18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Georgetown, Texas
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-35, Highway 29, or any of Georgetown’s busy trucking corridors, you need experienced legal representation. At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable when their negligence causes catastrophic injuries to Georgetown families.
Why Georgetown Trucking Accidents Are Different
Georgetown sits at a critical juncture of Central Texas transportation routes, with I-35 serving as one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors. This strategic location means:
- Heavy truck traffic from Austin to Dallas and beyond
- Distribution centers along the I-35 corridor serving Georgetown businesses
- Local delivery trucks navigating Georgetown’s historic downtown and growing suburbs
- Construction zones where trucks and passenger vehicles mix
- Unique weather challenges including flash flooding and sudden Central Texas storms
Our firm understands the specific challenges of Georgetown’s trucking environment. We know the local courts, the common accident locations, and how to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Georgetown 18-Wheeler Accidents
Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Many truck drivers passing through Georgetown violate federal hours of service regulations. The FMCSA limits drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour on-duty window before requiring rest
- 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
When trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, fatigued driving becomes inevitable. We’ve seen cases where Georgetown truck drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide hours of service violations.
Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures
Georgetown’s trucking accidents often involve:
- Brake failures from deferred maintenance
- Tire blowouts from worn tires or improper inflation
- Lighting violations making trucks invisible at night
- Cargo securement failures causing spills and rollovers
The Texas Department of Transportation’s records show that brake violations are among the most common out-of-service violations for trucks inspected in Williamson County.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Despite strict federal regulations, we continue to see Georgetown truck accidents caused by:
- Cell phone use while driving (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.82)
- Texting while driving (specifically banned)
- Dispatch system distractions
- Drug and alcohol impairment (mandatory testing required)
Improper Loading and Cargo Issues
Georgetown’s proximity to distribution centers means many trucks carry improperly secured cargo. Common violations include:
- Overweight loads exceeding legal limits
- Improper weight distribution causing instability
- Inadequate tiedowns leading to cargo shifts
- Hazardous materials spills creating additional dangers
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Georgetown
Jackknife Accidents on I-35
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on I-35 where:
- Sudden traffic slowdowns are common
- Construction zones create unexpected lane shifts
- Steep grades can cause brake overheating
- High speeds increase stopping distances
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents happen when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. Georgetown has seen tragic underride accidents at:
- I-35 intersections with frontage roads
- Highway 29 near the San Gabriel River
- Downtown intersections with inadequate lighting
- Construction zones with poor signage
Federal law requires rear underride guards on trailers, but many trucks still lack proper protection. Side underride guards are not yet required despite their potential to save lives.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are particularly common in Georgetown due to:
- Sharp curves on Highway 29
- Steep grades on I-35
- Improperly loaded trailers
- Sudden maneuvers to avoid traffic
When a fully loaded 80,000-pound truck rolls over, the consequences are often catastrophic for nearby vehicles.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. At 65 mph, a fully loaded truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. Rear-end collisions frequently occur in Georgetown at:
- I-35 exits where traffic suddenly slows
- Highway 29 intersections
- Construction zones with inadequate warning signs
- Areas with poor visibility due to fog or rain
Wide Turn Accidents
Georgetown’s historic downtown features many tight intersections where trucks must make wide turns. These accidents often involve:
- Trucks swinging left before making right turns
- Failure to check blind spots before turning
- Inadequate warning to other drivers
- Poorly designed intersections
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Georgetown Trucking Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
- The Truck Driver – For negligent operation, hours of service violations, or impairment
- The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
- Cargo Owners – For improper loading instructions or hazardous material violations
- Loading Companies – For failing to properly secure cargo
- Truck Manufacturers – For defective components or design flaws
- Parts Manufacturers – For defective brakes, tires, or other components
- Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or inspections
- Freight Brokers – For negligent carrier selection
- Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions or inadequate signage
Our Georgetown trucking accident attorneys investigate every potential source of liability to maximize your compensation.
Evidence We Preserve in Georgetown Trucking Cases
Electronic Data
- ECM/Black Box Data – Shows speed, braking, and throttle position before the crash
- ELD Records – Prove hours of service violations and fatigue
- GPS Data – Documents the truck’s route and timing
- Cell Phone Records – Reveal distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage – Provides visual evidence of the accident
CRITICAL: This data can be overwritten or deleted within 30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence destruction.
Driver Records
- Driver Qualification File – Includes employment application, background check, and training records
- Medical Certification – Shows whether the driver was physically qualified
- Drug and Alcohol Test Results – Reveal impairment issues
- Previous Accident History – Demonstrates pattern of unsafe driving
Vehicle Records
- Maintenance Records – Show whether the truck was properly maintained
- Inspection Reports – Reveal pre-existing violations
- Tire Records – Document age, tread depth, and replacement history
- Brake Inspection Records – Show compliance with adjustment requirements
Company Records
- Dispatch Logs – Reveal pressure to violate hours of service
- Safety Policies – Show whether the company followed its own procedures
- Training Materials – Demonstrate adequacy of driver training
- CSA Scores – Reveal the company’s safety record
Catastrophic Injuries from Georgetown Trucking Accidents
The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers mean accidents often result in life-altering injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. Symptoms may include:
