18-Wheeler Accidents in Florence, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Florence, Texas, you’re facing one of the most devastating experiences of your life. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims in Central Texas for over 25 years, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

Why Florence Trucking Accidents Are Different

Florence sits at the crossroads of several major Texas trucking corridors, making our community particularly vulnerable to commercial vehicle accidents. The intersection of US-183 and SH-195 sees heavy truck traffic serving Williamson County’s growing economy, while I-35 is just a short drive away – one of the busiest freight routes in the entire country. This means Florence residents face unique risks:

• High-speed collisions on rural highways where trucks travel at 70+ mph
• Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers passing through our area
• Equipment failures on trucks that haven’t been properly maintained
• Cargo spills from improperly secured loads on local roads

We understand these local factors because we’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Central Texas attorneys who know Florence’s roads, courts, and trucking patterns.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Every year, thousands of Texans are seriously injured or killed in commercial truck accidents. The statistics are sobering:

• An 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than a passenger car
• At highway speeds, a fully loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
• 5,100+ people die in large truck crashes annually in the U.S.
• 76% of those killed are occupants of the smaller vehicle

In Florence and Williamson County, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents change lives forever. The injuries are often catastrophic:

• Traumatic brain injuries that alter personalities and cognitive abilities
• Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
• Amputations from crushing injuries
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Internal organ damage requiring lifelong treatment

What Makes Trucking Accidents So Complex

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve multiple layers of responsibility and regulation. At Attorney911, we know how to navigate this complexity because we have:

1. Federal trucking regulation expertise – We understand FMCSA rules that most attorneys never encounter
2. Insurance defense experience – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims
3. Multi-million dollar results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas
4. Local knowledge – We know Florence’s courts, judges, and the unique challenges of Central Texas trucking cases

The Most Common Causes of Florence Trucking Accidents

Through our years of experience handling cases in Williamson County, we’ve identified the most frequent causes of 18-wheeler accidents in our area:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window after coming on duty
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely find drivers violating these rules, often under pressure from trucking companies to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. When we investigate, we subpoena the driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) records to prove fatigue violations.

2. Distracted Driving

Despite federal bans on hand-held devices, we frequently see:

• Texting while driving
• GPS device manipulation
• Dispatch communications
• Eating or drinking while operating the vehicle

Cell phone records and ELD data often reveal the truth about what the driver was doing in the moments before the crash.

3. Improper Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Common maintenance failures we uncover include:

• Brake system deficiencies (29% of truck crashes involve brake problems)
• Worn or improperly inflated tires (leading to blowouts)
• Faulty lighting (making trucks invisible at night)
• Steering system failures

We subpoena maintenance records to prove when companies cut corners on safety.

4. Cargo Securement Failures

Federal regulations require cargo to be secured to withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration (sudden braking)
• 0.5g acceleration (when starting from stop)
• 0.5g lateral forces (turning)

When cargo shifts or spills, it can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or create road hazards for other drivers. We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove securement violations.

5. Driver Qualification Issues

Trucking companies must maintain complete Driver Qualification (DQ) files containing:

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

We’ve seen cases where companies hired drivers with suspended licenses, failed drug tests, or histories of reckless driving. When we find incomplete or missing DQ files, it proves negligent hiring.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Florence

Our experience with Florence-area trucking cases has shown us which accident types cause the most severe injuries:

Jackknife Accidents

When a trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes:

• Sudden braking on wet roads
• Speeding on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Brake failures

Underride Collisions

When a car slides underneath a trailer, often shearing off the roof. These are among the deadliest accidents:

• Rear underride – Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side underride – Vehicle impacts trailer side (no federal guard requirement)
• Often result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side or roof, frequently causing:

• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Cargo spills
• Fuel fires
• Crushing injuries to occupants

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide before right turns, creating gaps that smaller vehicles enter. The truck then completes the turn, crushing the smaller vehicle.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

The four danger zones around trucks where drivers have limited visibility:

• Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front
• Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind
• Left Side No-Zone – From cab door backward
• Right Side No-Zone – Largest blind spot, from cab door backward

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Florence Trucking Case

One of the most important differences between car accidents and trucking accidents is that multiple parties can be held responsible for your injuries. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver

Direct liability for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Impaired driving (drugs/alcohol)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Both vicarious liability (responsibility for driver’s actions) and direct negligence including:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check background)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Liability for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking/bracing

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer

Product liability for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

6. Parts Manufacturer

Liability for defective components including:

• Brake systems
• Tires
• Steering mechanisms
• Lighting systems

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify safety issues
• Using substandard parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance/authority
• Failure to check carrier safety records

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

10. Government Entity

In limited circumstances, government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

Why You Need to Act Immediately

Time is not on your side after a trucking accident. Critical evidence disappears quickly:

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records may be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 30 days
• Physical evidence may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
• Witness memories fade within weeks

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that all parties preserve evidence, and destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in serious legal consequences.

The Evidence We Preserve in Every Florence Trucking Case

Our investigation process is thorough and immediate:

1. Electronic Data

   • Engine Control Module (ECM) / Black Box data
   • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
   • GPS and telematics data
   • Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
   • Dispatch communications
   • Cell phone records

2. Driver Records

   • Complete Driver Qualification File
   • Employment application and background check
   • Driving record and previous employers
   • Medical certification and drug test history
   • Training documentation

3. Vehicle Records

   • Maintenance and repair records
   • Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
   • Out-of-service orders and repairs
   • Tire records and replacement history

4. Company Records

   • Hours of service records for 6 months prior
   • Dispatch logs and trip records
   • Bills of lading and cargo documentation
   • Safety policies and procedures
   • Training curricula

5. Physical Evidence

   • The truck and trailer themselves
   • Failed or damaged components
   • Cargo and securement devices
   • Tire remnants (if blowout involved)

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Florence Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means injuries are often life-changing:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime care costs can range from $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity.

Spinal Cord Injury

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains

Lifetime care costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputation

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so damaged it must be removed

Ongoing needs include prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), rehabilitation, and psychological counseling.

Severe Burns

• First Degree: Epidermis only
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may require grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

Treatment often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries and causes permanent scarring.

Internal Organ Damage

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse
• Internal bleeding

These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Texas law allows surviving family members to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

How Much Is Your Florence Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking accidents typically result in higher settlements and verdicts than car accidents because:

1. Higher Insurance Limits – Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 (often $1-5 million)
2. Multiple Liable Parties – More defendants means more insurance coverage available
3. Catastrophic Injuries – Trucking accidents often cause permanent disabilities
4. Federal Regulations – Violations provide clear evidence of negligence

Recent trucking verdicts in Texas demonstrate what’s possible:

• $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 Million – Tarrant County trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 Million – Family injured in truck accident
• $2.5 Million – Truck crash recovery (Attorney911 case result)

The average trucking verdict now exceeds $27 million, with nuclear verdicts (over $10 million) becoming increasingly common.

The Legal Process for Your Florence Trucking Case

At Attorney911, we guide you through every step of the process:

1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost
2. Immediate Evidence Preservation – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
3. Investigation – We gather all available evidence
4. Medical Care Coordination – We help you get the treatment you need
5. Demand Letter – We formally demand compensation from all liable parties
6. Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
7. Litigation (if needed) – We file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
8. Resolution – We fight for maximum compensation through settlement or verdict

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This approach creates leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to trial.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Florence Trucking Case

When you’re up against trucking companies with teams of lawyers, you need a firm with:

1. Proven Experience

• 25+ years handling trucking accident cases
• Multi-million dollar results for trucking accident victims
• Federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
• Former insurance defense attorney on our team (Lupe Peña)

2. Local Knowledge

• We know Florence’s roads, courts, and judges
• We understand Williamson County’s trucking corridors
• We’re familiar with local trauma centers and medical providers
• We know how to navigate Texas’ comparative negligence rules

3. Comprehensive Resources

• Accident reconstruction experts to prove what happened
• Medical experts to document your injuries
• Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic experts to determine present value of damages
• Life care planners for catastrophic injury cases

4. Aggressive Representation

• We send spoliation letters immediately
• We subpoena all relevant records
• We depose drivers, dispatchers, and safety managers
• We’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

5. Compassionate Client Service

• We treat you like family, not a case number
• We offer Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña
• We keep you informed every step of the way
• We’re available 24/7 for your questions

What to Do Right Now

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Florence, Texas, here’s what you need to do immediately:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of all vehicles, injuries, road conditions
4. Get Driver Information – Name, CDL number, trucking company, insurance
5. Collect Witness Information – Names and contact info for anyone who saw the crash
6. Don’t Give Statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
7. Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 – We answer 24/7

Your Florence Trucking Accident Attorneys

At Attorney911, we’re more than just lawyers – we’re your advocates, your guides, and your fighters. Managing partner Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims since 1998 and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings unique insight as a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims – and how to beat them at their own game.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a trucking accident takes on families in Florence and Williamson County. That’s why we work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florence Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

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 as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data) to prove what really happened.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of:

• $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, which means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Quick settlement offers are almost always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages if gross negligence is proven.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties, including the driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, and others. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other defendants may have insurance coverage available.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence:

• ELD records showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch logs demonstrating unrealistic schedules
• Cell phone records showing late-night communications
• ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
• Witness statements about driver behavior

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Moderate complexity: 12-24 months
• Complex litigation: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

The Florence Trucking Corridors We Know Too Well

Our experience with Florence-area trucking accidents has given us intimate knowledge of the most dangerous corridors in Williamson County:

US-183 (Florence Corridor)

• Runs through the heart of Florence
• Heavy local truck traffic serving businesses and agriculture
• Intersection with SH-195 is particularly dangerous
• High-speed collisions common on rural stretches

SH-195

• Connects Florence to Georgetown and I-35
• Narrow two-lane highway with limited shoulders
• Trucks and passenger vehicles share the road at high speeds
• Curves and hills create visibility challenges

I-35 (Just North of Florence)

• One of the busiest freight corridors in America
• Major north-south route connecting Mexico to Canada
• High-speed collisions, fatigue-related crashes
• NAFTA traffic creates unique challenges

FM 970

• Rural route with significant agricultural trucking
• Narrow roads with limited visibility
• Equipment failures more common on older trucks
• Wildlife crossings create additional hazards

Local Distribution Centers

• Florence’s growing economy has attracted distribution facilities
• Increased truck traffic in residential and commercial areas
• More local drivers sharing roads with large trucks
• Parking and maneuvering challenges

Real Florence Trucking Accident Scenarios

These are the types of cases we handle for Florence residents:

The Fatigued Driver

A long-haul driver from out of state was pushing to make a delivery deadline. He had been on the road for 14 hours when he fell asleep at the wheel on US-183 just south of Florence. His truck crossed the center line and struck a family’s minivan head-on. The father suffered a traumatic brain injury, and two children were killed. Our investigation revealed:

• Falsified ELD records
• Dispatch records showing pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines
• Previous HOS violations by the same driver
• The trucking company’s pattern of ignoring safety violations

The Improperly Loaded Truck

A local agricultural supplier loaded a flatbed truck with heavy equipment without proper securement. As the truck turned onto SH-195 from a rural road, the equipment shifted, causing the truck to roll over. The cargo spilled onto the highway, striking a pickup truck and causing a multi-vehicle pileup. Our investigation showed:

• No pre-trip inspection was conducted
• The loading company failed to use proper tiedowns
• The driver was not trained on securement requirements
• The trucking company had a history of cargo violations

The Brake Failure

A truck driver noticed his brakes were “soft” during his pre-trip inspection but was told by dispatch to “make the run anyway.” As he descended a hill on FM 970, his brakes failed completely. He plowed into stopped traffic at a railroad crossing, causing multiple injuries. Our investigation revealed:

• The truck had been placed out of service for brake violations 3 weeks earlier
• The maintenance company had returned it to service without proper repairs
• The driver had reported the brake issue multiple times
• The trucking company had a pattern of ignoring maintenance issues

The Distracted Driver

A truck driver was texting with dispatch about his delivery schedule when he rear-ended a stopped car on US-183 near Florence High School. The impact pushed the car into the intersection, where it was struck by another vehicle. The driver of the car suffered a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis. Our investigation proved:

• The driver’s cell phone records showed texting at the time of the crash
• The trucking company had no policy against texting while driving
• The driver had previous distracted driving violations
• Dispatch was pressuring the driver to make up time

Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Florence, Texas, time is critical. Every hour you wait, evidence is disappearing. The trucking company and their insurance adjusters are already working to protect their interests – you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There’s no obligation, and we work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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

You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to fight for you.