading this, you are likely in pain, buried under mounting medical bills, and feeling the immense pressure of a trucking company’s insurance team breathing down your neck. You don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve spent more than two decades standing up to corporate giants and the massive insurance companies that protect them. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay for the harm they cause to Texas families. We are not just any law firm—we are your legal emergency responders in the Town of Crawford.
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and rapid-response investigators on the scene before the ambulance even leaves the Town of Crawford. They are already building a defense to pay you as little as possible. We believe you deserve that same level of aggressive, professional protection. Whether you were hit by a long-haul semi-truck on I-35, a cattle hauler on a rural FM road, or an Amazon delivery van in a Town of Crawford neighborhood, we have the experience to hold every negligent party accountable.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. The clock is already ticking on your evidence, and we are ready to fight for every dime you deserve.
Why Experience Matters on Town of Crawford’s Highways
The Town of Crawford sits at a unique crossroads in McLennan County. While we enjoy the quiet of our rural roads, we are surrounded by high-traffic commercial corridors. The proximity to Waco and the I-35 “NAFTA Highway” means that our local roads, including State Highway 317 and State Highway 6, are constantly shared with massive commercial vehicles. These trucks are often carrying heavy loads of agriculture, livestock, construction materials, or consumer goods destined for the distribution hubs in Central Texas.
When a crash happens here, it isn’t like a standard car accident. Managing Partner Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every Town of Crawford case. Our founder brings federal court experience, having been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which is critical because many trucking companies operate across state lines and fall under federal jurisdiction.
We also offer an advantage that most firms cannot match. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to work on the other side. He used to defend insurance companies, which means he knows their playbook inside and out. He knows how they evaluate claims, how they hide evidence, and exactly where they look for excuses to deny your recovery. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them for you. At Attorney911, we don’t just guess what the insurance company is thinking—we already know.
The Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in the Town of Crawford
Every year, thousands of people are injured in large truck crashes across the United States. Federal data shows that over 5,000 people lose their lives annually in these wrecks, and 76% of those fatalities are the occupants of the smaller vehicle. In a Town of Crawford trucking accident, you aren’t just a statistic to us. You are a neighbor whose life has been upended by a driver or a company that cut corners.
The physics of these collisions are brutal. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that is nearly two football fields. When a driver is distracted, fatigued, or impaired on the roads around the Town of Crawford, they simply cannot stop in time to avoid a disaster.
Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims, including traumatic brain injury settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range. We have seen what these crashes do to families. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take that responsibility seriously. When we represent a Town of Crawford resident, we are fighting for their health, their home, and their future quality of life.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We advance all investigation expenses, and you only pay us if we win your case.
Proving Negligence: The FMCSA Regulation Framework
Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country for a reason: 80,000-pound vehicles are inherently dangerous. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules under 49 CFR Parts 390-399 that every driver and company must follow. When these rules are broken in the Town of Crawford, it is often the smoking gun we need to prove negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
This is perhaps the most frequently violated regulation in Town of Crawford accidents. To prevent driver fatigue, federal law limits how long a driver can be behind the wheel. Drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th consecutive hour on duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
If a driver was pushing through Town of Crawford at 3:00 AM because they were behind schedule and had been awake for 20 hours, the trucking company has broken the law. Fatigue-related crashes are entirely preventable, but companies often prioritize their delivery windows over the safety of Town of Crawford residents. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove exactly how long a driver was really on the road.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. This means they must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This file must include a valid CDL, a current medical examiner’s certificate, and a record of the driver’s annual driving history.
When we investigate a Town of Crawford crash, we look for “bottleneck” hiring practices. Did the company hire a driver with a history of DUIs? Did they ignore a medical condition like sleep apnea that could cause a driver to black out? Hiring an unqualified driver constitutes “negligent hiring,” and it makes the company directly liable for your injuries.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Brake failure and tire blowouts are not just “bad luck.” Federal law requires every motor carrier to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under its control. Drivers must perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections (DVIRs). If a truck was hauling cattle through the Town of Crawford with worn brake pads or bald tires, that is a violation of 49 CFR § 396.3. We look for deferred maintenance—where a company skipped a repair to save money, resulting in a catastrophic mechanical failure that hurt you.
If you suspect that a rule was broken, call (888) 288-9911. We speak the language of federal regulations and know how to turn a technical violation into a winning case for you.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in the Town of Crawford
Every road in the Town of Crawford presents different risks. From the high-speed corridors to the narrow farm roads, truck accidents happen in several distinct ways. Understanding the mechanics of your crash is the first step in building your claim.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer and cab slide in opposite directions, folding at an angle. This is often caused by sudden braking on State Highway 6 or State Highway 317 when the road is slick. The trailer can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, hitting every vehicle in its path. 49 CFR § 393.100 regarding improper cargo securement often plays a role here, as shifting weight can trigger a jackknife during a braking event.
Rollover Crashes
Rollovers are among the most deadly accidents for both the truck driver and other motorists. Because trucks have a high center of gravity, taking a turn too fast—like the curves found on the outskirts of Town of Crawford—can cause the vehicle to tip. This is especially dangerous for tanker trucks carrying crude oil or produced water from nearby energy operations, as the “slosh effect” of liquid cargo creates immense instability.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrifying accident type, an underride happens when a smaller car slides under the rear or side of a trailer. Despite federal requirements for “Mansfield bars” or rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many of these guards fail upon impact. Side underrides are also a major concern because they currently lack federal guard requirements, often leading to fatal head and neck injuries for drivers in Town of Crawford.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”
Trucks must swing wide to make certain turns in tight areas of the Town of Crawford. If a driver fails to check their mirrors or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a car between the trailer and the curb. We investigate these cases by looking at mirror adjustment records and the driver’s training on turning geometry.
Blind Spot Accidents (The “No-Zone”)
Every truck has four massive blind spots where your car is essentially invisible to the driver. Failure to account for these No-Zones before a lane change is a leading cause of sideswipe accidents. If a truck merged into you because the driver was distracted or their mirrors were improperly adjusted, they are liable for the resulting damage.
Regardless of how your accident happened, you need a fighter. As Ernest Cano said about our firm, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us start fighting for you today.
Corporate Giant and Delivery Fleet Accidents
Town of Crawford is not insulated from the rise of massive corporate delivery fleets. We are within the service radius of major fulfillment centers in Waco and Temple. This means our roads are flooded with delivery vehicles from companies like Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, and UPS.
Taking on a billion-dollar corporation is different than suing a local business. These companies often use complex legal structures to shield themselves from liability.
Amazon Delivery Van Accidents
Amazon often uses “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs)—small companies that own the vans and hire the drivers. When an Amazon van hits you in the Town of Crawford, Amazon will try to claim they aren’t responsible because the driver was an “independent contractor.” We know how to pierce that shield. Amazon controls the routes, the timing, and even monitors the drivers through in-cab AI cameras (Netradyne). We’ve litigated against companies like Amazon and FedEx and we know how to prove that the corporate parent is the one truly in control.
Walmart Trucking Accidents
Walmart operates one of the largest private trucking fleets in the world. Their drivers are usually W-2 employees, which makes the parent company directly liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. However, Walmart is often self-insured for the first several million dollars of a claim. This means they fight harder because every dollar you recover comes directly off their bottom line. You need a lawyer who has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 100 companies and won.
Food and Beverage Distribution
Companies like Sysco or Coca-Cola operate heavy refrigerated trucks and beverage trailers that make frequent stops in and around Town of Crawford. The weight of these vehicles, combined with the pressure to meet tight delivery windows, often leads to rear-end collisions and intersection accidents. We have documented litigation history against many of these major distribution fleets.
If a corporate truck hit you, don’t let their adjusters intimidate you. We have litigated against Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and major oil companies. Their fleet of lawyers doesn’t scare us. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Oilfield and Energy Sector Trucking Accidents
McLennan County and the surrounding rural areas are often paths for heavy industrial traffic related to the energy sector. We see sand haulers, water trucks, and heavy equipment movers traveling through Town of Crawford to reach active sites.
Oilfield trucking accidents are unique because they often involve:
- Overweight Loads: Trucks carrying frac sand or drill pipe often exceed the 80,000-pound legal limit, increasing stopping distance and rollover risk.
- Brutal Schedules: Oilfield drivers often work 12 to 14-hour shifts, leading to extreme fatigue.
- Unsafe Roads: Two-lane farm roads in Town of Crawford were not designed to handle a constant convoy of heavy industrial vehicles.
We have handled complex industrial litigation, including cases related to the 2005 BP Texas City refinery explosion. We understand the OSHA regulations and the safety standards that these industrial giants are supposed to follow. If an oilfield truck ran you off the road near the Town of Crawford, we know where to look for the evidence that proves they were prioritizing speed over safety.
Identifying Every Liable Party in Your Town of Crawford Case
One of the reasons trucking cases are so complex is that there is almost never just one person at fault. To maximize your recovery, we cast a wide net to find every available insurance policy.
In a Town of Crawford truck accident, the following 16 parties may be liable:
- The Driver: For speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or poor safety culture.
- The Cargo Owner: If the load was dangerous or improperly disclosed.
- The Loading Company: For improperly securing the load or overloading the trailer.
- The Truck Manufacturer: For design defects in the brakes or cab.
- The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or steering components.
- The Maintenance Provider: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
- The Truck Owner: If the truck was leased to an unsafe driver.
- Government Entities: If a road design flaw in Town of Crawford contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent Brand: Like Amazon or Walmart.
- Oilfield Operator: If the truck was destined for their worksite under their direction.
- Staffing Company: If they provided an unqualified driver.
- Rental Truck Company: Such as U-Haul or Penske, for negligent entrustment.
- Public Transit Agency: If the accident involved a bus.
- Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved (requiring an FTCA claim).
By naming all responsible parties, we can “stack” insurance policies, ensuring there is enough money to cover your lifetime medical needs. Experience against Fortune 500 fleets and oilfield operators is why Town of Crawford families call us. Don’t settle for a lawyer who only sues the driver. Call (888) 288-9911 for a complete investigation.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window
In the Town of Crawford, the most important work of your case happens in the first 48 hours. Trucking companies engage in what we call “legal triage.” They send experts to the scene to collect data that helps them and “lose” data that hurts them.
Black box data (ECM) can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or even sooner if the truck is put back into service. Dashcam footage and business surveillance from Town of Crawford stores are often deleted on a 7-day rolling cycle.
When you hire Attorney911, we send formal spoliation letters immediately. These letters put the trucking company on legal notice that they MUST preserve every piece of evidence, from the ELD logs to the driver’s cell phone records and drug test results. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court to tell the jury that the destroyed evidence would have proven the company’s guilt.
What we preserve today determines what you recover tomorrow. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Recovery
We understand the heavy toll of a truck wreck. Whether you are dealing with a “minor” disc injury or the loss of a limb, we treat your pain with the respect it deserves. Our firm has achieved multi-million dollar results for victims with the following injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI changes everything about how you think, feel, and interact with your family in the Town of Crawford. Even if you “look fine,” you may be struggling with memory loss, personality changes, and chronic headaches. Our TBI settlements range from $1.5M to $9.8M+, reflecting the lifelong care these victims require.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spine can result in partial or total paralysis. The lifetime cost of care for a quadriplegic can exceed $25 million. We fight for the modifications you need for your Town of Crawford home, specialized vehicles, and 24/7 caregiving support.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb in a crash is a life-altering trauma. We seek compensation for high-end prosthetics, phantom limb pain, and the loss of ability to work. Amputation settlements in our practice have reached up to $8.6 Million.
Wrongful Death
We are deeply sorry if you have lost a loved one. Texas gives families two years to file a wrongful death claim, but justice should not wait. We have recovered millions for families who lost a primary earner or a child in an 18-wheeler wreck. No check can bring them back, but it can ensure your family is financially secure for the future.
Learn more about managing your health and your case in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.
Understanding Commercial Insurance in the Town of Crawford
Trucking insurance is not like your car insurance. By federal law (49 CFR § 387.9), trucks must carry much higher limits:
- $750,000 for general non-hazardous freight.
- $1,000,000 for oil, equipment, or large vehicles.
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials or large passenger buses.
Accessing these millions of dollars requires a lawyer who understands MCS-90 endorsements. These are federal safety nets that ensure an insurance company must pay you even if the trucking company’s policy had an error or was otherwise void. Our video library includes “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag to help you understand these complex protections.
Town of Crawford residents also need to be aware of Texas Comparative Negligence law. Texas uses a 51% bar rule. This means if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the crash, you recover zero. Even if you were 10% or 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by that amount. This is why having Lupe Peña—who knows the insurance defense tactics for shifting blame—is such a vital asset to your case.
Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Crawford Accident Victims
How long do I have to file a claim in Town of Crawford?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Physical evidence on State Highway 317 fades, and black box data disappears. We recommend starting your case within days of the collision.
What if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept the first offer. These “quick” checks are designed to tempt you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries. 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 an insurance company tell you what your case is worth. Let us tell them.
How much does a Town of Crawford truck accident lawyer cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a 33.33% contingency fee pre-trial. This means we take our fee from the final settlement. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a penny for our time or the thousands of dollars we spend investigating your case. There are zero upfront costs for Town of Crawford families.
Can I sue the company if a cattle truck or grain truck hit me?
Yes. Any commercial vehicle used for business—whether it’s a standard 18-wheeler or an agricultural truck—is subject to negligence laws. Many local Crawford operations are also subject to FMCSA rules if they cross state lines or weigh more than 10,001 pounds.
What if my injury was “just” a disc herniation?
Insurance adjusters love to call back and neck pain “soft tissue” or “degenerative.” We disagree. A herniated disc from a truck impact is a severe orthopedic injury that can require surgery and cause lifelong pain. Our firm has significant experience valuing these claims properly. Check out our video: “What Is the Minimum Payout for Whiplash?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RvPRCTcBQE.
Should I talk to the driver?
No. Aside from checking to see if they are okay, do not discuss the details of the crash with the driver or anyone from their company. Anything you say—even a polite “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you until the last second”—can be used to deny your claim under Texas comparative negligence rules.
We Are Currently Litigating Major Cases Across Texas
We don’t just talk about being tough—we prove it in the courtroom. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and a national fraternity regarding a severe injury case. This demonstrates our firm’s capability to handle massive litigation with over a dozen defendants. Whether it’s a fraternity hazing case or an 80,000-pound truck on I-35, we have the resources to see the fight through to the end.
As client Angel Walle reported, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We pride ourselves on both our speed and our competence. We know you are waiting on this compensation to pay for surgeries and keep your family afloat. We don’t drag our feet; we move with the urgency your situation demands.
Your Recovery Starts with One Call to 1-888-ATTY-911
If your life has been turned upside down by a commercial vehicle in the Town of Crawford, don’t let the trucking company win. They have already started their defense. It’s time for you to start your fight for justice.
Ralph Manginello and the entire team at Attorney911 are ready to provide the aggressive, personal representation you need. You aren’t just another file number to us; you are a Town of Crawford neighbor who deserves to be made whole. As Kiimarii Yup shared after their case, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We want that same comprehensive recovery for you.
We are available 24/7. Whether it’s 2:00 PM on a Tuesday or 2:00 AM on a Sunday, we answer the call for Town of Crawford families. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 today for your 100% free consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
There is no fee unless we win. Your future is too important to wait. Call Attorney911 now.
A Partner for Town of Crawford’s Hardworking Families
We know the people of Town of Crawford. We know your values—hard work, honesty, and looking out for your neighbors. When a negligent billion-dollar corporation disrupts those values by sending a dangerous truck through our town, they should be held accountable.
We serve the entire Town of Crawford area, from the center of town to the farthest ranch properties in McLennan County. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the statewide reach to follow a trucking company back to its home terminal and hold them responsible under the law.
Don’t let them push you around. You have rights, and we have the power to protect them. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster may sound friendly, but their only goal is to save their employer money. Our only goal is to maximize your recovery.
- 25+ Years of Courtroom Experience
- Former Insurance Defense Insider Advantage
- Federal Court Admission
- Proven Multi-Million Dollar Track Record
- 24/7 Availability for Town of Crawford Residents
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Your legal emergency ends here.
Taking Action Against Every Commercial Vehicle Type
While 18-wheelers get the most attention, any commercial vehicle in the Town of Crawford can cause a life-changing injury. We handle cases involving:
- Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: Common in our growing construction zones, these top-heavy vehicles cause devastating rollover and crush injuries.
- Garbage Trucks: Operating in our residential streets every morning, these vehicles have massive blind spots.
- Rental Trucks (U-Haul/Penske): Often driven by civilians with no commercial training, these are “missiles” on State Highway 317.
- Tow Trucks: Often speeding to get to the next scene, tow truck drivers are a major hazard on I-35 around Waco.
- Buses: Whether it’s a school bus or a charter, mass-transit accidents involve unique liability issues and many victims.
If you were hit by a vehicle being used for any business purpose—even a plumber’s van or a florist’s delivery truck—commercial insurance applies. We can help you navigate those claims. Read more in “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Compassionate Support for Traumatic Times
We know that a lawsuit is the last thing you wanted to deal with this year. You’d much rather be back at work, playing with your kids, or enjoying a quiet evening in the Town of Crawford. But because of someone else’s negligence, you have medical bills you can’t pay and pain you can’t escape.
Let us handle the legal stress so you can focus on your medical recovery. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We will do the same for you. We manage the investigators, the medical experts, the accident reconstructionists, and the endless paperwork. We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you never feel lost in the system.
Total firm recoveries exceed $50,000,000. Join the hundreds of Texas families who have reclaimed their futures with our help.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Town of Crawford truck accident victims have a voice, and a fighter, at Attorney911. Free consultation. No win, no fee. 24/7 response. 888-ATTY-911. (888) 288-9911. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
