Florence Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for the Injured in Williamson County
The impact was catastrophic. On a high-speed stretch of Highway 183 near Florence, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In an instant, your world turned upside down. If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a truck wreck in Florence, you aren’t just dealing with a traffic ticket or a simple insurance claim. You’re facing a legal emergency. Trucking companies and their corporate masters—giants like Walmart, Amazon, and massive oilfield contractors—start building their defense before the ambulance even reaches a trauma center in Georgetown or Round Rock. What are you doing to protect your future?
At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for the devastation they cause on Texas roads. Ralph brings federal court experience and a relentless drive to every case, while our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, provides an “unfair advantage.” Lupe used to work for the national insurance defense firms that protect these trucking companies. He knows their playbook, he knows how they minimize claims, and now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for families in Florence. We aren’t just lawyers; we’re fighters who treat you like family. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or a dump truck in Florence, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations, and you pay us nothing—zero upfront costs—unless we win your case.
Why Truck Accidents in Florence Are Uniquely Dangerous
Florence sits at a critical junction in Williamson County. With Highway 183 serving as a primary north-south artery for freight moving between Austin, Lampasas, and North Texas, our local roads are constantly shared with massive commercial vehicles. For many truckers, Florence is a transit point—a place to navigate while fatigued, distracted, or under pressure to meet a delivery window at an Amazon fulfillment center or a Walmart distribution hub.
The Highway 183 Corridor and High-Speed Collisions
Truck accidents on Highway 183 near Florence often involve high speeds. When a loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 or 70 mph fails to brake or drifts into oncoming traffic, the physics of the collision are overwhelming. An 18-wheeler is 20 to 25 times heavier than the typical passenger car. This massive weight disparity means that in a collision, your car absorbs almost all the kinetic energy. The results are often life-altering: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and permanent disability.
Construction Growth and Commercial Vehicle Traffic
As Williamson County continues to explode with growth, Florence has seen an influx of heavy construction traffic. Dump trucks, concrete mixers, and flatbeds hauling building materials frequently use FM 487 and FM 970. These commercial vehicles are often operated by small subcontractors who cut corners on maintenance or hire inexperienced drivers to keep up with the Austin-area sprawl. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler or a local gravel truck, the team at Attorney911 knows how to identify the violations that caused your pain.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule
In a Florence truck accident case, time is your greatest enemy. The moment a wreck occurs, the clock starts ticking on critical electronic evidence. Trucking companies and corporate fleet operators are not your friends. They possess sophisticated “rapid-response” teams—lawyers and investigators who are deployed to the crash site in Florence while you are still being treated in the ER.
We follow a strict 48-hour evidence preservation protocol. We move with the same speed as the corporate giants we fight. Learn more in our video guide: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.
Why We Send a Spoliation Letter Immediately
Within 24 to 48 hours of being retained, our team sends a formal “spoliation letter” to the trucking company, their insurance carrier, and any involved corporate parent companies. This letter is a legal mandate that requires them to preserve every shred of evidence. If they destroy data after receiving this letter, we can ask the court for severe sanctions against them.
The Evidence We Lock Down:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Most modern trucks have an Engine Control Module. This “black box” records your speed, the truck’s speed, brake application, and throttle position in the seconds before impact. In many Florence cases, this data proves the trucker never hit the brakes before slamming into our client. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days if not preserved.
- ELD Logs: Federal law (49 CFR Part 395) requires electronic logging devices to record a driver’s hours. We use this to prove the driver was illegally fatigued or falsified their logs to stay on the road longer than the 11-hour limit.
- In-Cab Video (Netradyne/DriveCam): Companies like Amazon and Walmart use AI-powered cameras to monitor their drivers. We demand the footage that shows exactly what the driver was doing—texting, nodding off, or looking at a GPS—just before the crash.
- Maintenance Records: We look for violations of 49 CFR Part 396. If the truck that hit you had worn-out brakes or bald tires, the trucking company is liable for negligent maintenance.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Call us now at 888-ATTY-911 so we can start protecting your rights in Florence.
Who Is Liable for Your Truck Accident in Florence?
Most people think only the truck driver is at fault. In reality, a truck wreck in Florence typically involves a web of liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate the entire chain of command. More liable parties mean more insurance coverage for your injuries.
1. The Trucking Company (Carrier)
The company that hired the driver is usually the primary defendant. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, they are responsible for their employee’s negligence. We go deeper, though. We look for “negligent hiring” or “negligent entrustment.” Did the company hire a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple crashes? Did they fail to verify the driver’s CDL? If so, we hold the company directly responsible for the tragedy they allowed to happen.
2. Corporate Giants (Amazon, Walmart, FedEx)
If you were hit by an Amazon van or a Walmart 18-wheeler, you are fighting a Fortune 500 company. Amazon often tries to hide behind its “independent contractor” model, claiming the driver worked for a small “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP). We know how to pierce that shield. If Amazon controls the route, the schedule, and monitors the driver with AI, they are the employer in the eyes of the law. Ralph Manginello has litigated against these corporations for over two decades—we don’t back down.
3. Cargo Shippers and Loaders
Improperly secured cargo is a frequent cause of rollovers and jackknife accidents on Highway 183. If the company that loaded the truck violated 49 CFR Part 393 by failing to secure the load, they are liable for the resulting crash.
4. Maintenance Companies and Parts Manufacturers
Was the crash caused by a tire blowout or a brake failure? If a third-party mechanic in the Florence or Georgetown area performed a shoddy brake job, or if a manufacturer sold a defective tire, they are part of the liability web.
Understanding FMCSA Regulations: The Law That Protects You
Commercial trucking isn’t governed by the same rules as cars. Every 18-wheeler entering Florence must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). When these rules are broken, it is evidence of negligence.
| Regulation | Requirement | Impact on Your Case |
|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR Part 395 | Hours of Service (HOS) | Limits drivers to 11 hours behind the wheel. Violations prove fatigue-related negligence. |
| 49 CFR Part 391 | Driver Qualification | Requires medical exams and background checks. Failures prove negligent hiring. |
| 49 CFR Part 396 | Inspection & Maintenance | Mandates daily inspections. Violations prove the company knowingly put an unsafe truck on the road. |
| 49 CFR Part 382 | Drug & Alcohol Testing | Requires random and post-accident testing. A positive test is automatic liability. |
Our team, including former defense attorney Lupe Peña, knows exactly which records to subpoena to prove these violations. Learn more in our video: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Recovery in Florence
A truck wreck in Florence doesn’t just leave you with a dented bumper; it leaves you with life-altering trauma. We understand that your injuries affect your ability to provide for your family and enjoy your life.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The force of an 18-wheeler impact can cause the brain to slam against the skull, leading to permanent cognitive deficits. We have recovered settlements for TBI victims ranging from $1.5 million to upwards of $9.8 million. If you have a persistent headache or memory loss after your wreck, see a doctor immediately. Watch our video: “Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
A “roof crush” or severe rear-end collision on Highway 183 can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These cases require “nuclear” levels of compensation to cover a lifetime of medical care, home modifications, and 24/7 assistance. Settlements in these cases often reach the $4.7 million to $25 million range.
Orthopedic Injuries and Chronic Pain
Herniated discs and broken bones are common. While insurance companies try to call these “minor,” we know they cause lifelong pain. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We use specialists to prove that your “soft tissue” injury is actually a permanent spinal condition.
Psychological Trauma (PTSD)
If you are now terrified to drive through Florence or have nightmares about the crash, you may have PTSD. This is a real, compensable injury. Learn more: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.
Insurance Limits and Maximizing Your Recovery
In Texas, a standard car insurance policy may only provide $30,000 in coverage. That won’t even cover your first day in the ICU. Trucking companies are different.
- General Freight Minimum: $750,000
- Oil and Large Equipment: $1.0 million
- Hazardous Materials: $5.0 million
However, these are just the floors. Large corporations like Walmart or Amazon often have umbrella and excess policies that reach into the hundreds of millions. Because our firm includes an attorney who used to defend these insurance companies, we know where to find the hidden layers of coverage. We don’t settle for the first lowball offer. We prepare every Florence case as if it’s going to trial, which forces the insurance company to take us seriously.
Check out our guide: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag to understand how we protect your right to compensation even when technical policy issues arise.
Common Truck Accident Types in Florence
Jackknife Accidents on Wet Roads
Central Texas weather can be unpredictable. When rain hits the oil-slicked asphalt of Highway 183 in Florence, empty trailers are prone to jackknifing. This occurs when the trailer outruns the cab, sweeping across all lanes of traffic and creating a massive pileup.
Rollovers on Rural Curves
Many of the farm-to-market roads around Florence have sharp curves that were never designed for top-heavy 18-wheelers or concrete mixers. If a driver is speeding or the cargo shifts, the truck can roll onto your vehicle. These are some of the deadliest crashes we handle.
Underride Collisions
In a rear-end or side-impact crash, a car can slide underneath a truck trailer. These accidents often result in decapitation or fatal head trauma. We investigate whether the truck was missing required “Mansfield bars” or if the side guards were defective.
Wide-Turn “Squeeze Play”
When a truck swings wide to the left to make a right turn into a Florence business or construction site, a smaller vehicle can get trapped in the blind spot. This “squeeze play” crushes the smaller car against the curb or the truck’s tires.
Frequently Asked Questions for Florence Victims
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florence?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if you wait two years, your evidence will be long gone. You need to act within 48 hours to preserve the truck’s black box data.
What if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (51% bar). As long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your total settlement is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t take the insurance company’s word for it—let us investigate.
How much does a lawyer cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we take 33.33% of the settlement pre-trial, and we advance all the costs of the investigation. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime. There is no risk to calling us.
What if the truck was from an oilfield company?
Florence sits near the northern edge of Texas oil and gas activity. If an oilfield water truck or sand hauler hit you, special OSHA and FMCSA rules apply. These cases often involve multiple layers of corporate liability between the derrick and the driver.
Should I accept a quick settlement?
Never. A quick offer is a lowball offer. Most truck accident injuries take months to fully manifest. If you sign a release now, you lose your right to sue if you later discover you need spinal surgery. Watch our video: “What to Do if Your Car Insurance Claim Is Denied” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsdXq0WOH8M.
Contact a Florence Truck Accident Attorney Today
You are currently being outgunned. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working to prove you were at fault. They are already analyzing the road conditions on Highway 183 to find an excuse for their driver’s negligence. You need a fighter in your corner who treats your family like their own.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered over $50 million for injury victims. We have the resources, the federal court experience, and the insider insurance knowledge to take on the biggest companies on the planet.
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 don’t shy away from tough cases, and we don’t let corporate bullies win.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
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Your recovery starts with one phone call. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, an Amazon van, or a dump truck in Florence, we are ready to hit back. Call (888) 288-9911 now.