Fredericksburg Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Litigation Guide

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving along Highway 290, perhaps heading into Fredericksburg for the weekend or commuting home, when 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In a split second, the tranquility of the Hill Country was replaced by the grinding of metal and a life-changing crisis. An 18-wheeler doesn’t just cause a “car wreck”—it causes a disaster. When you are hit by a commercial vehicle in Fredericksburg, you aren’t just fighting a driver; you are fighting a multi-million-dollar corporation and their army of defense attorneys.

At Attorney911, we know exactly what you are up against. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches of personal injury litigation, holding negligent trucking companies accountable since 1998. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has gone head-to-head with some of the largest corporations in the world, including BP following the Texas City refinery disaster. Our team also includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to represent the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook, he knows how they undervalue claims, and he knows how to break their defenses.

If you have been hurt, you don’t need a general practitioner. You need a Fredericksburg truck accident team that understands the complex web of federal regulations and corporate liability. We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and amputations. As client Chad Harris said about our firm: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We represent victims in Fredericksburg and throughout Gillespie County who have been injured by 18-wheelers, delivery vans, dump trucks, and oilfield vehicles. The clock is already ticking. In Texas, you generally have two years to file a claim, but the evidence in a trucking case can disappear in as little as 30 days. Don’t wait. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Truck Accidents in Fredericksburg are Different

Fredericksburg sits at a unique crossroads in Texas. While we are known for our historic Main Street and the Wine Road 290 corridor, our local roads are also major thoroughfares for heavy commercial traffic. US Highway 290 and State Highway 16 carry a constant stream of freight, construction vehicles, and agricultural haulers.

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a standard 4,000-pound passenger car, the physics are punishing. Force equals mass times acceleration, and in Fredericksburg, that math often results in catastrophic injuries. Whether it is a delivery van rushing to keep up with Amazon’s quotas or a flatbed hauling equipment to a construction site near the Gillespie County border, these vehicles require specialized knowledge to litigate.

A standard car accident involves one insurance policy and one negligent driver. A Fredericksburg trucking accident is a “legal emergency” that involves federal law, black box data, and multiple layers of corporate insurance. Most people don’t realize that the truck driver might not be the only one at fault. The company that hired them, the broker that arranged the load, and even the manufacturer of the truck’s brakes could all be liable for your medical bills and suffering.

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

Texas Trucking Laws and Your Rights in Fredericksburg

Navigating the legal landscape after a crash requires an understanding of how Texas law applies to Fredericksburg residents. Our state has specific rules that determine whether you can recover compensation and how much you might receive.

The Statute of Limitations in Texas

Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This might seem like a long time, but in a Fredericksburg 18-wheeler case, delays are deadly. If you wait eighteen months to hire a lawyer, the truck’s “black box” (ECM) data has likely been overwritten, the driver has moved on, and the company has “lost” its maintenance records. We send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours of being hired to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Modified Comparative Negligence (The 51% Bar)

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that in a Fredericksburg accident, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as your percentage of responsibility is not greater than 50%. If a jury finds you 20% at fault and the truck driver 80% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 20%. If you are found 51% at fault, you recover zero. Trucking companies in Fredericksburg will aggressively try to shift the blame onto you to avoid paying. Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense is critical here; he knows how they twist facts to try to reach that 51% threshold, and we know how to push back.

Damage Recovery in Fredericksburg

Unlike some states, Texas does not cap non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) in standard truck accident cases. This is vital because the mental anguish and physical impairment from a major crash often dwarf the medical bills. We fight for every dime, as client Glenda Walker noted when she said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

For more on how these laws affect your payout, see our video: “How Much Will I Get Paid? What is The Average Personal Injury Settlement?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApiyjLLG1M8.

The Role of FMCSA Regulations in Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules for the entire trucking industry. In Fredericksburg, every commercial driver crossing state lines or hauling significant weight must follow Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When these rules are broken, it isn’t just a mistake—it is evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of 18-wheeler accidents on Fredericksburg highways. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They are also subject to a 14-hour on-duty window and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Many companies pressure drivers to “push through” the Hill Country to make deliveries in Austin or San Antonio, resulting in exhausted drivers who shouldn’t be on the road.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the job. This includes verifying their CDL, checking their driving record, and conducting mandatory drug and alcohol testing. If a company puts an unqualified driver on the streets of Fredericksburg, they are liable for “negligent hiring.”

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Commercial trucks are massive machines that require constant upkeep. FMCSA mandates that every motor carrier systematically inspect and maintain its fleet. This includes daily post-trip reports by the driver. When brakes fail on a steep Fredericksburg grade or a tire blowouts occurs due to lack of tread, we look at Part 396. Failures in maintenance are often intentional choices to save money at the expense of your safety.

We dig deep into these regulations because we are “Truck Accident Specialists.” We don’t just ask for the police report; we demand the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, the Driver Qualification File, and the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores.

Accident Types Common in Fredericksburg & Gillespie County

Whether you are in the historic downtown area or out on a rural farm-to-market road, truck accidents in Fredericksburg follow specific patterns. Understanding the mechanics of your crash is the first step in building a winning case.

18-Wheeler Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded semi-truck heading down Main Street or Highway 290 needs nearly the length of two football fields to stop. When a driver is distracted—perhaps looking at a GPS or a dispatch message—the results are devastating. The weight of the truck ensures that even a low-speed rear-end collision can cause herniated discs, TBI, or internal organ damage.

Jackknife and Rollover Accidents

On the winding roads surrounding Fredericksburg, a truck that takes a curve too fast or brakes suddenly can jackknife, where the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. This often sweeps multiple vehicles off the road. Rollovers are equally dangerous, especially for tanker trucks hauling liquids or gravel. These are frequently caused by violations of 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) or Part 393 (improper cargo securement).

Underride Collisions

Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. These are among the most lethal accidents in Fredericksburg, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, but they are often poorly maintained or insufficiently strong to prevent a car from sliding underneath.

Blind Spot and Wide-Turn “Squeeze Play”

Trucks have massive blind spots known as “No-Zones.” On Fredericksburg’s narrower streets, a driver may fail to see a car beside them during a lane change or a wide right turn. The “squeeze play” occurs when a truck swings left to make a right turn, trapping a smaller car between the trailer and the curb.

Delivery Van and Corporate Fleet Accidents

With the rise of e-commerce, Fredericksburg is home to a constant stream of Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vans. Drivers for these companies are often under extreme time pressure, leading to “last-mile” accidents in residential neighborhoods. Companies like Amazon often try to shield themselves from liability by using “independent contractors” (DSPs). We know how to pierce that corporate shield and hold the parent company accountable.

If a tire blowout was part of your crash, watch our specialized video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

Identifying All Liable Parties: Why One Defendant is Rarely Enough

Most general practice lawyers in Fredericksburg only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must identify every party in the chain of command. In a major commercial vehicle accident, liability is rarely limited to one person.

1. The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: Under “respondeat superior,” the employer is responsible for the driver’s actions. They are also liable for negligent hiring and training.
3. The Cargo Shipper/Loader: If the cargo was improperly loaded, causing a shift or a spill on the highway, the company that loaded it may be liable under 49 CFR Part 393.
4. The Maintenance Provider: Many fleets outsource their repairs. If a third-party company in or near Fredericksburg failed to properly adjust the brakes or replace worn tires, they share the blame.
5. The Freight Broker: If a broker hired a trucking company with a known history of safety violations (bad CSA scores), they can be sued for negligent selection.
6. The Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck’s design (like a faulty underride guard) or a part (like a steering component) caused the crash, we initiate a product liability claim.
7. Government Entities: If a road defect or poor signage on a Fredericksburg street contributed to the crash, we may pursue a claim against the city or state (though these involve strict notice requirements).
8. Corporate Parent/Brand Owner: In cases involving Walmart or Amazon, we look at the parent corporation’s role in setting the dangerous schedules that led to the crash.

By identifying all liable parties, we access multiple insurance policies. A driver might have $750,000 in coverage, but the corporate parent may have a $50 million umbrella policy. We find the money to cover your lifetime of care.

48-Hour Urgency: Preserving the Evidence

The moment a truck accident occurs in Fredericksburg, the trucking company’s “Rapid Response Team” is activated. While you are being treated in the emergency room, their investigators are already at the scene taking photos, interviewing witnesses, and downloading data to build a defense. They are not looking for the truth; they are looking for ways to pay you less.

You need to move just as fast. We send a formal spoliation letter immediately. This legal notice demands that the company preserve:

• ECM (Engine Control Module) Data: The truck’s “black box” which records speed, braking, and throttle status in the seconds before impact.
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records: To prove if the driver was over their legal hours.
• Dashcam Footage: Both forward-facing and driver-facing video.
• Maintenance Files: To see if the truck was a “lemon” that should have been off the road.
• Drug and Alcohol Results: Post-accident testing is federally mandated.

If this evidence is destroyed after our letter is sent, we can ask the court for “spoliation sanctions,” which can include a jury instruction to assume the evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Road to Recovery

Truck accidents aren’t just physically painful; they are life-altering. Whether you were hit by a concrete mixer or a package delivery truck, the injuries tend to be permanent.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can occur even if there is no direct impact on the head; the sheer force of a high-speed Fredericksburg truck crash can cause the brain to impact the skull. This results in memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. Our firm has secured settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range for TBI victims. Learn more: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ).

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When the spine is crushed in an underride or rollover accident, the results are often permanent. High-level quadriplegia or paraplegia cases require millions in lifetime care costs. We utilize life care planners and vocational experts to calculate every single dollar you will need for medical equipment, modified housing, and 24/7 care.

Amputations and Crushing Injuries

A “squeeze play” wide-turn accident or a rollover can trap a victim in their car for hours, leading to traumatic amputations or the need for surgical removal of limbs. We have achieved settlements as high as $8.6M for amputation victims.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a family member to a negligent truck driver in Fredericksburg, we offer our deepest condolences. Money can never replace a loved one, but it can provide security for the children left behind and hold the corporation accountable. Texas wrongful death settlements in trucking cases often range from $1.9M to $9.5M.

Even “minor” injuries like whiplash are serious when an 18-wheeler is involved. Insurance adjusters will call these “soft tissue” and offer a few thousand dollars. They won’t tell you about the herniated discs that require surgery years later. Watch “What Is the Minimum Payout for Whiplash?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RvPRCTcBQE to see how we handle these claims.

Commercial Trucking Insurance: Finding the Depth to Pay for Your Loss

One of the biggest advantages of a Fredericksburg truck accident case is the amount of insurance available. Federal law (49 CFR § 387.33) requires minimum coverage based on the cargo:

• Non-Hazmat Freight: $750,000
• Oil and Large Equipment: $1,000,000
• Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): $5,000,000

Large companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Sysco are often “self-insured,” meaning they have millions of dollars on hand to pay claims. However, they are also “solvent defendants” who fight harder than anyone else. They use Lupe Peña’s former colleagues—defense firms whose only job is to protect those millions. You need a fighter in your corner. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years in the ring with these corporate giants, and he doesn’t back down.

Fredericksburg Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Fredericksburg?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for experts, accident reconstruction, and court filings. We only get paid if we win your case. You pay nothing unless we recover for you.

The truck driver was from another state. Where do I file my lawsuit?
Because Fredericksburg trucking involves interstate commerce, these cases are often heard in federal court, such as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission is critical here. We can handle your case regardless of where the trucking company is based.

What if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept the first offer. Usually, these offers come while you are still in the hospital, before you know if you need surgery or if your TBI is permanent. Once you sign, you can never ask for more. Let us evaluate the offer—our insider knowledge of insurance tactics ensures we know if they are lowballing you. As client Angel Walle said: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Can I sue the oil company if an oilfield truck hit me in Fredericksburg?
If the truck was hauling water, sand, or equipment for an oil operator like ExxonMobil or Chevron, they may be liable for “negligent selection” or “general contractor liability.” Oilfield trucks are common on Highway 16, and we treat these as industrial-scale negligence cases.

Are Amazon drivers independent contractors?
Amazon’s Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) are technically separate companies, but Amazon controls their routes, monitoring, and performance. We use the “right to control” test to prove Amazon is the true employer, giving you access to Amazon’s massive insurance policies.

What is my Fredericksburg case worth?
The value depends on three factors: liability (how clear is it that they were at fault?), damages (how badly were you hurt?), and insurance (how much money is available?). We have helped families recover millions, including a $5M settlement for a worker injured by falling equipment and $3.8M for an amputation.

Choosing the Right Fredericksburg Truck Accident Firm

You are looking for an attorney because you are in a crisis. You have medical bills piling up, you can’t work, and you are in constant pain. You need a firm that treats you like a human being, not a case number.

Client Chad Harris said it best: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” At Attorney911, we limit the number of cases we take so that Ralph and Lupe can give you personal attention. Ralph has the 25+ years of experience that insurance companies respect (and fear), and Lupe has the inside track on how adjusters think.

Whether you were hit by a cement mixer, a tour bus, or an 18-wheeler on Highway 290, we are ready to fight for you. We provide representation in English and Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Summary of Recoverable Damages in Fredericksburg

When we build your case, we pursue two categories of damages:

Economic Damages (The Calculable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Every hospital bill, pharmacy cost, and doctor’s visit, past and future.
• Lost Wages: Not just the paychecks you’ve missed now, but the career income you will lose if you can no longer work.
• Property Damage: The cost to replace your car and any items inside.
• Life Care Costs: The millions needed for lifetime care of catastrophic injuries.

Non-Economic Damages (The Quality of Life)

• Pain and Suffering: The physical agony you live with every day.
• Mental Anguish: The PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares following a violent crash.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When you can no longer hike the Hill Country, play with your kids, or enjoy your hobbies.
• Loss of Consortium: The impact the injury has on your relationship with your spouse.

If the trucking company was especially reckless—falsifying logs or sending a driver with a known drug habit onto Fredericksburg roads—we also pursue punitive damages to punish the company and prevent this from happening to another family.

Take Action Now: Your Fredericksburg Truck Accident Fighter

The trucking company has already started their investigation. Their lawyers are already working to protect their profits. What are you doing to protect your family?

Every day you wait is a day that evidence can be “lost” or deleted. Every hour you wait, the trucking company gets a head start. Don’t let them win. Put 25 years of experience and federal court power on your side.

Ralph Manginello and the Attorney911 team handle the complex legal burden so you can focus on one thing: healing. We don’t take a single dime unless we put money in your pocket. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and zero risk to you.

Call Attorney911 anytime, 24/7. We answer the phone immediately because your case is a legal emergency.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or email ralph@atty911.com today.

Fighting for Fredericksburg. Fighting for your family. Fighting for your future.

Beyond the Big Rig: Fredericksburg’s Other Commercial Vehicle Hazards

While 18-wheelers get the headlines, many of the most serious accidents in Fredericksburg involve mid-sized commercial vehicles. These cases are often more complex because the drivers may not require a full Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), yet they are operating heavy machinery on our streets.

Dump Truck and Construction Vehicle Accidents

Fredericksburg is growing. New developments and road work on Highway 290 mean a constant flow of dump trucks and heavy equipment. A loaded dump truck can weigh 65,000 pounds. These vehicles are often operated by small subcontractors who cut corners on maintenance. An overloaded gravel truck that rolls over on a Fredericksburg curve can crush everything around it. We investigate the general contractor and the hauling company to ensure full accountability.

Garbage and Waste Management Trucks

Garbage trucks operate in our most sensitive areas—residential neighborhoods and school zones. They have massive blind spots and frequent stopping/backing patterns. If a waste truck hit your car or a pedestrian in your neighborhood, we look for violations of municipal safety standards and failure to use proper sensors or spotners.

Rental Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)

Rental trucks are terrifying because almost anyone can drive one. You don’t need a CDL to rent a 26-foot truck. When an untrained driver who is used to a sedan gets behind the wheel of a massive moving van in Fredericksburg, they don’t understand the stopping distance or the center of gravity. If the rental company (like U-Haul) rented to an unqualified driver or failed to maintain the brakes, they can be held liable.

Utility and Bucket Trucks

Fredericksburg’s power and telecom companies operate utility trucks that are frequently parked on road shoulders. If one of these trucks was improperly marked or parked in a blind spot on a rural road, leading to a rear-end collision, you have a claim.

Regardless of the vehicle, the rules of the road (and the FMCSA) still apply. If you’ve been hit by any vehicle with a company logo, you need a Fredericksburg commercial vehicle attorney.

The Human Cost: Stories of Victory

We don’t just measure success in dollars; we measure it in lives reclaimed. When client Donald Wilcox was rejected by another company, he came to us. “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.”

Greg Garcia had a similar experience: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

We take the cases other firms think are too hard, too complex, or against defendants that are too big. We litigate against Walmart, Amazon, and the oil companies because we have the resources and the tenacity to stay in the ring for as long as it takes.

Final Contact Protocols for Fredericksburg Residents

If you are reading this from a hospital bed at Hill Country Memorial or your home in Fredericksburg, know that you have rights. You are not alone in this fight.

• Free Case Evaluation: 1-888-ATTY-911
• No Win, No Fee: We work on contingency.
• Spanish Speakers: Lupe Peña is fluent. Hablamos Español.
• 24/7 Availability: Legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

The settlement you get today is the only money you will ever get for this accident. It has to last the rest of your life. It has to pay for the surgeries ten years from now. It has to replace the career you loved. Don’t leave your future to chance or a “quick” insurance settlement. Hire the firm insurers fear.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Your fight starts with one call. We answer. We fight. We win.

Attorney Disclosure: Ralph P. Manginello is the Managing Partner of Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC. Office locations in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, serving cases across Texas including Fredericksburg and Gillespie County. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.