Port Aransas Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Wrecks

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving on State Highway 361, perhaps heading toward the ferry or returning from a day on Mustang Island, and in a split second, your world was shattered by 80,000 pounds of steel. Truck accidents in Port Aransas aren’t like standard car crashes. When a massive semi-truck or an industrial water hauler from the nearby oilfields slams into a passenger vehicle, the physics are never in your favor. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a team that knows how to make billion-dollar corporations pay.

At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. We understand the unique dangers of Port Aransas trucking corridors, from the heavy industrial traffic serving the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to the delivery trucks rushing through our tourist-filled streets. Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas since 1998, giving us the federal court experience necessary to handle complex interstate trucking litigation.

We aren’t just another law firm. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to represent the very companies we now fight. He knows their playbook, he knows how they try to lowball victims in Port Aransas, and he knows how to break their defense. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van, or a saltwater disposal truck, we have the resources and the tenacity to fight for every dime you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Port Aransas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights and preserve the evidence before it disappears.

Why Port Aransas Trucking Accidents are Unique

Port Aransas occupies a specific and often dangerous place in the Texas transportation landscape. As a primary gateway to Mustang Island, our roads see a volatile mix of heavy commercial traffic and seasonal tourist congestion.

The Highway 361 Corridor

State Highway 361 is the lifeline of the island, but it is also a high-risk zone for 18-wheeler accidents. The constant flow of oversized loads, construction vehicles, and freight trucks creating a bridge between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas means that one mistake by a fatigued driver can lead to a head-on collision or a devastating sideswipe. With over 25 years of experience, Ralph Manginello knows that accidents on SH 361 are frequently caused by drivers who are unfamiliar with our narrow island roads or who are pushing past their federal hours-of-service limits to make a delivery in Corpus Christi.

Industrial Pressure from the Ship Channel

While Port Aransas is known for its beaches, we sit at the mouth of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. This proximity means our local roads are shared with heavy tankers hauling crude oil, hazardous chemicals, and industrial equipment. Companies like ExxonMobil, Valero, and Flint Hills Resources rely on a massive network of trucking contractors. When an oilfield truck or a fuel tanker rolls over near Port Aransas, it isn’t just a traffic event—it’s a potential hazmat emergency. We have litigated against major corporations like BP in massive industrial disaster cases, and we bring that same Fortune 500 experience to every Port Aransas truck wreck case.

Seasonal Congestion and Delivery Demands

During peak tourism seasons, the population of Port Aransas swells. This creates an explosion in demand for deliveries. Amazon Prime vans, FedEx trucks, and UPS delivery vehicles flood our residential areas. Under intense pressure to meet delivery quotas, these corporate drivers often speed through neighborhoods or make illegal U-turns on Highway 361. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your Port Aransas case with that specific level of personal care because we know how a delivery truck hitting your car can derail your entire life.

Ready to fight back? We are. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Our Proven Track Record Against Corporate Giants

When you are injured by a commercial vehicle in Port Aransas, you are often going up against some of the largest entities in the world. You need an attorney who has a documented history of winning these “David vs. Goliath” battles.

• Walmart and Retail Fleets: Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the country. Our firm has documented litigation history against Walmart’s trucking operations. We know that Walmart self-insures, meaning they pay for accidents out of their own corporate pockets. This makes them fight harder, but it also means there is effectively no limit to the compensation they can pay when we prove their negligence.
• Amazon and the “Independent Contractor” Defense: If you were hit by an Amazon van in Port Aransas, Amazon’s lawyers will likely tell you the driver was a contractor. We have handled cases involving exactly this type of liability shield. We know how to pierce that corporate veil by proving the level of control Amazon exercises over their drivers’ routes, timing, and behavior through Netradyne AI cameras and the Mentor app.
• Oilfield and Energy Sector: The Eagle Ford Shale and the Permian Basin send thousands of trucks through the South Texas coastal region. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of industrial and trucking accidents, including those involving oilfield giants like Halliburton and Schlumberger.

In case after case, we have secured results that change lives. Our multi-million dollar recoveries for traumatic brain injuries range from $1.5M to $9.8M, while our wrongful death results have reached as high as $9.5M. These aren’t just numbers—they are the resources families in Port Aransas need to move forward after a tragedy.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule in Port Aransas

What you do in the first 48 hours after a truck accident in Port Aransas will determine the value of your case. Trucking companies employ “rapid-response teams” that are often at the scene of a crash before the ambulance has even arrived at the Aransas Pass clinic or a Corpus Christi trauma center. Their job is to find a way to blame you.

Our job is to stop them. When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send a spoliation letter to the trucking carrier. This is a formal legal demand that stops them from destroying or “losing” evidence.

Critical Evidence We Protect:

1. ECM/Black Box Data: The Electronic Control Module records speed, braking, and steering inputs. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days unless a lawyer intervenes.
2. ELD Logs: Federal law (49 CFR Part 395) requires drivers to record their hours electronically. We audit these logs to prove a driver was too tired to be on Port Aransas roads.
3. Netradyne/Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets like Amazon and FedEx now carry 360-degree cameras. We demand high-definition footage that shows exactly what the driver was doing—distracted, texting, or even falling asleep—at the moment of impact.
4. Maintenance Records: Under 49 CFR Part 396, trucks must be systematically inspected. If a brake failure on Highway 361 caused your wreck, those maintenance logs will prove the company chose profit over public safety.

Don’t wait until the evidence is gone. Call (888) 288-9911 right now. We move fast to protect Port Aransas families.

Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations (FMCSA)

Most car accident lawyers in Port Aransas treat truck wrecks like big car crashes. That is a mistake that costs victims millions. Commercial trucks are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a violation of these rules is the most powerful evidence of negligence we have.

Part 391: Driver Qualifications

The trucking company has a duty to ensure their driver is fit for the road. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or one who failed a drug test, they are liable for negligent hiring. We subpoena the Driver Qualification File to see what the company was hiding.

Part 395: Hours of Service

Fatigue is the silent killer on Texas highways. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours behind the wheel after 10 hours off. In the high-pressure world of Port Aransas deliveries and oilfield hauling, drivers routinely falsify these logs. We use GPS and toll data to prove when a driver has been on the road for 18 or 20 hours straight.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

From “Mansfield bars” (underride guards) to brake systems and tires, every part of a semi-truck must meet federal standards. Port Aransas’s coastal environment is harsh on equipment. Salt-air corrosion can lead to brake failure or light malfunctions if a fleet isn’t properly maintained. We hold companies accountable for every mechanical failure.

Part 382: Drug and Alcohol Testing

Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard. A BAC of 0.04 is considered legally intoxicated for a CDL holder. We demand post-accident drug and alcohol test results to see if the driver who hit you in Port Aransas was operating under the influence.

16 Liable Parties: Who is Responsible for Your Wreck?

One reason we recover more for our clients is that we don’t stop at the driver. In a typical Port Aransas 18-wheeler accident, we investigate as many as 16 different entities that could be forced to pay your settlement:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: For the driver’s actions (Respondeat Superior).
3. The Cargo Owner: If the freight was improperly loaded.
4. The Loading Company: For failing to secure a load that shifted and caused a rollover.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect (like a fuel tank placement) caused a fire.
6. Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or brakes.
7. Maintenance Company: If a third-party mechanic botched a repair.
8. Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
9. The Truck Owner: If the vehicle was leased to the carrier.
10. Government Entities: If poor road design or unmaintained signs on SH 361 contributed.
11. Corporate Parent/Brand Owner: Like Amazon, Walmart, or Coca-Cola.
12. Oilfield Operator: If the truck was hauling for a specific energy lease.
13. Staffing Company: If they placed an unqualified driver.
14. Rental Truck Company: Like U-Haul or Penske.
15. Transit Agency/School District: For bus-related accidents.
16. Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved (FTCA).

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows exactly how these parties fight each other to avoid paying. He uses that knowledge to find the money from every possible source. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation.

Common Truck Accident Types in Port Aransas

The geography of Port Aransas dictates the types of crashes we see and the legal strategies we must deploy.

Jackknife Accidents on Mustang Island

When a driver slams on the brakes too hard on a slick road, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab. On the two-lane stretches of SH 361, a jackknifed truck acts like a giant scythe, sweeping across all traffic. These accidents often involve multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic crush injuries.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most terrifying crash a Port Aransas driver can face is an underride collision. This happens when a car slides beneath the trailer of a semi-truck, often shearing off the roof of the passenger vehicle. These are almost always fatal or result in lifelong traumatic brain injuries. We fight to prove the trucking company failed to maintain proper underride guards or had inadequate lighting.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Wrecks

Big rigs have massive blind spots on both sides, the front, and the rear. If a truck merges into you while traveling toward the Port Aransas ferry, they will claim they couldn’t see you. We counter this by showing the driver failed to use proper mirrors or technological aids like proximity sensors.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

A tire blowout at highway speed can turn an 18-wheeler into an unguided missile. We investigate the age of the tires and whether they were retreads—a common cost-cutting measure that puts Port Aransas residents at risk. If the brakes failed on a heavy dump truck or concrete mixer, we look for maintenance neglect that proves the company prioritized speed over safety.

Delivery Van Accidents

With the surge in e-commerce, white and blue delivery vans are everywhere in Port Aransas. These vans often make frequent stops, park illegally, and pull out into traffic without looking. Because these drivers are often not CDL-holders, they may lack the training required to operate these larger commercial vehicles safely.

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

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Impact

A truck accident doesn’t just cause bruises—it causes life-altering trauma. We have helped Port Aransas families recover after the most devastating events.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The deceleration forces in a truck wreck can cause the brain to impact the skull, leading to permanent cognitive damage. We work with neurologists to document everything from memory loss and mood changes to the need for 24-hour care. Settlements for TBIs in our firm have reached nearly $10 million because we understand that these victims need support for the rest of their lives.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

A crushed vertebra can mean a lifetime in a wheelchair. We help victims recover the massive “Life Care” costs associated with paralysis, including home modifications, specialized medical equipment, and full-time nursing support. Port Aransas residents deserve the best quality of life possible, and we make sure the settlement pays for it.

Amputation and Loss of Limb

Truck accidents often involve “crush” forces that make a limb impossible to save. The cost of prosthetics alone over a lifetime can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. We calculate not just the medical bill today, but the replacement costs and physical therapy you will need for decades.

Wrongful Death

If a trucking company’s negligence took your loved one, we offer our deepest condolences. No amount of money brings them back, but justice means holding the company accountable. We have recovered multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements that provide financial security for the spouses and children left behind.

As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We will do the same for you. Call 888-ATTY-911.

The Value of Your Port Aransas Case: Insurance and Damages

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much is my truck accident case worth?” The answer depends on the insurance available and the depth of the investigation.

Insurance Minimums

Standard cars in Texas often only carry $30,000 in liability insurance. Commercial trucks are a different story:

• General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
• Oil/Petroleum: $1,000,000 minimum.
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 minimum.

Many companies, especially corporate giants like Amazon or Walmart, carry umbrella policies that go into the tens or hundreds of millions. Because of Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense, we know how to find these hidden policies that other lawyers miss.

Damage Categories

We pursue compensation for:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills, every dollar of lost income, future earning capacity, and physical therapy costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: This covers the “human” cost—pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and the loss of enjoyment of life. In Port Aransas, where our lifestyle is defined by the outdoors and the beach, being unable to fish or walk on the sand is a real, compensable loss.
• Punitive Damages: If the trucking company acted with gross negligence—like allowing a driver with a known addiction to operate a vehicle—we ask the jury to punish them with additional damages to prevent it from happening again.

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

Port Aransas Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Port Aransas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, in trucking cases, you cannot wait. Evidence like GPS data and dashcam footage disappears long before the two-year deadline. You should call an attorney within days of the crash.

2. What if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence (51% bar) rule. This means that as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation, though your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the truck driver was speeding or fatigued, their percentage of fault will be much higher.

3. Do I have to pay upfront to hire Attorney911?
NO. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket. We advance all the costs of the investigation, the experts, and the court filings. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

4. Can I sue the company if an Amazon van hit me in Port Aransas?
Yes. Even if the van says “Delivery Service Partner” on the side, we investigate the level of control Amazon has over the driver. If Amazon sets the route and monitors the driver, they are often liable for the accident regardless of the “independent contractor” label.

5. What if my neck hurts but I didn’t go to the ER?
Go to a doctor immediately. Herniated discs and whiplash often don’t show full symptoms for several days. If you wait too long to seek medical care, the trucking company’s insurance will argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the wreck. Port Aransas residents should seek evaluation at the nearest trauma center in Corpus Christi or a local urgent care to document the injury.

6. Who is responsible for an oilfield truck accident near Port Aransas?
Potentially everyone involved. We look at the driver, the trucking company, and the oil company that hired them. Oilfield contracts often contain complex indemnity clauses, but as an injury victim, you can often pursue all parties simultaneously.

7. Why is the insurance company offering me a settlement so quickly?
Because they want you to sign away your rights before you realize how serious your injuries are. Once you sign their release, you can never ask for more money. NEVER accept a quick settlement without a free consultation from Ralph Manginello.

8. Can I get a copy of the truck’s “black box” data?
Only through a subpoena or a formal legal demand. Trucking companies will not give this data to individuals. We have the legal authority to force them to turn it over.

9. What if the truck driver was from another state?
Because trucking involves interstate commerce, these cases often move to federal court. Ralph Manginello’s admission to the Southern District of Texas is critical here. We can litigate against out-of-state companies in whichever court gives you the best chance of winning.

10. Do you handle cases involving pedestrians or cyclists hit by trucks?
Absolutely. Pedestrians and cyclists in Port Aransas are extremely vulnerable. If a truck was making a wide turn and swiped you while you were walking or biking, the insurance company will try to blame you for being in their blind spot. We hold the driver responsible for failing to check their mirrors.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your family’s life forever, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay for their negligence. We have gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP and Walmart, and we have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.

At Attorney911, you are not just a case number. As client 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.” We take on the tough cases, we find the evidence the companies try to hide, and we don’t stop until justice is served.

Whether you were hit on Highway 361, near the Port Aransas ferry, or on the roads leading to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, we are ready to start investigating your case today. Every hour you wait, the trucking company is strengthening their defense. Level the playing field.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our Port Aransas truck accident attorneys offer free consultations and we work on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. Your fight starts with one call.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Powerful & Proven Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Main Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Serving Port Aransas and all of Texas.
1-888-ATTY-911