18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Burleson County: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of families across Texas are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Burleson County, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal team that understands the unique dangers of our local trucking corridors and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims in Burleson County and throughout Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families whose lives were forever changed by 18-wheeler crashes. We know the Burleson County court system, the local trucking routes, and most importantly, we know how to win against the trucking industry’s army of lawyers and insurance adjusters.

Why Burleson County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Burleson County sits at a critical juncture of Texas’s trucking network. Our highways see heavy commercial traffic moving between major distribution hubs, agricultural centers, and oilfield operations. The trucking corridors serving Burleson County – including State Highway 21, FM 50, and nearby I-10 and US-77 – present unique challenges:

Agricultural trucking from local farms and ranches creates seasonal peaks in heavy vehicle traffic
Oilfield equipment haulers transport oversized loads that require special permits
Distribution center traffic from nearby warehouses increases congestion at key intersections
Long-haul truckers traveling between Houston and points north often push hours of service limits
Rural road conditions with limited shoulders and lighting create additional hazards

These factors combine to make Burleson County’s roads particularly dangerous for passenger vehicles sharing the road with large commercial trucks. When accidents happen here, they often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death due to the size and weight disparity between 80,000-pound trucks and 3,500-pound cars.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 20-25 times more than a passenger vehicle. At highway speeds, this creates forces that simply overwhelm smaller vehicles.

Common catastrophic injuries we see in Burleson County trucking accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries from the extreme forces of impact
Spinal cord damage and paralysis when vehicles are crushed
Amputations from crushing injuries or entrapment
Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures or hazardous cargo spills
Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
Wrongful death in the most tragic cases

These injuries often require lifelong medical care, result in permanent disability, and change families forever. The trucking companies responsible for these accidents have teams of lawyers working immediately to protect their interests – you need someone fighting just as hard for you.

How Trucking Companies Cut Corners – And Cost Lives

Trucking companies are under constant pressure to deliver goods faster and cheaper. This profit-driven mentality leads to dangerous shortcuts that put everyone on Burleson County’s roads at risk:

1. Hours of Service Violations – The Fatigue Factor

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute breaks after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Yet in our cases, we routinely find drivers who:

Drive 14+ hours straight without breaks
Falsify logbooks to hide violations (even with ELDs)
Are pressured by dispatchers to meet unrealistic deadlines
Drive through the night without proper rest

Fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Studies show that being awake for 18 hours impairs driving ability as much as a 0.05% blood alcohol level. After 24 hours awake, impairment equals 0.10% BAC – well over the legal limit.

2. Negligent Hiring and Supervision

Trucking companies are required to maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:

Employment applications
Driving records
Medical certifications
Drug test results
Training records

In case after case, we find companies that:

Hire drivers with multiple accidents or violations
Fail to conduct proper background checks
Allow drivers to operate without valid CDLs
Ignore positive drug tests
Don’t monitor driver performance

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to hide these violations – and how to expose them.

3. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Federal regulations require systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. Yet we consistently find:

Worn brakes that fail to stop the truck
Bald tires that blow out at highway speeds
Faulty lighting that makes trucks invisible at night
Defective coupling devices that cause trailer separations
Unrepaired damage from previous accidents

Maintenance records often reveal a pattern of deferred repairs to save money – at the expense of public safety.

4. Improper Cargo Loading

Cargo securement violations cause rollovers, jackknifes, and spilled loads that create highway hazards. Common problems include:

Inadequate tiedowns that fail during transit
Unbalanced loads that affect vehicle stability
Overloaded trailers exceeding weight limits
Improperly secured hazardous materials
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

When cargo shifts or spills, the results can be deadly for nearby motorists.

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases

In Burleson County trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Electronic Data: The Truck’s “Black Box”

Commercial trucks have sophisticated electronic systems that record operational data:

ECM (Engine Control Module): Records speed, throttle position, RPM, cruise control status, and fault codes
ELD (Electronic Logging Device): Tracks hours of service, GPS location, and driving time
Telematics: Provides real-time tracking of speed, location, and driver behavior
Dashcams: Record video of the road ahead and sometimes the driver

This data is objective and tamper-resistant. It can prove:

The truck was speeding before the crash
The driver failed to brake in time
Hours of service violations (fatigue)
GPS location and route history
Whether cruise control was engaged

CRITICAL WARNING: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.

Driver and Company Records

We subpoena comprehensive records that reveal negligence:

Driver Qualification File: Proves negligent hiring if incomplete or shows red flags
Hours of Service Records: Documents fatigue violations
Maintenance Records: Shows deferred repairs and known defects
Drug and Alcohol Tests: Reveals impairment at time of accident
Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving
Dispatch Records: Shows pressure to violate regulations
Training Records: Demonstrates inadequate preparation
Previous Accident History: Establishes pattern of negligence

Physical Evidence

The truck itself and the accident scene contain crucial evidence:

Skid marks showing braking patterns
Vehicle damage patterns indicating impact angles
Failed components (brakes, tires, coupling devices)
Cargo securement devices
Road conditions and signage
Surveillance video from nearby businesses

Our accident reconstruction experts analyze this evidence to prove exactly what happened and who was at fault.

Who We Hold Accountable in Burleson County Trucking Cases

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against all responsible entities:

The Truck Driver – For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment
The Trucking Company – For vicarious liability and direct negligence in hiring, training, and supervision
The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For defective components
The Parts Manufacturer – For defective brake systems, tires, or other parts
The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs
The Freight Broker – For negligent carrier selection
The Truck Owner – For negligent entrustment (if different from carrier)
Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (in limited circumstances)

Our comprehensive approach ensures we identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Burleson County

Our experience shows that certain types of trucking accidents are particularly common and dangerous in Burleson County:

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifes occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding like a pocket knife. These often result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer blocks multiple lanes.

Common on Burleson County roads due to:

Sudden braking on wet or uneven surfaces
Speeding on curves and turns
Empty trailers that are more prone to swing
Improperly loaded cargo that shifts during transit

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Particularly dangerous in Burleson County because:

Rural roads have limited lighting, making trailers hard to see at night
Agricultural and oilfield equipment often lacks proper underride guards
Wide turns at intersections increase side underride risks

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs, often causing cargo spills and secondary crashes.

Common in Burleson County due to:

Speeding on rural highways with sharp curves
Improperly secured agricultural loads
Top-heavy oilfield equipment
Roadside hazards like soft shoulders

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks require much longer stopping distances than cars. At 65 mph, a fully loaded truck needs about 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields.

Frequent in Burleson County because:

Drivers follow too closely on congested roads
Distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch communications)
Fatigue causes delayed reaction times
Brake failures from poor maintenance

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need to swing wide to make right turns, creating gaps that smaller vehicles enter. The truck then completes the turn, crushing the vehicle.

Common at Burleson County intersections where:

Trucks make wide turns from two-lane roads
Limited sightlines make it hard to see approaching vehicles
Drivers misjudge the space needed for turns

Burleson County’s Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Our familiarity with Burleson County’s trucking routes helps us build stronger cases. Key corridors include:

State Highway 21

Running east-west through Burleson County, SH 21 sees heavy truck traffic including:

Agricultural haulers transporting crops and livestock
Oilfield equipment moving between drilling sites
Local delivery trucks serving businesses and farms
Long-haul truckers traveling between Houston and Bryan-College Station

Danger zones:

The stretch between Caldwell and Somerville with limited shoulders
Intersections with FM 50 and FM 60
Areas with limited lighting at night

Farm to Market Road 50

FM 50 serves as a major north-south route through Burleson County, carrying:

Grain trucks from local farms to elevators
Livestock haulers transporting cattle
Local delivery vehicles
Commuters and truckers accessing I-10

Danger zones:

The rural stretch between Caldwell and Snook
Intersections with SH 21 and other farm roads
Areas with limited signage for truck traffic

US Highway 77 (Nearby)

While not within Burleson County, US-77 is a major trucking corridor that affects local traffic patterns:

Heavy north-south truck traffic between Victoria and Waco
Oilfield equipment haulers
Agricultural trucks
Long-haul freight

Connection to Burleson County:

Many trucks access SH 21 from US-77
Creates congestion at key intersections
Long-haul truckers often push hours of service limits

I-10 (Nearby)

The interstate sees massive truck traffic that impacts Burleson County:

Transcontinental freight moving between Houston and San Antonio
Port of Houston container traffic
Retail distribution trucks
Hazardous materials shipments

Connection to Burleson County:

Trucks accessing local distribution centers
Congestion at interchanges affecting local roads
Truckers taking shortcuts through rural routes

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Burleson County

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Burleson County, take these steps immediately:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and emergency medical services
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked at a Burleson County hospital or clinic
Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, and your injuries
Get truck information – Record the trucking company name, DOT number, license plates, and driver information
Collect witness information – Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident
Do NOT give statements – Don’t talk to insurance adjusters without legal representation
Call Attorney911 immediately – Time is critical to preserve evidence

CRITICAL WARNING: Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. Witness memories fade. The truck may be repaired or sold. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Why Burleson County Families Choose Attorney911

When you’re facing life-changing injuries from a trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to win. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. We’ve handled cases against:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx and UPS trucks
Major oilfield haulers
Local agricultural carriers

Our experience means we know exactly what evidence to look for and how to build the strongest possible case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our team includes Lupe Peña, who spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

How insurance companies evaluate claims
What makes them settle for maximum value
The tactics they use to minimize payouts
How to counter their strategies

This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage in negotiations and at trial.

3. Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This is crucial for:

Interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court
Complex cases involving multiple defendants
Cases with significant damages that may exceed state court limits

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve secured substantial verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims, including:

$5+ million for a logging accident brain injury case
$3.8+ million for a car accident amputation case (with medical complications)
$2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
Millions recovered in wrongful death cases

These results demonstrate our ability to win against even the largest trucking companies.

5. Comprehensive Investigation Resources

We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case:

Accident reconstruction experts
Trucking industry specialists
Medical experts to document injuries
Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
FMCSA regulation experts

6. Spanish-Language Services

Burleson County has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking industry workers speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña, so you can communicate directly with your legal team in your preferred language.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

7. Three Convenient Texas Locations

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Burleson County. We regularly handle cases throughout the region and can meet with you at a location convenient to you.

The Legal Process: What to Expect

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Burleson County trucking accident case, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We’ll meet with you – at our office, your home, or the hospital – to discuss:

What happened in the accident
Your injuries and medical treatment
The trucking company involved
Your legal options

This consultation is completely free, and there’s no obligation.

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours, we’ll:

Send spoliation letters to preserve all evidence
Obtain the truck’s black box data
Secure ELD records
Collect dashcam footage
Photograph the accident scene and vehicles
Interview witnesses

3. Comprehensive Investigation

We’ll thoroughly investigate all aspects of your case:

Obtaining the trucking company’s safety records
Reviewing the driver’s qualification file
Analyzing maintenance records
Examining cargo loading documentation
Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
Documenting your injuries and treatment

4. Medical Treatment Coordination

We’ll help you:

Get the medical care you need
Understand your treatment options
Document your injuries thoroughly
Coordinate with healthcare providers
Ensure all medical bills are properly recorded

5. Demand Package and Negotiation

Once your treatment is complete, we’ll:

Prepare a comprehensive demand package
Calculate all your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
Send the demand to the trucking company’s insurance carrier
Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which creates leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if litigation becomes necessary.

Common Questions About Burleson County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we can investigate, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This allows for larger recoveries than typical car accident cases.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation creates leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court. Our willingness to go to trial often leads to better settlement offers.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

What if the trucking company says I’m lying about my injuries?

Insurance companies routinely try to minimize claims by:

Arguing that injuries existed before the accident
Claiming you didn’t seek treatment soon enough
Suggesting you’re exaggerating symptoms
Using surveillance to catch you doing activities that “prove” you’re not injured

We counter these tactics with:

Medical records documenting your injuries
Expert testimony from treating physicians
Documentation of your pain and limitations
Evidence of the accident’s severity

Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver owns their own truck, both the driver and the trucking company that hired them may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We identify all available insurance coverage early in the case. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance policies should still provide coverage for your injuries.

How long will my case take?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

The Attorney911 Difference: Fighting for Burleson County Families

When you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident, you need more than just legal representation – you need a team that will fight aggressively for your rights while treating you with compassion and respect. Here’s what makes Attorney911 different:

We Treat You Like Family

Our clients consistently tell us we treat them like family, not just case numbers. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident takes on families, and we’re committed to supporting you through every step of the process.

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Many law firms won’t take cases they consider too difficult or not lucrative enough. We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation, regardless of their case’s complexity.

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

We Solve Cases Faster Than Competitors

While some firms let cases drag on for years, we work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We don’t settle for lowball offers. We fight for every dollar you deserve.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

We Offer Direct Attorney Access

You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys, not just case managers or paralegals.

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

We Speak Your Language

With fluent Spanish speakers on staff, we can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients in their preferred language.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After an 18-wheeler accident in Burleson County, the trucking company has:

A team of lawyers working to protect their interests
Rapid-response investigators gathering evidence
Insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim
Millions of dollars in resources

You deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Attorney911, we have:

25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
A former insurance defense attorney on our team
Federal court experience for complex cases
A track record of multi-million dollar results
The resources to thoroughly investigate your case
A commitment to treating you like family

Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten. Witnesses forget what they saw. Don’t wait – call us immediately for a free consultation.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Burleson County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We offer:

Free consultations
No fee unless we win your case
24/7 availability
Spanish-language services