Atascosa County Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide

If you are reading this while sitting in a hospital room in Jourdanton or Pleasanton, or while looking at the wreckage of your car after a collision on I-35, we know what you are going through. In Atascosa County, an accident involving an 18-wheeler or an oilfield truck is not just a traffic event—it is a life-altering disaster. When 80,000 pounds of steel slams into a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle on the way to Poteet or Lytle, the results are never minor. Your life changed in a heartbeat, and while you are focused on healing, the trucking company and its insurance adjusters are already moving to protect their billions.

We have spent more than 25 years stopping them in their tracks. Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 with a simple belief: victims of corporate negligence in Atascosa County deserve a fighter who treats them like family. We are not a settlement mill where you are just a file number. As our client Chad Harris once said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We bring the power of a firm admitted to the U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of Texas to the local roads of Atascosa County, ensuring that whether you were hit by a long-haul semi on I-35 or a sand hauler on Highway 97, you have an unfair advantage on your side.

The Immediate Crisis: Why You Need an Atascosa County Truck Accident Attorney Now

Right now, in the Eagle Ford Shale region of Atascosa County, trucking companies are operating under immense pressure. Whether it is a water truck driver who has been awake for 18 hours or an Amazon delivery driver rushing to meet a quota in Pleasanton, these drivers often prioritize speed over your safety.

When an accident happens, the trucking company’s “Rapid Response Team” is often dispatched before the ambulance even leaves the scene. They are in Atascosa County to find ways to blame you. They want to download the “black box” data and potentially overwrite it. They want to interview witnesses before they can talk to you. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello—who brings over two decades of courtroom experience—moves just as fast. We send out spoliation letters within 24 hours to legally freeze evidence including Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data and Engine Control Module (ECM) recordings.

Our firm offers a unique edge that most others cannot: associate attorney Lupe Peña. Before joining us to fight for victims, Lupe spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. He knows how they try to lowball families in Atascosa County, and he knows exactly how to break their defenses. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña hoy.

If you’ve been hurt on an Atascosa County road, call us right now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you. There are zero upfront costs to get 25 years of experience on your side.

The Eagle Ford Shale Factor: Oilfield Trucking Hazards in Atascosa County

Atascosa County sits in the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale. This means our local roads—from FM 140 to State Highway 16—are shared with some of the most dangerous commercial traffic in Texas. Oilfield trucking is a different beast than standard long-haul trucking, and these cases require an attorney who understands both Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and OSHA workplace safety standards.

Frac Sand and Water Hauler Collisions

In towns like Jourdanton and Charlotte, we see a constant stream of pneumatic sand trailers and 130-barrel produced water tankers. These vehicles are frequently overloaded, often exceeding the 80,000-pound legal limit to maximize profit for the oil company. A top-heavy water truck navigating a sharp curve on an Atascosa County ranch road is a rollover waiting to happen. The “slosh effect” of liquid cargo makes these trucks inherently unstable, and when a driver is fatigued from a 12-hour shift on a wellsite, the results are often fatal.

Crew Transport and Hot Shot Dangers

We also represent workers and families involved in crew van accidents. These 15-passenger vans, often used to transport crews to wellsites near Campbellton or Hindes, have a documented history of rollover risks. We hold the oil companies—giants like EOG Resources, ConocoPhillips, and Marathon Oil—accountable when they hire cut-rate contractors or force drivers to operate in zero-visibility dust clouds on private lease roads.

The Problem of Remote Roads

Many Atascosa County truck accidents happen on two-lane roads that were never engineered for industrial convoys. When a crude oil tanker meets a school bus or a family SUV on a narrow shoulderless stretch of Highway 97, there is no room for error. We investigate whether the oilfield operator failed to implement a proper traffic management plan, a violation that can lead to significant liability.

Don’t let the oil companies push you around. Call 888-ATTY-911 to level the playing field in your Atascosa County case.

FMCSA Regulations: How We Prove Negligence in Atascosa County

To win a truck accident case in Atascosa County, you must prove that the driver or the company “broke the rules of the road.” These rules are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, known as the FMCSA regulations. Trucking companies are required to follow these to the letter, but in our 25+ years of experience, we find they cut corners almost every time.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

This is the most common violation we see on I-35 in Atascosa County. Federal law is clear: a driver can only spend 11 hours behind the wheel after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Fatigue is a silent killer. A driver who has been on the road for 14 hours has the same reaction time as someone who is legally intoxicated. We subpoena the ELD logs to prove the driver was “running illegal” when they hit you.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies in Atascosa County have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the job. This means maintaining a “Driver Qualification File” that includes a valid CDL, a current medical examiner’s certificate, and a clean drug/alcohol history. If a company hired a driver with a history of DWIs or failed to verify their medical fitness under 49 CFR § 391.41, we pursue a claim for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Maintenance

Was the truck that hit you in Poteet able to stop in time? Under Part 396, every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under its control. Brake failures and tire blowouts are rarely “accidents”—they are usually the result of deferred maintenance to save money. We look for worn brake pads, out-of-adjustment pushrods, and “road gator” retreads that should have been replaced thousands of miles ago.

49 CFR Part 392: Safe Operation

This covers everything from speeding (392.6) to using a handheld cell phone while driving (392.82). Distraction is rampant in modern trucking. If a driver was texting or using a dispatch device when they slammed into you on US-281, we will find the digital trail and hold them responsible.

The trucking company’s lawyers know the regulations. You need an attorney who knows them better. Call (888) 288-9911 today.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Atascosa County

Every truck accident has a unique “fingerprint.” Understanding the physics of the crash is essential for your recovery. We work with accident reconstruction experts who specialize in the heavy vehicle dynamics specific to the roads of Atascosa County.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck driver on I-35 brakes too hard on a slick road, the trailer can swing out at a 90-degree angle, sweeping across multiple lanes. This often creates a multi-vehicle pileup. In these cases, we look at 49 CFR § 393.48 to see if the braking systems were balanced and if the cargo shift (393.100) contributed to the loss of control.

Rollover Crashes

Rollovers are common on the curves of Highway 16 and during high-wind events in South Texas. These crashes often result from excessive speed (Part 392) or improperly secured, top-heavy cargo. If a truck rolls onto your vehicle, the crushing forces often lead to permanent spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most terrifying crash is the underride, where a car slides beneath the back or side of a trailer. These are often fatal. We investigate whether the truck had the required “ICC bars” or rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86 and whether they were properly maintained. For side underride crashes, we hold carriers accountable for failing to install available safety skirts that save lives.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze”

Trucks have massive “No-Zones.” If a driver merged into you on US-281 or squeezed you against a curb while making a wide right turn in Jourdanton, they violated 49 CFR § 392.11. Drivers are trained to check their mirrors and signal well in advance; failing to do so is straight negligence.

Rear-End Collisions from Stopping Disparity

A loaded semi at 65 mph takes nearly two football fields to stop. If a driver was tailgating you in suburban Pleasanton or on a high-speed highway, they simply gave themselves zero chance to react. These impacts cause violent whiplash and herniated spinal discs that can require lifelong pain management.

No matter the type of crash, we’ve seen it and we’ve litigated it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation of your Atascosa County accident.

Additional Commercial Vehicle Types on Our Roads

While 18-wheelers get the headlines, many other commercial vehicles cause devastation in Atascosa County. Each has different insurance requirements and liable parties.

• Dump Trucks and Gravel Trucks: Common in Atascosa County construction and road work. These 60,000-pound vehicles often lose their loads, causing secondary accidents, or roll over due to uneven weight distribution.
• Garbage Trucks: Operating in residential areas of Pleasanton and Lytle, these trucks have massive blind spots and are involved in a high number of backing accidents involving pedestrians and children.
• Concrete Mixers: With a rotating drum that constantly shifts the center of gravity, cement trucks are incredibly prone to rollovers. The pressure to deliver before the concrete cures often leads to speeding violations.
• Rental Trucks (U-Haul, Penske): These are often driven by people with zero commercial training. If a rental company gave a 26-foot truck to an unqualified driver who hit you in Poteet, we may pursue a claim for negligent entrustment.
• Buses and Transit Vehicles: Whether it is a school bus or a charter coach, mass-casualty events require an attorney who can manage complex multi-plaintiff litigation.
• USPS and Federal Vehicles: If a mail truck hit you, the rules change. You must navigate the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which has a strict 2-year administrative deadline. We know how to handle the federal bureaucracy.

Vulnerable Road Users: When a Truck Hits a Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Motorcyclist

In the urban centers of Atascosa County, like downtown Pleasanton, pedestrians and cyclists are at extreme risk. When there is no steel frame to protect you, the impact of even a small delivery van can be catastrophic.

• Pedestrians: We see tragic cases where delivery drivers backing up in parking lots or trucks turning in crosswalks simply fail to look. Under Texas law, pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way, and truckers have a heightened duty of care.
• Cyclists: The “right hook” is a deadly maneuver where a truck turns across the path of a cyclist in a bike lane. We use 49 CFR § 393.80 to show the truck’s mirrors were inadequate or improperly adjusted.
• Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists are often blamed by insurance adjusters, but the truth is that most motorcycle-truck wrecks in Atascosa County are caused by the truck driver failing to see the smaller vehicle or changed lanes into them.

Your vulnerability is why the law is on your side. Let us protect your rights. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

The 16 Liable Parties: Why We Investigate Deeper

Most firms in Atascosa County will only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must identify every person and company that contributed to the crash. More defendants means more insurance pools.

1. The Driver: For direct negligence (speeding, distraction, fatigue).
2. The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior (employers are responsible for employees) and for negligent hiring/training.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For hiring an unsafe carrier or shipping dangerous goods improperly.
4. The Loading Company: For improperly securing the load or causing an overweight violation.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect (like a roof crush or brake failure) made the crash worse.
6. Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires or mechanical components.
7. Maintenance Companies: For failing to properly repair a known safety issue.
8. Freight Brokers: For brokering a load to a carrier they knew was unsafe.
9. The Truck Owner: In owner-operator setups, the equipment owner may have separate liability.
10. Government Entities: For poor road design or failure to maintain safe highways in Atascosa County.
11. Corporate Parents (Amazon/Walmart): We pierce the “independent contractor” shield to hold the billions behind the brand accountable.
12. Oilfield Operators: The E&P company that controls the wellsite and lease roads.
13. Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified labor to the oilfield.
14. Rental Companies: For negligent maintenance of rental fleets.
15. Public Transit Agencies: Special rules apply to government-owned buses.
16. Federal Government (USPS): Handled under the FTCA.

We don’t leave money on the table. We find every liable party. Call (888) 288-9911.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The Clock is Ticking in Atascosa County

If you wait 30 days to call a lawyer, your case might already be lost. Electronic data in modern trucks is volatile.

• Black Box (ECM) Data: This records your impact speed, braking, and steering. If the truck is put back into service, this data is overwritten by new driving events.
• ELD Logs: Federal law only requires these be kept for 6 months.
• Dashcam Footage: Many trucking companies delete non-event footage within 48 to 72 hours.
• The Truck Itself: The physical wreckage is the best evidence of impact force. If it is sold at auction or scrapped, we lose the ability to perform a forensic inspection.

We send a “Litigation Hold” or Spoliation Letter the moment you hire us. This freezes all these records and creates severe legal penalties for the trucking company if they “lose” the evidence.

Catastrophic Injuries: We Understand the Human Cost

A truck accident doesn’t just cause “pain”—it causes a permanent shift in your family’s reality. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims in Atascosa County suffering from:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

($1.5M – $9.8M range)
From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment, TBI changes everything. As Ralph Manginello explains in our educational videos, even a “mild” concussion can lead to years of cognitive rehabilitation and lost income. We work with neuropsychologists to document the full impact on your life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

($4.7M – $25.8M range)
Paralysis—whether paraplegia or quadriplegia—requires a lifetime of care. We retain life care planners who calculate every cost: from home modifications in Pleasanton to 24/7 nursing care for the next 40 years. We don’t just settle for today; we settle for your future.

Amputation and Crush Injuries

($1.9M – $8.6M range)
Losing a limb is a physical and psychological trauma. We ensure your recovery includes the highest-quality prosthetics and occupational therapy needed to regain your independence.

Severe Burns and Internal Organ Damage

Friction burns or fuel fires lead to excruciating recovery and permanent scarring. Internal damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys—common in high-speed I-35 crashes—often requires multiple surgeries.

Wrongful Death

($1.9M – $9.5M range)
If you have lost a spouse, child, or parent in an Atascosa County truck accident, our deepest sympathies are with you. No amount of money brings them back, but a wrongful death claim provides financial security for those left behind. We pursue lost future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish for the survivors.

Your recovery is our mission. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for compassionate, aggressive representation.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Accessing the Deep Pockets

In Atascosa County, a typical car accident involves a $30,000 policy. In a truck accident, we are dealing with millions.

• General Freight Minimum: $750,000
• Oil and Large Equipment: $1,000,000
• Hazardous Materials (Crude/Chemicals): $5,000,000

Large corporate defendants like Walmart or Amazon often have “Self-Insured Retentions,” meaning they pay the first several million out of their own bank accounts. They fight harder because it is their own money. This is where our insider knowledge of insurance defense becomes your greatest weapon. We know how to “stack” policies from the driver, the carrier, and the freight broker to reach the full value of your catastrophic case.

Atascosa County Truck Accident FAQ

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Atascosa County?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, in trucking cases, the real “deadline” is the first 48 hours for evidence preservation. Wait too long, and your winnable case could become unprovable.

Q: What if the driver was an independent contractor?
A: This is a classic defense used by Amazon and FedEx Ground. We use the “Control Test” to prove the company set the routes, the schedules, and controlled the driver’s methods. If they acted like an employer, we hold them liable as an employer.

Q: The insurance adjuster offered me a settlement today. Should I take it?
A: NEVER accept a quick settlement. These “lowball” offers are designed to close your case before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign, you can never ask for more. Call us first for a free evaluation.

Q: Can I sue if I was hit in an oilfield crew van?
A: Yes. Often, these involve “third-party” claims. You may have a workers’ comp claim with your employer AND a negligence claim against the van operator or the oil company. We coordinate these to maximize your total payout.

Q: I was walking and was hit by a delivery truck. Is that a truck accident case?
A: Absolutely. Pedestrian-vs-truck accidents in Atascosa County are some of the most serious cases we handle. You have the same rights to the trucking company’s multi-million dollar insurance policies as someone in a car.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Ralph Manginello?
A: Zero dollars upfront. We work on a 33.33% contingency fee. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time or the thousands we spent investigating your crash.

Why Attorney911 and The Manginello Law Firm?

When you are fighting a multi-billion dollar trucking conglomerate in Atascosa County, you need more than a local lawyer—you need a firm with a national reputation and a heart for Texas families.

• 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been taking on corporate giants since 1998.
• Insider Advantage: Our associate Lupe Peña knows the insurance company algorithms and lowball tactics from the inside. He used to defend them; now he defeats them.
• Proven Results: We have recovered over $50 million for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for TBI and amputation victims.
• Federal Court Admission: We can handle your case in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, where many interstate trucking lawsuits are heard.
• Bilingual Representation: Hablamos Español. Accidente de camión? Llame ahora.
• Personal Connection: As client Chad Harris said, you are NOT just a client—you are family.

Don’t let the trucking companies control your future. They have already called their lawyers. Their insurance team is already at the scene. It is time you got a fighter on your side.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 right now. We are available 24/7 to help you through this legal emergency. Your consultation is FREE, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. From Pleasanton to Jourdanton to the busiest stretches of I-35, we are your Atascosa County truck accident specialists.

Ralph Manginello | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | Managing Partner
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — Dedicated to Atascosa County Victims
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com