Lakeway Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Crashes
The impact of an 80,000-pound truck slamming into your car on RR 620 or Highway 71 isn’t just a traffic accident. It’s a life-altering trauma. Your car weighs maybe 4,000 pounds. The commercial vehicle that hit you is 20 times heavier. In that split second of impact, physics is not on your side.
If you are reading this, you or someone you love has likely had their world turned upside down by a truck accident in Lakeway. You’re dealing with mounting medical bills, the physical agony of catastrophic injuries, and the overwhelming realization that your life may never be the same. Meanwhile, the trucking company already has a team of investigators and lawyers working to protect their profits by minimizing your suffering.
We are Attorney911. Led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, who has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, our firm doesn’t just “handle” truck cases—we litigate them with a level of aggression and technical expertise that insurance companies fear. With over 25 years of experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph Manginello knows how to hold corporate giants accountable. Our team also includes Lupe Peña, an attorney who used to work for national insurance defense firms. He knows the “playbook” they use to lowball victims because he used to help write it. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
When you’re hit by a truck in Lakeway, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who treats you like family. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and amputations.
Don’t wait while the evidence disappears. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.
The Reality of Trucking Accidents in Lakeway
Lakeway is one of the fastest-growing communities in Travis County. That growth brings a constant stream of commercial traffic. Whether it’s heavy dump trucks hauling materials for residential expansion, concrete mixers heading to new construction sites near the Hill Country Galleria, or Amazon delivery vans rushing through Lakeway neighborhoods to meet strict quotas, the risks are everywhere.
The roads in and around Lakeway weren’t always designed for the sheer volume and weight of modern commercial vehicles. A jackknifed 18-wheeler on the steep grades of Bee Creek Road or a wide-turn “squeeze play” at the intersection of RR 620 and Lohmans Crossing can have devastating consequences. When these accidents happen, the injuries are almost always catastrophic because of the force involved.
We understand the specific dangers of the Lakeway trucking corridors. We know how the time pressure of a delivery window or the fatigue of an overworked driver creates a recipe for disaster on our local roads. If you’ve been hurt, you aren’t just another case number to us. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP during the Texas City refinery litigation, and we are ready to take on the companies responsible for your injuries in Lakeway.
Why 48 Hours Is Critical for Your Lakeway Case
The moment an accident occurs between a commercial vehicle and a passenger car in Lakeway, the clock starts ticking—and not in your favor. Commercial trucking companies and corporate fleets like Walmart or Amazon have “rapid-response teams.” These adjusters and lawyers are often on-site before the ambulance even reaches the hospital. Their goal is simple: preserve evidence that helps them and “lose” evidence that helps you.
We move just as fast. We send formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours of being retained. These are legal demands that force the trucking company to preserve every shred of evidence, from the truck’s “black box” to the driver’s cell phone records.
Evidence at Risk of Disappearing:
- ECM (Engine Control Module) Data: This is the truck’s “black box.” it records speed, braking patterns, and throttle position in the seconds before impact. This data can be overwritten or deleted if the truck remains in service.
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Logs: Federal law (49 CFR § 395.8) requires drivers to record their hours of service. If a driver was fatigued or had been on the road longer than the 11-hour limit, these logs prove it.
- Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets use AI-powered cameras like Netradyne or Lytx. This footage is often on a 7-to-14-day loop. If we don’t demand it now, it’s gone forever.
- Maintenance Records: Worn brakes cause 29% of truck accidents. We demand the last 14 months of inspection reports required under 49 CFR § 396.17.
If you wait two weeks to call a lawyer, your case might already be compromised. Call 888-ATTY-911 now so we can lock down the evidence before Lakeway’s sun and rain—or a corporate shredder—destroys it.
Common Truck Accident Types in Lakeway
Not all truck accidents are the same. A delivery van accident in a residential Lakeway cul-de-sac involves different physics and legal rules than an 18-wheeler rollover on Highway 71. We handle every type of commercial vehicle crash.
18-Wheeler Jackknife and Rollover Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. This often happens on the winding, hilly roads of Lakeway when a driver brakes too hard on a slick surface or carries an unbalanced load. At 80,000 pounds, a rolling or jackknifing semi-truck can sweep across three lanes of traffic, leaving Lakeway drivers with nowhere to go. These accidents often point to violations of 49 CFR § 393.100 regarding cargo securement.
Underride Collisions
Among the most lethal accidents we see in Travis County are underride collisions, where a smaller car slides underneath the trailer of a truck. The result is often decapitation or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). While federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, they often fail at high speeds, and most trucks still lack side underride guards.
Rear-End Collisions and Brake Failure
A fully loaded semi-truck at 65 mph needs about 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. In Lakeway’s stop-and-go traffic on RR 620, a distracted or fatigued driver simply cannot stop in time. Many of these crashes are caused by “brake fade” on Lakeway’s hills or a complete failure to maintain brake adjustments in violation of 49 CFR § 396.3.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”
Trucks must swing wide to make Lake-area turns. If a driver fails to check their mirrors or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a passenger car between the trailer and the curb. This results in crushing injuries and amputations.
Delivery Van and “Last Mile” Accidents
Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vans are everywhere in Lakeway. These drivers are often under immense pressure to hit delivery targets, leading to speed, illegal parking, and distracted driving. If an Amazon van hit you, don’t let them tell you they aren’t responsible because the driver was a “contractor.” We know how to pierce that liability shield.
Identifying All 16 Liable Parties
Most firms only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we investigate the whole chain. More liable parties mean more insurance policies, which means higher compensation for your life-changing injuries. In a Lakeway truck accident, we look at:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or fatigue.
- The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, they are responsible for their employees’ actions.
- The Corporate Parent (e.g., Walmart, Amazon): We look for negligent system design that pressures drivers to break the law.
- Cargo Shippers and Loaders: If a shifting load caused a rollover, those who packed the trailer are liable under 49 CFR Part 393.
- Maintenance Companies: If a third-party mechanic failed to fix the brakes that failed on Highway 71.
- The Truck/Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or steering components.
- Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier with a known “Unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- Rental Companies (U-Haul, Penske): If they rented a massive truck to an unqualified driver or failed to maintain the vehicle.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or a Lakeway municipal vehicle caused the crash.
Our associate Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense is vital here. He knows how these companies structure their subsidiaries to hide money. We know how to find it.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
A truck accident doesn’t just “hurt.” It breaks lives. We see the most devastating injuries imaginable, and we know that a “fair” settlement must cover more than just your current ER bill.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Whether it’s a “mild” concussion or a severe brain bleed, a TBI changes who you are. You may lose the ability to concentrate at work, experience personality changes, or require lifelong cognitive therapy. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. Learn more in our video guide: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the C-spine or L-spine can lead to permanent paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost of care for these injuries can exceed $5 million in the first year alone. We work with life care planners to ensure every future need is calculated into your demand.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb in a “squeeze play” wide turn or a rollover is a trauma that never fully heals. Between prosthetic replacements every 3–5 years and the psychological toll of phantom limb pain, these cases demand substantial recoveries, often in the $1.9 million to $8.6 million range.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a spouse, parent, or child in a Lakeway truck accident, we offer our deepest condolences. No check can replace them, but holding the trucking company accountable can provide the financial security your family needs to survive. We have recovered multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements for families devastated by 18-wheelers.
FMCSA Regulations: Proving They Broke the Law
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules that every commercial truck in Lakeway must follow. When a driver or company ignores these rules to save time or money, they are negligent.
- 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours in a 14-hour window. Fatigue is a killer. If a company pressured a driver to push through Lakeway without the required 10-hour rest break, they broke the law.
- 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): Companies must verify that their drivers have a valid CDL and a clean medical certificate. Hiring a driver with a history of DUIs is “negligent hiring.”
- 49 CFR Part 382 (Drug & Alcohol Testing): Commercial drivers are subject to random testing. A positive test for controlled substances after a crash is a massive blow to the defense.
- 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection & Maintenance): Trucks must be inspected daily. If a “road gator” (tire debris) from a poorly maintained truck caused your crash on Highway 71, the company is liable.
Dealing with Insurance Companies in Lakeway
Insurance adjusters for big trucking companies are professional negotiators. One of their favorite tactics is the “lowball quick settlement.” They might offer you $50,000 while you’re still in the hospital. It sounds like a lot of money until you realize your future surgery costs $200,000.
Once you sign a release, you can NEVER go back for more.
Our team includes experts who know how insurance companies calculate “pain and suffering.” We use their own formulas against them. Learn more in our video: “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E.
Commercial Truck Insurance: Why These Cases Are Worth More
Because trucks are so dangerous, federal law (49 CFR Part 387) requires them to carry much higher insurance than your average neighbor in Lakeway.
| Cargo Type | Minimum Insurance Required |
|---|---|
| General Freight | $750,000 |
| Oil and Hazardous Equipment | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) | $5,000,000 |
But accessing this money isn’t easy. Large companies like Walmart or Amazon use “Self-Insured Retentions” (SIR). They are effectively their own insurance company. They fight harder because it’s their own money on the line. We’ve gone head-to-head with Fortune 500 corporations and made them pay.
Lakeway Truck Accident FAQ
1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Lakeway?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting is the worst thing you can do. Evidence is lost every day. For wrongful death, the timeline is also two years, but the discovery rule may vary. Call (888) 288-9911 immediately to protect your rights.
2. What if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to ensure the trucking company bears their fair share of the blame.
3. Do I have to pay upfront to hire you?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all costs for experts, accident reconstruction, and filing fees. You pay us zero out of your pocket. We only get paid if we win your case. 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.”
4. What is “black box” data?
It is the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM). It tracks exactly what the driver was doing—speeding, slamming on brakes, or failing to brake at all—in the moments before the crash. We send spoliation letters immediately to ensure this isn’t “accidentally” erased.
5. can I sue for PTSD after a truck accident?
Yes. Mental anguish and post-traumatic stress are real, compensable injuries. If you are terrified to drive on Lakeway roads or have nightmares about the crash, you deserve compensation. See our video: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.
6. My spouse was killed by a truck—who can sue?
Under the Texas Wrongful Death Act, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased can file a claim. If none of them act within three months, the executor of the estate can file.
7. Can I sue a rental truck company like U-Haul?
While the Graves Amendment usually protects rental companies from being sued for a driver’s mistake, you CAN sue them if they were negligent themselves. This includes failing to maintain the truck’s brakes or renting a massive vehicle to someone who clearly couldn’t handle it (negligent entrustment).
8. What if an Amazon van hit me in my Lakeway neighborhood?
Amazon often claims their drivers are “independent contractors.” However, we look at the level of control Amazon has over them. Detailed app monitoring, specified routes, and mandatory uniforms often make them employees in the eyes of the law.
9. How is pain and suffering calculated in Travis County?
There is no fixed multiplier. It depends on the “loss of freedom” you’ve experienced. Juries look at how much your life has changed. If you can no longer pick up your kids or play golf at the Hills of Lakeway, that has a high dollar value.
10. What should I say to the insurance company after a crash?
Nothing. Don’t say “I’m fine”—it will be used to deny your injury later. Give them your name and basic contact info, then tell them to talk to your lawyer.
Dedicated Representation for Lakeway Families
When disaster strikes in Lakeway, you need an attorney who is powerful and proven. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies’ feet to the fire. We don’t settle for “good enough”—we fight for every dime you deserve, just like we did for Glenda Walker, who said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
We are not a “settlement mill.” We are trial lawyers. If the insurance company won’t pay what you are owed for your TBI, your lost career, or your grieving family, we are ready to take them to court. Our managing partner’s experience in major federal litigation and industrial disasters gives us a level of authority that few firms can match.
Don’t let a corporate fleet bully you into a low settlement. Your family, your future, and your fight matter to us.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting your evidence immediately. There is no fee unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-288-9911 para una consulta gratis.
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