18-Wheeler Accidents in Cottonwood Shores: Your Complete Guide to Justice and Compensation

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment your vehicle collides with an 18-wheeler on Cottonwood Shores’ highways, your life changes forever. One second, you’re driving to work on State Highway 281 or heading home from a day on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. The next, you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and the harsh reality that the trucking company has already dispatched its rapid-response legal team to protect their interests—not yours.

In Cottonwood Shores, we understand the unique challenges of Central Texas trucking accidents. Our community sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors, with trucks hauling granite from Marble Falls quarries, delivering supplies to lakeside resorts, and transporting goods through the Hill Country. These commercial vehicles share our roads every day, and when they cause accidents, the consequences are devastating.

Why Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accidents Are Different

Cottonwood Shores presents unique risks for 18-wheeler accidents that differ from urban areas:

Steep grades and winding roads along State Highway 281 and RM 1431 create dangerous conditions for heavy trucks
Limited emergency response in rural areas means longer wait times for medical help after crashes
Seasonal tourism traffic from Lake LBJ visitors creates unpredictable traffic patterns
Granite and construction truck traffic from area quarries adds specialized heavy hauling risks
Limited truck parking forces drivers to park in unsafe locations along roadways
Deer crossings on rural roads create unique hazards for large trucks

At Attorney911, we’ve handled trucking accident cases throughout Burnet County and understand these local factors. Our team knows the specific challenges of Cottonwood Shores’ roads and how they contribute to catastrophic truck crashes.

The Physics of Disaster: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are So Deadly

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with your 4,000-pound car, the physics are brutal:

20-25 times heavier: A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs as much as 20-25 passenger cars
40% longer stopping distance: At 65 mph, a truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
Massive kinetic energy: The force of impact transfers directly to your vehicle
High center of gravity: Trucks are more prone to rollovers on curves and steep grades
Large blind spots: “No-Zones” where drivers can’t see smaller vehicles

These physics explain why Cottonwood Shores trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. The sheer size and weight disparity makes these collisions fundamentally different from car accidents.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Cottonwood Shores

Jackknife Accidents on State Highway 281

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. In Cottonwood Shores, these are particularly dangerous on:

Steep downgrades approaching the Colorado River
Sharp curves near the intersection of SH 281 and RM 1431
Wet or icy road conditions common in Hill Country winters
Areas where sudden braking occurs due to wildlife crossings

The trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, creating a deadly barrier that other vehicles cannot avoid. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups with catastrophic injuries.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Roads

Rollover accidents are particularly common in Cottonwood Shores due to:

Steep grades on rural routes
Sharp curves on winding Hill Country roads
Improperly secured cargo from granite and construction trucks
Liquid cargo slosh from fuel and chemical tankers
Top-heavy loads from oversized equipment

When a truck rolls over, it can crush vehicles beneath it, spill cargo onto the roadway, and create secondary accidents as other drivers swerve to avoid the wreckage.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly Truck Accident

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. In Cottonwood Shores, these are especially dangerous because:

Many rural roads lack proper lighting at night
Local trucks may have inadequate or missing underride guards
Sudden stops on highways can catch following vehicles unaware
Hill Country fog reduces visibility of stopped trucks

These accidents are almost always fatal, as the trailer shears off the top of the smaller vehicle at windshield level.

Rear-End Collisions on Busy Corridors

Rear-end collisions are common in Cottonwood Shores due to:

Following too closely on SH 281 and RM 1431
Driver distraction from GPS devices and dispatch communications
Brake failures on long downgrades
Fatigue-related delayed reactions from long-haul drivers
Sudden traffic slowdowns from tourism traffic and construction zones

With trucks requiring 40% more stopping distance than cars, rear-end collisions often result in catastrophic injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents at Rural Intersections

Wide turn accidents, or “squeeze play” accidents, occur when trucks swing wide to make turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. In Cottonwood Shores, these are common at:

Rural intersections with limited visibility
Driveways to lakeside properties
Access points to quarries and construction sites
Older road designs that don’t accommodate modern truck sizes

These accidents often crush vehicles between the truck and a fixed object like a guardrail or building.

Tire Blowout Accidents on Long Grades

Tire blowouts are particularly dangerous in Cottonwood Shores due to:

Extreme heat causing tire degradation
Long, steep grades that stress tires
Road debris from construction and quarry traffic
Inadequate maintenance on rural routes
Overloaded trucks exceeding tire capacity

When a steer (front) tire blows out, the driver can lose control completely. Blown tires also create road debris that can strike following vehicles.

Brake Failure on Hill Country Roads

Brake failures are a significant risk in Cottonwood Shores due to:

Long, steep downgrades that cause brake fade
Inadequate maintenance of brake systems
Improper brake adjustments from deferred maintenance
Overheated brakes from continuous use on grades
Contaminated brake fluid from exposure to elements

Brake failure on downhill grades can lead to runaway trucks and catastrophic collisions.

Who’s Really Responsible? The Web of Liability in Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accidents

In Cottonwood Shores trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

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

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier may be liable through:

Vicarious liability for driver’s negligence
Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
Negligent training with inadequate safety instruction
Negligent supervision failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent maintenance of vehicles
Pressure to violate hours of service for on-time deliveries

Cargo Owners and Shippers

Local granite companies, construction suppliers, and other shippers may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loads
Pressuring carriers to expedite deliveries

Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Design defects in brake systems
Manufacturing defects in components
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

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
Selecting carriers based solely on price despite safety concerns

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

Dangerous road design on SH 281 or RM 1431
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris)
Inadequate signage for known hazards
Improper work zone setup

The Evidence That Wins Cottonwood Shores Trucking Cases

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data

Every modern commercial truck has an ECM that records critical data:

Speed before impact: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
Brake application: Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
Throttle position: Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
Following distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
Fault codes: May reveal known mechanical issues

This data is objective and tamper-resistant, making it powerful evidence in Cottonwood Shores trucking cases.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

ELDs record driver hours of service, proving:

Whether the driver violated federal rest requirements
If the driver was operating while fatigued
GPS location history showing route and timing
Any attempts to falsify logs

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

Driver Qualification File

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

Employment application and background check
Driving record from state licensing authority
Medical certification and exam records
Drug and alcohol test results
Training documentation
Previous accident and violation history

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Maintenance records reveal:

Whether the truck received regular inspections
If known defects were repaired
Whether maintenance was deferred to save costs
Compliance with FMCSA inspection requirements

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures often result from inadequate maintenance.

Cell Phone Records

Cell phone records can prove:

Whether the driver was texting or talking at the time of the accident
If dispatch communications contributed to distraction
Compliance with FMCSA mobile phone restrictions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of trucking accidents.

Dashcam Footage

Dashcam footage can show:

The moments leading up to the accident
Driver behavior in the cab
Road conditions and visibility
The actual impact sequence

This visual evidence is often the most compelling in Cottonwood Shores trucking cases.

Cargo and Loading Records

Cargo records reveal:

Whether the load was properly secured
If weight limits were exceeded
Whether hazardous materials were properly disclosed
Compliance with cargo securement regulations

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills that lead to secondary accidents.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In Cottonwood Shores trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Within 24 Hours

Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of ECM/Black Box data
Request immediate download of ELD records
Secure dashcam footage before it’s overwritten
Obtain police accident report

Within 48 Hours

Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene
Photograph all vehicles before they’re moved or repaired
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
Obtain cell phone records
Request driver qualification files

Within 7 Days

Subpoena maintenance records
Obtain cargo and loading documentation
Request dispatch logs and trip records
Secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Begin analysis of electronic data

Catastrophic Injuries from Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is common in trucking accidents due to:

Head impacts with steering wheels, dashboards, or windows
Whiplash forces that cause the brain to impact the skull
Shearing forces from sudden deceleration

TBI symptoms may include:

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

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries often result from:

Crushing forces from rollovers
Shearing forces from sudden impacts
Penetrating injuries from debris

Types of paralysis include:

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

Amputations

Amputations occur due to:

Crushing forces from truck impacts
Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
Severe burns requiring surgical removal
Infections from open wounds

Amputations require:

Initial surgery and hospitalization
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling
Home modifications

Severe Burns

Burns result from:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
Friction burns from road contact
Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn severity:

First degree: Epidermis only (minor, no scarring)
Second degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
Third degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, possible amputation)

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries may include:

Liver laceration or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries are dangerous because they may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members may recover:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent
Punitive damages for gross negligence

Cottonwood Shores-Specific Factors That Affect Your Case

Burnet County Courts and Procedures

Your case may be heard in:

Burnet County Court at Law: For cases under $200,000
36th District Court: For cases over $200,000
Federal Court: For interstate trucking cases

We’re familiar with local court procedures and know how to navigate the Burnet County legal system effectively.

Local Trucking Corridors and Risks

Major trucking routes serving Cottonwood Shores include:

State Highway 281: Primary north-south corridor connecting to I-35
RM 1431: East-west route through the Hill Country
US 281: Major freight corridor from San Antonio to Wichita Falls
FM 1431: Connects to Marble Falls and granite quarries

Each of these routes presents unique risks for trucking accidents.

Seasonal Factors

Cottonwood Shores experiences seasonal variations that affect trucking safety:

Summer: Increased tourism traffic, extreme heat causing tire blowouts, more construction truck traffic
Fall: Deer migration increasing wildlife collisions, early morning fog reducing visibility
Winter: Occasional ice on bridges and shaded areas, holiday freight surges
Spring: Heavy rains causing hydroplaning, wildflower tourism increasing traffic

Local Industries and Specialized Trucking

Cottonwood Shores’ economy creates unique trucking risks:

Granite and stone industry: Heavy, oversized loads from area quarries
Construction: Concrete mixers, heavy equipment transport
Tourism: Shuttle buses, delivery trucks for lakeside resorts
Agriculture: Livestock transport, farm equipment
Oil and gas: Fuel tankers, drilling equipment

These specialized trucks have different safety requirements and risks.

The Insurance Battle: How Trucking Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Quick Lowball Settlement Offers

Trucking company insurance adjusters are trained to:

Contact you within hours of the accident
Offer quick settlements before you understand your injuries
Pressure you to accept before consulting an attorney
Downplay the severity of your injuries

NEVER accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first.

Denying or Minimizing Injuries

Insurance companies may:

Argue your injuries were pre-existing
Claim you’re exaggerating symptoms
Question the necessity of medical treatment
Dispute the link between the accident and your injuries

Blaming the Victim

Common tactics include:

Claiming you were speeding or driving recklessly
Arguing you were in the truck’s blind spot
Asserting you failed to yield right-of-way
Blaming you for not avoiding the accident

Delaying the Claims Process

Insurance companies may:

Request unnecessary documentation
Delay responses to your inquiries
Schedule multiple medical examinations
Prolong negotiations hoping you’ll accept less

Using Recorded Statements Against You

Insurance adjusters may:

Ask leading questions designed to elicit damaging statements
Record conversations without clear disclosure
Take statements out of context
Use your words to minimize your claim

“Pre-Existing Condition” Defense

Insurance companies may:

Argue your injuries existed before the accident
Claim the accident only aggravated old injuries
Use medical records from years ago to deny claims

“Gap in Treatment” Attacks

Insurance companies may:

Argue that gaps in treatment mean you weren’t really injured
Claim that if you were truly injured, you would have sought continuous care
Use treatment gaps to devalue your claim

Sending Surveillance Investigators

Insurance companies may:

Hire private investigators to follow you
Videotape your daily activities
Use footage to argue you’re not really injured
Claim you’re capable of more than you admit

Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners

Insurance companies may:

Require you to see doctors they select
Use these exams to dispute your treating physicians
Have examiners minimize your injuries
Use reports to justify lower settlement offers

Drowning You in Paperwork

Insurance companies may:

Request excessive documentation
Send lengthy forms and questionnaires
Overwhelm you with legal and medical jargon
Hope you’ll give up or accept less

How We Fight Back: Our Insider Advantage

At Attorney911, we have a unique advantage in fighting trucking companies:

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

Evaluate and value claims
Train their adjusters to minimize payouts
Use software like Colossus to undervalue injuries
Build defenses against legitimate claims
Pressure victims to accept low settlements

This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate and counter their tactics effectively.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained, demanding preservation of:

ECM/Black Box data
ELD records
Driver qualification files
Maintenance records
Dashcam footage
Cell phone records
Cargo and loading documentation

Aggressive Litigation Strategy

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which creates leverage in settlement negotiations. Our strategy includes:

Filing lawsuits when necessary
Conducting aggressive discovery
Taking depositions of key witnesses
Presenting strong evidence of liability
Demonstrating the full extent of damages

Access to Top Experts

We work with the best experts in the field:

Accident reconstructionists to prove how the accident occurred
Medical experts to document injuries and future care needs
Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts to determine present value of damages
Life care planners to develop comprehensive care plans
FMCSA regulation experts to identify violations

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

$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 recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

What Your Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Economic Damages

Economic damages are calculable losses including:

Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost earning capacity: Reduction in 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

Non-economic damages compensate for quality of life impacts:

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Mental anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
Physical impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Texas law allows punitive damages up to the greater of:

2x economic damages + non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)
$200,000

The Legal Process: What to Expect in Your Cottonwood Shores Case

Initial Consultation

During your free consultation, we’ll:

Review the facts of your accident
Explain your legal rights and options
Discuss the potential value of your case
Answer all your questions
Explain our contingency fee arrangement

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We’ll immediately begin:

Preserving electronic evidence
Obtaining police accident reports
Interviewing witnesses
Photographing the accident scene
Reviewing medical records
Consulting with experts

Demand Letter

We’ll send a comprehensive demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance carrier, including:

Detailed description of the accident
Evidence of liability
Documentation of damages
Calculation of economic and non-economic losses
Demand for settlement

Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to:

Maximize your settlement
Reject lowball offers
Push for fair compensation
Prepare for litigation if necessary

Litigation

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’ll:

File a lawsuit in the appropriate court
Conduct discovery (interrogatories, requests for production, depositions)
File motions to strengthen your case
Prepare for trial
Present your case to a jury if necessary

Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re prepared to take your case to verdict if that’s what it takes to get you fair compensation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Cottonwood Shores Trucking Case

Local Knowledge of Burnet County

We understand Cottonwood Shores and Burnet County:

The specific risks of local trucking corridors
The unique challenges of rural trucking accidents
Local court procedures and judges
The seasonal factors that affect trucking safety
The local industries that create specialized trucking risks

Proven Track Record

Our results speak for themselves:

$50+ Million recovered for Texas families
25+ years of courtroom experience
Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases
Federal court admission to handle interstate trucking cases
Former insurance defense attorney on staff

Aggressive Representation

We fight aggressively for our clients:

Immediate evidence preservation
Thorough investigation
Aggressive negotiation
Willingness to go to trial
Relentless pursuit of maximum compensation

Compassionate Client Service

We treat our clients like family:

24/7 availability for emergencies
Direct attorney access – you’ll speak with Ralph Manginello
Regular case updates so you’re never in the dark
Compassionate support through every step
No fee unless we win – zero risk to you

Spanish Language Services

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

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accident

At the Scene

If you’re able, take these steps immediately:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video
Get the trucking company name and DOT number
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

In the Days Following

Follow your doctor’s orders – attend all appointments
Document your injuries with photos and journal entries
Keep all medical records and bills
Do NOT post on social media about the accident
Stay in communication with your attorney
Be patient – trucking cases take time to resolve

Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accident Statistics

While exact local statistics aren’t available, statewide Texas data provides insight:

5,100+ annual truck-related fatalities in the U.S.
125,000+ annual truck-related injuries
76% of fatalities are non-truck occupants
I-35 corridor is one of the deadliest trucking routes in America
Texas has the highest number of trucking accidents in the U.S.

In Burnet County specifically, common contributing factors include:

Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers
Mechanical failures from deferred maintenance
Cargo securement issues with granite and construction loads
Speed-related crashes on rural highways
Distraction-related crashes from dispatch communications

Common Myths About Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accidents

Myth: “The truck driver is the only one responsible.”

Reality: Multiple parties may share responsibility, including the trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance provider, and others. We investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery.

Myth: “I don’t need an attorney – I can handle this myself.”

Reality: Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. Without experienced legal representation, you’re at a significant disadvantage. Studies show that accident victims with attorneys receive significantly higher settlements.

Myth: “I should accept the insurance company’s first offer.”

Reality: The first offer is almost always a lowball offer designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney first.

Myth: “My case will settle quickly.”

Reality: Trucking cases often take 1-3 years to resolve fully. While we work to resolve cases as quickly as possible, we won’t rush your case at the expense of fair compensation.

Myth: “I can’t afford an attorney.”

Reality: 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Cottonwood Shores?

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. If you were less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

How much is my Cottonwood Shores trucking accident case 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

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance company typically remains responsible for paying valid claims. We also investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure you can recover compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

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 the responsible parties.

How long does a trucking accident 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 I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment through:

Letters of Protection (LOP): Agreements with medical providers to be paid from your settlement
Medical liens: Arrangements with healthcare providers
Medicaid/Medicare: If you qualify
Health insurance: If you have coverage

What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

Destroying evidence after receiving notice of potential litigation is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can impose sanctions including:

Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
Monetary sanctions
Default judgment in extreme cases
Punitive damages

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes, you can recover compensation for PTSD and other psychological injuries. These damages fall under pain and suffering and mental anguish. Documentation from doctors, psychologists, or therapists is important.

What if I was a passenger in the truck?

If you were a passenger in the truck, you can still pursue a claim against:

The truck driver
The trucking company
Other liable parties

Your claim would be similar to any other personal injury claim.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazmat trucking accidents create additional risks and potential claims:

Higher insurance limits: $5 million minimum for hazmat carriers
Additional liable parties: Chemical manufacturers, shippers
Environmental claims: For contamination
Specialized experts: Hazmat response consultants

What if the trucking company is based in another state?

Interstate trucking cases can be filed in:

Federal court: Under diversity jurisdiction
State court: In the county where the accident occurred

We handle interstate trucking cases throughout the United States.

What if the truck was owned by the government?

Government-owned trucks (like those operated by TxDOT or local municipalities) have special rules:

Shorter notice requirements: Typically 6 months
Damage caps: $250,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence
Sovereign immunity: Limits liability

These cases require immediate action to preserve your rights.

Cottonwood Shores-Specific Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

Seton Highland Lakes Hospital (Burnet): 3201 S Water St, Burnet, TX 78611
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Marble Falls: 810 W Hwy 71, Marble Falls, TX 78654
St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center (Level II Trauma): 2400 Round Rock Ave, Round Rock, TX 78681
Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas (Level I Trauma): 1500 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Burnet County Courts

Burnet County Court at Law: 220 S Pierce St, Burnet, TX 78611
36th District Court: 220 S Pierce St, Burnet, TX 78611

Burnet County Sheriff’s Office

Burnet County Sheriff’s Office: 1701 E Polk St, Burnet, TX 78611
Non-emergency number: (512) 756-8080

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

TxDOT Marble Falls District Office: 601 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Report road hazards: 1-800-558-9368

Burnet County Emergency Services

Burnet County Emergency Management: (512) 756-5333
Burnet County EMS: (512) 756-5656

Your Next Steps: Protecting Your Rights After a Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accident

Step 1: Call Attorney911 Immediately

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Cottonwood Shores trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies in Cottonwood Shores and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.

Step 2: Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give statements and refer them to your attorney.

Step 3: Focus on Your Recovery

Your health is the most important thing. Follow your doctor’s orders, attend all appointments, and focus on healing. Let us handle the legal battle.

Step 4: Stay Off Social Media

Insurance companies will monitor your social media accounts. Even innocent posts can be used against you. Stay off social media until your case is resolved.

Step 5: Keep Detailed Records

Document everything:

Medical appointments and treatments
Pain levels and symptoms
How injuries affect your daily life
Time missed from work
Expenses related to the accident

Step 6: Be Patient

Trucking accident cases take time. We’ll keep you updated on progress and explain each step of the process. Our goal is to maximize your recovery, not rush your case.

The Attorney911 Promise to Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accident Victims

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring a law firm – you’re gaining a dedicated team that will fight for your rights:

✅ 24/7 availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
✅ Direct attorney access – You’ll speak with Ralph Manginello personally
✅ Immediate evidence preservation – We send spoliation letters within hours
✅ Aggressive representation – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
✅ Multi-million dollar results – Our track record speaks for itself
✅ Former insurance defense attorney – We know their tactics from the inside
✅ Spanish language services – Hablamos Español
✅ No fee unless we win – Zero risk to you

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Cottonwood Shores 18-wheeler accident, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing right now. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect them. You need someone protecting you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help you take the first step toward justice and fair compensation.

“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

Attorney911 – Fighting for Cottonwood Shores Trucking Accident Victims Since 1998