Travis County Truck Accident Lawyers
One moment, you are commuting to work on I-35 through the heart of Austin or heading toward a weekend in the Hill Country on Hwy 290. The next, your rearview mirror is filled with the grill of an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler that cannot stop in time. The impact is catastrophic. When a truck hits a sedan in Travis County, it isn’t a fair fight. Your car weighs 4,000 pounds; the truck that hit you weighs twenty times that. In an instant, your health, your career, and your family’s future are thrown into chaos.
If you have been hurt in a trucking accident in Travis County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a dedicated legal team that understands the massive complexity of federal trucking regulations and hasn’t just seen the insurance company’s playbook—they helped write it. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims, recovering over $50 million for Texas families. Our firm’s associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent the first part of his career working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how these corporations evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims in Travis County because he used to defend them. Now, we use that insider knowledge to fight for you.
We are ready to answer your call 24/7. Whether you were hit by a commercial delivery van in downtown Austin or a sand hauler on a construction route in Travis County, we can help. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
Why 18-Wheeler Wrecks in Travis County Are Different
A typical car accident in Travis County involves two drivers and two insurance companies. A truck accident is an entirely different animal. When a commercial vehicle is involved, you are often taking on a multi-billion dollar corporation with a rapid-response team of investigators that is on-site before the ambulance even leaves the scene.
Ralph Manginello, a 25-year veteran of trucking litigation, understands that these cases are built on evidence that disappears within days. Travis County serves as a primary corridor for international trade due to I-35’s role in NAFTA commerce. This means the truck that hit you could be owned by a company in another state or even another country. Our founder brings federal court experience to every case, which is crucial because many major trucking lawsuits are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
At Attorney911, we don’t just look at the driver. We look at the trucking loader, the maintenance company, the freight broker, and the parent corporation. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency and personal attention it deserves, because we know exactly what is at stake.
Our Insider Advantage Against Trucking Insurance Companies
Why do so many Travis County residents choose Attorney911? Because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. Lupe Peña knows the formulas insurance companies use to lowball victims. He understands the algorithms used to undervalue your pain and suffering and recognizes the manipulation tactics adjusters use during recorded statements.
In Travis County, where high-value litigation is common, insurance companies are aggressive. They want to settle your case within the first week for a fraction of its true value—often before you even know if you need surgery. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP during the Texas City refinery litigation, where total industry settlements exceeded $2 billion. We aren’t intimidated by big names like Walmart, Amazon, or ExxonMobil. We’ve litigated against Fortune 500 fleets and made them pay.
Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8
Federal Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence in Travis County
Every commercial truck operating in Travis County is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When a trucking company violates these rules, it isn’t just a mistake—it is a violation of federal law that proves negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The Fatigue Factor)
Driver fatigue is the silent killer on Travis County highways like SH-130 and I-35. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, drivers are strictly limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th consecutive hour of being on duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Despite these rules, companies often pressure drivers to ignore their Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to make a delivery window in Austin.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
A trucking company has a duty to ensure they aren’t putting a dangerous driver on Travis County roads. 49 CFR § 391.51 requires every carrier to maintain a Driver Qualification File. This file must include the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), medical examiner’s certificate, and previous employment investigations. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or reckless driving, we hold them accountable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Brake failure is a leading cause of rear-end collisions on MoPac and Hwy 183. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires every motor carrier to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under its control. If a truck has worn brake pads or bald tires, the trucking company is in violation of federal law. We subpoena maintenance records to prove the carrier prioritized profit over the safety of Travis County drivers.
The clock is ticking on your claim. Texas law gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but your evidence could be gone in thirty days. Call 888-ATTY-911 today for your free consultation.
Common Truck Accident Types in Travis County
Because Travis County combines dense urban traffic with high-speed toll roads and Hill Country curves, we see every type of truck accident imaginable. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we investigate the physics of every crash to determine exactly what went wrong.
Jackknife Accidents on I-35
A jackknife occurs when an 18-wheeler’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across all lanes of I-35. This usually happens during sudden braking on wet roads or because of improperly balanced cargo. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting. If that trailer swings across your lane, there is nowhere to go. Injuries in these pileups are often catastrophic, requiring multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy.
Rollover Accidents on the SH-130 Toll Road
Travis County is home to some of the highest speed limits in the nation. On SH-130, a commercial truck traveling at 80 mph that overcorrects or carries a top-heavy load is a prime candidate for a rollover. These accidents often involve the crushing of passenger vehicles beneath the trailer. We investigate whether the driver was speeding for conditions (a violation of 49 CFR § 392.6) or if the carrier exceeded the gross vehicle weight rating.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most lethal accident type in Travis County is the underride collision, where a car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. These often result in decapitation or severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, these guards often fail if they are poorly maintained. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families in wrongful death cases because we know how to prove the underride guard was defective or poorly attached.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” in Downtown Austin
Delivery trucks and concrete mixers often have to navigate tight turns in the Austin shopping districts. A wide turn accident happens when a truck swings left before turning right, creating a gap that a smaller vehicle enters. The truck then crushes the car against the curb. We look for evidence like turn signal activation and mirror adjustment (49 CFR § 393.80) to prove the driver failed to check their blind spots.
Rear-End Collisions from Driver Inattention
Austin’s stop-and-go traffic on MoPac is a nightmare for commercial drivers. A fully loaded semi needs the length of two football fields to stop. If a driver is distracted by a mobile phone (violating 49 CFR § 392.82) or dispatch communication, they can flatten a line of cars in seconds. We subpoena cell phone records and telematics data to prove distraction.
You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses because we believe every Travis County family deserves a fighter. Call (888) 288-9911 now.
Commercial Vehicle Wrecks: Beyond the 18-Wheeler
Attorney911 handles cases involving every type of commercial truck on Travis County roads. These vehicles often operate under different rules than standard long-haul carriers, but their impact is just as devastating.
- Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: With the construction boom in Austin and Pflugerville, these 60,000-pound vehicles are everywhere. They often carry “sloshing” loads of wet concrete that make them prone to rollovers on Hill Country curves.
- Garbage and Recycling Trucks: These vehicles operate in Travis County neighborhoods during school walk times. They have massive blind spots and often back up without spotters, striking pedestrians and children.
- Rental Moving Trucks: Companies like U-Haul and Penske rent 26-foot trucks to drivers with zero commercial training. If an untrained driver hits you because they didn’t understand their stopping distance, the rental company may be liable for negligent entrustment.
- Amazon and FedEx Delivery Vans: These drivers are under extreme pressure to meet delivery quotas. Amazon’s DSP model often tries to shield the parent company from liability, but we know how to cut through the corporate structure to find the money.
Learn more in our video: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao
Who is Liable for Your Travis County Truck Accident?
Most general practice lawyers only sue the driver and the trucking company. At Attorney911, our managing partner Ralph Manginello investigates the entire chain of command. We cast a wide net to find every available insurance policy.
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or intoxication.
- The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior or for negligent hiring and maintenance.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they required an overweight load that made the truck impossible to stop.
- The Loading Company: For improperly securing cargo that shifted and caused a rollover.
- Truck/Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes or tires that blew out at highway speed.
- Maintenance Companies: For failing to properly repair or inspect safety systems.
- Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record or poor CSA scores.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or a construction zone failure in Travis County contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent Corporations: We hold giants like Walmart and Amazon accountable when their system design forces drivers to take risks.
- Staffing Agencies: If the driver was a “leased” employee provided without proper qualification checks.
By identifying multiple liable parties, we can often “stack” insurance policies. This is vital when injuries are catastrophic and the primary policy isn’t enough to cover a lifetime of medical care.
48-Hour Urgency: Preserving Critical Evidence in Travis County
Within 48 hours of an accident in Travis County, the trucking company’s legal team is already working. They are looking for ways to blame you. More importantly, they are controlling the evidence.
The truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), or black box, records your speed, braking, and throttle position. However, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or immediately if the truck is put back into service. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, which proves Hours of Service violations, is only required to be kept for six months.
The moment you hire us, we send a formal spoliation letter to the trucking carrier. This is a legal demand to preserve:
- ELD logs and paper backup logs
- ECM black box downloads
- In-cab dashcam footage (Netradyne or DriveCam)
- Driver Qualification Files and drug test results
- Dispatch communications and GPS route data
As client Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We move fast because we know that in Travis County trucking cases, speed is the difference between a winning case and a dismissed one.
Learn more in our video: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM
Catastrophic Injuries and Life-Altering Damages
A heavy truck collision doesn’t just cause “bruises.” It causes permanent damage. Attorney911 has recovered millions for Travis County victims. Our case results include settlements for Traumatic Brain Injury ($1.5M-$9.8M range), Amputations ($1.9M-$8.6M), and Wrongful Death ($1.9M-$9.5M).
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even a “mild” concussion can leave you with memory loss, personality changes, and the inability to concentrate at work. We work with neurologists and neuropsychologists to document the full extent of your brain injury. For severe TBIs, your lifetime care costs could exceed $3 million. We fight to ensure your settlement covers it all.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
When an 18-wheeler rolls onto a passenger car, the roof crush often leads to spinal cord severance. The cost of living in Travis County as a quadriplegic or paraplegic is staggering—home modifications, specialized vehicles, and 24/7 nursing care. We retain life care planners to calculate every penny you will need for the next forty years.
Orthopedic and Internal Injuries
From femur fractures requiring surgical rodding to splenic ruptures and crushed pelvises, the orthopedic damage from a commercial vehicle is extreme. We address the “hidden” damages insurance companies ignore, such as the increased risk of future arthritis, loss of enjoying your Hill Country hobbies, and the intense psychological trauma of the crash.
As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We aren’t interested in a quick settlement that leaves you broke in five years. We fight for maximum recovery.
Find out more: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ
Insurance and Recovery: The Power of Solvent Defendants
One major advantage in a Travis County truck accident case is the insurance limits. While a typical person carries $30,000 in coverage, federal law (49 CFR Part 387) requires much more from commercial carriers:
- General Freight: $750,000 minimum
- Oil and Large Equipment: $1,000,000 minimum
- Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 minimum
Large corporate defendants like Walmart and Amazon are often self-insured. This means they pay claims out of their own multibillion-dollar treasury. They fight harder because it is their money, but they also have a nearly bottomless capacity to pay once liability is proven. Our firm’s founder has spent over a quarter-century taking on these corporate titans and winning.
Travis County Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Travis County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for government-owned transit buses (like CapMetro), the notice deadlines can be much shorter—sometimes only 180 days. Wait too long, and you lose your rights forever.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar). As long as you were not 51% or more responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your settlement will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1,000,000 but found 10% at fault, you receive $900,000.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. Our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. We take all the financial risk so you can focus on healing.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
This is very common on I-35. Since the accident happened in Travis County, we can typically sue in Texas courts. However, these cases often move to federal court because of “diversity jurisdiction.” Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and has the experience to handle these interstate complexities.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first check?
NEVER. That check is a “release.” If you sign it, you can never ask for more money. Insurance companies offer quick checks to stop you from hiring a lawyer and discovering that your case is worth ten times what they are offering. Call 888-ATTY-911 before you sign anything.
Can I sue for PTSD after a truck wreck in Travis County?
Yes. You can recover non-economic damages for mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Being hit by an 80,000-pound truck is a traumatic event that causes long-term psychological damage. We ensure your mental health treatment is part of your claim.
Learn more: “How Do Car Insurance Companies Calculate Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EE9AWT12Kg
Taking on Corporate Giants: Walmart, Amazon, and Beyond
Travis County is a massive logistics hub. From the Walmart distribution centers serving Central Texas to the Amazon fulfillment centers in the surrounding metro area, “company trucks” are on every road. These companies use a shielded liability structure to avoid responsibility. For instance, Amazon delivery drivers are often classified as “independent contractors.”
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, understands these defenses from his time in insurance defense. We know how to apply the “right to control” test to prove that the parent company is indeed responsible for the driver’s actions. Whether it’s a FedEx Ground contractor or a Tesla parts hauler, we pierce the corporate shield to find the insurance coverage you need.
The Manginello Difference: You Are Family Here
We aren’t a high-volume “billboard firm” where you’ll never talk to your attorney. At Attorney911, the team that starts your case is the team that finishes it. As client Chad Harris noted, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We know that a truck accident has taken your peace of mind. Our job is to get it back.
Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of courtroom experience to your fight. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of traumatic brain injury, amputation, and wrongful death. We understand that justice isn’t just about a check—it’s about holding a negligent corporation accountable so that another Travis County family doesn’t have to go through what you’ve endured.
If you’re ready to fight back, we’re ready to help. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Final Steps to Protect Your Future
The trucking company that hit you has already started their investigation. Every day you wait is a day they use to build a defense against you. Don’t let documentation disappear and don’t let an insurance adjuster record a statement that twists your words.
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. We offer free consultations, and we work on contingency—you never receive a bill from us unless we win. From the streets of Austin to the highways of Travis County, we are the legal emergency team you can trust.
Powerful and proven. Let’s get to work on your recovery.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Austin Office: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
https://attorney911.com
