18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Falfurrias, TX | Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm

Justice for Victims of Trucking Accidents in Falfurrias and Brooks County

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and Falfurrias sees more than its fair share. The massive trucks that rumble through our community on US-281 and State Highway 285 create dangerous conditions for local drivers. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Falfurrias, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of our rural highways and the federal regulations that govern the trucking industry.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across South Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Falfurrias’ trucking corridors, from the oil field traffic heading to the Eagle Ford Shale to the agricultural shipments moving through our community. This local knowledge, combined with our deep 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

Why Falfurrias Trucking Accidents Are Different

Falfurrias sits at a critical transportation crossroads. US-281 connects to Corpus Christi and the Gulf Coast, while State Highway 285 links to oil field operations and agricultural areas. This means our roads see a mix of long-haul trucks, oil field equipment, and local traffic that creates unique accident risks:

Oil field trucking with specialized equipment that may not be properly secured
Agricultural shipments that can shift or spill on rural roads
Long-haul trucks that may be fatigued from extended driving
Narrow rural roads that weren’t designed for modern truck traffic
Limited emergency response in remote areas of Brooks County

When these factors combine with the massive size and weight of 18-wheelers, the results can be catastrophic. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than the average passenger car. At highway speeds, the physics are unforgiving.

The Devastating Reality of Falfurrias 18-Wheeler Accidents

Trucking accidents in Falfurrias often result in catastrophic injuries that change lives forever:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The force of a truck collision can cause severe brain trauma, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes. Many victims require lifelong care.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis from truck accidents is tragically common. Spinal injuries may result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, requiring extensive medical treatment and home modifications.
Amputations: Crushing injuries often necessitate surgical amputation. Prosthetics and rehabilitation can cost millions over a lifetime.
Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures and fires are common in truck accidents, causing painful burns that require multiple surgeries and leave permanent scars.
Internal Organ Damage: The blunt force trauma from a truck collision can rupture organs, cause internal bleeding, and lead to life-threatening complications.
Wrongful Death: When a trucking accident kills a loved one, families face overwhelming grief and financial uncertainty. Wrongful death claims help provide for the future.

The medical costs alone can quickly exceed $1 million for serious truck accident injuries. That’s why it’s critical to work with attorneys who know how to maximize your recovery from all responsible parties.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Falfurrias

The trucking industry is governed by strict federal regulations designed to keep our highways safe. When trucking companies and drivers violate these rules, accidents happen. In Falfurrias, we commonly see:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break required after 8 hours of 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. We prove fatigue by obtaining ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data that shows exactly how long the driver was on the road.

2. Improper Cargo Securement

FMCSA regulations require cargo to be secured to withstand:

0.8 g deceleration (sudden stop)
0.5 g acceleration
0.5 g lateral forces (side-to-side)
Downward force of at least 20% of cargo weight

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills. In rural areas like Brooks County, spilled cargo creates additional hazards for other drivers.

3. Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Federal regulations require:

Proper brake adjustment
Regular maintenance
Annual inspections
Driver pre-trip brake checks

When trucking companies defer maintenance to save costs, the results can be deadly. We investigate brake inspection and maintenance records to prove negligence.

4. Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of truck accidents each year. FMCSA regulations require:

Minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
Proper inflation
Regular inspections
Replacement of worn or damaged tires

The extreme heat in South Texas accelerates tire wear, making blowouts more likely. When a truck’s steer tire fails, the driver can lose control completely.

5. Distracted Driving

Federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from:

Using hand-held mobile phones
Texting while driving
Reaching for devices in a way that requires leaving the seated position

Distracted driving is just as dangerous for truck drivers as it is for passenger vehicle drivers. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.

6. Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These accidents are often fatal because the trailer shears off the top of the passenger vehicle.

Federal regulations require rear impact guards on trailers, but:

No federal requirement for side underride guards
Many rear guards don’t meet current standards
Guards can fail in crashes

7. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to make turns. When a truck swings wide before turning right, it creates a gap that other vehicles may enter – only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

8. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots:

20 feet in front of the cab
30 feet behind the trailer
Along both sides of the trailer (larger on the right side)

When truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots, catastrophic accidents occur.

Who Is Liable for Your Falfurrias Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

The Truck Driver: May be liable for negligent driving, HOS violations, distraction, or impairment.
The Trucking Company: Liable under respondeat superior for driver’s negligence, and directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
Cargo Owner: May be liable for improper loading instructions or failure to disclose hazardous cargo.
Loading Company: Third-party companies that load cargo may be liable for improper securement.
Truck Manufacturer: May be liable for defective components that caused the accident.
Parts Manufacturer: Companies that make defective brakes, tires, or other components.
Maintenance Company: Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for negligent repairs.
Freight Broker: May be liable for negligent selection of unsafe carriers.
Truck Owner: If different from the carrier, may be liable for negligent entrustment.
Government Entity: May be liable for dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident.

Our investigation identifies all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

The Evidence That Wins Falfurrias Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We act fast to preserve:

Electronic Evidence

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical data
ELD Logs: Prove hours of service compliance or violations
GPS/Telematics Data: Shows the truck’s route and speed history
Dashcam Footage: May show the accident or driver behavior
Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
Dispatch Records: Show schedule pressure and HOS violations

Physical Evidence

The Truck and Trailer: We inspect for defects and maintenance issues
Failed Components: Tires, brakes, or other parts that failed
Cargo: Securement devices and loading patterns
Accident Scene: Skid marks, debris patterns, road conditions

Documentation

Driver Qualification File: Shows hiring and training practices
Maintenance Records: Prove deferred maintenance
Inspection Reports: Document pre-existing violations
Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Prove impairment
Police Report: Official documentation of the accident

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Falfurrias Trucking Case?

1. Local Knowledge of Brooks County Roads

We know Falfurrias’ trucking corridors, from US-281 to State Highway 285. We understand the unique challenges of rural trucking accidents and the local courts that will handle your case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña worked for a national defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

“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.”

3. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. We’ve handled cases against major carriers and secured multi-million dollar results for our clients.

4. Federal Court Experience

Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas allows us to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

5. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.

6. Spanish Language Services

Hablamos español. Our bilingual staff can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring nothing is lost in translation.

7. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so you never receive a bill from us.

Our Proven Process for Falfurrias Trucking Cases

Immediate Case Evaluation: We offer free consultations 24/7. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your case.
Evidence Preservation: We send spoliation letters immediately to protect critical evidence.
Comprehensive Investigation: We obtain all relevant records, inspect the truck, and interview witnesses.
Expert Analysis: We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and vocational specialists.
Aggressive Negotiation: We demand fair compensation from all responsible parties.
Litigation if Necessary: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to maximize settlement leverage.
Maximum Recovery: We fight for full compensation for all your damages.

What Your Falfurrias Trucking Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors, including:

Severity of Injuries: Catastrophic injuries command higher compensation
Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost Income: Wages lost due to injury and recovery
Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
Degree of Negligence: Gross negligence may support punitive damages
Insurance Coverage: Trucking companies carry higher limits than typical drivers

Texas has no cap on compensatory damages for trucking accidents, meaning your full damages are recoverable. Punitive damages may be available when trucking companies act with gross negligence.

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, recent verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

$730 Million – Texas wrongful death case (Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger)
$462 Million – Missouri underride accident (2024)
$160 Million – Alabama rollover case (Street v. Daimler)
$150 Million – Texas settlement (Werner case)
$90 Million – Houston trucking verdict
$37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict

These cases show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence.

What to Do After a Falfurrias Trucking Accident

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Falfurrias or Brooks County:

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

Falfurrias Trucking Accident FAQ

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

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more.

What is a spoliation letter?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, and more.

Can I still recover if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Yes. We identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage. Even if the primary carrier is bankrupt, other defendants may have coverage.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.

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 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.

Contact Falfurrias’ Trusted Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Falfurrias, Brooks County, or anywhere in South Texas, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Falfurrias trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster take advantage of you. Call us before evidence disappears. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Attorney911 – Fighting for Justice on Falfurrias Highways
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