18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Coupland, Texas

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Coupland, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Central 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.

Why Coupland Trucking Accidents Are Different

We know Coupland’s trucking corridors, from the I-35 corridor to the distribution centers and truck stops where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

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

What To Do Immediately After a Trucking Accident in Coupland

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

1. Call 911 and report the accident – Texas law requires reporting if there are injuries or vehicles can’t be safely driven
2. Seek medical attention immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Evidence in Coupland 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies in Coupland and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Coupland

Trucking accidents on Coupland’s highways often result from:

Hours of Service Violations

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

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

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

Improper Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common maintenance failures include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

Cargo Securement Violations

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. Improperly secured cargo can:

• Shift during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Fall from the truck onto roadways
• Cause rollover accidents

Driver Qualification Issues

Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:

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

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Coupland

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle. These often result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer blocks multiple lanes.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity and massive weight (up to 80,000 lbs), rollovers are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents.

Underride Collisions

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level.

Rear-End Collisions

18-wheelers require 20-40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

18-wheelers have four major blind spots (No-Zones):

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward, much larger than left – MOST DANGEROUS

Tire Blowout Accidents

Steer tire (front) blowouts are especially dangerous and can cause immediate loss of control. “Road gators” (tire debris) cause thousands of accidents annually.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures occur when an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails or underperforms, preventing the driver from stopping in time to avoid a collision.

Catastrophic Injuries from Coupland Trucking Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries disrupt communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene due to crash forces or when limbs are so severely damaged they must be surgically removed.

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel tank ruptures and fires, hazmat cargo spills and ignition, electrical fires, and friction burns from road contact.

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

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

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to recover compensation when a loved one is killed by another’s negligence.

Who Is Liable in Your Coupland Trucking Accident?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

1. The Truck Driver – For speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company – For vicarious liability, negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading instructions or failure to disclose hazardous cargo
4. The Cargo Loading Company – For improper securement or overloading
5. The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For design or manufacturing defects
6. The Parts Manufacturer – For defective components
7. The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs
8. The Freight Broker – For negligent carrier selection
9. The Truck Owner (if different from carrier) – For negligent entrustment
10. Government Entities – For dangerous road design or failure to maintain roads

The Attorney911 Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage when dealing with trucking insurance companies. We know exactly how they evaluate claims, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how to counter their strategies.

Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve:

• Electronic Data:

  • ECM/Black Box data (speed, brake application, throttle position)
  • ELD records (hours of service compliance)
  • GPS and telematics data
  • Dashcam footage
  • Dispatch communications

• Driver Records:

  • Driver Qualification File
  • Employment application
  • Background check
  • Medical certification
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records

• Vehicle Records:

  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Inspection reports
  • Out-of-service orders
  • Tire records
  • Brake inspection records

• Company Records:

  • Hours of service records
  • Dispatch logs
  • Bills of lading
  • Insurance policies
  • Safety policies

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

We use federal trucking regulations to prove negligence in your Coupland trucking accident case:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

• 11-hour driving limit
• 14-hour duty window
• 30-minute break rule
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)

• Minimum age requirements
• Medical certification
• Commercial driver’s license
• Background checks
• Drug and alcohol testing

Vehicle Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 393)

• Brake system requirements
• Lighting requirements
• Cargo securement standards
• Tire requirements

Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)

• Systematic inspection and maintenance
• Driver vehicle inspection reports
• Annual inspections
• Record retention

What Your Coupland Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors:

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

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

Documented Multi-Million Dollar Results

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

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Coupland Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998
2. Federal Court Experience – Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorney – Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurance companies minimize claims
4. Multi-Million Dollar Results – Proven track record of substantial settlements and verdicts
5. Local Knowledge – We know Coupland’s trucking corridors, courts, and judges
6. Aggressive Representation – We prepare every case as if going to trial
7. No Fee Unless We Win – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

The Legal Process for Your Coupland Trucking Accident Case

1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case and explain your options
2. Investigation – We gather evidence and send spoliation letters
3. Medical Care Facilitation – We help you get the treatment you need
4. Demand Letter – We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
5. Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
6. Litigation – If necessary, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
7. Resolution – We fight for the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial

Common Questions About Coupland Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, collect witness information, and call an attorney immediately. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies.

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.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

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.

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

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly.

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

Multiple parties may be liable:

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

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

Usually YES. Under 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, training, or supervision.

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. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data, including:

• 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.

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

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

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

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

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

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

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

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

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

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

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

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

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

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

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

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

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Coupland?

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

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

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Coupland?

Case values depend on many factors:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

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

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

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

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.

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.

Hablamos Español

At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Coupland speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Coupland, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Coupland trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Coupland trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies in Coupland and across Texas. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that experience to work for your case.

Worried about affording an attorney? Don’t be. Attorney911 works on contingency – you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation.

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a Coupland 18-wheeler accident – traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, or worse – you need an attorney who has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts for families just like yours. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

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