18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Cedar Park, Texas

Every year, thousands of families in Cedar Park and Williamson County face life-changing consequences from 18-wheeler accidents on our busy highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident on I-35, US-183, or any of Cedar Park’s major corridors, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and Texas law.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across 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 devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Cedar Park’s trucking corridors – from the distribution centers near Parmer Lane to the busy intersections along Whitestone Boulevard – and we understand how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Cedar Park Trucking Accidents Are Different

Cedar Park sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s freight network. I-35, one of the nation’s busiest trucking corridors, runs through our community, carrying everything from Amazon packages to hazardous materials. The convergence of local commuters, regional traffic, and long-haul truckers creates unique risks:

• High-speed collisions on I-35 between Cedar Park and Austin
• Underride accidents at intersections like Whitestone and 1431
• Cargo spills from trucks traveling to and from distribution centers
• Fatigue-related crashes from drivers pushing limits on long hauls
• Brake failures on the hilly terrain around Cedar Park

The physics of these accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than a typical passenger vehicle. When these massive trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the results are often devastating.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Cedar Park

Our team has investigated hundreds of trucking accidents across Texas, and we’ve identified the most common causes of crashes in Cedar Park:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

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
• Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely see drivers pushing these limits – especially on the I-35 corridor where drivers are pressured to make tight delivery windows. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. We frequently find:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

The hilly terrain around Cedar Park puts additional strain on braking systems, making proper maintenance even more critical.

Distracted Driving

Despite federal prohibitions, we see drivers:

• Using hand-held mobile phones
• Texting while driving
• Checking GPS or dispatch systems
• Eating or drinking while operating the vehicle

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo can:

• Shift during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Fall onto roadways, creating hazards
• Cause rollovers on curves or during evasive maneuvers

The distribution centers in Cedar Park’s industrial areas create significant cargo loading activity, increasing the risk of securement failures.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Truck drivers often:

• Exceed posted speed limits
• Drive too fast for conditions
• Follow too closely
• Make unsafe lane changes

The high volume of commuter traffic in Cedar Park creates frustration that can lead to aggressive driving behaviors.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Cedar Park Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties

Lifetime care costs for severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Incomplete injuries with partial function
• Complete injuries with total loss of function

Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million for low paraplegia to $5 million for high quadriplegia.

Amputations

Crushing forces or severe burns may require surgical amputation of:

• Arms or legs
• Fingers or toes
• Partial amputations of hands or feet

Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling create significant ongoing expenses.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, or electrical fires can cause:

• First-degree burns (superficial)
• Second-degree burns (partial thickness)
• Third-degree burns (full thickness)
• Fourth-degree burns (through skin to muscle/bone)

Burn treatment often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts.

Internal Organ Damage

The extreme forces in trucking accidents can cause:

• Liver lacerations or ruptures
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or pneumothorax
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

The Cedar Park Trucking Corridors We Know

Our team understands the specific risks on Cedar Park’s major trucking routes:

I-35 Corridor

• High-risk areas: Between exits 253 (Whitestone Boulevard) and 259 (US-183)
• Common accident types: Rear-end collisions, jackknifes, rollovers
• Unique risks: Heavy commuter traffic mixing with long-haul trucks, frequent lane changes

US-183 (183A Toll Road)

• High-risk areas: Interchanges with I-35 and SH-45
• Common accident types: Underride collisions, wide turn accidents
• Unique risks: Toll road traffic patterns, construction zones

SH-45 and Loop 360

• High-risk areas: Interchanges with I-35 and US-183
• Common accident types: Cargo spills, tire blowouts
• Unique risks: Curves and elevation changes, high-speed traffic

Whitestone Boulevard and 1431

• High-risk areas: Intersections with major highways
• Common accident types: Underride collisions, blind spot accidents
• Unique risks: Local traffic mixing with through trucks, signal timing

Distribution Centers and Industrial Areas

• High-risk areas: Parmer Lane corridor, near SH-45
• Common accident types: Cargo securement failures, loading dock accidents
• Unique risks: High volume of truck traffic, time pressures

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Cedar Park Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate from the inside.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve:

• ECM/Black box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD records (federally mandated electronic logs)
• Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files
• Drug and alcohol test results

Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations inside and out. Common violations we find in Cedar Park trucking cases include:

• Hours of service violations (driving beyond legal limits)
• 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

Proven Track Record of Results

While every case is unique, our firm has recovered:

• $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
• Millions for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – critical for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Bilingual Services

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You only pay if we win your case.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Cedar Park

Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated
3. Document the scene – Take photos and video of:
   • All vehicles involved
   • Damage to vehicles
   • Road conditions
   • Skid marks
   • Traffic signals
   • Your injuries
4. Collect information:
   • Truck and trailer license plates
   • DOT number (on truck door)
   • Trucking company name and logo
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
   • Witness names and phone numbers
5. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
6. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD Records: May be retained only 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks

The Legal Process for Your Cedar Park Trucking Accident Case

Investigation Phase (First 30 Days)

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Obtain police accident report
• Collect witness statements
• Photograph all vehicles before repair
• Retain accident reconstruction experts
• Subpoena ECM/Black Box data
• Obtain driver qualification file
• Review maintenance records
• Analyze ELD data for hours of service violations

Medical Treatment Phase (Ongoing)

• Document all injuries and treatment
• Follow doctor’s recommendations
• Keep records of all medical expenses
• Document time missed from work
• Track pain levels and limitations

Demand and Negotiation Phase (3-12 Months)

• Calculate full damages (medical, lost wages, pain and suffering)
• Prepare comprehensive demand package
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Evaluate settlement offers

Litigation Phase (If Necessary)

• File lawsuit in appropriate court
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• File motions to compel evidence
• Prepare for trial
• Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial

Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable

In trucking accidents, multiple parties may be liable for your injuries:

The Truck Driver

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

• Vicarious liability for driver’s negligence
• Negligent hiring – failing to check driver’s background
• Negligent training – inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision – failing to monitor driver behavior
• Negligent maintenance – poor vehicle upkeep
• Negligent scheduling – pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

Cargo Owner/Shipper

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

Cargo Loading Company

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to train loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty components)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturer

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

Maintenance Company

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts

Freight Broker

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Government Entity

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

The Insurance Battle: How We Fight for You

Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows their tactics from the inside.

Common Insurance Tactics and Our Counter-Strategies

What Your Cedar Park Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

Factors Affecting Case Value

Settlement Ranges for Common Injuries

Cedar Park Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Cedar Park?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Cedar Park, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

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

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Cedar Park’s hospitals like Cedar Park Regional Medical Center and nearby trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Cedar Park?

Document everything possible:

• 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
• Weather and road conditions

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

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. 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 Cedar Park?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (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 before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Cedar Park?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• 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)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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 less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

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 airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

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. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Cedar Park?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

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

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.

Our Cedar Park Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, our firm has recovered millions for Texas families in trucking accident cases:

• $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
• $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement (workplace accident similar to trucking cases)
• $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement (similar catastrophic injuries as trucking cases)

What Our Clients Say About Us

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

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

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

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing.”
— Chavodrian Miles, Attorney911 Client

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

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Cedar Park, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Attorney911.com

We offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Hablamos Español.

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today.