18-Wheeler Accidents in Austwell, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Austwell, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges of your life. The small town of Austwell, nestled along the Guadalupe River in Refugio County, may seem far from the hustle of major Texas highways, but its proximity to key trucking corridors like US-77 and State Highway 59 means commercial truck traffic is a daily reality. When these massive vehicles are involved in accidents, the consequences are often catastrophic.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know the unique challenges of trucking cases in rural Texas communities like Austwell, where local roads intersect with major freight routes and where victims often face powerful trucking companies with teams of lawyers working against them.
Why Austwell Trucking Accidents Are Different
Austwell may be a small town with a population of just over 100 residents, but its location makes it a critical point for trucking activity. The town sits at the intersection of several important routes:
- US-77: A major north-south corridor connecting Victoria to Corpus Christi, carrying significant truck traffic including agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and retail goods
- State Highway 59: Connects to Goliad and Victoria, serving as a key route for local and regional freight
- FM 774: Links Austwell to nearby communities and serves as a local trucking route
- Proximity to Port of Victoria: Just 30 miles away, this inland port generates substantial truck traffic through Austwell
The mix of local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and large commercial trucks on these routes creates unique accident risks. Rural roads often lack the safety features of urban highways, and the combination of high-speed truck traffic with local drivers unfamiliar with large vehicle dynamics can be deadly.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Austwell
Jackknife Accidents on US-77
Jackknife accidents are particularly common on US-77, especially near curves and during wet conditions. When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it can block multiple lanes and create massive pileups. These accidents often occur when:
- Drivers brake suddenly on wet pavement
- Trailers are empty or lightly loaded (more prone to swing)
- Drivers take curves too fast
- Brake systems fail or are improperly maintained
Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections
Austwell’s rural intersections, particularly those with limited visibility or poor lighting, are hotspots for underride accidents. These occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Side underride accidents happen when trucks make turns across traffic lanes, and rear underride accidents occur when trucks stop suddenly without proper warning.
Rollover Accidents on FM 774
The rural roads around Austwell, including FM 774, have their share of rollover accidents. These typically happen when:
- Trucks take curves too fast
- Cargo is improperly secured and shifts during transit
- Trailers are top-heavy with certain types of cargo
- Drivers overcorrect after running off the road
Rear-End Collisions Near Port Facilities
With the Port of Victoria nearby, Austwell sees significant truck traffic related to port operations. Rear-end collisions are common when:
- Trucks follow too closely on rural roads
- Drivers are distracted by dispatch communications
- Brake systems fail due to poor maintenance
- Drivers are fatigued from long hauls to/from the port
Wide Turn Accidents in Town
Austwell’s small-town layout means trucks must navigate tight turns when making deliveries to local businesses. Wide turn accidents occur when:
- Trucks swing wide to make right turns
- Other drivers don’t recognize the truck’s turn signals
- Drivers attempt to pass trucks making turns
- Visibility is limited by buildings or vegetation
The Devastating Injuries We See in Austwell Trucking Cases
The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents in Austwell often result in catastrophic injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBIs are common when victims strike their heads on windshields, steering wheels, or other hard surfaces during collisions. In Austwell, where medical resources are limited (the nearest major hospital is in Victoria), delayed treatment can worsen outcomes. TBI symptoms may include:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes and depression
- Speech difficulties
- Permanent cognitive impairment
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The extreme forces involved in trucking accidents often cause spinal cord damage. Victims may experience:
- Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
- Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
- Incomplete injuries with partial loss of sensation
- Permanent disability requiring lifelong care
Amputations
Crushing injuries from truck impacts often result in traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations later. Victims face:
- Multiple surgeries and rehabilitation
- Prosthetic limbs (costing $5,000-$50,000 each)
- Phantom limb pain
- Psychological trauma
- Career limitations
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures in trucking accidents can cause horrific burns. Austwell’s rural location means emergency response times may be longer, potentially worsening burn severity. Burn injuries require:
- Skin graft surgeries
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Long-term scar management
Internal Organ Damage
The blunt force trauma from truck impacts often causes internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Common internal injuries include:
- Liver and spleen lacerations
- Kidney damage
- Lung contusions or collapse
- Internal bleeding
- Bowel perforations
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents in Austwell result in fatalities, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. These cases involve:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Who Is Liable in Austwell 18-Wheeler Accidents?
One of the most complex aspects of trucking accident cases is determining all potentially liable parties. In Austwell, multiple entities may share responsibility:
The Truck Driver
Drivers may be liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
- Traffic law violations
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because:
- They have the deepest pockets (highest insurance limits)
- They’re responsible for driver actions under respondeat superior
- They may be directly negligent for:
- Negligent hiring (failing to check backgrounds)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor drivers)
- Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
- Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)
Cargo Owners and Loaders
The companies that own and load the cargo may be liable for:
- Improper loading instructions
- Failure to disclose hazardous cargo
- Overloading beyond weight limits
- Improper securement causing cargo shifts
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be liable for defective products:
- Brake system failures
- Tire defects causing blowouts
- Steering component failures
- Lighting system defects
- Underride guard failures
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that fail 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 unsafe carriers
- Failure to verify carrier insurance
- Failure to check carrier safety records
- Selecting carriers based solely on lowest cost
Government Entities
In some cases, government entities may share liability for:
- Dangerous road designs
- Failure to maintain roads
- Inadequate signage
- Failure to install safety barriers
- Improper work zone setups
The Critical Evidence in Austwell Trucking Cases
Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data
Every modern commercial truck has an ECM (often called a “black box”) that records critical data:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Throttle position
- Engine RPM
- Cruise control status
- GPS location history
This data is objective and tamper-resistant, often contradicting what drivers claim happened. But this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days – we send preservation letters immediately to protect it.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records
ELDs are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. This data proves:
- Whether the driver violated federal rest requirements
- How long the driver had been on duty
- Whether breaks were taken as required
- Pattern of HOS violations
Driver Qualification Files
FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain complete files for every driver, including:
- Employment applications
- Driving record checks
- Previous employer verifications
- Medical certifications
- Drug test results
- Training records
Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.
Maintenance Records
Trucking companies must maintain:
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
- Annual inspection records
- Repair and maintenance logs
- Brake adjustment records
- Tire replacement history
Poor maintenance records prove negligent upkeep.
Cell Phone Records
Cell phone use while driving is a major cause of trucking accidents. We subpoena:
- Call records
- Text message logs
- Data usage
- GPS location data
Dashcam Footage
Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras that record:
- The moments leading up to the crash
- Driver behavior
- Road conditions
- Other vehicles’ actions
This footage is often deleted within days unless preserved.
How We Prove Negligence in Austwell Trucking Cases
Violations of FMCSA Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) establish legal standards for trucking safety. Common violations we find in Austwell cases include:
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
- Driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- Failing to take required 30-minute breaks
- Exceeding 60/70-hour weekly limits
- Falsifying ELD records
Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)
- Hiring drivers without valid CDLs
- Failing to conduct background checks
- Hiring drivers with poor safety records
- Failing to maintain proper medical certifications
- Incomplete Driver Qualification Files
Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)
- Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
- Ignoring known vehicle defects
- Poor brake maintenance
- Worn or improperly inflated tires
- Inadequate lighting
Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)
- Inadequate tiedowns
- Improper load distribution
- Failure to use blocking or bracing
- Overloading beyond securement capacity
- Failure to re-inspect cargo during transit
Negligent Hiring, Training, and Supervision
Trucking companies can be directly liable for:
- Hiring drivers with poor safety records
- Failing to conduct proper background checks
- Inadequate safety training
- Failing to monitor driver performance
- Pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations
Negligent Maintenance
Poor vehicle maintenance causes many trucking accidents. We prove negligence by showing:
- Failure to conduct required inspections
- Deferred maintenance to save costs
- Use of substandard parts
- Failure to fix known defects
- Inadequate brake adjustments
Spoliation of Evidence
When trucking companies destroy or fail to preserve evidence, courts can:
- Instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable
- Impose monetary sanctions
- Enter default judgment in extreme cases
- Award punitive damages
The Austwell Legal Landscape for Trucking Cases
Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This may seem like a long time, but in trucking cases, critical evidence can disappear quickly. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar rule:
- If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
This makes it crucial to thoroughly investigate the accident and prove the trucking company’s liability.
Damage Caps in Texas
Texas has complex damage caps:
- Punitive Damages: Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) OR $200,000
- Non-Economic Damages: No cap in most personal injury cases (unlike medical malpractice cases)
- Government Defendants: Damages capped at $250,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence
Venue Considerations
Austwell is in Refugio County, which has its own court system. However, trucking cases are often filed in:
- Refugio County District Court: For cases under $250,000
- Victoria County District Court: For larger cases or when venue is contested
- Federal Court: For cases involving interstate commerce or multiple states
Our firm has experience in all these venues and knows how to navigate the local legal landscape.
What to Do Immediately After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Austwell
At the Scene
- Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries aren’t immediately apparent
- Document everything – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage
- The accident scene
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Your injuries
- Traffic signs and signals
- Get information – Collect:
- Truck driver’s name and CDL number
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- Insurance information
- Witness names and contact information
- Don’t admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you
- Don’t give statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
In the Following Days
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow treatment recommendations
- Document your injuries – Keep a journal of your pain levels, symptoms, and how the injuries affect your daily life
- Preserve evidence – Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to the accident
- Contact an attorney – The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence
What NOT to Do
- Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
- Don’t sign anything – Never sign releases or settlement offers without consulting an attorney
- Don’t talk to insurance adjusters – They work for the trucking company, not you
- Don’t delay medical treatment – Gaps in treatment hurt your case
- Don’t accept quick settlements – First offers are always lowball offers
How Attorney911 Can Help Austwell Trucking Accident Victims
Our Austwell Trucking Accident Experience
- 25+ years handling trucking cases across Texas
- Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
- Former insurance defense attorney on staff – We know their tactics from the inside
- Extensive FMCSA regulation expertise – We know exactly what violations to look for
- Local knowledge – We understand Austwell’s roads, courts, and trucking patterns
Our Investigation Process
-
Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and maintenance records
- Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
-
Comprehensive Evidence Gathering
- Obtain ECM/black box data
- Subpoena ELD records
- Request complete Driver Qualification Files
- Obtain maintenance and inspection records
- Subpoena cell phone records
- Gather dispatch and trip records
- Preserve dashcam footage
-
Expert Analysis
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts to establish injury causation
- Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
- Economic experts to determine present value of damages
- Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
- FMCSA regulation experts
-
Aggressive Litigation
- File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
- Conduct aggressive discovery
- Depose truck drivers, dispatchers, safety managers
- Prepare every case as if going to trial
Our Track Record in Trucking Cases
While we can’t guarantee specific results, our firm has achieved significant recoveries for trucking accident victims, including:
- $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement (relevant to trucking cases)
- $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
- $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement (shows our ability to handle complex cases)
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
Our Unique Advantages for Austwell Clients
- Insider Knowledge – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate
- Immediate Action – We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
- Local Presence – With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Austwell
- Bilingual Services – Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters
- Contingency Fee – You pay nothing unless we win your case
- 24/7 Availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately, day or night
Common Questions About Austwell Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Austwell?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect driver and witness information, and contact an attorney immediately. Critical evidence like black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
How much is my Austwell trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on many factors:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Austwell?
Multiple parties may be liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner
- The loading company
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Freight brokers
- Government entities (for road defects)
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Austwell?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – critical evidence can disappear quickly.
Will my 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.
What if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence. 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 long will my case take?
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.
What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?
Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. First offers are always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
Why should I choose Attorney911 for my Austwell trucking case?
- 25+ years of trucking accident experience
- Former insurance defense attorney on our team
- Multi-million dollar results for trucking accident victims
- Federal court admission for complex cases
- Bilingual services for Spanish-speaking clients
- Local knowledge of Austwell and Refugio County
- 24/7 availability for trucking accident emergencies
- Contingency fee – you pay nothing unless we win
Austwell-Specific Trucking Corridors and Danger Zones
US-77 Corridor
US-77 is the primary north-south route through Austwell, connecting Victoria to Corpus Christi. This corridor sees significant truck traffic, particularly:
- Agricultural trucks hauling crops and livestock
- Oilfield equipment moving to/from the Eagle Ford Shale
- Retail goods bound for Corpus Christi and beyond
- Port-related freight from the Port of Victoria
Danger Zones:
- Curves near Austwell – Trucks often take these too fast, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents
- Intersections with FM 774 and FM 136 – High-risk areas for side-impact collisions
- Bridge crossings – Narrow lanes and weight restrictions create hazards
- Areas with limited shoulder – Breakdowns or accidents can block traffic
State Highway 59
SH 59 connects Austwell to Goliad and Victoria, serving as a key route for:
- Local freight to/from Austwell businesses
- Agricultural products from surrounding farms
- Hunting and fishing traffic during season
- Commuters between Austwell and Victoria
Danger Zones:
- Sharp turns near the Guadalupe River – Limited visibility and sudden elevation changes
- Areas with heavy deer traffic – Wildlife collisions are common
- Intersections with county roads – Local drivers may not yield properly to trucks
FM 774
This rural route links Austwell to nearby communities and sees:
- Local truck traffic serving rural areas
- Agricultural vehicles moving crops and equipment
- Oilfield service vehicles during drilling activity
Danger Zones:
- Narrow bridges – Trucks must slow significantly
- Limited visibility intersections – Overgrown vegetation can obscure signs
- Gravel shoulders – Can cause trucks to lose control
Port of Victoria Traffic
The Port of Victoria, just 30 miles from Austwell, generates significant truck traffic through the area:
- Container trucks moving goods to/from the port
- Bulk cargo trucks hauling grain, aggregates, and other materials
- Oversize/overweight loads requiring special permits
Danger Zones:
- Route to/from the port – Trucks often travel at high speeds
- Weigh stations – Sudden stops can cause rear-end collisions
- Local roads not designed for heavy trucks – Structural damage and safety hazards
The Austwell Trucking Accident Investigation Process
Immediate Action (0-72 Hours)
- Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
- Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
- Obtain police crash report from Refugio County Sheriff’s Office or Texas DPS
- Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
- Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
- Identify all potentially liable parties
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
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
Litigation Strategy
- File lawsuit before 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 (creates leverage in negotiations)
Why Austwell Trucking Cases Require Specialized Legal Help
Limited Local Medical Resources
Austwell’s small size means limited medical facilities. The nearest hospitals are:
- Citizens Medical Center (Victoria) – 30 miles away
- DeTar Hospital North (Victoria) – 30 miles away
- Memorial Medical Center (Port Lavaca) – 40 miles away
This distance can delay critical treatment and create challenges in documenting injuries. We work with local medical providers and specialists to ensure you get the care you need and that all injuries are properly documented.
Rural Road Challenges
Austwell’s rural roads present unique challenges:
- Limited lighting increases nighttime accident risks
- Narrow shoulders provide little room for disabled vehicles
- Limited cell service can delay emergency response
- Wildlife crossings create sudden hazards
- Dust and debris can reduce visibility
These factors require specialized accident reconstruction expertise to properly analyze how they contributed to the crash.
Local Trucking Culture
Austwell’s proximity to agricultural and oilfield operations means:
- Many local drivers who may not be properly licensed or trained
- A mix of commercial and agricultural vehicles with different safety standards
- Seasonal traffic patterns that affect accident risks
- Local trucking companies with varying safety records
We understand this local culture and know how to investigate these unique cases.
Insurance Company Tactics
Trucking companies and their insurers use aggressive tactics to minimize claims:
- Quick lowball settlement offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
- Denying or minimizing injuries to reduce claim value
- Blaming the victim to reduce their liability
- Delaying the claims process to pressure you into accepting less
- Using recorded statements against you to twist your words
- Claiming pre-existing conditions to avoid responsibility
- Sending surveillance investigators to find evidence against you
- Drowning you in paperwork to wear you down
Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows these tactics from the inside. We counter every strategy they use.
Case Study: A Typical Austwell Trucking Accident Scenario
Let’s walk through a hypothetical but realistic Austwell trucking accident case:
Scenario:
John Doe is driving his pickup truck on US-77 near Austwell when an 18-wheeler hauling agricultural equipment suddenly changes lanes and sideswipes him. The impact causes John’s truck to spin out of control and roll over. He suffers a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and internal injuries.
Our Investigation Reveals:
- Driver Fatigue – The ELD records show the driver had been on duty for 16 hours (violating the 14-hour rule) and had driven 12 hours (violating the 11-hour rule)
- Distracted Driving – Cell phone records show the driver was texting at the time of the accident
- Poor Training – The Driver Qualification File shows the driver had minimal safety training and a history of speeding violations
- Negligent Hiring – The trucking company failed to properly vet the driver’s background
- Maintenance Issues – Maintenance records show the truck’s brakes were out of adjustment and the tires were worn beyond legal limits
The Result:
We file suit against the trucking company, the driver, and the maintenance provider. The case settles for $3.2 million, covering John’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
The Austwell Trucking Accident Legal Process
Initial Consultation
- Free case evaluation – We review your case at no cost
- Explain your rights – We help you understand your legal options
- Answer your questions – We address all your concerns
- No pressure – You decide if you want to proceed
Investigation Phase
- Preserve evidence – Send spoliation letters immediately
- Gather records – Obtain all relevant documentation
- Consult experts – Work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts
- Build your case – Develop a comprehensive legal strategy
Demand Phase
- Calculate damages – Determine the full value of your claim
- Send demand letter – Present your case to the insurance company
- Negotiate settlement – Work toward a fair resolution
Litigation Phase (if needed)
- File lawsuit – Initiate legal proceedings
- Conduct discovery – Exchange information with the defendants
- Take depositions – Question witnesses under oath
- Prepare for trial – Build your case for court
Resolution Phase
- Settlement negotiations – Work toward a fair agreement
- Mediation – Attempt to resolve the case through facilitated negotiation
- Trial – Present your case to a jury if necessary
- Appeals – Handle any post-trial proceedings
How to Get Started with Your Austwell Trucking Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Austwell, Texas, time is of the essence. Critical evidence can disappear quickly, and the sooner we start working on your case, the stronger it will be.
Call Attorney911 Today
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak with a real person who understands what you’re going through. We’ll schedule a free consultation to review your case and explain your options.
What to Expect During Your Free Consultation
- Case Review – We’ll listen to your story and review any evidence you have
- Legal Analysis – We’ll explain how the law applies to your case
- Option Evaluation – We’ll discuss your legal options and next steps
- Question Answering – We’ll address all your concerns and questions
- No Pressure – You decide if you want to proceed with representation
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket. This means:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly fees
- No bills from us
- No risk to you
Hablamos Español
Many trucking accident victims in Austwell speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client
Austwell Trucking Accident Resources
Local Emergency Services
- Refugio County Sheriff’s Office: (361) 526-2351
- Austwell Volunteer Fire Department: (361) 284-5501
- Citizens Medical Center (Victoria): (361) 573-9181
- DeTar Hospital North (Victoria): (361) 576-3141
State and Federal Resources
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): www.txdot.gov
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): www.dps.texas.gov
- Texas Department of Insurance: www.tdi.texas.gov
Legal Resources
- State Bar of Texas: www.texasbar.com
- Refugio County Bar Association: Contact through State Bar of Texas
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: www.trla.org (for low-income residents)
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Justice After an Austwell Trucking Accident
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Austwell, Texas, you’re facing one of the most challenging times of your life. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone.
At Attorney911, we’ve dedicated our careers to fighting for trucking accident victims like you. We understand the unique challenges of Austwell trucking cases – the rural roads, the mix of local and commercial traffic, the limited medical resources, and the powerful trucking companies that will do everything to avoid responsibility.
We know how to build strong cases that hold all responsible parties accountable. We know how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears. We know how to counter the insurance company’s tactics. And we know how to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
You didn’t ask for this accident. You didn’t ask for these injuries. You didn’t ask for this fight. But now that it’s here, you deserve someone in your corner who knows how to win.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’re here to help.
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
Let us be your family in this fight. Let us be the advocates you deserve. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you need to move forward with your life.