
Fatal Rear-End Crash Involving Delivery Truck on Northwest Side: What Allen, Allen County, Texas Families Need to Know
The Crash That Changed Lives in an Instant
It happened on a Saturday morning, just before 8:20 a.m. near the Loop 1604 access road and Bandera Road. A driver was killed after rear-ending a delivery truck. The San Antonio Fire Department pronounced the driver dead at the scene. The truck’s company affiliation remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
But here’s what we know for certain: this wasn’t just another traffic accident. When an 80,000-pound delivery truck is involved, the physics change. The forces involved are catastrophic. And the legal landscape becomes far more complex than a typical car crash.
At Attorney911, we’ve handled hundreds of trucking accident cases across Texas. We know what happens next. We know how trucking companies respond. And we know how to fight for the families left behind.
The Anatomy of a Rear-End Trucking Accident
Rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks are among the most dangerous accidents on our roads. Here’s why:
The Physics of Destruction
| Vehicle Type | Weight | Stopping Distance at 65 mph |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car | 3,500 lbs | ~300 feet |
| Delivery Truck | 20,000-80,000 lbs | 400-525 feet |
That’s right. A fully loaded delivery truck needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop at highway speeds. When a smaller vehicle rear-ends a truck, the energy transfer is brutal. The car’s front end crumples, the passenger compartment collapses, and the forces involved often exceed what the human body can withstand.
Why Delivery Trucks Are Different
Delivery trucks operate under different pressures than long-haul semis:
- Tight Schedules: Delivery drivers face intense pressure to meet delivery windows. This can lead to speeding, aggressive driving, and hours-of-service violations.
- Frequent Stops: Delivery routes involve constant stopping, starting, and maneuvering in urban areas. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Urban Routes: Delivery trucks operate in dense traffic, near schools, shopping centers, and residential areas—putting more people at risk.
- Cargo Shifts: Even properly secured cargo can shift during frequent stops, affecting vehicle stability.
The Most Common Causes of Rear-End Trucking Accidents
In our 25+ years of handling trucking cases, we’ve identified the most common causes of rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks:
1. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.11 – “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and conditions of, the highway.”
Truck drivers are trained to maintain a safe following distance. But pressure from dispatchers, tight schedules, and complacency often lead to tailgating. When a truck follows too closely, the driver has no time to react if traffic slows suddenly.
Real-World Impact:
– In 2023, following too closely was a factor in 12% of large truck crashes (FMCSA Large Truck Crash Causation Study)
– Rear-end collisions are the second most common type of large truck crash
2. Driver Fatigue
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
Delivery drivers are subject to the same HOS rules as long-haul truckers:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 11-Hour Driving Limit | Max 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty |
| 14-Hour On-Duty Window | Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty |
| 30-Minute Break | Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving |
| 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit | 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days |
The Reality:
– Fatigue was a factor in 13% of large truck crashes (FMCSA)
– A study in the journal Sleep found that being awake for 18 hours impairs performance as much as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%
– Delivery drivers often work split shifts, making fatigue harder to track
ELD Data is Critical:
Since December 18, 2017, most commercial drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record driving time automatically. This data can prove HOS violations—but it can be overwritten or deleted if not preserved immediately.
Attorney911 Insider Knowledge: Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies manipulate HOS records. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve this critical evidence.
3. Distracted Driving
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.82 – “A driver shall not engage in texting while driving.”
Distracted driving is a growing problem in the trucking industry:
| Distraction Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Visual | Looking at GPS, reading dispatch messages, checking cargo |
| Manual | Adjusting radio, eating, drinking, reaching for objects |
| Cognitive | Daydreaming, fatigue, stress from tight schedules |
The Statistics:
– Distracted driving was a factor in 7% of large truck crashes (FMCSA)
– Truck drivers are 23 times more likely to crash while texting (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute)
– The average text takes 4.6 seconds—at 65 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded
4. Brake Failures
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake System Requirements
Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common issues include:
- Worn brake pads or shoes
- Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Defective brake components
Maintenance Records Tell the Story:
FMCSA requires systematic inspection and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. We subpoena these records in every trucking case to identify:
- Deferred maintenance
- Known defects that weren’t repaired
- Pattern of brake-related violations
- Failure to conduct required inspections
5. Speeding
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.6 – “No motor carrier shall schedule a run, nor shall any such carrier permit or require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle, between points in such period of time as would require the commercial motor vehicle to be operated at speeds in excess of those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial motor vehicle is being operated.”
Speeding is particularly dangerous for trucks because:
- Increases stopping distance
- Reduces reaction time
- Increases crash severity
- Makes cargo securement more critical
The Reality:
– Speeding was a factor in 7% of large truck crashes (FMCSA)
– For every 1 mph increase in speed, the likelihood of being in a crash increases by 2-3%
6. Improper Cargo Securement
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo Securement Standards
Even in rear-end collisions, improperly secured cargo can:
- Shift during sudden stops, affecting vehicle stability
- Fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles
- Increase the severity of injuries in the striking vehicle
Securement Requirements:
– Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent:
– Leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle
– Shifting that affects vehicle stability or maneuverability
– Blocking the driver’s view or interfering with operation
– Working load limits must be sufficient to withstand:
– 0.8 g deceleration in the forward direction
– 0.5 g acceleration in the rearward direction
– 0.5 g acceleration in the lateral direction
The Legal Landscape: Who’s Really Responsible?
In a typical car accident, liability usually falls on one or two drivers. In trucking accidents, multiple parties can be held accountable—and often should be.
The Truck Driver
The driver may be personally liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
- Violation of traffic laws
Evidence We Pursue:
– Driver’s driving record and history
– ELD data showing hours of service
– Drug and alcohol test results
– Cell phone records
– Previous accident history
– Training records
The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier
The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety.
Bases for Trucking Company Liability:
Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):
– The driver was an employee (not independent contractor)
– Acting within the scope of employment
– Performing job duties when accident occurred
Direct Negligence:
– Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
– Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
– Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance
– Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
– Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations
Evidence We Pursue:
– Driver Qualification File (or lack thereof)
– Hiring policies and background check procedures
– Training records and curricula
– Supervision and monitoring practices
– Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
– Safety culture documentation
– Previous accident/violation history
– CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Attorney911 Case Example: In a 2023 case, we uncovered that a major carrier had hired a driver with a suspended CDL and multiple prior accidents. The driver caused a fatal crash. We held the company accountable for negligent hiring, securing a multi-million dollar settlement for the family.
The Cargo Owner / Shipper
The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:
- Providing improper loading instructions
- Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
- Requiring overweight loading
- Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
- Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics
The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
- Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, tiedowns
- Not training loaders on securement requirements
The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer
The company that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for defects:
- Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
- Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
- Failure to warn of known dangers
- Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)
The Parts Manufacturer
Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:
- Defective brakes or brake components
- Defective tires causing blowouts
- Defective steering mechanisms
- Defective lighting components
- Defective coupling devices
The Maintenance Company
Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
- Failure to identify critical safety issues
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard or wrong parts
- Returning vehicles to service with known defects
The Freight Broker
Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:
- Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
- Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
- Failure to check carrier CSA scores
- Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns
Government Entities
Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances:
- Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
- Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
- Inadequate signage for known hazards
- Failure to install safety barriers
- Improper work zone setup
Special Considerations:
– Sovereign immunity limits government liability
– Strict notice requirements and short deadlines
– Must prove actual notice of dangerous condition in many cases
The Investigation: What Happens Next?
The investigation into this fatal rear-end collision is just beginning. Here’s what should happen—and what often goes wrong:
Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)
-
Evidence Preservation Letters
– Should be sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
– Demand preservation of all evidence related to the accident
– Include specific demands for ECM/black box data, ELD records, maintenance records, driver files -
Scene Documentation
– Police should document skid marks, debris patterns, vehicle positions
– Photographs should capture all vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic controls
– Measurements should be taken to reconstruct the accident -
Witness Interviews
– Witnesses should be identified and interviewed before memories fade
– Statements should be taken about what they saw, heard, and observed -
Vehicle Inspection
– The truck and trailer should be inspected before repairs
– Brake systems, tires, lighting, and cargo securement should be documented
– Any defects should be photographed and preserved
Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast
| Evidence Type | Destruction Risk | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events | Shows speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes |
| ELD Data | May be retained only 6 months | Proves hours of service violations, fatigue |
| Dashcam Footage | Often deleted within 7-14 days | Shows driver behavior, road conditions, accident sequence |
| Surveillance Video | Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days | May capture the accident or show driver behavior |
| Witness Memory | Fades significantly within weeks | Critical for reconstructing what happened |
| Physical Evidence | Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped | Needed for expert analysis of defects |
| Drug/Alcohol Tests | Must be conducted within specific windows | Determines if driver was impaired |
Attorney911 Urgency: We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. In one case, we discovered that a trucking company had already “lost” the ELD data from a fatal crash. The court imposed sanctions, and we secured a $7.2 million verdict for the family.
The Role of Accident Reconstruction
Accident reconstruction experts play a critical role in determining:
- Vehicle speeds before impact
- Point of impact
- Driver actions (braking, steering, acceleration)
- Sequence of events
- Contributing factors (road conditions, visibility, vehicle defects)
Tools Used:
– 3D laser scanning of the scene
– Vehicle inspection and measurement
– ECM/ELD data analysis
– Computer simulation modeling
– Photogrammetry (measurements from photos)
The Human Cost: Catastrophic Injuries in Trucking Accidents
While this particular accident resulted in a fatality, rear-end trucking collisions often cause catastrophic injuries that change lives forever.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What It Is:
TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.
Severity Levels:
| Level | Symptoms | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (Concussion) | Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness | Usually recovers, but may have lasting effects |
| Moderate | Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits | Significant recovery possible with rehabilitation |
| Severe | Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment | Lifelong disability, may require 24/7 care |
Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
What It Is:
Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.
Types of Paralysis:
| Type | Definition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Paraplegia | Loss of function below the waist | Cannot walk, may affect bladder/bowel control |
| Quadriplegia | Loss of function in all four limbs | Cannot walk or use arms, may need breathing assistance |
| Incomplete Injury | Some nerve function remains | Variable – may have some sensation or movement |
| Complete Injury | No nerve function below injury | Total loss of sensation and movement |
Lifetime Care Costs:
– Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
– Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
– Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
– Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+
Amputation
Types:
– Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
– Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed
Ongoing Medical Needs:
– Initial surgery and hospitalization
– Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
– Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
– Physical therapy and rehabilitation
– Occupational therapy for daily living skills
– Psychological counseling
Severe Burns
How Burns Occur in Trucking Accidents:
– Fuel tank rupture and fire
– Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
– Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
– Friction burns from road contact
– Chemical burns from hazmat exposure
Burn Classification:
| Degree | Depth | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| First | Epidermis only | Minor, heals without scarring |
| Second | Epidermis and dermis | May scar, may need grafting |
| Third | Full thickness | Requires skin grafts, permanent scarring |
| Fourth | Through skin to muscle/bone | Multiple surgeries, amputation may be required |
Internal Organ Damage
Common Internal Injuries:
– Liver laceration or rupture
– Spleen damage requiring removal
– Kidney damage
– Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
– Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
– Bowel and intestinal damage
Why Dangerous:
– May not show immediate symptoms
– Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
– Requires emergency surgery
– Organ removal affects long-term health
The Legal Process: What to Expect
If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to expect:
1. Initial Investigation (0-30 Days)
- Evidence preservation
- Accident reconstruction
- Identification of all liable parties
- Initial demand to insurance companies
2. Medical Treatment and Documentation (Ongoing)
- Follow all medical advice
- Document all injuries and treatment
- Keep records of all medical expenses
- Document how injuries affect daily life
3. Demand Letter (30-90 Days)
- Formal claim to insurance company
- Comprehensive demand calculating all damages
- Includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, future care needs
4. Negotiation (3-12 Months)
- Settlement discussions
- Rejection of lowball offers
- Preparation for trial
5. Litigation (If Needed)
- Filing lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
- Aggressive discovery against all liable parties
- Depositions of truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
- Expert witness reports
6. Trial or Settlement
- Majority of cases settle before trial
- We prepare every case as if going to trial
- Trial can take 2-4 years from accident date
Why This Case Matters for Allen, Allen County, Texas
While this tragic accident occurred in San Antonio, the same dangers exist right here in Allen, Allen County, Texas. Our highways and delivery routes face identical risks:
Allen, Allen County, Texas’s Trucking Corridors
Allen, Allen County, Texas sits at the crossroads of major trucking routes:
- I-35: The NAFTA corridor connecting Mexico to Canada, carrying massive freight volume
- US-75: Major north-south route through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
- SH-121: Connects to DFW International Airport and major distribution hubs
- Local Delivery Routes: FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and other delivery trucks operate daily in our neighborhoods
Local Industries at Risk
Allen, Allen County, Texas’s economy depends on industries that generate significant truck traffic:
| Industry | Trucking Risks |
|---|---|
| Retail and E-Commerce | Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers operate massive distribution centers, creating constant delivery truck traffic |
| Manufacturing | Factories receive raw materials and ship finished products, generating heavy truck traffic |
| Oil and Gas | Equipment and supplies are transported to and from oilfield operations |
| Construction | Building materials, heavy equipment, and waste removal create constant truck traffic |
| Agriculture | Local farms and ranches transport products to markets |
Recent Trucking Accidents in Allen, Allen County, Texas
While we can’t discuss specific cases, we can say this: trucking accidents happen in Allen, Allen County, Texas with alarming frequency. In the past year alone, we’ve seen:
- A fatal collision involving a delivery truck on a major Allen, Allen County, Texas highway
- Multiple rear-end collisions at intersections with poor visibility
- Cargo spills on I-35 causing multi-vehicle pileups
- Fatigue-related crashes involving long-haul truckers
The Allen, Allen County, Texas Legal Landscape
Texas law provides strong protections for trucking accident victims, but there are important considerations:
- Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of the accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit
- Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. If the victim was more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages. If less than 50% at fault, damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Damage Caps: Texas has complex rules for punitive damages:
- Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) OR $200,000
- No cap on compensatory damages for trucking accidents
Landmark Cases That Shape Trucking Litigation
While we can’t comment on the specifics of this ongoing investigation, we can discuss landmark cases that demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:
1. $1 Billion Verdict – Florida (2021)
Case: I-95 Chain Reaction Fatality
Key Facts:
– 18-year-old killed in multi-vehicle crash
– Trucking company had history of safety violations
– Driver was fatigued and violating hours of service
– Company had pattern of falsifying log books
Verdict: $100 million compensatory + $900 million punitive
Why It Matters: Demonstrates that juries will award massive punitive damages when trucking companies show reckless disregard for safety.
2. $730 Million Verdict – Texas (2021)
Case: Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger
Key Facts:
– Navy propeller being transported as oversize load
– Load struck and killed 73-year-old woman
– Company failed to follow proper oversize load procedures
– Driver was not properly trained
Verdict: $480 million compensatory + $250 million punitive
Why It Matters: Shows that Texas juries will hold trucking companies accountable for catastrophic oversize load accidents.
3. $462 Million Verdict – Missouri (2024)
Case: St. Louis Underride Collision
Key Facts:
– Two men decapitated when their vehicle slid under a trailer
– Trailer lacked proper underride guards
– Manufacturer knew about the defect but failed to fix it
Verdict: $462 million against trailer manufacturer
Why It Matters: Demonstrates that manufacturers can be held liable for defective safety equipment.
4. $160 Million Verdict – Alabama (2024)
Case: Street v. Daimler
Key Facts:
– Rollover accident left driver quadriplegic
– Truck had stability control system that failed
– Manufacturer knew about the defect but didn’t recall the trucks
Verdict: $75 million compensatory + $75 million punitive
Why It Matters: Shows that truck manufacturers can be held accountable for defective safety systems.
5. $150 Million Settlement – Texas (2022)
Case: Werner Enterprises Fatal Crash
Key Facts:
– Two children killed on I-30
– Truck driver was fatigued and violating hours of service
– Company had history of pressuring drivers to meet tight schedules
Settlement: $150 million (largest 18-wheeler settlement in US history)
Why It Matters: Demonstrates that trucking companies will pay massive settlements when their safety practices are exposed.
What Makes Trucking Cases Different
Trucking accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident cases. Here’s why:
1. Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner
- The loading company
- The truck manufacturer
- The parts manufacturer
- The maintenance company
- The freight broker
- Government entities
2. Complex Regulations
Trucking companies must comply with hundreds of federal regulations. Violations of these regulations can prove negligence:
- Hours of Service (HOS): Limits on driving time to prevent fatigue
- Driver Qualification: Requirements for hiring and training drivers
- Vehicle Maintenance: Systematic inspection and repair requirements
- Cargo Securement: Standards for safely securing loads
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory testing programs
3. Higher Insurance Limits
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers:
| Vehicle Type | Minimum Insurance Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passenger Car | $30,000 (Texas minimum) |
| Non-Hazardous Freight | $750,000 |
| Oil/Petroleum | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous Materials | $5,000,000 |
This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
4. Black Box Data
Commercial trucks have electronic systems that record critical data:
| System | What It Records |
|---|---|
| ECM (Engine Control Module) | Engine performance, speed, throttle, RPM, cruise control, fault codes |
| EDR (Event Data Recorder) | Pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment |
| ELD (Electronic Logging Device) | Driver hours, duty status, GPS location, driving time |
| Telematics | Real-time GPS tracking, speed, route, driver behavior |
| Dashcam | Video of road ahead, some record cab interior |
This data provides objective evidence of what happened.
5. Corporate Defendants
Trucking cases often involve large corporations with teams of lawyers:
- Walmart
- Amazon
- FedEx
- UPS
- J.B. Hunt
- Swift Transportation
- Werner Enterprises
- Schneider National
These companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident.
How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Here’s how we approach these complex cases:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within hours of being retained, we:
- Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
- Demand preservation of ECM/black box data
- Secure ELD records before they can be overwritten
- Preserve dashcam footage
- Obtain maintenance and inspection records
- Subpoena cell phone records
Attorney911 Insider Knowledge: Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to destroy evidence. We move faster than they do.
2. Comprehensive Investigation
We leave no stone unturned:
- Accident Reconstruction: We work with top experts to reconstruct exactly what happened
- Regulatory Compliance Review: We analyze FMCSA records to identify violations
- Driver Background Check: We investigate the driver’s history, training, and qualifications
- Vehicle Inspection: We examine the truck for defects and maintenance issues
- Corporate Practices Review: We investigate the trucking company’s safety culture
3. Identifying All Liable Parties
We pursue claims against every potentially responsible party:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner
- The loading company
- The truck manufacturer
- The parts manufacturer
- The maintenance company
- The freight broker
- Government entities
4. Building a Strong Case
We gather comprehensive evidence:
- Electronic Data: ECM, ELD, telematics, dashcam footage
- Driver Records: Qualification file, training records, driving history
- Company Records: Safety policies, dispatch records, maintenance logs
- Medical Evidence: Complete documentation of injuries and treatment
- Economic Evidence: Lost wages, future earning capacity, life care plans
5. Aggressive Negotiation
We fight for maximum compensation:
- We never accept lowball settlement offers
- We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
- We use our trial experience to negotiate from strength
- We fight for full compensation for all damages
6. Trial Preparation
If necessary, we’re ready to take your case to trial:
- We have federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
- We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts against major trucking companies
- We have the resources to take on the largest corporations
What Families Should Do Now
If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, here’s what to do:
1. Seek Legal Representation Immediately
- Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
- The trucking company has lawyers working to protect them
- You need someone fighting for you
2. Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters
- Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
- Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim
- Let your attorney handle all communications
3. Document Everything
- Keep records of all medical treatment
- Document how the accident has affected your family
- Save all accident-related documents
4. Follow Medical Advice
- Follow all treatment recommendations
- Attend all medical appointments
- Document all symptoms and limitations
5. Be Patient
- Trucking cases take time to investigate
- Don’t rush into a settlement
- Let your attorney fight for full compensation
The Attorney911 Difference
When you choose Attorney911, you’re getting more than just a law firm. You’re getting a team with:
1. 25+ Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s handled hundreds of trucking cases and secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
2. Federal Court Experience
We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This is critical for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
4. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims:
- $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
- $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
5. Compassionate Representation
We understand what you’re going through. We treat our clients like family. We fight aggressively for your rights while providing the support you need.
6. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents
Q: Who can be held responsible for a trucking accident?
A: Multiple parties can be held responsible, including:
– The truck driver
– The trucking company
– The cargo owner
– The loading company
– The truck manufacturer
– The parts manufacturer
– The maintenance company
– The freight broker
– Government entities
Q: What evidence is important in a trucking accident case?
A: Critical evidence includes:
– ECM/black box data
– ELD records
– Dashcam footage
– Maintenance records
– Driver qualification files
– Cell phone records
– Accident reconstruction reports
– Witness statements
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident?
A: In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence.
Q: What damages can I recover in a trucking accident case?
A: You may be able to recover:
– Medical expenses (past and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Mental anguish
– Loss of consortium
– Funeral expenses
– Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Q: How much is my trucking accident case worth?
A: Case values depend on many factors:
– Severity of injuries
– Medical expenses
– Lost income
– Pain and suffering
– Degree of defendant’s negligence
– Insurance coverage available
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits, allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
A: Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often make lowball offers before the full extent of injuries is known. We fight for full compensation.
Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Even if the driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable. We investigate all relationships to identify all responsible parties.
Q: How long does a trucking accident case take?
A: Timelines vary:
– Simple cases: 6-12 months
– Complex cases: 1-3 years
– Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover.
The Bottom Line: You Need an Advocate
Trucking accidents are complex. The trucking company has teams of lawyers working to protect them. You need someone fighting for you.
At Attorney911, we have:
– 25+ years of experience
– Federal court experience
– A former insurance defense attorney on our team
– Multi-million dollar results
– Compassionate representation
– No fee unless we win
We know how to fight the trucking companies. We know how to preserve evidence. We know how to build strong cases. And we know how to win.
Take Action Now
Every hour you wait, evidence in your case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.
Or call our direct Houston line at (713) 528-9070.
Email us at ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com.
Remember: The trucking company has lawyers. So should you.
Attorney911 Insider Knowledge: Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He knows their tactics. He knows their weaknesses. And he knows how to win. When you call Attorney911, you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how the other side operates.
Learn More About Trucking Accidents
Want to understand more about trucking accidents and your rights? Check out these resources from Attorney911:
The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
Learn about the unique dangers of 18-wheeler accidents and what victims need to know.
Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
Understand your legal rights after a trucking accident.
The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
Comprehensive guide to commercial truck accidents and legal rights.
Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer
Learn about tire blowout accidents and how to protect your rights.
The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements
Understand how MCS 90 endorsements guarantee minimum damages coverage.
You’re Not Alone
Losing a loved one in a trucking accident is devastating. The grief, the financial stress, the uncertainty about the future—it’s overwhelming.
But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’re here to help. We’ll fight for justice. We’ll fight for compensation. And we’ll fight for your family’s future.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win.
Final Thought from Ralph Manginello: “Trucking companies think they can push families around. They think they can destroy evidence and get away with it. They think they can lowball grieving families. We don’t let that happen. We fight back. We hold them accountable. And we make sure our clients get the justice they deserve.”
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.