City of Covington Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for the Injured and Their Families

On the roads of Covington, an 80,000-pound truck doesn’t give you a second chance. Whether you’re traveling on State Highway 171 or navigating the busy corridors near the I-35W split, a single moment of negligence by a commercial driver can change your life forever. When a semi-truck or delivery van slams into a passenger car, the physics are never in your favor. Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds; the machine that hit you is twenty times that size.

At Attorney911, we know that after a catastrophic wreck in the City of Covington, you aren’t just looking for a lawyer. You’re looking for a fighter who can stand up to multi-billion-dollar trucking corporations and their armies of insurance adjusters. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches of personal injury litigation. Since 1998, he’s been making negligent companies pay for the harm they cause. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across Texas, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. The trucking company’s defense team is already at the scene. You need a team that moves just as fast. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Experience Matters After a Covington Truck Crash

Trucking litigation isn’t like a standard car accident case. It involves complex federal regulations, layers of corporate liability, and deep-pocketed defendants who will do anything to avoid a “nuclear verdict.” Choosing the right attorney can be the difference between a lowball settlement and the multi-million dollar recovery you actually need for your medical bills and future care.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Insider Knowledge

We bring a unique weapon to every case we handle in the City of Covington. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He used to be the one defending the insurance companies and helping them minimize claims. Now, he fights against them for us. He knows their playbook, he knows how they value cases, and he knows exactly when they’re bluffing.

This insider knowledge gives our clients an “unfair advantage.” While most firms are guessing what the insurance company is thinking, Lupe Peña likely knows because he helped write the scripts they use. When we go toe-to-toe with Walmart, Amazon, or a major oilfield hauler, we aren’t intimidated. We know how the system works from the inside out.

A Proven Track Record Against Corporate Giants

Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas allow us to handle cases that cross state lines and involve complex federal laws. Our firm’s history includes litigating against some of the world’s largest corporations, including BP following a massive refinery explosion. We’ve also successfully fought giants like Walmart, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola.

Whether the truck that hit you was an Amazon delivery van or a specialized oilfield hauler, we have the resources to find the truth. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every City of Covington family with that same level of dedication.

The Clock is Ticking: 48-Hour Evidence Preservation

If there is one thing you must know after an accident in the City of Covington, it’s this: Evidence vanishes fast. Trucking companies are notorious for “losing” or “overwriting” black box data if a lawyer doesn’t intervene immediately.

Why You Must Act within 48 Hours

Most commercial trucks today are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called a “black box.” This device records speed, braking patterns, engine RPMs, and even throttle position in the seconds before an impact. However, this data is often set to overwrite every 30 days or after several new driving “events.”

When we are retained, we immediately send a “spoliation letter.” This is a formal legal demand that the trucking company and their insurer preserve every piece of evidence, from the black box data and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records to the driver’s cell phone logs and maintenance files. In the City of Covington, we move within hours to ensure that the proof of their negligence doesn’t disappear.

As client Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We achieve those results because we don’t let the evidence get away from us.

High-Risk Trucking Corridors in the City of Covington

The City of Covington sits at a unique crossroads in Hill County. While we enjoy our quiet community, we are surrounded by some of the heaviest freight traffic in the state. State Highway 171 carries a constant stream of commercial traffic, and the proximity to I-35W means that long-haul drivers are often passing through our area while fatigued or distracted.

The Danger of Fatigue and Schedule Pressure

Many of the 18-wheelers passing through Hill County are on their way to major distribution hubs in Fort Worth or Dallas. Carriers often set “impossible” delivery windows, pressuring drivers to skip mandated rest breaks. When a driver has been behind the wheel for 14 hours straight, their reaction time is similar to that of a legally intoxicated driver.

Under 49 CFR Part 395, federal law strictly limits how long a driver can be on the road. If a driver hauling freight through the City of Covington violated these “Hours of Service” rules, they and their employer are liable for the resulting wreckage. Our investigation involves auditing ELD logs to find these illegal patterns.

18-Wheeler Accident Types We Handle in Covington

A collision with a big rig isn’t a one-size-fits-all event. The mechanics of the crash often tell the story of who was at fault.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife happens when a truck’s drive wheels lock or lose traction, causing the trailer to swing out to the side like a folding knife. This often occurs on slippery roads or when a driver brakes too hard on a curve. In the City of Covington, a jackknifed truck can block three lanes of traffic, leaving other drivers with no place to go. These accidents are often caused by violations of 49 CFR § 393.48, which requires properly functioning brakes.

Rollover Crashes

Rollovers are common on the rural roads surrounding the City of Covington. These often happen when a driver takes a turn too fast or when cargo shifts internally because it wasn’t secured per 49 CFR Part 393. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of rollover-related traumatic brain injuries.

Underride Collisions

Underride crashes are among the most lethal. This is when a passenger car slides underneath the rear or side of a semi-trailer. These often involve missing or defective “Mansfield bars” (rear impact guards). If the truck that hit you in the City of Covington lacked the safety equipment required by 49 CFR § 393.86, we will hold them accountable for every dime of your damages.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Truck drivers must often swing left to make a right-hand turn. If they fail to signal properly or check their mirrors, they can crush a smaller vehicle between the trailer and the curb. This is a common occurrence on the tighter streets within the City of Covington.

Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Specialized Commercial Vehicle Cases in City of Covington

While 18-wheelers get the most attention, the City of Covington sees many other types of commercial vehicles that pose a significant threat.

Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles

With the ongoing growth in Hill County, dump trucks carrying gravel or construction debris are a regular sight. These vehicles often operate with uncovered loads, leading to debris strikes, or are driven by operators without proper CDL certifications. If a dump truck caused your wreck, we check their Driver Qualification File required by 49 CFR Part 391.

Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

The City of Covington is seeing a massive increase in “last-mile” delivery vans. Companies like Amazon often use a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability. They will tell you, “The driver isn’t actually an Amazon employee.” We know how to pierce that shield. If Amazon controls the route, the scanner, and the timing, they are responsible.

Garbage and Waste Trucks

Garbage trucks have enormous blind spots and frequently stop and back up in residential areas of the City of Covington. Because these are often government-owned or municipal-contracted, they involve unique “Tort Claims Act” requirements. We have the experience to handle these complex filing deadlines.

Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)

Unlike professional 18-wheeler drivers, anyone with a standard license can rent a massive moving truck. These drivers are often inexperienced, leading to devastating wrecks on City of Covington roads. We investigate whether the rental company was negligent for renting a dangerous vehicle to an unqualified operator.

Holding All 16 Liable Parties Accountable

Most lawyers file a claim against the driver and stop there. That’s a mistake that can leave millions on the table. At Attorney911, we investigate the whole chain of command. In a City of Covington truck accident, any of these parties might be liable:

1. The Truck Driver: Negligence, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: Negligent hiring, training, and HOS violations.
3. The Cargo Owner: Loading heavy freight that caused a rollover.
4. The Loading Company: Failing to secure loads per 49 CFR § 393.100.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: Design defects in brakes or steering.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: Defective tires or malfunctioning components.
7. The Maintenance Company: Failing to adjust brakes or replace worn tires.
8. The Freight Broker: Hiring an unsafe “bottom-tier” carrier to save money.
9. The Truck Owner: Negligently entrusting a vehicle to an unsafe driver.
10. Government Entities: Poorly designed or maintained City of Covington road features.
11. The Corporate Parent: If a Walmart or Amazon driver was actually under direct control of the parent brand.
12. The Oilfield Operator: If the truck was hauling for an energy company.
13. Staffing Agencies: If they provided an unqualified driver to the carrier.
14. Rental Companies: Negligent maintenance of U-Haul or Penske vehicles.
15. Transit Agencies: School districts or bus operators.
16. The Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved.

As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We take on the hard cases because we know how to find the hidden defendants.

Proving Negligence: Federal Regulations and OSHA

We build your case on more than just the police report. We use the law to prove exactly where the trucking company cut corners.

Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies in the City of Covington must maintain a “Driver Qualification File” for every driver. If they hired a driver with a history of DUIs or failed medical exams, they are liable for Negligent Hiring.

Part 396: Maintenance and Inspection

Every 18-wheeler must undergo a “Pre-Trip Inspection.” If the driver ignored worn brake pads or a cracked windshield to stay on schedule, they violated 49 CFR § 396.13. We subpoena maintenance records to see if the company chose profits over safety.

OSHA Crossover in the Oilfield

When an oilfield truck accident occurs near the City of Covington, it often involves a crossover between FMCSA and OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910). If a driver was working an 18-hour shift on an oilfield site before hitting the road, the company has violated both sets of safety standards. This dual-jurisdiction expertise is one reason why we’re considered leaders in trucking litigation.

Learn more in our video: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Financial Cost of Survival

A truck crash doesn’t just result in cuts and bruises; it results in life-altering trauma.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI settlements we’ve seen range from $1.5M to $9.8M. A TBI can affect memory, personality, and physical coordination. In the City of Covington, we work with neurological experts to prove the long-term impact on your quality of life. Check our video, “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

These cases often result in lifetime care needs. Our firm has achieved results ranging from $4.7M to over $25M for victims facing permanent disability. We ensure your settlement covers the 24/7 care, home modifications, and rehabilitative technology you deserve.

Amputation and Limb Loss

Losing a limb in a crash involves a recovery range of $1.9M to $8.6M. Beyond the physical loss, we fight for the costs of prosthetics, phantom limb pain treatment, and occupational retraining.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a family member on a City of Covington road, no amount of money can bring them back. However, a wrongful death claim (often ranging from $1.9M to $9.5M) can provide the financial security your family needs to survive. We are here to carry that legal burden so you can grieve in peace.

Understanding Trucking Insurance and “Nuclear Verdicts”

If a regular car hits you, there might be only $30,000 in insurance coverage. If an 18-wheeler hits you in City of Covington, there is significantly more.

Federal Minimums are Only the Beginning

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry:

• $750,000 for general freight.
• $1,000,000 for oil or hazardous equipment.
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials.

Many large carriers, like Walmart or Amazon, are “self-insured,” meaning they essentially have unlimited funds to pay for fair claims. However, they fight harder than any traditional insurance company. Because Lupe Peña used to work for these types of insurers, he knows exactly how to break through their defenses.

The Nuclear Verdict Trend

Juries across the country—and in Texas especially—are tired of trucking companies breaking the law. We are seeing “nuclear verdicts” exceeding $100 million in cases where trucking companies were grossy negligent or falsified logs. We prepare every City of Covington case as if it’s going to trial. When the insurance company knows we’re ready to let a jury see the evidence, they often double or triple their settlement offer.

Learn more in our video: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.

Frequently Asked Questions for Covington Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a claim in Covington?

In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the truck was owned by a government entity, that timeline could be as short as six months. Regardless of the legal deadline, you should never wait. The trucking company is building their case today; we should be building yours too.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar). This means that as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were hit by a truck driver who was speeding on State Highway 171, but you failed to use a turn signal, a jury might find you 10% responsible. You would still receive 90% of your total settlement value.

Do I have to pay you anything upfront?

No. At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are zero upfront costs. We pay for the investigators, the medical experts, and the accident reconstructionists. You pay us nothing unless we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, we eat those costs ourselves.

How much is my case worth?

Every City of Covington case is unique. It depends on your total medical bills, lost income, and the level of the trucking company’s negligence. Historically, trucking settlements for serious injuries range from high six figures into the multi-millions. When we speak with you during our free consultation, we will look at all the factors to give you an honest assessment.

Can I sue for PTSD after a truck accident?

Absolutely. The emotional trauma of being hit by an 80,000-pound machine is catastrophic. We regularly help City of Covington clients recover for mental anguish, loss of sleep, and post-traumatic stress. Learn more in our video: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.

Hablan español?

Sí, hablamos español. Nuestro abogado asociado, Lupe Peña, habla español con fluidez y puede representarlo directamente sin necesidad de intérpretes. Entendemos las necesidades de nuestra comunidad hispana en City of Covington. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What to Do Directly Following Your Covington Accident

If you are reading this while stood on the roadside or in a hospital bed in Hill County, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 immediately. Ensure a formal police report is filed.
2. Seek medical care. Go to the nearest Hill County hospital. Don’t “tough it out.”
3. Take photos. Photograph every vehicle, every license plate, and every street sign.
4. Identify the truck. Look for the DOT number and company logo on the side of the cab.
5. Don’t apologize. Anything you say, like “I didn’t see him,” will be used against you.
6. Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Do this before you talk to an insurance adjuster.

The Manginello Law Firm: Your Fighters in Hill County

Ralph Manginello didn’t build this firm to handle minor fender benders. He built it to handle legal emergencies. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon van, or an oilfield tanker, we are here to ensure that you aren’t crushed by the corporate legal machine.

We take the words of client Glenda Walker to heart: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We aren’t interested in the trucking company’s first “generous” offer. We are interested in justice.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and availability in Beaumont, we serve families across Texas and specifically within the City of Covington. We bring federal court experience, multi-million dollar results, and a compassionate, family-oriented approach to every client.

Contact Attorney911 24/7

You don’t need a lawyer who wants to “settle” for less. You need a leader who knows how to hold trucking companies to the fire.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless We Win

Don’t let a corporate giant determine your future. We are ready to listen, we are ready to investigate, and most importantly, we are ready to win. One call, that’s all: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Detailed Breakdown of FMCSA Regulations in Your Case

When we go to court for a City of Covington resident, we don’t just say the truck driver was “careless.” We cite the specific code of federal regulations (CFR) they violated. This turns your case from an opinion into a matter of documented law.

49 CFR Part 382: Controlled Substances and Alcohol

Many truck crashes on City of Covington highways involve drivers using stimulants to stay awake or alcohol to cope with the stress of the road. Federal law requires random drug testing (49 CFR § 382.305) and post-accident testing. If a company failed to test a driver after your wreck, they have broken federal law.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Vehicles

This regulates everything from speeding to “ill or fatigued operators.” Specifically, 49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits a motor carrier from permitting a driver to work while their alertness is impaired. If a dispatch record shows the company pushed a driver through City of Covington after they reported being tired, that’s a direct violation for which the company is fully liable.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This covers the heavy equipment. If a truck tire blew out on State Highway 171 and caused a wreck, we check Part 393’s tread depth and inflation standards. If they were running retreads on the steering axle or overloaded their truck beyond the manufacturer’s tire rating, they are responsible. Learn more in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

Why We Investigate Every Dispatcher Log

Often, a truck driver in City of Covington is a victim of their own company’s policies. Dispatchers are often incentivized by the number of loads they move. If they force a driver to ignore an oil light or a brake warning and keep moving through Hill County, the company Man is just as responsible as the driver.

We look for “forced dispatch” evidence. If a driver told their supervisor they needed sleep or a mechanic, and the supervisor threatened their job if they didn’t finish the run to the City of Covington, the company’s willful misconduct could trigger punitive damages. These are damages designed to punish the company and prevent them from hurting anyone else.

The Reality of Multi-Million Dollar TBI Cases

A high-speed impact with an 18-wheeler is a specific kind of violence. Even if you were wearing a seatbelt, the rapid acceleration can cause your brain to strike the inside of your skull. This is called a “coup-contrecoup” injury.

Many City of Covington victims don’t realize they have a TBI immediately. They might have a lingering headache or a slight change in their mood. As Ralph Manginello explains in our video, “Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo, you should never ignore these signs. We have helped families recover high seven-figure settlements for brain injuries that the insurance company tried to call “minor concussions.” We know better.

Understanding the Amazon and FedEx Ground Model

If you were hit by an Amazon van in City of Covington, you are likely part of a nationwide debate over “Independent Contractors.” Amazon Logistics doesn’t want to be sued, so they hire DSPs to provide the drivers.

Our approach is aggressive: we look at the Netradyne cameras Amazon installs in every van. If Amazon gets the data from those cameras, and Amazon sets the routes, and Amazon tells the driver what time to be in City of Covington, they are an employer. We use the “Control Test” to prove that Amazon is the one who should be paying your medical bills.

Similarly, for FedEx Ground ISP drivers, we look at the contingent insurance policies FedEx keeps for accidents. There is millions of dollars available, but you need a lawyer who knows where to look.

Protecting Vulnerable Road Users in City of Covington

Not every truck accident involves two vehicles. We also fight for:

Pedestrians and Cyclists

If a delivery truck makes a wide turn in City of Covington and hits a pedestrian or cyclist, the results are almost always fatal. These cases often involve “Right Hook” mechanics where the driver failed to check their blind mirrors. We hold these companies to the highest duty of care.

Motorcyclists

Truck drivers often “just don’t see” motorcycles. We know that’s usually because they weren’t looking. Motorcycle victims of truck crashes face years of reconstruction surgeries. We fight to ensure insurance companies don’t use “motorcycle bias” to pay you less. Learn more in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47ITjLF4pSM.

No One Can Fight This Battle Alone

The trucking company has lawyers on retainer whose only job is to protect their profits. They have rapid-response investigators who will be at the crash scene in Hill County before you’ve even seen a doctor. Their goal is to get you to sign a release or make a recorded statement that destroys your case.

Don’t let them win. Put 25 years of experience in your corner. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to stand with you. Whether you’re in a hospital in Waco or recovering at home in the City of Covington, we will come to you.

We are motivated by our clients’ success. As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

City of Covington truck accident victims: Your time starts now.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
A Powerful and Proven Team Ready to Fight for You.

Summary of Recoverable Damages in Your Case:

• Medical Expenses: Every trauma bay bill, surgery cost, and prescription.
• Future Medical Care: If your injury is permanent, you need a Life Care Plan.
• Lost Wages: For every day you couldn’t work because of the truck wreck.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If you can no longer do your old job.
• Pain and Suffering: For the physical agony and years of recovery.
• Mental Anguish: For the PTSD, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disfigurement: For the scars and physical reminders of the impact.
• Wrongful Death Damages: For the loss of a provider, mentor, and loved one.

The insurance company won’t offer these voluntarily. You have to demand them. And the best way to demand them is with the team that insurers fear.

Attorney911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Call (888) 288-9911 today.
Free Consultation. No Fee Unless We Win.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.