Van Zandt County Truck Accident Attorneys
The impact was catastrophic. On the long, fast stretches of I-20 cutting through Van Zandt County, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In a split second, your car—weighing barely 4,000 pounds—was crushed by a force nearly 20 times its size. Whether you were traveling through Canton for First Monday Trade Days, heading home to Wills Point, or working in the Van oil fields, your life changed forever the moment that truck driver lost control.
At Attorney911, we know that when an 18-wheeler causes a wreck in Van Zandt County, the trucking company already has a rapid-response team on their way to the scene. Before you’ve even left the emergency room in Tyler or Dallas, their lawyers and adjusters are already looking for ways to pay you less. We believe you deserve a fighter who moves just as fast.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding massive corporations and negligent trucking companies accountable. We aren’t a high-volume firm that treats you like a case number. As our client Chad Harris once said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take that responsibility seriously, especially when Van Zandt County families are suffering from the negligence of professional drivers.
If you’ve been hurt, the clock is already ticking. Evidence like the “Black Box” data from the truck can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. You need an attorney who knows how to lock down that evidence immediately. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your Van Zandt County truck accident case.
Why Experience Matters in Van Zandt County Commercial Vehicle Litigation
Van Zandt County is a crossroads for industry in East Texas. Between the heavy freight moving along I-20, the timber trucks on Highway 19, and the constant flow of traffic through Grand Saline and Edgewood, the risks for local drivers are extreme. Litigation in these cases is complex and requires more than just a general personal injury lawyer.
The Insurance Defense Advantage
One of our biggest assets at Attorney911 is our associate attorney, Lupe Peña. Before coming to our firm, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years inside the system, learning exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking claims. He knows their playbook because he used to help write it. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them on behalf of Van Zandt County accident victims. This perspective is an unfair advantage for our clients—we know when an adjuster is bluffing and exactly what evidence will force them to pay.
25+ Years of Proven Courtroom Success
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been litigating complex injury cases. Our firm’s founder is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases in federal court when necessary. We have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 giants like BP, Walmart, and Amazon. Our results speak for themselves, including multi-million dollar recoveries for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. In one case, we secured over $5 million for a victim of a logging company accident—a type of wreck that is all too common on the rural roads of Van Zandt County.
Hablamos Español
We understand that Van Zandt County has a diverse population. Our team offers fluent Spanish representation through Lupe Peña, ensuring that every victim can communicate their story directly to their lawyer without the need for interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The High Cost of Negligence on Van Zandt County Highways
Truck accidents in Van Zandt County aren’t just limited to 18-wheelers. The commercial traffic in this region includes dump trucks hauling material for housing developments, garbage trucks in residential neighborhoods, and delivery vans from Amazon and FedEx rushing to meet quotas.
I-20: A Deadly Corridor for Van Zandt County
Interstate 20 is the lifeblood of East Texas, but it is also one of the most dangerous trucking corridors in the state. From the Van exit to the Kaufman County line, trucks traveling at 70+ mph are often operated by drivers who are fatigued, distracted, or pushed by their employers to violate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When an 18-wheeler jackknifes near Canton, it doesn’t just block a lane—it creates a multi-vehicle pileup that can cause life-altering injuries to dozens of people.
Regional Industrial Hazards
Van Zandt County sits in a region defined by its natural resources. Logging trucks moving timber and oilfield service vehicles heading to legacy wellsites create unique hazards on SH-64 and SH-19. These trucks are often top-heavy and operated on narrow, two-lane roads never designed to handle 80,000-pound loads. If a gravel truck or concrete mixer from a local construction site causes a wreck, we investigate the hiring practices of the contractor and the maintenance logs of the vehicle to prove negligence.
Proving Negligence: FMCSA Regulations in Van Zandt County Cases
In a standard car wreck, you usually only look at traffic laws. In a Van Zandt County truck accident, we look at Federal Law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When a trucking company violates these rules, it is a powerful indicator of negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is the single biggest “silent killer” in the trucking industry. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
In many Van Zandt County accidents, we find that drivers have been pushed to their limits to reach a distribution hub in DFW or Shreveport. We subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to see exactly how long that driver was behind the wheel. Falsifying logs is a major violation, and when we find it, we pursue the trucking company for their reckless disregard for safety.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure they aren’t putting dangerous people behind the wheel. Under Part 391, carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver. This includes their background check, motor vehicle record (MVR), and medical examiner’s certificate. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or safety violations to drive through Van Zandt County, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Under § 396.3, every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all motor vehicles under its control. Brake failure is a factor in nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. When a truck slams into a car on a SH-110 intersection in Van Zandt County because its brakes were worn past legal limits, the trucking company is 100% responsible for those failed components.
Types of Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle
Commercial vehicle accidents come in many forms, each with its own physics and liability issues. Our firm understands the mechanics of these crashes and how to present them to a Van Zandt County jury.
18-Wheeler Jackknife and Rollover
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. This usually happens because of improper braking or speeding on wet Van Zandt County roads. Rollovers are equally devastating, often caused by high centers of gravity and shifting cargo. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be properly secured. If it isn’t, and the truck tips over on a SH-64 curve, the loading company and the carrier are both liable.
Underride Collisions
Underride crashes are among the most lethal. This is when a smaller car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with required “Mansfield Bars” (rear impact guards) under 49 CFR § 393.86 and whether they were properly maintained to withstand impact.
Delivery Fleet and Corporate Vehicles
If you were hit by an Amazon Prime van or a Walmart truck in Canton during Trade Days, you are facing a corporate giant. Amazon often tries to use “Independent Service Partners” (DSPs) to shield themselves from liability, claiming the driver isn’t technically an Amazon employee. We know how to pierce that shield. If Amazon controls the route, the uniform, and the AI monitoring systems in the van, they exercise the “right to control” that makes them liable under the law.
Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers
Van Zandt County’s growth means more construction vehicles on the road. A loaded concrete mixer can weigh over 60,000 pounds. Because of the rotating drum, these vehicles have a high risk of rolling over if the driver takes a turn too fast on a Van Zandt County FM road. We find out which developer or construction company was behind the wheel and hold them accountable.
Vulnerable Road User Accidents
We also represent pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists struck by commercial vehicles. When an 18-wheeler is turning right at a busy intersection in Canton and fails to check its “No-Zone” (blind spot), a cyclist or pedestrian has zero protection. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, truck drivers must exercise extreme caution. There is no such thing as a “minor” accident when a truck hits a human body.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window
In the legal world, we have a term called “Spoliation.” It means the destruction of evidence. Trucking companies are experts at it. If you don’t act fast, the evidence that could have won your case in Van Zandt County will “disappear.”
Within 48 hours of being hired, we send a formal spoliation letter to the trucking company and their insurer. We demand that they preserve:
- The Engine Control Module (ECM): The “Black Box” that records speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before impact.
- ELD Logs: Electronic data showing Hours of Service violations.
- Dashcam Footage: Many modern fleets like Amazon use Netradyne or Lytx cameras that record driver distraction.
- Maintenance Files: Records of brake, tire, and lighting inspections.
- Drug and Alcohol Tests: Federal law requires drivers to be tested after certain types of accidents. We make sure those results aren’t hidden.
Every day you wait is a day the trucking company can use to repair the truck, overwrite the data, or “lose” the driver’s personnel file. Call Attorney911 at 888-ATTY-911 so we can start the investigation before the evidence is gone.
Understanding Your Recovery: Damages in Trucking Cases
Trucking accidents are “high-stakes” because the injuries are often permanent. Because federal law requires much higher insurance limits—ranging from $750,000 for general freight to $5 million for hazardous materials—there is often more compensation available than in a typical car wreck.
Economic Damages
We work with vocational experts and economists to calculate the total financial toll of the accident. This includes:
- Emergency Medical Care: Bills from East Texas Medical Center, Parkland, or any local trauma facility.
- Future Medical Costs: If you need a spinal fusion, joint replacement, or ongoing physical therapy.
- Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job in Van Zandt County.
- Life Care Plans: For catastrophic injuries like paralysis or TBI that require 24/7 assistance.
Non-Economic Damages
This is the human cost. Under Texas law, you are entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and Suffering: The physical agony caused by your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: The anxiety, depression, and PTSD that often follows a massive collision.
- Disfigurement and Physical Impairment: Compensation for the permanent changes to your body.
- Loss of Consortium: The damage the accident caused to your relationship with your spouse and children.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the trucking company’s conduct is so egregious—like knowingly letting a driver with a suspended license operate an 18-wheeler—that we can pursue punitive damages. These are designed to punish the company and send a message that Van Zandt County will not tolerate such dangerous behavior.
Major Liable Parties in Van Zandt County Truck Accidents
Most people think you only sue the driver. We know better. To maximize your recovery, we look at the entire “chain of liability.” Your Van Zandt County truck accident could involve claims against:
- The Truck Driver: For speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or HOS violations.
- The Cargo Owner/Loader: If an improperly secured load caused a rollover or spill.
- The Maintenance Company: If a third party failed to fix the truck’s brakes or tires.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If an airbag failed to deploy or a tire was defective from the factory.
- The Logistics Broker: For hire a trucking carrier with a known “Unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Corporate Parent: If a brand like Walmart or Amazon exercised control over the transport.
- Government Entities: If a dangerous road design on a Van Zandt County highway contributed to the crash.
Catastrophic Injuries We Literate
We specialize in cases involving life-altering trauma. Our firm has achieved settlements ranging from $1.5 million to nearly $10 million for victims with:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even a “mild” concussion can lead to permanent cognitive deficits. We use the Glasgow Coma Scale and advanced MRI imaging to prove the extent of brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: From herniated discs requiring surgery to complete paralysis. The lifetime cost of a spinal injury can easily exceed $5 million.
- Amputations: Often caused by crushing forces in underride or rollover accidents.
- Severe Burns: Common in tanker truck explosions or fuel tank ruptures on I-20.
- Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration forces can cause the liver, spleen, or kidneys to rupture, requiring life-saving emergency surgery.
Van Zandt County Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Van Zandt County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for a commercial vehicle wreck, waiting two years is a mistake. Witness memories fade and electronic evidence is destroyed long before that deadline. You should call an attorney within 48 hours.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement right away?
NEVER accept the first offer. These “quick” checks are designed to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your medical needs. As client Glenda Walker said, our firm “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We make sure your settlement covers your future, not just your current bills.
Can I still recover money if the accident was partially my fault?
Yes. Texas follows a “Modified Comparative Negligence” rule. As long as you are not more than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to use the truck’s data to prove the driver was the primary cause.
What makes a “Nuclear Verdict” in trucking?
A nuclear verdict is typically defined as an award exceeding $10 million. Juries award these amounts when they see a trucking company systemic prioritize profit over safety—such as falsifying logs or ignoring safety warnings on the truck. We build our cases to show this pattern of negligence.
Do I have to go to Houston or Austin to meet with you?
No. While we have main offices in Houston and Austin, we help victims across Van Zandt County. We can meet you at your home, in the hospital, or conduct consultations via Zoom. We handle the travel so you can focus on healing.
What is the “No-Zone”?
The No-Zone refers to the four major blind spots around an 18-wheeler: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides (especially the right side). Truck drivers are federally required to check these zones, but many fail to do so before lane changes or turns.
What if my loved one died in a truck crash in Van Zandt County?
We handle wrongful death claims for surviving spouses, children, and parents. These cases are heartbreaking, and we provide compassionate representation while fighting for the financial security your family needs.
Are Amazon vans considered “Commercial Vehicles”?
Yes. Even though they may be smaller than semi-trucks, they are commercial vehicles operating for profit. They have higher insurance requirements, and Amazon’s massive corporate assets can often be reached in a lawsuit.
Why shouldn’t I talk to the insurance adjuster?
They are trained to ask “leading” questions. If you say “I’m doing okay” out of politeness, they will record it and use it at trial to argue you weren’t actually hurt. Let us handle all communication.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a 33.33% contingency fee (before filing a lawsuit). We only get paid if you get paid. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time or the thousands of dollars we spend investigating.
Call Attorney911 Today: Your Van Zandt County Truck Accident Team
When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you can’t afford a lawyer who is learning on the job. You need a fighter with a quarter-century of experience and an insider’s understanding of the insurance industry. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered over $50 million for injury victims, and we are ready to stand up for you in Van Zandt County.
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working right now to protect their bottom line. It’s time you had a team working to protect yours.
Available 24/7. Hablamos Español.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Visit us at attorney911.com
Your fight starts with one call. We answer, we fight, and we win for Van Zandt County.
Disclaimer: These case results and descriptions are for informational purposes only. Every case is unique, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Consultation with an attorney is required to evaluate the specifics of your claim.
