Medina County Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for the Rights of Injury Victims

One moment you are driving through Hondo on US-90 or heading south on I-35 past Devine, thinking about your family or your workday. The next moment, your world is shattered by 80,000 pounds of uncontrolled steel. A semi-truck or an oilfield water hauler has slammed into your vehicle, and suddenly, life as you knew it has stopped. In Medina County, where large commercial vehicles are a constant presence on our highways and FM roads, these catastrophic accidents happen with terrifying frequency.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Medina County, you are likely overwhelmed. You’re facing rising medical bills, the physical agony of recovery, and the crushing weight of an uncertain financial future. Worse yet, the trucking company and its insurance adjusters are likely already working to minimize your claim before you even leave the hospital.

At Attorney911, we believe you shouldn’t have to face these corporate giants alone. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies and multinational corporations accountable. Since 1998, we have fought for the “little guy” against the most powerful entities in the world, recovering multi-million dollar settlements for families in Medina County and across Texas. We understand that after a truck accident, you aren’t just another case file; as our client Chad Harris once said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

The clock is already ticking on your recovery. Evidence in Medina County truck accidents disappears in the blink of an eye. If you are ready to fight back, call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Trucking Accidents in Medina County are Uniquely Dangerous

Trucking is the lifeblood of the Texas economy, but it also creates a high-stakes environment on Medina County roads. Our county sits at a critical crossroads. To the east, the sprawling growth of San Antonio sends a constant stream of delivery vans and freight trucks through Castroville and La Coste. To the south, we are part of the gateway to the Eagle Ford Shale, meaning our rural roads are often packed with heavy oilfield equipment.

The I-35 and US-90 Corridors

I-35 is one of the busiest trucking arteries in the United States, serving as the primary NAFTA trade route between Mexico and the northern U.S. When you drive the stretch of I-35 through Natalia and Devine, you are sharing the road with thousands of long-haul 18-wheelers. These drivers are often fatigued, reaching the end of their legal driving windows just as they hit the outskirts of Medina County.

US-90, cutting through Hondo and D’Hanis, serves as a major route for freight heading toward West Texas and the border. Unlike divided interstates, these routes often involve complex intersections and varying speed limits where a split-second mistake by a truck driver results in a fatal T-bone or head-on collision.

The Oilfield Impact

Medina County’s location near the Eagle Ford Shale means we see a specific type of commercial traffic that many other regions do not. Frac sand haulers, produced water tankers, and crude oil trucks are a daily reality on roads like State Highway 173. These vehicles are often operated by third-party contractors under immense pressure to meet production quotas for large oil companies. The result? Overloaded trailers, poorly maintained brakes, and drivers who have been behind the wheel for 14 or 16 hours straight.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Our Insider Knowledge

When you sue a trucking company in Medina County, you aren’t just fighting a driver. You are fighting a massive insurance machine designed to save the company money. This is where our firm provides an “unfair advantage.”

Our team at Attorney911 includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who dedicated years of his career to working for a national insurance defense firm. He used to sit on the other side of the table, defending the same companies we now sue. Lupe knows the insurance company playbook. He knows how they evaluate claims, how they train their adjusters to lowball victims, and where they hide the money in high-limit policies. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses and maximize compensation for our clients in Medina County.

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has led our firm with a commitment to aggressive, federal-level litigation. Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which is critical because many Medina County truck accidents involve interstate carriers and must be litigated in federal court. Whether we are going head-to-head with Walmart Transportation or a major oilfield operator, we have the resources and the 25+ years of experience required to win.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident, don’t let the insurance company dictate the value of your life. Call (888) 288-9911 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Proving Negligence: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA)

Most people assume that a truck accident is just a “big car accident.” The truth is much more complex. Commercial trucks are governed by a massive set of federal laws known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). Proving that a trucking company violated these rules is the foundation of a successful case in Medina County.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service

This is arguably the most important regulation in any 18-wheeler case. Federal law strictly limits how long a driver can be on the road to prevent life-threatening fatigue.

• The 11-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• The 14-Hour Window: A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• The 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of cumulative driving.

In Medina County, we often find that oilfield water haulers and long-haul truckers violate these rules to satisfy the demands of their employers. When a driver has been awake for 18 hours and causes a crash on Highway 173, they haven’t just made a mistake—they’ve broken federal law.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, a motor carrier must maintain a “Driver Qualification File” for every operator. This file must include:

• A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• A current medical examiner’s certificate proving the driver is physically fit to operate a heavy vehicle.
• A documented history of the driver’s road test and previous employment background checks.

If a company hired a driver with a history of DWIs or failed medical exams and that driver hits you in Medina County, the company is liable for negligent hiring. Our firm subpoenas these files immediately to expose the company’s disregard for public safety.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

An 80,000-pound truck is only as safe as its weakest part. Part 396 requires “systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance” of all vehicles. We frequently see accidents in Medina County caused by worn brake pads, “bald” tires, or lighting failures. Every commercial truck must pass a pre-trip and post-trip inspection. If the maintenance logs show a history of deferred repairs, we hold the trucking company accountable for the mechanical failure that caused your injuries.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Medina County

The physics of a truck accident determine the severity and type of injuries you suffer. Our firm has handled virtually every type of commercial vehicle collision possible.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle like a pocketknife. On wet or slick stretches of US-90, a jackknifed trailer can sweep across three lanes of traffic, leaving motorists with nowhere to go. This is often caused by improper braking or poorly secured cargo. Learn more about the legal complexities of these cases in our video: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most terrifying type of crash, an underride happens when a passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck trailer. This often results in the “shearing” of the car’s roof and is frequently fatal. Many trucking companies fail to maintain proper “Mansfield Bars” (rear impact guards) required by 49 CFR § 393.86, turning a survivable collision into a tragedy.

Rollover Accidents

Because of their high center of gravity, trucks are prone to rolling over, especially when taking curves too fast on Medina County’s rural FM roads. Rollovers are often caused by the combination of excessive speed (49 CFR § 392.6) and cargo shifts (49 CFR § 393.100). If a cargo loader improperly balanced the weight of the truck, they can be held liable for the resulting rollover.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Crashes

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. When a driver fails to check their “No-Zone” before merging on I-35, they can crush a smaller car without even realizing it. Failure to maintain proper mirrors (49 CFR § 393.80) or simply failing to pay attention is no excuse for the devastation these crashes cause.

Specialized Commercial Vehicle Cases

While 18-wheelers are the most common subject of these lawsuits, “truck accidents” include many other vehicles common in Medina County.

Oilfield Vehicle Accidents

The Eagle Ford Shale operations nearby flood our roads with frac sand haulers, pipe trucks, and crude oil tankers. These vehicles are heavy, dangerous, and often operated by companies that prioritize “barrels per day” over the lives of Medina County residents. If you were hit by an oilfield truck, we investigate not only the driver but the oil company that hired them. As we’ve seen in our litigation against giants like BP, these companies have deep pockets and aggressive lawyers—but we aren’t intimidated.

Corporate Fleet and Delivery Van Accidents

With the massive fulfillment centers near San Antonio, Amazon delivery vans and Walmart trucks are everywhere in Medina County. These companies often try to hide behind an “independent contractor” defense, claiming they aren’t responsible for the driver who hit you. We know how to pierce that corporate shield. Whether it’s an Amazon DSP van or a Sysco food truck, we hold the parent corporation liable for the pressure they put on their drivers to deliver packages faster than humanly possible.

Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers

Construction in Medina County brings dump trucks and mixer trucks to our residential streets. These vehicles often weigh 60,000 pounds or more. Because they frequently operate in tight spaces and residential zones, they are a primary cause of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

If you’ve been hit by any commercial vehicle—from a semi to a delivery van—you need more than a lawyer; you need a fighter who has recovered $50M+ for Texas families. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why You Must Act Now

In a Medina County truck accident case, the most important evidence is digital, and it is at risk of being deleted right now.

The ECM “Black Box”

Modern trucks are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM). This device records speed, braking engagement, RPM, and throttle position in the seconds before a crash. However, most ECMs operate on a loop. If the trucking company puts that vehicle back on the road, your evidence could be overwritten within days.

ELD and GPS Data

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track a driver’s hours of service. This is the “smoking gun” for driver fatigue. Trucking companies are only required to keep these logs for 6 months, and some systems delete data even sooner. We send a formal Spoliation Letter within 24-48 hours of being hired. This is a legal demand that the trucking company preserve all data, logs, and physical evidence. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can demand that the jury assume the evidence would have proven the company’s guilt.

The Scene of the Crash

Skid marks fade. Road conditions change. In Medina County, the hot Texas sun can rapidly alter the appearance of an accident scene. We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the site immediately to map the crash and preserve the physical proof of the driver’s negligence.

The trucking company’s insurance investigators are already at the scene. They are already building their defense. You need to start building your case today. Call (888) 288-9911.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Impact on Your Life

When 80,000 pounds of steel hits a 4,000-pound car, the human body pays the price. We have recovered millions for victims suffering from life-altering injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can change your personality, your memory, and your ability to earn a living. Even a “mild” concussion can have permanent effects. We work with leading neurologists to document the full extent of your brain injury. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for victims of traumatic brain injuries. Learn more in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A spinal cord injury from an underride or rollover can leave you in a wheelchair for life. The medical costs alone are staggering—often exceeding $5 million for long-term care. We aim for settlements in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range to ensure our clients never have to worry about how they will pay for their medical needs.

Amputation and Disfigurement

Losing a limb in a truck wreck is a physical and psychological trauma that never fully heals. Our amputation settlements have reached between $1.9 million and $8.6 million, providing the funds for the best prosthetics and rehabilitation available.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a parent, a child, or a spouse in a Medina County truck accident, we are deeply sorry. No settlement can replace your loved one, but it can provide justice and financial security for your survivors. Our wrongful death recoveries for trucking accidents typically range from $1.9 million to over $9.5 million.

Who is Really Liable for Your Injuries?

Most “billboard lawyers” only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we know that to get the compensation you truly deserve, we must look at the entire liability chain. In Medina County trucking cases, we investigate:

1. The Truck Driver: For speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring and pressure to violate HOS rules.
3. The Truck Owner: If the vehicle was leased and poorly maintained.
4. The Cargo Shipper: If an improperly loaded trailer caused a rollover.
5. The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known history of safety violations.
6. The Manufacturer: If defective brakes or tires (retreads) caused the crash.
7. The Oilfield Operator: If the company man forced a crew to drive in unsafe conditions.

By identifying multiple liable parties, we can “stack” insurance policies, accessing $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 or more in coverage that a single policy would never provide.

Commercial Truck Insurance: The Millions at Stake

Federal law requires interstate trucking companies to carry much higher insurance limits than average drivers.

• $750,000 for general non-hazardous freight.
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, and many commercial vehicles.
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and larger passenger buses.

Large corporations like Walmart and Amazon are often self-insured, meaning they have virtually unlimited assets to pay for the damage they cause. However, their internal adjusters are professional negotiators whose only goal is to pay you $0. As client Glenda Walker said, our firm “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We don’t take the first offer; we make them pay what your case is actually worth.

Learn more about these complex insurance rules in our video: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.

Medina County Truck Accident FAQ

How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Medina County?
It costs you absolutely nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is a percentage of the settlement we win for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. We also advance all costs for experts, investigators, and court filings.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Medina County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the case involves a government vehicle (like a school bus or a municipality dump truck), the notice period can be much shorter. Regardless of the legal deadline, the “evidence deadline” is much sooner. You should call an attorney within 48 hours.

What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Medina County sees hundreds of out-of-state drivers every day on I-35. Because the accident happened on Texas soil, Texas law usually applies. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to litigate across state lines, ensuring that your rights are protected no matter where the company is headquartered.

Can I still recover money if the accident was partially my fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash, you can still recover compensation. Your total settlement will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let a “he-said, she-said” argument from the truck driver stop you from seeking help. The black box data often tells a completely different story.

What should I not say to the insurance adjuster?
Do not say “I’m fine” or “I’m okay.” Do not speculate on how the accident happened. Most importantly, do not agree to a recorded statement. Our video guide “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E) explains how adjusters use small talk to trap you into admitting fault.

Hablamos Español?
Sí. En Attorney911, entendemos que muchas víctimas de accidentes en el condado de Medina hablan español. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español con fluidez y brinda representación directa sin necesidad de intérpretes. Entendemos su cultura y sus preocupaciones. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy mismo.

Why Medina County Families Choose Attorney911

We aren’t a high-volume “settlement mill.” We are a boutique litigation firm that takes on complex, high-stakes cases against major corporations.

• 25+ Years of Experience: Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been the advocate Texas families need.
• Former Defense Advantage: Lupe Peña knows the insurance company’s secrets.
• Federal Court Access: We litigate in the Southern District of Texas.
• Proven Results: $50M+ recovered across all practice areas.
• 24/7 Availability: Legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours.

As client Donald Wilcox shared after another firm rejected his case: “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.” If other firms have gesagt “no,” we might be your “yes.”

Justice is a Phone Call Away: Call 1-888-ATTY-911

If you are in Medina County and a truck accident has turned your life upside down, you need a fighter who knows the roads, the laws, and the insurance companies. You need Attorney911.

There is no cost for a case evaluation and zero pressure to hire us. We are here to provide the truth about your situation and the path forward to recovery. Whether you are in Hondo, Devine, Castroville, or anywhere in Medina County, we are ready to stand with you.

Your fight for justice starts now. Call (888) 288-9911 or visit Attorney911.com. We answer. We fight. We win.

Detailed Analysis of Medina County Truck Accident Causes

To truly understand how to win your case, we must look deeper into the specific factors that lead to commercial vehicle wrecks on our local roads.

Driver Fatigue and the ELD Mandate

Fatigue remains the #1 cause of truck fatalities. In Medina County, many drivers are rushing back to San Antonio or Laredo after long hauls. While the 2017 ELD Mandate was supposed to eliminate “ghost logs” (falsified paper logs), many drivers still find ways to circumvent the system. We use digital forensic experts to analyze the ELD data and prove when a driver was operating on “borrowed time.” As Ralph Manginello often points out, a fatigued driver has the same reaction time as a person who is legally intoxicated.

High-Decibel Blowouts and Maintenance Neglect

The extreme heat in Medina County during the summer months is brutal on truck tires. When a trucking company uses “retreads” on their trailers to save money, they are inviting a blowout. At highway speeds on I-35, a tire blowout isn’t just a flat tire—it’s a loss-of-control event that often leads to a multi-vehicle pileup. 49 CFR Part 396 is clear: the company is responsible. Learn more about tire hazards in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

The “Reptile Theory” in Trucking Litigation

When we go to trial for a Medina County families, we often use the “Reptile Theory.” We show the jury that the trucking company’s negligence didn’t just hurt you—it created a danger that threatens every family driving through Hondo or Castroville. When a company ignores 49 CFR regulations, they aren’t just cutting corners; they are putting our entire community at risk. Juries respond by awarding the “nuclear verdicts” needed to force these companies to change their safety cultures.

Understanding Damages: What Can You Recover?

We don’t settle for “just the bills.” We pursue maximum recovery for all your losses.

• Past and Future Medical Expenses: From the LifeFlight ride to the physical therapy you’ll need in 10 years.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your TBI prevents you from returning to your high-paying job, the trucking company owes you the difference for the rest of your career.
• Physical Impairment: Compensation for being unable to walk, play sports, or hold your children.
• Mental Anguish and PTSD: The fear of driving is a real injury. Learn about PTSD payouts in our video: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.
• Loss of Consortium: The damage the accident caused to your relationship with your spouse.
• Punitive Damages: Extra compensation intended to punish the trucking company for especially reckless behavior, like allowing a driver to work despite failed drug tests.

Final Call to Action for Medina County

Don’t wait until the evidence is gone and the settlement window is closing. Trucking companies hire lawyers before the ambulance even leaves the scene. You deserve the same level of aggressive representation.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, is ready to help y’all get every dime you deserve. Hablamos Español. Llame ahora al (888) 288-9911.

Additional FAQs for Medina County Residents

What if the truck was a government vehicle, like a Medina Valley ISD bus or a Hondo city truck?
Suing a government entity involves the Texas Tort Claims Act. This law has very short notice deadlines—sometimes as short as 6 months. It also has damage caps that don’t apply to private companies. If you were hit by a government vehicle, call us immediately.

Can I see the truck driver’s drug test results?
Yes. Under 49 CFR Part 382, motor carriers are required to conduct pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug tests. We will subpoena these records to see if the driver was operating under the influence of stimulants to stay awake or illegal narcotics.

What if my car was hit by a truck that didn’t stop?
Hit-and-run truck accidents are all too common. We look for surveillance footage from businesses in Castroville or traffic cameras along the highways. We also look at “toll tag” data near the Medina County lines to identify the vehicle. Even if we can’t find the truck, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may provide a path to recovery.

Why shouldn’t I hire a “settlement mill” firm I see on TV?
Large TV firms often handle thousands of cases at once. They want a quick settlement and a fast fee. At Attorney911, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This “trial-ready” reputation is exactly why insurance companies offer our clients higher settlements—they know Ralph Manginello and his team will take them to court and win.

I was a passenger in the truck that crashed. Do I have a case?
Absolutely. Whether you were a co-driver, a trainee, or a family member “riding along,” you have the same rights to a safe environment as any other motorist. If the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence or the company’s equipment failure, you can file a claim against the motor carrier.

How do I get my car fixed while the case is ongoing?
Property damage is usually handled through the “property damage” portion of the trucking company’s insurance or your own collision coverage. We help oversee this process to ensure the insurance company doesn’t undervalue your vehicle.

What determines if a truck accident is litigated in federal court?
Typically, if the trucking company is based in a different state (like an Amazon van owned by a company in Delaware) and the damages exceed $75,000, the case can be moved to federal court. Ralph Manginello’s experience in the Southern District of Texas is vital here.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Your family, your future, and your fight deserve the very best. We are proud to be Medina County’s truck accident advocates.