18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Centerville, Texas | Attorney911

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Centerville, Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of trucking litigation. At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable when their negligence causes catastrophic accidents on Centerville’s highways and rural routes.

Why Centerville Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Legal Help

Centerville sits at the intersection of several critical trucking corridors that serve the East Texas region. The I-45 corridor running north-south through Leon County, along with US-79 and State Highway 7, sees heavy commercial traffic hauling timber, agricultural products, and energy equipment. These roads present unique hazards:

Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers pushing their hours
Brake failures on steep grades and rural roads
Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
Underride collisions at unprotected intersections
Tire blowouts from poorly maintained equipment

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often devastating. That’s why Centerville residents need attorneys who understand both the federal trucking regulations and the local factors that contribute to these accidents.

Our Centerville Trucking Accident Experience

With over 25 years of experience handling trucking accident cases throughout Texas, Attorney911 has the resources and expertise to fight for Centerville families affected by commercial vehicle crashes. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against major trucking companies, including:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Numerous regional and national carriers

We understand the specific challenges of trucking cases in Leon County, including:

The unique traffic patterns on I-45 near Centerville
The rural road hazards on US-79 and SH-7
The local courts and judges who handle these cases
The agricultural and timber trucking common in the area

What Makes Our Firm Different

1. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. This gives us unique insight into how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims. We know all their tactics for minimizing payouts – because we used to use them ourselves. Now we use that knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for our clients.

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witness memories fade. That’s why we act immediately:

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and maintenance records
Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh

3. Deep Knowledge of FMCSA Regulations

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern every aspect of commercial trucking operations. We know these regulations inside and out, including:

Hours of Service Rules (49 CFR § 395) – proving driver fatigue
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR § 391) – negligent hiring claims
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR § 396) – brake and tire failures
Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR § 393) – preventing rollovers and spills

When trucking companies violate these regulations, we hold them accountable.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Track Record

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for injury victims across Texas. Some of our notable trucking case results include:

$3.8 million for a car accident victim who suffered partial leg amputation after complications from treatment
$2.5 million for a truck crash recovery
Millions recovered for families in wrongful death trucking cases

We’ve seen what trucking companies do after accidents – and we know how to stop them from getting away with it.

Common Causes of Centerville Trucking Accidents

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on I-45 near Centerville where high speeds and sudden traffic slowdowns create ideal conditions for jackknifes.

Common causes in Centerville:

Sudden braking on wet roads
Speeding on curves near the Trinity River bridge
Empty trailers more prone to swinging
Improperly loaded cargo
Worn brakes or brake imbalance

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, causing catastrophic injuries or death.

Centerville underride risks:

Poorly lit rural intersections
Wide turns at Centerville’s main intersections
Missing or inadequate underride guards
Low visibility conditions common in East Texas

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of truck accidents each year. Centerville’s location along major trucking routes means these blowouts often occur on local roads.

Centerville-specific factors:

Heat-related tire failures during Texas summers
Debris on rural roads damaging tires
Improper tire maintenance
Overloaded trucks exceeding tire capacity

Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. Centerville’s location at the intersection of several trucking routes means brake failures are a particular concern.

Common brake failure causes:

Worn brake pads not replaced
Improper brake adjustments
Air brake system leaks
Overheated brakes on long descents
Deferred maintenance to save costs

Fatigue-Related Crashes

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. Centerville’s position along I-45 makes it a common stopping point for long-haul drivers.

Fatigue factors in Centerville:

Drivers pushing limits to reach Houston or Dallas
Hours of service violations
False log entries
Pressure from trucking companies to meet deadlines

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Centerville

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Centerville, follow these critical steps:

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries
Get the truck’s information – License plate, DOT number, company name, driver’s CDL
Collect witness information – Names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t appear immediately
Do NOT give statements – Don’t speak to insurance adjusters without legal representation
Contact Attorney911 – The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights

Why Centerville Residents Choose Attorney911

Local Knowledge

We understand Centerville’s unique trucking environment. Our team knows:

The dangerous intersections along US-79 and SH-7
The traffic patterns on I-45 near Centerville
The local courts and judges who handle these cases
The agricultural and timber trucking common in Leon County

Personal Attention

Unlike large billboard firms that treat you like a case number, we treat our clients like family. You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not just paralegals or case managers. We keep you informed every step of the way.

Spanish Language Services

Centerville has a growing Hispanic community, and we’re proud to serve Spanish-speaking clients through our bilingual attorney Lupe Peña. We provide direct representation without interpreters, ensuring clear communication throughout your case.

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

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees. We advance all the expenses of investigating and litigating your case.

The Attorney911 Difference: Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive 48-hour evidence preservation protocol:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-24 Hours)

Spoliation Letters: We send formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence
Black Box Preservation: We demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data before it can be overwritten
Scene Documentation: If possible, we visit the accident scene to document conditions before they change
Witness Identification: We begin identifying and interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (24-48 Hours)

Vehicle Inspection: We arrange inspection of the truck and trailer before repairs begin
Photographic Evidence: We obtain all available photos and videos from the scene
Police Report: We obtain the official accident report
Driver Records: We subpoena the driver’s qualification file, hours of service records, and cell phone records
Maintenance Records: We demand all maintenance and inspection records for the truck and trailer

Phase 3: Expert Deployment

Accident Reconstruction: We retain expert engineers to analyze the crash dynamics
Medical Experts: We work with your treating physicians to document your injuries
Vocational Experts: We assess the impact of your injuries on your ability to work
Economic Experts: We calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity

All Parties We Hold Accountable in Centerville Trucking Cases

Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against all potentially responsible entities:

The Truck Driver – For negligence, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading or hazardous cargo
The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
The Truck Manufacturer – For defective design or manufacturing
Parts Manufacturers – For defective components like brakes or tires
Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or inspections
Freight Brokers – For negligent carrier selection
Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (in limited circumstances)

Centerville-Specific Trucking Corridors We Know Well

I-45 Corridor

The I-45 corridor running through Leon County is one of the most dangerous trucking routes in Texas. We’ve handled numerous cases involving:

Rear-end collisions near the Centerville exits
Underride accidents at poorly lit intersections
Rollover accidents on the I-45 curves
Jackknife accidents during sudden traffic slowdowns
Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers

US-79

US-79 sees heavy truck traffic hauling agricultural products and timber. Common accident types include:

Wide turn accidents at Centerville intersections
Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
Tire blowouts on rural stretches
Collisions at unprotected railroad crossings

State Highway 7

SH-7 is a critical route for local and regional trucking. We’ve seen numerous accidents involving:

Brake failures on steep grades
Wildlife collisions (especially deer)
Poorly maintained rural bridges
Limited visibility at blind curves

Local Roads and County Highways

Centerville’s rural location means many trucking accidents occur on local roads:

FM 1119 and FM 977 – common routes for agricultural trucks
County Road 179 and others – often poorly maintained
Centerville’s main streets – wide turn accidents at intersections

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Centerville Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in trucking accidents. The forces involved in these collisions can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to:

Concussions (mild TBI)
Moderate TBI with extended unconsciousness
Severe TBI with permanent cognitive impairment
Personality changes and emotional disorders
Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in permanent paralysis:

Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries – Some nerve function remains
Complete injuries – Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or necessitate surgical amputation:

Limb severance at the scene
Surgical amputation of crushed limbs
Complications from infections
Phantom limb pain
Psychological trauma

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents often result in fires and explosions, causing severe burns:

Fuel tank ruptures
Hazmat cargo spills
Electrical fires
Chemical burns
Friction burns from road contact

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause severe internal injuries:

Liver lacerations or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusions or collapse
Internal bleeding
Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

Trucking accidents are among the deadliest types of motor vehicle crashes. When a loved one is killed in a trucking accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

How We Calculate Damages in Centerville Trucking Cases

Economic Damages

These are the calculable financial losses you’ve suffered:

Medical Expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost Wages – Income lost due to your injuries
Lost Earning Capacity – Reduction in your future earning ability
Property Damage – Vehicle repair or replacement
Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
Life Care Costs – Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for the impact on your quality of life:

Pain and Suffering – Physical pain from your injuries
Mental Anguish – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment – Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
Disfigurement – Scarring and visible injuries
Loss of Consortium – Impact on your marriage and family relationships
Physical Impairment – Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer. This might apply in cases involving:

Knowingly falsified hours of service logs
Systematic maintenance neglect
Hiring drivers with known safety violations
Destroying evidence after the accident

Centerville-Specific Case Examples

While we can’t discuss specific cases due to confidentiality, we’ve handled numerous trucking accident cases in Leon County with results including:

Multi-million dollar settlements for families of wrongful death victims
Seven-figure recoveries for catastrophic injury victims
Significant verdicts against major trucking companies
Successful claims against local agricultural and timber haulers

Recent trends in Texas trucking litigation show that juries are increasingly willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence. In 2024 alone, Texas saw several trucking verdicts exceeding $10 million, including:

$730 million verdict in a case involving an oversize load
$150 million settlement in a case involving two child fatalities
Multiple verdicts in the $10-50 million range for catastrophic injury cases

These results demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their negligence.

The Legal Process for Centerville Trucking Accident Cases

Step 1: Free Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

Review the facts of your accident
Explain your legal rights and options
Assess the potential value of your case
Answer all your questions

Step 2: Investigation

We immediately begin investigating your case, including:

Sending spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Obtaining police and accident reports
Interviewing witnesses
Analyzing black box and ELD data
Reviewing maintenance and inspection records
Consulting with accident reconstruction experts

Step 3: Medical Treatment

We help coordinate your medical care and ensure all your injuries are properly documented. This is crucial for:

Your health and recovery
Documenting the full extent of your injuries
Establishing the connection between the accident and your injuries
Calculating future medical expenses

Step 4: Demand Letter

Once your medical treatment is complete, we prepare a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company detailing:

The facts of the accident
The trucking company’s negligence
The full extent of your damages
Our demand for compensation

Step 5: Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Our experience with insurance company tactics allows us to:

Counter lowball offers
Present compelling evidence
Negotiate from a position of strength

Step 6: Litigation

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court. This may involve:

Filing a lawsuit
Conducting discovery (depositions, document requests)
Retaining expert witnesses
Presenting your case to a jury

Step 7: Resolution

The vast majority of cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

Centerville-Specific Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Centerville?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Centerville:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine
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 Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

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

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

How much is my Centerville trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

The severity of your injuries
Your medical expenses (past and future)
Your lost wages and earning capacity
Your pain and suffering
The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
The available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more – which allows for larger recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.

Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident 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 for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. If you were partially at fault, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long will my case 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.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company 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?

If the trucking company goes bankrupt, we may still be able to recover from:

The company’s insurance policy
Other liable parties (cargo owner, maintenance company, etc.)
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. The FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Inspection history and out-of-service rates
Crash history
Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be critical evidence. We demand preservation of all video evidence immediately. This footage can show:

The truck driver’s actions before the crash
Road conditions and traffic
The actual impact
The moments immediately following the crash

What if road conditions contributed to my accident?

If dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident, we may be able to pursue a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. However, these claims have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s important to contact us immediately.

Why Centerville Residents Trust Attorney911

1. We’re Not Just Texas Attorneys – We’re Centerville Attorneys

We understand the unique challenges of trucking accident cases in Leon County. Our local knowledge gives us an advantage when building your case.

2. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We don’t settle for lowball offers. We fight for every dollar you deserve, whether through aggressive negotiation or trial.

3. We Handle All the Legal Work

You focus on your recovery while we handle all the legal details, including:

Dealing with insurance companies
Gathering evidence
Coordinating medical care
Calculating damages
Negotiating settlements
Preparing for trial

4. We’re Available 24/7

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and address your concerns.

5. We Offer Free Consultations

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case. There’s no risk in talking to us – we only get paid if we win your case.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Centerville, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters are already working to minimize your claim.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start building your claim immediately. Remember:

We offer free consultations
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
We’re available 24/7
We speak Spanish – Hablamos Español
We have offices serving all of East Texas

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Attorney911 – The Firm Insurers Fear
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
ralph@atty911.com
https://attorney911.com

Serving Centerville, Leon County, and all of East Texas
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont