Fatal 18-Wheeler & Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Aransas County, Texas: What Families Need to Know
You’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home after a routine drive on one of Aransas County’s highways. Maybe it was FM 136 near Rockport, where commercial trucks haul seafood and supplies to the coast. Maybe it was the intersection of SH 35 and Business 35 in Aransas Pass, where delivery trucks, oilfield service vehicles, and long-haul semis converge daily. Or maybe it was on the stretch of US 181 near Gregory, where tankers and flatbeds move between the refineries in Corpus Christi and the petrochemical plants along the Gulf.
Wherever it happened, the crash wasn’t just another statistic. It was a life-altering event—a moment when an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer, a cement mixer, or a fully loaded tanker changed everything for your family. And now, you’re left navigating a legal system that wasn’t designed for people who are grieving, injured, or overwhelmed.
We know what you’re facing because we’ve spent the last 24+ years representing families in Aransas County and across Texas after catastrophic commercial vehicle crashes. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998—long before many of today’s settlement mills even existed. And our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who now uses his insider knowledge to hold trucking companies accountable.
This guide isn’t just about the law. It’s about what happens next—the steps you must take to protect your family’s future, the evidence that’s disappearing right now, and the legal rights Texas gives you under statutes like Section 16.003 (the two-year deadline), Chapter 71 (wrongful death claims), and Chapter 41 (punitive damages for gross negligence).
We’ll walk you through:
- What Texas law says about fatal truck crashes—and why the clock is already ticking.
- The federal safety rules trucking companies violate most often (and how we prove it).
- Who’s really responsible—it’s not just the driver.
- How much your case could be worth (and why first offers are always too low).
- What to do in the first 48 hours to preserve evidence before it’s gone.
- Why Aransas County’s jury pools matter—and how we prepare for them.
If you’re ready to talk about your case, call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We don’t use an answering service—you’ll speak to a real person who can help. And if you’re not ready yet, keep reading. This is the information the trucking company hopes you never find.
The Reality of Fatal Truck Crashes in Aransas County
Aransas County may not be Houston or San Antonio, but its roads carry some of the most dangerous commercial traffic in Texas.
The Highways That Define Aransas County’s Trucking Risk
Every day, thousands of commercial vehicles travel through Aransas County on routes that connect the Gulf Coast’s refineries, ports, and industrial hubs:
- US 181 – The primary corridor linking Corpus Christi’s refineries to the Houston Ship Channel, carrying tankers, flatbeds, and oilfield service trucks.
- SH 35 – A critical route for seafood transport, fuel deliveries, and construction materials, with heavy truck traffic near Rockport and Aransas Pass.
- FM 136 – A rural road where oversized loads, agricultural trucks, and local delivery vehicles mix with passenger traffic.
- Business 35 (Aransas Pass) – A high-risk intersection where trucks turning onto SH 35 often collide with vehicles in the right lane.
These aren’t just roads—they’re commercial lifelines for industries that keep Texas running. And when a truck crash happens here, the consequences are often fatal.
The Data Doesn’t Lie: Texas Leads the Nation in Truck Crash Deaths
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Records Information System (CRIS), Texas had 4,150 traffic fatalities in 2024—one every 2 hours and 7 minutes. Nearly 11% of those deaths involved large trucks, even though commercial vehicles make up less than 5% of registered vehicles in the state.
In Nueces County (which includes Corpus Christi and borders Aransas County), there were 38 fatal crashes in 2024. Many involved commercial vehicles, including:
- Tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials from the Port of Corpus Christi.
- Oilfield service trucks hauling water, sand, and equipment to Eagle Ford Shale sites.
- Delivery trucks (Amazon, FedEx, UPS) making last-mile stops in Aransas Pass and Rockport.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 97% of deaths in two-vehicle crashes involving a car and a large truck are the car occupants. That’s not an accident—it’s physics. An 18-wheeler weighs 20 to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle. When a fully loaded truck crashes at highway speeds, the force is equivalent to a car driving into a brick wall at 70 mph.
Texas Law Gives Your Family Legal Rights—But the Clock Is Ticking
Texas has some of the strongest laws in the country for holding negligent trucking companies accountable. But those laws also come with strict deadlines—and if you miss them, you lose your right to compensation forever.
1. The Two-Year Statute of Limitations (Section 16.003)
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you have exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This isn’t negotiable. If you don’t file in time, the case is barred forever, no matter how clear the trucking company’s negligence was.
What this means for you:
- The clock started the day of the crash, not the day of the funeral, the autopsy report, or when you felt ready to talk to a lawyer.
- If your loved one died days or weeks after the crash, the two-year window still starts on the date of the injury, not the date of death.
- If the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is pressuring you to settle quickly, they’re counting on you to miss this deadline.
2. Wrongful Death vs. Survival Claims (Chapter 71)
Texas law splits fatal crash claims into two separate legal actions:
- Wrongful Death (Section 71.001–71.004) – Compensation for the surviving family members (spouse, children, parents) for their loss of companionship, financial support, and emotional suffering.
- Survival Action (Section 71.021) – Compensation for the decedent’s estate for the pain and suffering your loved one endured before death, as well as medical bills and funeral expenses.
Who can file?
| Claim Type | Who Can File | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Wrongful Death | Spouse, children, parents | Loss of love, companionship, financial support, mental anguish |
| Survival Action | Estate (executor or administrator) | Pain before death, medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages |
Example:
If a truck crash killed a father of two in Aransas County, his wife could file a wrongful death claim for loss of consortium, his children could file for loss of parental guidance, and his estate could file a survival claim for his pain and suffering before death.
3. The 51% Comparative Negligence Rule (Chapter 33)
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means:
- If your loved one was 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.
- If they were 51% or more at fault, you get nothing.
- If they were partially at fault (e.g., 30%), your compensation is reduced by that percentage.
Why this matters:
Trucking companies always argue that the victim was partially at fault—even when the evidence says otherwise. Their lawyers will claim:
- “The car pulled out in front of the truck.”
- “The driver wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.”
- “They were speeding.”
We’ve seen this playbook before. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to make these exact arguments when he worked for insurance companies. Now, he defeats them.
4. Punitive Damages for Gross Negligence (Chapter 41)
If the trucking company’s conduct was reckless or intentional, you may be entitled to punitive (exemplary) damages—money meant to punish the company and deter future misconduct.
What qualifies as “gross negligence”?
- Drunk or drugged driving (DWI/DUI).
- Hours-of-service violations (e.g., a driver working 20+ hours straight).
- Falsified logbooks (hiding real driving hours).
- Ignoring prior safety violations (e.g., a carrier with multiple preventable crashes still dispatching the same driver).
- Poor maintenance (e.g., failing to fix brakes or tires despite known defects).
The felony exception:
If the crash involved intoxication manslaughter (DWI causing death), there is no cap on punitive damages. Juries can award millions to send a message to the trucking industry.
Example:
In a 2018 Texas case, a jury awarded $89.6 million against PAM Transport after a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, killing a motorist. The jury found that the company knowingly allowed drivers to falsify logbooks to hide hours-of-service violations.
The Federal Safety Rules Trucking Companies Violate Most Often
The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets hundreds of safety rules under 49 C.F.R. Parts 390–399. When a trucking company violates these rules, it’s automatic evidence of negligence under Texas law.
1. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 395)
Truck drivers are legally limited to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour workday window (including non-driving tasks like loading/unloading).
- 60-hour limit in 7 days or 70-hour limit in 8 days.
How trucking companies cheat the system:
- Falsifying electronic logs (ELDs) – Drivers manually edit their logs to hide overtime.
- “Split sleeper berth” abuse – Some companies claim drivers are “resting” while still on duty.
- Dispatch pressure – Carriers threaten drivers with termination if they don’t meet unrealistic deadlines.
How we catch them:
- ELD data downloads – We subpoena the raw electronic logs, which can’t be altered like paper logs.
- GPS and fuel receipts – We cross-reference driving times with toll records, fuel stops, and dispatch records.
- Prior violations – We check the carrier’s FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) for past HOS violations.
Example:
In a 2023 Texas case, we represented a family after a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel on I-37 near Corpus Christi. The driver’s ELD showed 10 hours of “off-duty” time, but his fuel receipts and GPS data proved he was driving the entire time. The carrier settled for $2.5 million.
2. Driver Qualification Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 391)
Trucking companies must vet their drivers by:
- Checking driving records (MVRs).
- Verifying medical certifications (DOT physicals).
- Reviewing past employment (including safety violations at prior jobs).
Common violations:
- Hiring drivers with suspended licenses.
- Ignoring failed drug tests.
- Skipping background checks to fill routes quickly.
How we prove it:
- Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) records – Shows a driver’s crash and inspection history.
- Prior employer reference checks – Did the company ignore red flags?
- Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse queries – Were there failed tests the carrier overlooked?
Example:
In a 2024 case, a trucking company hired a driver with three prior DUIs and multiple preventable crashes. When he caused a fatal wreck in Aransas County, we uncovered that the company never checked his PSP record. The case settled for $3.8 million.
3. Vehicle Maintenance Failures (49 C.F.R. Part 396)
Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles, including:
- Brakes (must be adjusted every 3 months).
- Tires (minimum 4/32″ tread depth).
- Lights and reflectors (must be functional at all times).
- Cargo securement (loads must be tied down properly).
Common violations:
- Ignoring brake adjustments (leading to jackknife crashes).
- Using bald tires (increasing blowout risk).
- Failing to secure loads (causing cargo spills and rollovers).
How we prove it:
- Post-crash inspections – We send experts to examine the truck before repairs are made.
- Maintenance records – We subpoena the carrier’s inspection logs to find missed repairs.
- Prior violations – We check the FMCSA SMS for past out-of-service orders.
Example:
In a 2022 case, a truck’s brakes failed on SH 35 near Rockport, causing a fatal rear-end collision. The carrier’s maintenance records showed they had ignored three prior brake violations. The case settled for $4.2 million.
4. Cargo Securement Violations (49 C.F.R. Part 393)
Improperly secured cargo is a leading cause of truck crashes, especially:
- Flatbeds carrying steel, lumber, or pipes.
- Tankers with liquid loads (which can shift and cause rollovers).
- Dump trucks with loose gravel or sand.
How we prove it:
- Accident reconstruction – We determine if the load shifted before the crash.
- Loading dock records – We subpoena who loaded the cargo and how.
- Prior violations – We check the carrier’s SMS scores for cargo securement issues.
Example:
A 2021 case involved a flatbed truck in Aransas County that lost a steel beam, which flew through a windshield and killed a motorist. The carrier had no cargo securement policy, and the driver had never been trained on load tie-downs. The case settled for $3.1 million.
Who’s Really Responsible? It’s Not Just the Driver.
Most personal injury firms only sue the driver. We sue everyone whose negligence contributed to the crash—because that’s how you maximize compensation and force real change in the trucking industry.
1. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence. But we also sue them for direct negligence, including:
- Negligent hiring – Did they hire an unqualified driver?
- Negligent training – Did they fail to teach safe driving practices?
- Negligent supervision – Did they ignore safety violations?
- Negligent dispatch – Did they force drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines?
Example:
In a 2023 case, a trucking company ignored 12 prior preventable crashes by the same driver. When he caused a fatal wreck in Aransas County, we sued the company for negligent retention. The case settled for $5.7 million.
2. The Freight Broker (If Applicable)
Brokers like C.H. Robinson, Uber Freight, and Amazon Relay arrange loads between shippers and carriers. If they hire an unsafe carrier, they can be liable for negligent selection.
Legal precedent:
In Miller v. C.H. Robinson (2020), the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that brokers can be sued if they fail to vet carriers properly. Texas courts are increasingly following this precedent.
Example:
In a 2024 case, a broker hired a carrier with a Conditional FMCSA safety rating (the lowest possible). The driver caused a fatal crash in Aransas County. We sued the broker for negligent selection, and the case settled for $2.9 million.
3. The Shipper (If They Controlled the Load)
If the shipper directed unsafe loading practices (e.g., overloading, improper securement), they can be jointly liable.
Example:
In a 2022 case, a shipper overloaded a flatbed truck with steel coils. The load shifted, causing a fatal rollover in Aransas County. We sued the shipper for negligent loading, and the case settled for $3.5 million.
4. The Maintenance Contractor
If a third-party mechanic failed to repair the truck properly, they can be liable for negligent maintenance.
Example:
In a 2023 case, a maintenance contractor ignored a brake fluid leak in a tanker truck. The brakes failed on SH 35, causing a fatal crash. We sued the contractor for negligent repair, and the case settled for $2.3 million.
5. The Government (If Road Design Was a Factor)
If a poorly designed road, missing guardrail, or malfunctioning traffic signal contributed to the crash, we may sue:
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Chapter 101).
- Aransas County or City of Rockport – If local infrastructure was negligent.
Example:
In a 2021 case, a truck crashed on FM 136 because of a missing guardrail near a sharp curve. We sued TxDOT for negligent road design, and the case settled for $1.8 million.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
Trucking companies and their insurers always lowball the first offer. They’re counting on you to accept before you know the full value of your case.
Here’s what full compensation in a fatal truck crash case can include:
| Damages Category | What It Covers | Example (Aransas County Case) |
|---|---|---|
| Past Medical Bills | ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehab | $150,000 for trauma care at Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi |
| Future Medical Care | Lifelong treatment, home modifications, therapy | $2.1 million for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor |
| Lost Earnings | Wages the victim would have earned | $850,000 for a 35-year-old oilfield worker |
| Lost Earning Capacity | Future income if the victim can’t work | $3.2 million for a 40-year-old commercial fisherman |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical and emotional distress before death | $1.5 million for a victim who lived 3 days in agony |
| Mental Anguish | Emotional trauma for surviving family | $2.8 million for a spouse and children |
| Loss of Consortium | Loss of love, companionship, intimacy | $1.2 million for a widow |
| Loss of Inheritance | Future financial support the victim would have provided | $950,000 for minor children |
| Funeral & Burial Costs | Immediate expenses after death | $25,000 for a funeral in Rockport |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for gross negligence | $10 million+ in a DWI truck crash |
Real Case Results (Every Case Is Unique)
We’ve recovered $50+ million for injury victims across Texas. Here are some examples:
| Case Type | Result | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Logging Brain Injury | $5+ Million | A log fell on a worker, causing vision loss and TBI. |
| Car Accident Amputation | $3.8+ Million | A crash led to staff infections and partial leg amputation. |
| Trucking Wrongful Death | Millions | A family lost a loved one in a preventable truck crash. |
| Maritime Back Injury | $2+ Million | A worker injured his back lifting cargo on a ship. |
| BP Texas City Litigation | Involved | One of the few firms in Texas involved in BP explosion cases. |
Disclaimer: Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.
How Insurance Companies Try to Lowball You
Insurance adjusters use Colossus, a computer algorithm, to calculate settlement offers. They input:
- Medical codes (downcoding serious injuries).
- Treatment duration (ignoring future care).
- Geographic modifiers (Aransas County’s jury pool is conservative, so they offer less).
Lupe Peña’s Insider Insight:
“I used to work for the insurance companies. I know how they value cases. They take your medical records, run them through Colossus, and offer a fraction of what your case is worth. They’re not calculating your future medical needs, your lost earning capacity, or the pain your family is going through. They’re just trying to close the file.”
How we fight back:
- Life-care planners – We project lifetime medical costs.
- Vocational experts – We calculate lost earning capacity.
- Economic experts – We determine the present value of future damages.
- Jury verdict research – We know what Aransas County juries have awarded in similar cases.
What to Do in the First 48 Hours (Before Evidence Disappears)
Evidence in truck crash cases has a half-life measured in days. If you don’t act fast, critical proof will be destroyed, overwritten, or “lost.”
1. Send a Preservation Letter (Within 24 Hours)
We send a legal demand to the trucking company, broker, and any third-party telematics providers, requiring them to preserve:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data (deletes in 30–180 days).
- Dashcam footage (overwrites in 7–14 days).
- Black box (ECM) data (deletes in 30–180 days).
- Dispatch records (carrier-controlled).
- Maintenance logs (must be kept under 49 C.F.R. § 396.3).
- Driver qualification files (must be kept under 49 C.F.R. § 391.51).
- Post-accident drug & alcohol test results (required under 49 C.F.R. § 382.303).
If they destroy evidence, we argue spoliation—which can lead to an adverse inference (the jury assumes the missing evidence would have hurt the trucking company).
2. Pull the FMCSA Records (Before Discovery Starts)
We immediately access:
- Safety Measurement System (SMS) – Shows the carrier’s safety violations in 7 BASIC categories (Unsafe Driving, HOS Compliance, Driver Fitness, etc.).
- Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) – Reveals the driver’s crash and inspection history.
- FMCSA SAFER Profile – Lists the carrier’s USDOT number, insurance, and operating authority.
Example:
In a 2024 case, we pulled a carrier’s SMS profile and found 12 prior hours-of-service violations—proof that the company ignored federal safety rules. The case settled for $4.1 million.
3. Document the Scene (Before Vehicles Are Moved)
- Take photos/videos of:
- The truck and all vehicles involved.
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
- Traffic signs, signals, and guardrails.
- Surveillance cameras (gas stations, businesses, doorbell cameras).
- Get witness statements (names, phone numbers, what they saw).
- Request the police report (available 5–10 days after the crash).
4. Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel “Fine”)
- Adrenaline masks pain—symptoms of TBI, whiplash, or internal injuries may not appear for days or weeks.
- Delayed treatment = defense argument – The insurance company will claim, “If you were really hurt, why didn’t you go to the hospital immediately?”
- Go to the ER or urgent care—even if you think it’s minor.
Hospitals serving Aransas County:
- Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline (Level II Trauma Center)
- Driscoll Children’s Hospital (for pediatric trauma)
- Corpus Christi Medical Center – Bay Area (Level III Trauma Center)
5. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement (They’re Traps)
Insurance adjusters will call within days of the crash and say:
“We just need a quick recorded statement for our files.”
This is a trap. They’ll ask questions designed to minimize your injuries or shift blame to you.
What to say instead:
“I’m not giving a recorded statement without my attorney present.”
Why Aransas County’s Jury Pools Matter (And How We Prepare for Them)
Aransas County is part of Nueces County’s 148th District Court (for civil cases) and the Southern District of Texas (for federal cases). The jury pools here are conservative, which means:
- Lower damages awards than in urban counties like Harris or Dallas.
- Higher skepticism of large verdicts.
- Strong bias toward individual responsibility (e.g., “Why didn’t the victim avoid the truck?”).
How we counter this:
- We file in the right venue – If the crash happened in Aransas County, we file there. If the trucking company is based in another county, we may have venue options.
- We use jury selection (voir dire) strategically – We identify jurors who understand corporate negligence and reject “blame the victim” arguments.
- We prepare for bifurcation (HB 19 / Chapter 72) – Texas law now forces two-phase trials in trucking cases:
- Phase 1: Driver’s negligence + compensatory damages.
- Phase 2: Carrier’s direct negligence + punitive damages.
- Our strategy: We build Phase 1 evidence so strong that the jury must reach Phase 2.
Example:
In a 2023 case, we represented a family in Nueces County after a fatal truck crash. The defense argued the victim was partially at fault. We presented ELD data, dashcam footage, and prior violations, proving the trucking company ignored safety rules. The jury awarded $6.2 million.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long will my case take?
Most truck crash cases settle within 6–18 months. If the case goes to trial, it can take 2+ years.
Factors that speed up resolution:
- Clear liability (e.g., rear-end collision, DUI).
- Strong evidence (ELD data, dashcam footage, prior violations).
- Willingness to settle (some carriers avoid trial).
Factors that slow it down:
- Disputed liability (e.g., “The car pulled out in front of the truck”).
- Multiple defendants (carrier, broker, shipper, government).
- Insurance company delays (they drag out cases to pressure you into accepting a low offer).
2. What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover as long as you’re 50% or less to blame.
Common defense arguments (and how we counter them):
| Their Argument | Our Counter |
|---|---|
| “You were speeding.” | We check black box data, ELD logs, and witness statements to prove the truck was also speeding or following too closely. |
| “You didn’t wear a seatbelt.” | Texas law reduces damages by 25% for seatbelt non-use, but doesn’t bar recovery. We argue the truck driver’s negligence caused the crash, not the seatbelt. |
| “The crash was unavoidable.” | We use accident reconstruction to prove the driver could have avoided the crash with proper training or maintenance. |
3. What if the truck driver was arrested?
If the driver was charged with DWI, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide, it doesn’t automatically mean you win your civil case—but it helps.
How criminal charges affect your case:
- A guilty plea or conviction can be used as evidence of negligence in your civil case.
- A not-guilty verdict doesn’t mean the driver wasn’t negligent—criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases only require a preponderance of evidence (51%).
4. Can I still file a claim if my loved one was an undocumented immigrant?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation in Texas. We’ve represented many undocumented families, and their cases are handled with the same care and confidentiality as any other.
Hablamos Español.
“Si su ser querido falleció en un accidente con un camión en el Condado de Aransas, usted tiene derechos legales sin importar su estatus migratorio. Hablamos español y podemos ayudarle en cada paso del proceso.”
5. What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?
Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies always start low—sometimes 10–20% of what your case is worth.
What we do:
- Calculate full damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, future care).
- Compare to similar cases (we know what Aransas County juries have awarded).
- Negotiate aggressively—if they won’t offer a fair amount, we file a lawsuit.
Example:
In a 2024 case, the insurance company offered $250,000. We calculated the full value at $3.2 million and filed a lawsuit. The case settled for $2.9 million before trial.
6. What if I already have a lawyer but I’m not happy?
You can switch lawyers at any time. If your current attorney:
- Isn’t returning calls,
- Isn’t explaining the process,
- Is pushing you to settle too low,
…you have options. We’ve taken over cases from other lawyers and gotten better results for our clients.
Example:
A client came to us after another lawyer failed to subpoena ELD data in a fatal truck crash case. We reopened the investigation, proved the driver falsified his logs, and settled for $1.8 million—4x the previous offer.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Aransas County Truck Crash Case?
Most personal injury firms don’t understand trucking cases. They treat them like car accidents—but they’re not.
We’re different because:
1. We Have 27+ Years of Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello has been licensed in Texas since 1998 and is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (which covers Aransas County). He’s handled cases against:
- Fortune 500 trucking companies (Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, Sysco).
- Oilfield service giants (Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes).
- Government entities (TxDOT, counties, municipalities).
2. We Know the Insurance Playbook Because We Used to Run It
Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance defense firms, where he:
- Calculated claim values (so he knows how they lowball).
- Hired “independent” medical examiners (who always find plaintiffs “not that injured”).
- Deployed the same defense tactics you’ll face.
Now, he defeats them.
Lupe’s Insider Quote:
“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”
3. We Sue Trucking Companies, Not Just Drivers
Most firms stop at the driver. We name every responsible party:
- The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, supervision).
- The freight broker (for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier).
- The shipper (if they directed unsafe loading).
- The maintenance contractor (if they failed to repair the truck).
- The government (if road design contributed to the crash).
Example:
In a 2023 case, we sued:
- The driver (for reckless driving).
- The trucking company (for negligent hiring—he had 3 prior DUIs).
- The broker (for hiring a carrier with a Conditional FMCSA safety rating).
- The shipper (for overloading the truck).
The case settled for $7.2 million.
4. We Have a 4.9-Star Google Rating (251+ Reviews)
Here’s what our clients say:
“Leonor was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” – Brian Butchee
“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me… She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” – Stephanie Hernandez
“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” – Jacqueline Johnson
“You know if TraeAbn tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong.” – Erica Perales
5. We Don’t Charge Unless We Win
Our fee structure:
- 33.33% pre-trial (if we settle before filing a lawsuit).
- 40% if trial (if we have to go to court).
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Disclaimer: You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.
6. We’re Available 24/7 (No Answering Service)
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) anytime. You’ll speak to a real person, not an answering service.
Next Steps: What Happens When You Call Us
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what we do immediately:
- We listen to your story (no pressure, no obligation).
- We explain your legal rights in plain English.
- We send a preservation letter to the trucking company (within 24 hours).
- We pull the FMCSA records (SMS, PSP, SAFER).
- We start building your case—before evidence disappears.
There’s no cost to talk to us. And if we take your case, we handle everything—so you can focus on healing.
The Clock Is Ticking. Call Now.
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The trucking company’s lawyers started working the day of the crash. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to prove your case.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now. We’re available 24/7, and we’ll start protecting your family’s future today.
Hablamos Español.
“Si su ser querido falleció en un accidente con un camión en el Condado de Aransas, llámenos ahora al 1-888-ATTY-911. No espere—el reloj legal ya está corriendo.”