18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Granite Shoals, Texas

If you or a loved one has been involved in a catastrophic 18-wheeler accident on Highway 281 or any of the busy trucking corridors around Granite Shoals, Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands both the complexities of federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of Central Texas trucking routes. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for victims of commercial vehicle accidents across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you in Granite Shoals.

Why Granite Shoals Trucking Accidents Are Different

Granite Shoals sits at the heart of Texas’s growing transportation network, where the scenic beauty of the Highland Lakes region intersects with some of the state’s most dangerous trucking corridors. The area’s unique geography creates specific risks for truck accidents:

Highway 281 – This major north-south route connects San Antonio to Wichita Falls, carrying heavy truck traffic including oil field equipment, agricultural products, and consumer goods. The road’s mix of rural stretches and sudden urban intersections creates dangerous transition zones where truck drivers must rapidly adjust their speed and awareness.
Highway 1431 – Running through the heart of Granite Shoals, this east-west corridor sees significant truck traffic serving local businesses, construction projects, and the growing tourism industry. The road’s curves and elevation changes require special attention from commercial drivers.
Highway 71 – Connecting Austin to Brady, this route carries trucks serving the tech industry and agricultural sectors. The road’s rural character with sudden population centers creates unique challenges.
Local Roads – Granite Shoals’ growth means more trucks navigating residential streets, school zones, and business districts where local drivers may not expect heavy commercial traffic.

The area’s rapid development means that truck traffic is increasing faster than infrastructure improvements, creating dangerous conditions where large commercial vehicles interact with passenger cars on roads that weren’t designed for today’s traffic volumes.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Granite Shoals

Our experience handling trucking cases throughout Central Texas has shown us that Granite Shoals accidents often involve these specific factors:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Texas’s position as a national logistics hub means that Granite Shoals sees many long-haul drivers pushing the limits of federal hours-of-service regulations. The pressure to meet delivery deadlines often leads to:

Drivers exceeding the 11-hour daily driving limit
Failure to take required 30-minute breaks
Falsifying electronic logging device (ELD) records
Driving beyond the 14-hour on-duty window
Not taking adequate 10-hour off-duty periods

We’ve seen cases where drivers working for companies based in San Antonio, Houston, or Dallas have caused accidents in Granite Shoals after driving for 16+ hours straight. The FMCSA’s hours-of-service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) exist precisely to prevent these dangerous situations.

Equipment Failures on Granite Shoals Roads

The combination of Granite Shoals’ hilly terrain, temperature fluctuations, and heavy truck traffic creates conditions that accelerate equipment wear:

Brake failures on long descents (especially on Highway 281)
Tire blowouts from temperature changes and road debris
Cargo securement failures when loads shift on winding roads
Lighting and visibility issues during early morning and evening hours
Steering system failures from rough road conditions

These equipment problems often result from deferred maintenance – trucking companies cutting corners to save money. When we investigate these cases, we look for patterns of neglect in maintenance records (49 CFR Part 396).

Distracted Driving in Commercial Vehicles

With the growth of Granite Shoals and the surrounding Highland Lakes area, truck drivers face more distractions than ever:

GPS devices and navigation systems
Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
Dispatch communications via Qualcomm or other systems
Cell phone use (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.82)
Eating and drinking while driving
Adjusting radios or climate controls
External distractions from scenic views and construction zones

The FMCSA strictly prohibits texting and hand-held phone use by commercial drivers, yet we continue to see cases where distracted driving causes catastrophic accidents on Granite Shoals roads.

Improper Training and Inexperienced Drivers

The truck driver shortage means many companies hire inexperienced drivers who may not be prepared for Granite Shoals’ unique driving conditions:

Navigating narrow bridges and tight turns
Handling sudden elevation changes
Dealing with local traffic patterns
Managing speed on winding roads
Interacting with recreational vehicles and boats common in the area
Responding to wildlife crossings

When we review Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR Part 391), we often find inadequate training records that fail to address these local challenges.

Cargo-Related Accidents

Granite Shoals’ economy means trucks carry a variety of cargo that can create specific hazards:

Overweight loads from construction materials and equipment
Improperly secured cargo that shifts during transport
Hazardous materials being transported to and from industrial sites
Agricultural products that may create road hazards if spilled
Oversized loads that require special permits and escorts

Cargo securement violations (49 CFR Part 393) are particularly dangerous on Granite Shoals’ winding roads where shifting loads can cause rollovers or spills.

Catastrophic Injuries from Granite Shoals Truck Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 80,000-pound trucks and passenger vehicles means Granite Shoals truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The violent forces in truck collisions frequently cause brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe, permanent brain damage. Victims may experience:

Memory loss and cognitive impairment
Personality changes and mood disorders
Speech and language difficulties
Permanent disability requiring lifelong care

TBI treatment at Seton Highland Lakes Hospital or other Central Texas medical centers can cost millions over a lifetime.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Granite Shoals truck accidents often result in spinal cord damage that can cause:

Paraplegia – Loss of function in the lower body
Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries – Partial loss of function with potential for recovery
Complete injuries – Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury

These injuries require extensive rehabilitation at facilities like Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation and often result in permanent disability.

Amputations

The crushing forces in truck accidents can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation is required. Victims face:

Multiple surgeries and hospitalizations
Prosthetic limbs costing $5,000-$50,000 each
Ongoing physical therapy
Psychological trauma and adjustment challenges
Permanent disability affecting employment

Severe Burns

Granite Shoals truck accidents often involve fuel fires or hazardous material spills that cause severe burns:

First-degree burns – Superficial damage to outer skin layer
Second-degree burns – Damage to deeper skin layers, often requiring skin grafts
Third-degree burns – Full-thickness burns requiring extensive treatment
Fourth-degree burns – Burns extending to muscle and bone

Burn treatment at specialized centers like Shriners Hospitals for Children or University Medical Center Brackenridge is extremely expensive and often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

The forces in truck collisions can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

Liver and spleen lacerations
Kidney damage
Lung contusions and punctures
Bowel perforations
Internal bleeding

These injuries often require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Wrongful Death

When truck accidents prove fatal, families are left to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one. Wrongful death claims in Granite Shoals can include compensation for:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of companionship and consortium
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Granite Shoals Trucking Case

Local Knowledge of Granite Shoals Trucking Corridors

We understand the specific challenges of Granite Shoals trucking routes:

The dangerous curves on Highway 1431 near the Granite Shoals city limits
The steep grades on Highway 281 approaching Marble Falls
The sudden traffic slowdowns in downtown Granite Shoals
The seasonal increases in truck traffic during construction season
The unique hazards of trucks interacting with recreational vehicles and boats

Our familiarity with local roads, traffic patterns, and accident hot spots gives us an advantage when investigating your case and presenting it to insurance companies or juries.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate trucking accident claims, and now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims. This insider perspective gives us a significant advantage when negotiating with insurance adjusters or presenting cases in court.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is crucial for trucking cases that often involve:

Interstate commerce regulations
Federal motor carrier safety standards
Complex jurisdictional issues
Multi-state trucking companies

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas, including:

$5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
$2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

These results demonstrate our ability to handle complex trucking cases and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

Comprehensive Investigation Approach

Our Granite Shoals trucking accident investigations include:

Immediate evidence preservation with spoliation letters
ECM/black box data retrieval and analysis
Electronic logging device (ELD) data review
Driver Qualification File subpoenas
Maintenance record inspections
Accident reconstruction by expert witnesses
Cell phone record analysis
Witness interviews
Surveillance footage collection
FMCSA compliance review

Personal Attention from Start to Finish

Unlike large firms that treat you like a case number, we provide personal attention throughout your case:

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

We keep you informed at every stage and make sure you understand your options. Our clients have direct access to their legal team, including Ralph Manginello’s personal cell phone number.

Bilingual Services for Granite Shoals’ Hispanic Community

Granite Shoals has a significant Hispanic population, and many truck drivers and accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes Spanish speakers who can:

Conduct consultations in Spanish
Explain legal concepts in understandable terms
Communicate with Spanish-speaking witnesses
Handle all case communications in Spanish
Provide courtroom interpretation if needed

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

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Handle Granite Shoals Trucking Cases

Immediate Action Within 48 Hours

When you call us about your Granite Shoals trucking accident, we take immediate action:

Same-Day Case Evaluation – We review your case details and determine the best legal strategy
Spoliation Letters – We send preservation demands to all potentially liable parties within 24-48 hours
Evidence Preservation – We work to secure black box data, ELD records, and other critical evidence before it’s destroyed
Accident Scene Investigation – We visit the scene as soon as possible to document conditions
Medical Care Coordination – We help you get the treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance

Comprehensive Liability Investigation

We investigate all potentially liable parties in your Granite Shoals trucking accident:

The truck driver – For negligence, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
The trucking company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
The cargo owner – For improper loading instructions or hazardous material issues
The loading company – For improper cargo securement
The truck manufacturer – For vehicle or component defects
The parts manufacturer – For defective brakes, tires, or other components
The maintenance company – For negligent repairs
The freight broker – For negligent carrier selection
Government entities – For road design defects or inadequate signage

Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position:

We gather overwhelming evidence of liability
We document the full extent of your damages
We retain top expert witnesses
We file lawsuits when necessary to force fair settlements
We’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes

Our reputation for aggressive litigation means insurance companies take our demands seriously from the beginning.

Full Compensation for All Damages

We pursue every category of damages available under Texas law:

Economic Damages:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses
Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages:
When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, we pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Granite Shoals Trucking Accident Case Timeline

Phase 1: Emergency Response (0-72 Hours)

Initial consultation and case evaluation
Spoliation letters sent to all potentially liable parties
Emergency evidence preservation
Accident scene investigation
Medical care coordination

Phase 2: Investigation (Days 1-30)

ECM/black box data retrieval and analysis
ELD data review for hours-of-service violations
Driver Qualification File subpoena
Maintenance record inspection
Cargo securement documentation review
Witness interviews
Accident reconstruction
Cell phone record analysis
Insurance policy review

Phase 3: Medical Treatment and Documentation (Weeks 1-24)

Ongoing medical care coordination
Medical record collection
Life care planning for catastrophic injuries
Vocational assessment for lost earning capacity
Economic damage calculation

Phase 4: Demand and Negotiation (Months 3-12)

Comprehensive demand package to insurance companies
Settlement negotiations
Mediation preparation and participation
Continued evidence gathering

Phase 5: Litigation (Months 6-24+)

Lawsuit filing in Burnet County or federal court
Discovery process (interrogatories, requests for production, depositions)
Expert witness preparation
Motion practice
Trial preparation

Phase 6: Resolution

Settlement agreement
Trial verdict
Post-trial motions and appeals if necessary

Granite Shoals Trucking Accident Hot Spots

Our experience with local cases has identified these dangerous locations where truck accidents frequently occur:

Highway 281 at Highway 1431 Intersection – A major crossing point with heavy truck traffic from multiple directions
Highway 1431 near Granite Shoals City Limits – Transition zone from rural to urban traffic patterns
Highway 281 near Marble Falls – Steep grades and sudden traffic slowdowns
Highway 71 through Kingsland – Mix of truck traffic and recreational vehicles
Industrial areas near Granite Shoals business district – Trucks entering and exiting warehouses and distribution centers
Construction zones – Temporary traffic patterns and lane shifts create hazards
School zones – Trucks interacting with student traffic during drop-off and pickup times
Residential areas – Trucks navigating narrow streets not designed for commercial vehicles

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Granite Shoals

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Granite Shoals, take these steps to protect your rights:

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out at Seton Highland Lakes Hospital or another local medical facility
Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage (all vehicles involved)
- Skid marks and road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Injuries
- The truck and trailer (including DOT number and company name)
- Witness contact information
- Weather and lighting conditions
Get the truck driver’s information – Name, CDL number, contact information, insurance details
Get the trucking company information – Company name, DOT number, contact information
Do NOT give a recorded statement – Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly – refer them to your attorney
Call Attorney911 immediately – The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights

Granite Shoals Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Granite Shoals?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the truck driver’s and company’s information, and contact Attorney911 immediately. Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly – black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests.

Who can I sue after a Granite Shoals trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

The truck driver
The trucking company
The cargo owner
The loading company
The truck or parts manufacturer
The maintenance company
The freight broker
Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

How much is my Granite Shoals trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

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, and the sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.

What evidence is most important in a Granite Shoals trucking case?

Critical evidence includes:

ECM/black box data
Electronic logging device (ELD) records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Cargo securement documentation
Cell phone records
Dashcam footage
Witness statements
Accident reconstruction reports

What are the most common FMCSA violations in Granite Shoals truck accidents?

The most common violations we find include:

Hours of service violations (driving too long without breaks)
False log entries (falsifying ELD records)
Brake system deficiencies
Cargo securement failures
Drug and alcohol violations
Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
Failure to inspect vehicles

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence to prove fatigue:

ELD data showing hours of service violations
ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
Cell phone records showing late-night communication
Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
Witness testimony about driver behavior
Surveillance footage from truck stops or businesses

What if the trucking company claims I was partially at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

How long does a Granite Shoals trucking accident case take?

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

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

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.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage. Even if the primary trucking company has financial problems, other defendants (cargo owner, loading company, maintenance provider) may have insurance that can cover your damages.

How much does it cost to hire a Granite Shoals trucking accident attorney?

At Attorney911, we work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment through:

Letters of Protection (LOP) with medical providers
Health insurance (if available)
Medicaid or Medicare (if eligible)
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage from your auto policy

Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver is an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence. We work to preserve this footage before it’s deleted or overwritten. Trucking companies often delete footage within days or weeks, so immediate action is critical.

What if road conditions contributed to my Granite Shoals truck accident?

If dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident, we investigate whether government entities (TxDOT, Burnet County, City of Granite Shoals) may be liable. These cases have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so prompt action is essential.

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a compensable injury. Symptoms may include:

Flashbacks and nightmares
Severe anxiety
Depression
Avoidance of driving or certain locations
Sleep disturbances

We work with mental health professionals to document your PTSD and include it in your claim.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages.

How do you prove the trucking company was negligent?

We prove negligence through:

FMCSA regulation violations
Pattern of safety violations
Deferred maintenance records
Inadequate training documentation
Pressure to violate hours of service
Previous accident history
Corporate safety culture (or lack thereof)

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. We’ve seen cases where initial offers were 10-20% of what the case was ultimately worth.

Granite Shoals Trucking Accident Resources

Local Medical Facilities

Seton Highland Lakes Hospital – 3500 Ranch Rd 2147, Burnet, TX 78611
Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Marble Falls – 800 W Hwy 71, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Ascension Seton Marble Falls – 2000 S Water St, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Highland Lakes Medical Center – 100 Medical Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654

Local Rehabilitation Centers

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation – 601 E 13th St, Austin, TX 78701
St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital – 1005 E 32nd St, Austin, TX 78705
TIRR Memorial Hermann – 1333 Moursund St, Houston, TX 77030 (for severe injuries)

Local Support Groups

Brain Injury Association of Texas – Support for TBI survivors and families
Spinal Cord Injury Support Group – Meetings in Austin and surrounding areas
Amputee Coalition Support Groups – Local chapters for amputees
Burn Survivors Support Groups – For burn injury survivors

Government Agencies

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Road condition reports and accident data
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Trucking company safety records
Burnet County Sheriff’s Office – Local law enforcement and accident reports
City of Granite Shoals Police Department – Local law enforcement

Legal Resources

State Bar of Texas – Lawyer referral service and legal resources
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid – Free legal services for qualifying individuals
Texas Legal Services Center – Legal assistance for low-income Texans

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Granite Shoals, Texas, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting your rights.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Our Granite Shoals trucking accident attorneys work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and we’re ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Don’t let the trucking company and their insurance adjusters take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today and let us put our 25+ years of experience to work for your Granite Shoals trucking accident case.