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

If you’ve been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident on the highways around Aransas Pass, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of trucking litigation in the Coastal Bend region. At Attorney911, our Aransas Pass trucking accident attorneys have been fighting for victims of commercial vehicle crashes for over 25 years. We know the local trucking corridors, the common accident patterns in Nueces County, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Aransas Pass Are Different

The roads serving Aransas Pass and the surrounding Coastal Bend area present unique risks for trucking accidents. Major freight routes like Highway 35, Highway 361, and the nearby I-37 corridor connect the Port of Corpus Christi to distribution centers throughout South Texas, creating heavy commercial traffic in our community. These highways see significant truck traffic from:

• Port-related freight from Corpus Christi
• Oil and gas industry shipments
• Agricultural products from the Coastal Bend region
• Retail distribution for local businesses

The mix of local traffic, tourist vehicles, and commercial trucks creates dangerous conditions, especially during peak travel times and inclement weather that’s common along the Gulf Coast.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in the Aransas Pass Area

Our attorneys have handled numerous trucking cases in Aransas Pass and throughout Nueces County. Some of the most common causes we see include:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers working for carriers serving Aransas Pass often violate federal hours of service regulations. The FMCSA limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving. When drivers exceed these limits to meet delivery deadlines, they become dangerously fatigued. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to conceal violations.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

The humid coastal climate around Aransas Pass accelerates vehicle wear, making proper maintenance even more critical. We’ve handled cases involving:

• Worn brake pads and shoes
• Improperly adjusted brakes
• Air brake system failures
• Tire blowouts from improper inflation or worn tread
• Lighting and reflector failures

Cargo Securement Issues

Improperly secured cargo is a significant hazard on Aransas Pass highways. When loads shift or spill, they can cause:

• Rollover accidents
• Jackknife crashes
• Debris on roadways that strike other vehicles
• Loss of vehicle control

The FMCSA has specific cargo securement requirements (49 CFR § 393.100-136) that carriers must follow. We’ve seen cases where local loading companies failed to properly secure agricultural equipment, oilfield materials, and other cargo common in our region.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite federal regulations prohibiting mobile phone use while driving (49 CFR § 392.82), we continue to see cases where drivers were texting, using dispatch devices, or otherwise distracted. We also handle cases involving:

• Alcohol impairment
• Prescription drug misuse
• Illegal drug use
• Medical conditions that impair driving ability

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The open stretches of highway around Aransas Pass can tempt drivers to exceed speed limits. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distances, making it particularly dangerous when combined with the weight of a fully loaded 18-wheeler. We’ve handled cases where drivers were speeding to make up time lost to port delays or other scheduling issues.

Catastrophic Injuries from Aransas Pass Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers (up to 80,000 pounds) compared to passenger vehicles (typically 3,500-4,000 pounds) means that trucking accidents in Aransas Pass often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in trucking cases. Even a “mild” concussion can have long-lasting effects, while severe TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and the need for lifelong care. The impact forces in a trucking collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in:

• Contusions (bruising of brain tissue)
• Diffuse axonal injury (tearing of brain structures)
• Penetrating injuries
• Anoxic injuries (oxygen deprivation)

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist, affecting legs and possibly bladder/bowel control
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs, often requiring ventilator assistance
• Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains, with varying degrees of impairment

The lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries can exceed $5 million, making it essential to pursue full compensation from all liable parties.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents can result in traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations when limbs are too severely damaged to save. Amputations require:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each, with replacements needed throughout life)
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home modifications

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, cargo spills, and electrical fires can cause severe burns requiring:

• Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
• Treatment for infections
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling for trauma and disfigurement

Internal Organ Damage

The impact forces in trucking accidents can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or punctures
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives in Aransas Pass, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Who Can Be Held Liable in Aransas Pass Trucking Accidents?

Unlike typical car accidents where liability usually falls on one driver, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Our Aransas Pass trucking accident attorneys investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving (hours of service violations)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company can be held liable through:

• Vicarious liability: For the driver’s negligent acts within the scope of employment
• Direct negligence:
  • Negligent hiring (failing to check driving record or qualifications)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
  • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
  • Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations)

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

• Defective brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Truck Owners (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment of vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Improper work zone setup

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Engine Control Modules record speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten within 30 days.
• ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices record hours of service, GPS location, and driving time. FMCSA requires only 6 months retention.
• Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras often overwrite footage within 7-14 days.
• GPS/Telematics Data: Real-time tracking data showing route, speed, and driver behavior.
• Cell Phone Records: To prove distracted driving.
• Dispatch Records: Communications between driver and company about routes and deadlines.

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, driving record, medical certification, drug test results, training records.
• Hours of Service Records: For 6 months prior to the accident.
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing records.

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance and Repair Records: Showing vehicle upkeep and known issues.
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections.
• Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations and repairs.
• Tire Records: Replacement history and inflation records.
• Brake Inspection and Adjustment Records: Critical for proving brake failures.

Company Records

• Safety Policies and Procedures: To show whether the company followed its own rules.
• Training Curricula: To evaluate the adequacy of driver training.
• Hiring and Supervision Policies: To prove negligent hiring or supervision.
• Insurance Policies: To identify all available coverage.

Physical Evidence

• The Truck and Trailer: For inspection by accident reconstruction experts.
• Failed or Damaged Components: For defect analysis.
• Cargo and Securement Devices: To examine loading practices.
• Tire Remnants: If a blowout was involved.

How Our Aransas Pass Trucking Accident Attorneys Investigate Your Case

Our comprehensive investigation process includes:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters the same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene if needed
• Obtain the police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
• Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic experts determine present value of all damages
• Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before the 2-year statute of limitations expires
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial (this creates leverage in negotiations)

Texas-Specific Laws That Affect Your Aransas Pass Trucking Case

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the statute is also 2 years from the date of death. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and your case becomes harder to prove as time passes.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

• You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you are found 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

Damage Caps

Texas has specific rules regarding damages in personal injury cases:

• Economic Damages: No cap (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage)
• Non-Economic Damages: No cap for most personal injury cases
• Punitive Damages: Capped at the greater of:
  • (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000)
  • OR $200,000

The punitive damage cap does not apply in cases involving:

• Intoxication offenses
• Felony crimes
• Intentional conduct

Texas Insurance Requirements

Texas requires minimum auto insurance coverage:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

However, commercial trucking companies are required to carry much higher limits:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials or passengers

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

What Your Aransas Pass Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, including:

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

Our Aransas Pass trucking accident attorneys have recovered millions for clients. Some examples of trucking accident settlements and verdicts (note: these are not our cases but demonstrate what’s possible):

• $730 million (Texas, 2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $462 million (Missouri, 2024) – Underride decapitation case
• $160 million (Alabama, 2024) – Rollover left driver quadriplegic
• $150 million (Texas, 2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $141.5 million (Florida, 2023) – Defunct carrier case
• $37.5 million (Texas, 2024) – Trucking verdict
• $35.5 million (Texas) – Family injured in truck accident

In the Aransas Pass area, we’ve seen cases settle for:

• $500,000 – $2 million for severe but non-catastrophic injuries
• $2 million – $10 million for catastrophic injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputations)
• $10 million+ for wrongful death cases with multiple liable parties

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Aransas Pass Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by trucking crashes.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years working for a national defense firm, learning their tactics from the inside. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

Local Knowledge of Aransas Pass and Nueces County

We understand the local trucking corridors, the common accident patterns in our region, and the courts serving Aransas Pass. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. We know what evidence to demand and how to analyze it to build the strongest case.

Willingness to Go to Trial

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Compassionate Representation

We understand that you’re going through one of the most difficult times of your life. Our Aransas Pass trucking accident attorneys treat every client like family, providing the personal attention and support you need while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

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

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Aransas Pass or the surrounding Coastal Bend area, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 and report the accident – Even if injuries seem minor, get a police report filed.
2. Seek medical attention immediately – Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries may not be apparent right away.
3. Document the scene – Take photos of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Your injuries
   • The truck’s DOT number and company information
   • Witness contact information
4. Get the truck driver’s information – Name, CDL number, contact information, and insurance details.
5. Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say can be used against you.
6. Call an Aransas Pass trucking accident attorney immediately – Evidence disappears quickly. We’ll send preservation letters to protect critical data.

Common Questions About Aransas Pass Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, and contact an attorney immediately. Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company.

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

Yes. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Seeing a doctor creates critical medical records that link your injuries to the accident.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Aransas Pass?

Document everything:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number

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. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Aransas Pass?

Immediately – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Aransas Pass?

Multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually yes. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Following distance
• Hours of service compliance

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation.

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Aransas Pass?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

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

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 ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Aransas Pass?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Aransas Pass?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it’s 2 years from the date of death. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

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.

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. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials or passengers

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

• Motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Contact Our Aransas Pass Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Aransas Pass or the surrounding Coastal Bend area, contact Attorney911 immediately. Our experienced trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We understand that many trucking accident victims in Aransas Pass speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

“Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows commercial trucking insurer tactics from the inside. We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas, and we’re ready to fight for you.” — Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Don’t wait – evidence disappears fast in trucking cases. Call us now to protect your rights and start building your case.