18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Aransas County, Texas – Attorney911

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving down Highway 35 or FM 136 in Aransas County, Texas, heading to Rockport, Fulton, or Lamar. The next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across three lanes, crushing your vehicle, and changing your life forever. The pain is immediate. The fear is overwhelming. And the questions come fast:

Who’s responsible for this nightmare?
How will I pay my medical bills when I can’t work?
Will I ever recover from these injuries?

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Aransas County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need Attorney911 – the firm that trucking companies fear and accident victims trust.

Why Aransas County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Aransas County’s unique geography and economic activity create special risks for trucking accidents:

Highway 35 corridor – Heavy truck traffic serving the Port of Corpus Christi and industrial facilities
FM 136 and FM 774 – Rural roads with limited shoulders and sudden traffic patterns
Port of Aransas – Increased truck traffic handling cargo, fuel, and industrial supplies
Seasonal tourism – More passenger vehicles sharing roads with commercial trucks during peak seasons
Gulf Coast weather – Sudden storms, high winds, and flooding create hazardous conditions
Oil and gas industry – Specialized trucking for drilling equipment and hazardous materials

These factors combine to make Aransas County’s highways particularly dangerous for trucking accidents. When a crash happens here, you need attorneys who understand the local terrain, weather patterns, and economic forces that contribute to these collisions.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

18-wheeler accidents aren’t like car accidents. The physics alone make them catastrophic:

80,000 pounds – A fully loaded truck weighs 20-25 times more than your car
525 feet to stop – At 65 mph, a truck needs nearly two football fields to stop
8x more likely to be fatal – Truck crashes are significantly more deadly than car crashes
5,100+ deaths annually – Over 5,000 Americans die in truck crashes every year
125,000+ injuries – Hundreds of thousands more suffer life-altering injuries

In Aransas County, these statistics become personal. The truck that hit you might have been hauling fuel to the Port of Aransas, delivering supplies to Rockport’s fishing industry, or transporting equipment for the local oil and gas operations. Whatever its cargo, that truck’s massive size and weight mean your injuries are likely severe.

Common Catastrophic Injuries from Aransas County Trucking Accidents

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents in Aransas County are often life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violent forces in a truck collision can cause your brain to impact the inside of your skull. TBI symptoms range from headaches and memory problems to permanent cognitive impairment. Many victims never fully recover their pre-accident abilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) and paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) are common outcomes that require lifetime care costing millions.

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck impacts often require surgical amputation. Losing a limb changes every aspect of your life – your ability to work, your independence, and your self-image.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and cargo spills can cause horrific burns. Third and fourth-degree burns require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and leave permanent scarring.

Internal Organ Damage

The blunt force trauma from a truck collision can rupture internal organs, cause internal bleeding, and require emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, families are left devastated. Wrongful death claims seek compensation for lost income, companionship, and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one.

Why Trucking Companies Are Fighting Against You Right Now

While you’re in the hospital or recovering at home, the trucking company is already working to protect their interests:

Rapid response teams are dispatched to the accident scene within hours
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim
Evidence like black box data and dashcam footage is at risk of being destroyed
Witness statements are being taken to support the trucking company’s version of events

Trucking companies have one goal: pay you as little as possible. They’ll use every tactic in the book to deny responsibility, blame you, or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We Win Against Trucking Companies

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our firm is built to fight – and win – against the largest trucking companies and their powerful insurance carriers.

1. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the other side. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, train their adjusters, and try to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

When the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls, we know what they’re really after. When they offer a quick settlement, we recognize the lowball tactics. When they try to blame you, we counter with the evidence that proves their driver was at fault.

2. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for accident victims since 1998. With over 25 years of experience, he’s secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

Our firm has handled cases against:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Major oil and gas carriers
Local Aransas County trucking companies

We know how to build cases that force trucking companies to take responsibility.

3. Immediate Evidence Preservation

In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. That’s why we act immediately:

Spoliation letters sent within 24-48 hours demanding preservation of all evidence
ECM/Black Box data secured before it’s overwritten
ELD records obtained to prove hours of service violations
Maintenance records subpoenaed to show negligent upkeep
Driver qualification files reviewed for hiring violations
Dashcam footage preserved before it’s deleted

We don’t wait. We move fast to protect your rights.

4. Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has hundreds of regulations governing trucking safety. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents.

We know these regulations inside and out:

Hours of Service (HOS) violations – Driving beyond legal limits
False log entries – Falsifying driving records
Brake system deficiencies – Poorly maintained brakes
Cargo securement failures – Improperly secured loads
Drug and alcohol violations – Operating under the influence
Unqualified drivers – Hiring drivers without proper licenses or training

Proving these violations is often the key to winning your case.

5. Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex trucking litigation at the federal level.

Federal court experience is crucial when:

The trucking company is based in another state
The accident involves multiple states
The case involves complex federal regulations
The damages exceed state court limits

6. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

$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
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

We don’t just settle for what the insurance company offers. We fight for the full compensation you deserve.

7. Local Aransas County Knowledge

We know Aransas County’s highways, trucking corridors, and legal landscape:

Highway 35 – The main north-south route through Rockport and Fulton
FM 136 and FM 774 – Rural roads with unique hazards
Port of Aransas – Industrial truck traffic patterns
Local courts – Aransas County Court and district courts
Seasonal traffic – Increased tourism and truck traffic patterns
Weather risks – Sudden storms, high winds, and flooding

This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Aransas County

If you’ve been in a trucking accident, follow these critical steps:

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain
Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
Get the truck’s information – Company name, DOT number, license plate, driver’s info
Collect witness information – Names and contact info for anyone who saw the crash
Don’t give statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
Call Attorney911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Time is critical. The sooner you call us, the faster we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Aransas County

Understanding what caused your accident is crucial to building a strong case. In Aransas County, we frequently see:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers are under intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Many violate hours of service regulations, driving beyond the legal limits. Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving and causes thousands of accidents annually.

Distracted Driving

Cell phones, GPS devices, dispatch communications, and even eating while driving take a driver’s attention off the road. Federal regulations prohibit hand-held phone use while driving commercial vehicles.

Speeding

Trucks need significantly more distance to stop than cars. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Many trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed speed limits to meet delivery schedules.

Brake Failures

Poorly maintained brake systems are a leading cause of trucking accidents. Brake violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations. When brakes fail, trucks can’t stop in time to avoid collisions.

Tire Blowouts

Underinflated, overloaded, or worn tires can fail suddenly, causing the driver to lose control. Tire blowouts cause thousands of accidents annually, many of them fatal.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck and causing rollovers. Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 FMCSA violations.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it creates a deadly obstacle that sweeps across multiple lanes of traffic. Jackknife accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups.

Underride Collisions

When a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, the results are often fatal. Underride guards are required by federal law, but many are inadequate or poorly maintained.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need extra space to make turns. When they swing wide, they create gaps that other vehicles enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots – called “No-Zones” – where the driver can’t see other vehicles. Right-side blind spots are particularly dangerous and cause many sideswipe accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Trucking Accident?

In trucking cases, multiple parties can be responsible for your injuries. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

Direct liability for negligent driving, hours of service violations, distracted driving, or impairment.

The Trucking Company

Vicarious liability for the driver’s actions, plus direct liability for:

Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Liability for improper loading instructions, failure to disclose hazardous materials, or requiring overweight loads.

The Loading Company

Liability for improper cargo securement, unbalanced loads, or exceeding weight limits.

The Truck Manufacturer

Liability for design defects in the truck, trailer, or safety systems.

The Parts Manufacturer

Liability for defective components like brakes, tires, or steering systems.

The Maintenance Company

Liability for negligent repairs or failure to identify safety issues.

The Freight Broker

Liability for negligent selection of unsafe carriers.

Government Entities

Liability for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe roads.

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases

Winning your case requires strong, objective evidence. We pursue every available source:

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box data – Records speed, braking, throttle position
ELD records – Proves hours of service violations
GPS/Telematics – Shows route, speed, and location history
Dashcam footage – Video evidence of the crash

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File – Shows hiring practices and qualifications
Driving record – Reveals previous violations or accidents
Medical certification – Proves fitness to drive
Drug/Alcohol tests – Shows impairment at time of accident

Vehicle Records

Maintenance records – Proves negligent upkeep
Inspection reports – Shows known defects
Cargo records – Documents load securement
Weight records – Proves overloading

Company Records

Dispatch logs – Shows schedule pressure and HOS violations
Safety policies – Proves inadequate safety culture
Training records – Documents driver preparation
CSA scores – Reveals pattern of safety violations

How We Prove the Trucking Company Was Negligent

To win your case, we must prove the trucking company’s negligence caused your injuries. We use multiple strategies:

1. Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate. When drivers violate these rules and cause accidents, both the driver and company are liable.

2. Negligent Hiring

Trucking companies must verify drivers’ qualifications, check their driving records, and ensure they’re medically fit. When they fail to do this properly, they can be held responsible.

3. Negligent Training

Drivers must be properly trained on safety procedures, cargo securement, and hours of service compliance. Inadequate training creates liability.

4. Negligent Supervision

Companies must monitor their drivers’ performance, hours of service compliance, and safety record. Failure to do so creates liability.

5. Negligent Maintenance

Trucks must be properly maintained. When companies defer maintenance or ignore known defects, they’re responsible for resulting accidents.

6. Spoliation of Evidence

When trucking companies destroy or fail to preserve evidence, courts can instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable to them.

The Damages You Can Recover

In Texas, accident victims can recover multiple types of damages:

Economic Damages

Medical expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost wages – Income lost due to your injuries
Lost earning capacity – Reduction in future earning ability
Property damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Out-of-pocket expenses – Transportation, home modifications, etc.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering – Physical pain from your injuries
Mental anguish – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment – Inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement – Scarring and visible injuries
Loss of consortium – Impact on family relationships

Punitive Damages

When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Texas Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you lose your right to sue forever.

However, you shouldn’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

What to Expect When You Call Attorney911

When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what happens:

Immediate response – We answer your call 24/7
Free consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost
Case acceptance – If we take your case, we get to work immediately
Evidence preservation – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Medical care facilitation – We help you get the treatment you need
Investigation – We gather all available evidence
Demand letter – We send a formal demand to the insurance company
Negotiation – We fight for a fair settlement
Litigation – If necessary, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
Resolution – We recover maximum compensation for you

Frequently Asked Questions About Aransas County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Aransas County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the truck’s information, collect witness contact info, and call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Let us handle all communications.

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a trucking accident?

Immediately – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence like black box data and dashcam footage can be destroyed quickly.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. It creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed.

What is black box data and how does it help my case?

The black box (ECM) records operational data like speed, braking, throttle position, and more. This objective evidence often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

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.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready if trial becomes necessary.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Aransas County?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all available insurance policies and potential defendants. Even if one company goes bankrupt, other liable parties may have coverage.

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes. PTSD and other psychological injuries are compensable. Documentation from mental health professionals is important.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence:

ELD records showing hours of service violations
Dispatch logs showing schedule pressure
Witness statements about driver behavior
ECM data showing erratic driving patterns

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s complete safety record to prove their pattern of violations.

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence. We demand preservation of all video evidence immediately.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with medical experts and life care planners to project your future medical needs and calculate the present value of those costs.

The Aransas County Trucking Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

When you’ve been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Aransas County, you need attorneys who:

✅ Have 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Include a former insurance defense attorney who knows their tactics
✅ Act immediately to preserve critical evidence
✅ Understand FMCSA regulations inside and out
✅ Have federal court experience for complex cases
✅ Know Aransas County’s highways, courts, and trucking industry
✅ Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Offer free consultations with no obligation
✅ Provide 24/7 availability for accident victims

Call Attorney911 Now – Before the Evidence Disappears

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Aransas County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data gets overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company’s rapid response team is already working to protect their interests.

You need Attorney911 on your side – now.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start protecting your evidence immediately.

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. You deserve the same level of representation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your future depends on it.