Expert Wilson County Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Wrecks

The impact of an 80,000-pound truck slamming into your vehicle on a Wilson County highway is life-altering. In an instant, you go from planning your day in Floresville or La Vernia to fighting for your life in a trauma center. At Attorney911, we understand that a truck accident is not just a high-speed collision; it is a legal and medical emergency that requires an immediate, aggressive response. When you are facing off against a massive trucking corporation or an oilfield service company, you need a legal team that brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to the table. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent more than two decades holding negligent trucking companies accountable for the devastation they cause on Wilson County roads.

Wilson County sits at a dangerous crossroads. With the Eagle Ford Shale production to our south and the heavy freight corridors of US-181 and Highway 87 cutting through our communities, our local roads are shared with thousands of 18-wheelers, crude oil tankers, and frac sand haulers every single day. These vehicles are 20 to 25 times heavier than the average car, and when their drivers are fatigued, their brakes are poorly maintained, or their cargo is improperly secured, the residents of Wilson County pay the price. If you have been injured, you are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and physical pain that makes every day a struggle. We are here to tell you that you do not have to fight this battle alone. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Wilson County Families Trust Attorney911 After a Catastrophic Truck Wreck

When you hire a lawyer after a truck accident in Wilson County, you are choosing the person who will go toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies and their armies of defense attorneys. You need more than just a general practitioner; you need a team that understands the “playbook” used by insurance companies to deny and minimize claims. Our firm provides a unique advantage because our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who previously worked in national insurance defense. He spent years on the other side of the aisle, learning exactly how trucking insurers evaluate cases, how they use “independent” medical examiners to downplay injuries, and what triggers them to finally pay a fair settlement. We use that insider knowledge to stay three steps ahead of the defense in every Wilson County case we handle.

Ralph Manginello’s track record speaks for itself. Since 1998, he has litigated complex cases in both state and federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Our firm has a documented history of securing multi-million dollar results for victims of catastrophic injuries. We have successfully litigated against some of the largest corporate fleets in the world, including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We have also stood up to multinational corporations in massive industrial disaster cases, such as the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We bring that family-first mentality to every resident of Wilson County we represent, combining it with the aggressive litigation style of a high-stakes trial firm.

Whether you were hit by a delivery van near the Floresville Event Center or a jackknifed semi-truck on US-181 outside of Poth, the time to act is now. The trucking company likely had an investigator at the scene before the ambulance even cleared the area. They are already building their defense to protect their bottom line. You deserve an advocate who moves just as fast to protect your future. Learn more about your rights in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

The High Stakes of Trucking in the Eagle Ford Shale and Wilson County

Wilson County is a vital artery for the Texas energy sector. For families in Stockdale and surrounding areas, the sound of heavy diesel engines is constant. But there is a dark side to this industrial boom. Oilfield trucking in Wilson County involves unique hazards that standard car accident lawyers often overlook. We see water trucks that are frequently overloaded, crude oil tankers operated by drivers who have been behind the wheel for 16 hours straight, and frac sand haulers navigating narrow FM roads that were never engineered for 80,000-pound loads.

The pressure in the oil patch is immense. Every hour of downtime costs oil companies thousands of dollars, and that pressure is passed directly down to the truck drivers. This leads to systemic violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When an oilfield pump truck or a crew transport van causes a wreck in Wilson County, it is often because safety was sacrificed for speed. We understand the dual-regulatory world of oilfield trucking, where both FMCSA and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards may apply. If your accident happened near a wellsite or on a private lease road, the liability chain can be incredibly complex. We investigate everyone—from the driver and the trucking contractor to the multi-billion dollar oil company that operates the lease.

Knowing the Enemy: Corporate Fleet Liability in Wilson County

If the vehicle that hit you had a recognizable logo on the side—like Amazon, Walmart, or H-E-B—your case involves a corporate defendant with vast resources. These companies often use sophisticated legal structures to shield themselves from liability. For example, Amazon often claims that the blue vans delivering packages in Wilson County are operated by “independent contractors,” not Amazon itself. They use this “contractor defense” to try and wash their hands of any responsibility when a driver causes a catastrophic injury.

We know how to pierce these corporate shields. We look at the level of control the parent company exercises. Does Amazon set the delivery route? Do they monitor the driver with in-cab Netradyne cameras? Do they set delivery quotas that force the driver to speed through La Vernia neighborhoods? When the answer is yes, we hold the corporate giant accountable, not just the small contractor. We’ve gone head-to-head with some of the biggest corporations on the planet and made them pay for their negligence. Their fleet of lawyers doesn’t intimidate us; it motivates us to work harder for our Wilson County clients.

The 48-Hour Evidence Window: Why You Cannot Wait

In Wilson County trucking litigation, evidence is the most valuable currency. Unfortunately, that evidence has an expiration date. Your most critical piece of evidence is often the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), commonly known as the “black box.” This device records the truck’s speed, RPMs, throttle position, and brake application in the moments leading up to a crash. If a truck driver tells the Wilson County Sheriff’s deputy they were going the speed limit, the black box data can prove they were actually doing 75 mph.

However, this data can be overwritten or “lost” within days if the truck is put back into service. The same applies to Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, which tracks the driver’s hours of service. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, drivers are required to log their hours, but many small carriers and oilfield haulers in Wilson County have a history of “fudging” paper logs or manipulating electronic ones.

Within 24 to 48 hours of being hired, we send formal “spoliation letters” to all potentially liable parties. This legal notice demands that the trucking company and the insurance carrier preserve all data, surveillance footage, dispatch records, and the physical vehicle itself. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” instructions, telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have proved the company’s guilt. Don’t let the evidence of your accident disappear into a scrap yard. Call us at (888) 288-9911 today.

Understanding FMCSA Regulations: Proving Negligence in Wilson County

Federal law is the backbone of every truck accident case. The FMCSA regulations (found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399) set strict safety standards that every motor carrier operating in Wilson County must follow. When these rules are broken, it is strong evidence of negligence. Some of the most critical parts we examine include:

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the leading cause of heavy truck crashes. Drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. In the fast-paced oilfield environment surrounding Wilson County, drivers are often pressured to violate these limits. A driver who has been awake for 20 hours has the same level of impairment as someone who is legally intoxicated. We subpoena ELD data to prove the driver was a “tired missile” on our roads.

Part 391: Driver Qualifications

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. This includes conducting thorough background checks, verifying CDLs, and ensuring the driver has a valid medical certificate. If a company hired a driver with a history of DWIs or serious traffic violations to drive through Wilson County, they can be held liable for “negligent hiring.”

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

An 80,000-pound truck with failing brakes is a death trap. Federal law requires systematic inspection and repair of all commercial vehicles. We routinely find evidence that trucking companies deferred maintenance on brake pads or tire replacements to save a few dollars, leading to a blowout or brake failure on US-181.

Part 393: Cargo Securement

Improperly loaded cargo can cause an 18-wheeler to jackknife or roll over. In Wilson County, we see many accidents caused by shifting loads in gravel trucks or produced-water tankers. Proving the cargo was not secured according to federal standards can bring the loading company and the shipper into the lawsuit as liable parties.

Identifying the Full Liability Chain in Wilson County

One of the biggest mistakes a general car accident lawyer makes is only suing the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that there is often a web of responsible parties. By identifying every liable entity, we can “stack” insurance policies to ensure there is enough coverage to pay for the massive medical costs associated with catastrophic injuries. In a typical Wilson County truck wreck, we investigate:

• The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring.
• The Maintenance Provider: If a third-party mechanic failed to fix a known brake or steering issue.
• The Cargo Loader: If an unbalanced load caused a rollover.
• The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier that they knew—or should have known—had a dangerous safety rating.
• The Truck Manufacturer: If a defect in the underride guard or the ABS system contributed to the severity of the wreck.
• The Government Entity: If poor road design or improper signage on a Wilson County road played a role.
• The Oilfield Operator: For creating unsafe traffic patterns or pressuring contractors to ignore safety rules.

Our goal is to leave no stone unturned. If there is a party that contributed to your suffering, we will find them. Learn more in our video: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4.

Catastrophic Injuries on Wilson County Roads: The Human Cost

We wish we only met Wilson County families under better circumstances. The reality of our work is that we see the most devastating injuries the human body can endure. These injuries don’t just require a few weeks of physical therapy; they require a lifetime of care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs are common in 18-wheeler accidents because of the sheer force of the impact. Even with a modern airbag, the brain can strike the inside of the skull with enough force to cause permanent cognitive damage. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5M to $9.8M for TBI victims. We work with neurologists and life care planners to ensure your future needs—cognitive therapy, 24/7 care, and housing modifications—are fully funded.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A crushed vertebrae can mean you never walk again. The lifetime cost for a quadriplegic can exceed $25 million. If you are facing this reality after a Wilson County crash, you need an attorney who can accurately project those costs over 30 or 40 years. We fight for the maximum recovery to ensure you can afford the medical technology and home care you deserve.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

The heavy steel of a truck can crush a smaller vehicle’s cabin, pinning the driver inside. These “entrapment” scenarios often lead to traumatic amputations or surgical removals. We have secured amputation settlements in the $1.9M to $8.6M range. These cases must account for the lifetime cost of prosthetics, which can cost $50,000 each and must be replaced every few years.

Wrongful Death in Wilson County

There is no greater tragedy than losing a spouse, child, or parent to a preventable truck accident. Under Texas law, surviving family members can pursue compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, and the mental anguish of their loss. We handle these cases with the utmost compassion and respect, taking the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your family. Our wrongful death settlements have ranged from $1.9M to $9.5M.

Overcoming the “Soft Tissue” Trap

We frequently see Wilson County residents who have suffered herniated discs or severe whiplash being told by insurance adjusters that their injuries are “minor” or “pre-existing.” Don’t believe them. When an 80,000-pound vehicle hits you, there is no such thing as a minor injury. A herniated disc that presses on your spinal nerves can cause chronic, debilitating pain and require multiple surgeries.

The insurance company’s goal is to get you to sign a release for a few thousand dollars before you realize you need a $100,000 spinal fusion surgery. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, knows this tactic well from his days in insurance defense. We counter this by building a comprehensive medical file that uses MRIs, nerve conduction studies, and expert testimony to prove exactly how the wreck damaged your body. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

The “Nuclear Verdict” Trend: Why Trucking Companies Fear Trial

In recent years, the trucking industry has seen a rise in “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards exceeding $10 million. Juries are tired of seeing large corporations cut corners on safety while making billions in profit. In 2021, a Texas jury awarded over $700 million in a single trucking case. While every case is unique, these industry trends show that juries will hold companies accountable when they are proven to have shown a reckless disregard for human life.

At Attorney911, we prepare every case as if it is going to a Wilson County jury. We don’t just “settle” for whatever the insurance company offers. By being trial-ready from day one, we create the leverage needed to force a fair settlement. The trucking companies know which law firms are willing to go to verdict and which ones are just looking for a quick paycheck. We have the resources, the experts, and the tenacity to take your case all the way.

Wilson County Truck Accident FAQ: Get the Answers You Need

How long do I have to file a claim in Wilson County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting even two months can be a mistake. Evidence in Wilson County truck wrecks—like roadside debris or skid marks—can be gone within days. The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your final compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a Wilson County jury finds you were 10% at fault because you were slightly speeding, but the truck driver was 90% at fault for running a stop sign, you still recover 90% of your total damages.

Is it worth suing for a delivery van accident?
Absolutely. While many Amazon or FedEx vans are smaller than a semi-truck, they still weigh 10,000+ pounds. An impact with a high-roof van on a La Vernia neighborhood street can cause serious TBIs and spinal injuries. These companies often carry millions in insurance coverage, and we treat these cases with the same level of intensity as an 18-wheeler wreck.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
Almost never. The first offer is usually a “lowball” designed to see if you are desperate or unrepresented. It rarely covers the full cost of future medical care or lost earning capacity. Our former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, knows exactly how these offers are calculated. Let us review the offer for free before you sign anything.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
It costs you zero dollars upfront. We handle all the costs of hiring accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and court filings. We only get paid if we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime. This allows Wilson County families to get the highest level of legal representation without any financial risk.

What if my accident involved an oilfield water truck on a lease road?
Oilfield accidents on private roads present unique challenges. The oil company may try to argue their safety rules don’t apply on private property or that they aren’t responsible for the actions of a subcontractor’s driver. We have extensive experience in the Eagle Ford Shale and the Permian Basin and know how to use OSHA standards and the “General Contractor” rule to hold the operator responsible for these remote incidents.

Hablamos Español?
Sí. En Attorney911, entendemos que muchos residentes de Wilson County hablan español como su idioma principal. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español con fluidez y brinda representación directa sin necesidad de intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy para una consulta gratuita.

What to Do if You or a Loved One Is Hit by a Truck in Wilson County

1. Call 911: Ensure a police report is filed by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office or the Texas Department of Public Safety.
2. Move to Safety: If you can, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic on busy roads like US-181.
3. Document the Scene: Use your phone to take as many photos as possible. Capture the truck’s license plate, the DOT number on the door, the company logo, and the damage to both vehicles.
4. Get Witness Information: Don’t just rely on the police report. Get the names and numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
5. Seek Medical Care: Go to the ER in Floresville or a trauma center in San Antonio. Tell the doctor about every symptom, even “minor” headaches or neck stiffness.
6. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911: Before you talk to the trucking company’s adjuster, before you sign anything, and before the evidence disappears.

Attorney911: Your Legal First Responders in Wilson County

When you are dealing with a legal emergency, you need a firm that responds with the same urgency as a paramedic. We are available 24/7 because we know that truck accidents don’t just happen during business hours. We have seen what these 80,000-pound machines do to families, and it makes us angry. It drives us to be relentless in our pursuit of justice.

Ralph Manginello and the entire team at Attorney911 have built a reputation across Texas as “Powerful & Proven.” Since 1998, we have been the firm that insurers fear because they know we don’t back down. Whether your accident was a jackknife on a rain-slicked Highway 87 or a high-speed rear-end collision with a distracted driver on I-37, we have the experience to win.

As client Mongo Slade said, “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.” We are ready to put that same work ethic to use for you. You are more than a case number to us. In Wilson County, neighbors look out for neighbors. We are proud to be the advocates that Wilson County families turn to in their darkest hours.

Contact Our Wilson County Truck Accident Attorneys Today

The trucking company has already started their investigation. The clock on your evidence is ticking. The medical bills are beginning to arrive. It is time to take control of your future. You deserve an attorney who treats you like family and fights like a warrior.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are positioned to serve clients throughout the state, but we have a deep connection to the communities of Wilson County. We know the roads, we know the industry, and we know the courts.

Don’t let a negligent trucking corporation dictate the value of your life. Level the playing field today with 25+ years of experience and a former insurance defense insider on your side.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 for your free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos Español. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let us start fighting for you right now.

Detailed Breakdown of Truck Accident Types in Wilson County

To successfully win a case, we must understand the physics and mechanics of the specific accident type. In Wilson County, we see several recurring patterns of negligence.

Jackknife Accidents on Rural Roads

A jackknife occurs when the trailer outpaces the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of travel. In Wilson County, this frequently happens when a driver brakes too hard on a wet road or takes a curve on Highway 97 too fast. An empty trailer is actually MORE prone to jackknifing than a full one, as there is less friction keeping the tires on the pavement. We look at the black box data to see if the driver failed to adjust their speed for the turn or road conditions.

Underride Collisions: A Death Sentence

Among the most fatal accidents we see in Wilson County are underride collisions. This is when a smaller car slides under the rear or side of a trailer. Because the trailer is at windshield height, the top of the car is often sheared off. Under federal law 49 CFR § 393.86, trucks must have rear impact guards. If these guards were poorly maintained, improperly designed, or missing altogether, the trucking company is liable for the resulting decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Wrecks

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. The right-hand side is particularly dangerous. If a truck driver merges into you on US-181 because they didn’t check their mirrors or don’t have properly adjusted blind-spot sensors, they have violated the safe driving rules found in 49 CFR § 392.11. Many modern corporate fleets like Walmart’s are now equipped with cameras to eliminate these blind spots. If the technology was there and the driver ignored it, that is negligence.

Brake Failure and Maintenance Neglect

With the steep grades and frequent stops required in Wilson County construction and oilfield zones, brake performance is critical. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires companies to “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” their vehicles. We often uncover maintenance logs that were falsified—showing inspections that never happened. If a 15-ton dump truck hits you because its brakes failed, we will find out when its last real inspection was performed.

Tire Blowouts: Negligence, Not “Accident”

Trucking companies often use “retreads”—tires that have a new tread glued onto an old casing—to save money. In the extreme heat of a Wilson County summer, these retreads can fail catastrophically. If the company used a tire with illegal tread depth (less than 4/32 of an inch on steer tires per 49 CFR § 393.75), they are responsible for the resulting loss of control. Learn more in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

Holding the Entire Chain Accountable: 16 Liable Parties

In high-stakes Wilson County trucking litigation, we cast a wide net to ensure every negligent party is identified. Most firms look at the driver; we look at the following 16 potential defendants:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct acts of negligence like texting, speeding, or driving while tired.
2. The Motor Carrier (Trucking Co): They are responsible for their employees’ actions and for the safety culture of the company.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they failed to disclose hazardous materials or provided dangerous loading instructions.
4. The Loading Company: Many 18-wheelers are loaded by third-party logistics firms. If the load shifted because of improper securement, they are liable.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: Product liability applies if the steering, brakes, or safety guards were defective from the factory.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: If a defective tire or brake component from a specific brand failed.
7. The Maintenance Garage: If a third-party mechanic returned a truck to service with known defects.
8. The Freight Broker: Brokers like C.H. Robinson have a duty to hire safe carriers. If they hire a “bottom-tier” company just to save money, they share responsibility.
9. The Truck Owner: In many owner-operator setups, the person who owns the truck is different from the company hauling the goods.
10. The Government Entity: For road defects or missing signage on Wilson County-maintained roads.
11. The Corporate Parent/Brand Owner: The “Amazon” or “Walmart” entity that controls the logistical system.
12. The Oilfield Operator: The E&P company like Occidental or EOG that oversees the wellsite traffic.
13. The Staffing Company: If the driver was provided by a temporary labor agency that failed to vet their background.
14. The Rental Truck Company: Companies like U-Haul or Penske if they rented a 26-foot truck to an obviously unqualified driver or failed to maintain the vehicle.
15. The Public Transit Agency/School District: For accidents involving buses on Wilson County roads.
16. The Federal Government: If your accident involved a USPS mail truck or a military vehicle (requires special FTCA filing).

Each of these parties brings another layer of insurance to the table. In a catastrophic injury case, having access to $20 million in combined coverage instead of just a $750,000 policy is the difference between a life of struggle and a life where your medical needs are fully met.

Navigating the Legal Maze of Damage Recovery

When we value your case, we look at three distinct buckets of damages available under Wilson County and Texas law:

Economic Damages: The Calculable Loss

This includes every dollar you have lost or will lose. We look at:

• Medical Bills: From the initial medevac flight to San Antonio to your next 20 years of physical therapy.
• Lost Income: Every paycheck you miss while recovering.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If a brain injury means you can never return to your high-paying job in the oilfield or your professional career.
• Housekeeping Services: The cost of hiring someone to do the things you can no longer do, like mowing the lawn or cleaning your home.

Non-Economic Damages: The Human Cost

This is the hardest part for insurance companies to value, and it’s where our trial experience matters most. We describe for a jury:

• Physical Pain: The daily agony of a spinal injury.
• Mental Anguish: The anxiety, depression, and PTSD that follows a near-death experience.
• Disfigurement: The emotional toll of visible scarring or an amputated limb.
• Loss of Consortium: The impact the injury has on your relationship with your spouse and children.

Punitive Damages: Punishing Gross Negligence

If we can prove the trucking company acted with “malice” or “gross negligence”—such as knowingly letting a driver with an active drug addiction operate an 80,000-pound truck—we can pursue punitive damages. These are designed purely to punish the company and deter others in Wilson County from acting the same way. These awards can reach into the millions and are separate from your medical compensation.

Your Case Matters. Your Recovery Starts Here.

If you are a resident of Wilson County and an 18-wheeler has taken your health, your mobility, or a member of your family, we are ready to stand with you. We have seen the tactics these companies use, and we aren’t impressed. We are here to fight, and we are here to win.

As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We invite you to experience that level of dedication for yourself.

One Call. One Firm. One Choice: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Call our Wilson County truck accident lawyers right now. Let’s make them pay for what they did.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the specific facts of your situation. Attorney911 operates on a contingency fee basis; fees are calculated as a percentage of your total recovery. Case results mentioned reflect outcomes of specific litigations and are not a guarantee of results in your case. Historical case examples from Section L (e.g., Werner Enterprises, Ramsey) are public record industry examples and were NOT litigated by Attorney911.