Hillsboro Truck Accident Lawyer: The Manginello Law Firm
If you’ve been involved in a collision with an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on I-35 in Hillsboro, your life changed in a heartbeat. One second, you’re driving through the heart of Hill County, perhaps passing the historic courthouse or heading toward the Hillsboro outlets; the next, the crushing weight of a semi-truck has turned your car into scrap metal. This isn’t just a car wreck. It is a legal emergency.
At Attorney911, we know that Hillsboro is a critical junction for the Texas trucking industry. As the point where I-35 splits into I-35E toward Dallas and I-35W toward Fort Worth, our city sees a staggering volume of freight traffic every single day. When a driver is fatigued from a long-haul trip from the Laredo border or a corporate fleet vehicle is rushing to a DFW distribution center, the people of Hillsboro are the ones who pay the price for their negligence.
For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has fought for families devastated by these catastrophic accidents. Our team doesn’t just “handle” cases; we hunt down every liable party, from the driver skipping their rest breaks to the multi-billion dollar corporate parents who prioritize profit over the safety of Hill County residents. We understand that in Hillsboro, you need a lawyer who is powerful, proven, and ready to hit back against the insurance companies that want to minimize your suffering.
If you’re hurting, don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. Black box data overwrites, and the trucking company’s lawyers are already building a defense. Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for a free consultation. We don’t charge a dime unless we win your case.
Why Hillsboro is a High-Risk Zone for Truck Accidents
Hillsboro sits at one of the most significant crossroads in the United States. I-35 is the primary artery for NAFTA trade, carrying billions of dollars in goods through our community annually. This transit-heavy environment makes Hillsboro a “red zone” for commercial vehicle collisions.
The I-35 Split and Driver Confusion
In Hillsboro, I-35 serves as the confluence of the state’s two most important urban corridors. When drivers from out of state approach the I-35 split, they often make sudden, lane-darting maneuvers to reach the correct path toward either Dallas or Fort Worth. For an 18-wheeler, a sudden lane change isn’t just a traffic violation—it’s a deadly event. These “No-Zone” accidents often occur because the driver failed to check their blind spots or was too focused on their GPS to navigate the split safely.
High-Volume Freight Corridors
Beyond I-35, our community is bisected by US-77 and State Highway 22, routes frequently used by local delivery fleets, agricultural trucks, and construction vehicles. Whether it’s a gravel truck servicing a new development at the edge of Hillsboro or a grain hauler moving through the Blackland Prairie, the sheer mass of these vehicles creates a high-risk environment for passenger cars.
The DFW Logistics Overflow
As North Texas continues to expand, Hillsboro has become a primary staging ground for logistics and distribution. Major carriers like Swift, J.B. Hunt, and Werner Enterprises are constant fixtures on our roads. Additionally, delivery vans from companies like Amazon and Walmart are increasingly common as they move goods from massive fulfillment centers in the Metroplex to customers across Hill County. This increase in “last-mile” delivery traffic brings heavy commercial risks into our residential neighborhoods and shopping districts.
The trucking company has a team of investigators moving toward the scene of your accident before you’ve even left the Hillsboro emergency room. You need someone moving just as fast on your side. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.
The Insurance Defense Advantage: Why Attorney911 Is Different
When you go up against a national trucking carrier or a corporate giant like Amazon, you aren’t fighting a person. You’re fighting an insurance machine designed to deny your claim. That’s why our team includes Associate Attorney Lupe Peña.
Before joining us to fight for injury victims, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He was the one insurance companies called to handle the “playbook” for minimizing payouts. He saw how adjusters are trained to lead victims into recorded statements that damage their cases. He knows exactly how they calculate the “value” of your pain using cold algorithms.
Now, Lupe uses that insider knowledge to destroy their defenses. He knows where they hide the money and how they structure their corporate shields. When we represent a Hillsboro resident, we aren’t guessing what the insurance company is thinking—we already know their next move. This insider perspective gives our clients an unfair advantage in negotiations and in the courtroom.
As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency and personal attention it deserves, backed by the heavy-hitting experience of a firm that has recovered over $50 million for Texas families.
Federal Regulations: Proving Negligence through FMCSA Violations
Every commercial truck moving through Hillsboro is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations, codified in 49 CFR Parts 390-399, are the floor for safety standards. When a company or driver breaks these laws, they are negligent.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
This is the most critical regulation we investigate. Fatigue is a silent killer on I-35. Under Part 395, drivers are strictly limited in how many hours they can stay behind the wheel.
- 11-Hour Limit: A driver cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Window: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a break after 8 hours of driving time.
In Hillsboro, we often find that drivers have been “pushed” by their dispatchers to exceed these limits to meet delivery windows in DFW or Austin. We subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove the driver was operating illegally. If they were over their hours, the carrier is liable for the crash.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure they aren’t putting dangerous people on Hillsboro roads. Part 391 requires motor carriers to maintain a “Driver Qualification File” containing the driver’s CDL details, medical certificate, and a background check of their driving history for at least 3 years. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple accidents, we hold them accountable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance and Inspections
An 80,000-pound truck is only as safe as its brakes and tires. Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. If an 18-wheeler suffered a brake failure while descending a grade or a tire blowout on the highway, we look for evidence that the company deferred maintenance to save money. Worn-out brake pads or retread tires that should have been scrapped are common findings in our investigations.
Don’t let the trucking company hide their violations. We know the regs, and we know how to prove they broke them. Call (888) 288-9911 for your free consultation.
Types of Trucking Accidents in Hillsboro
The physics of a heavy truck collision dictate the severity of the injuries. Because these vehicles are 20 to 25 times heavier than a standard sedan, the energy transfer in a crash is overwhelming.
I-35 Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded semi-truck at highway speeds needs the length of nearly two football fields (over 525 feet) to come to a complete stop. When traffic slows down near the Hillsboro outlets or construction zones, inattentive or speeding truckers often cannot stop in time. These accidents cause devastating “telescoping” injuries to the neck and spine of the victims in the car ahead.
Rollover and Jackknife Events
The “split” in Hillsboro and the rural curves on FM roads are prime locations for rollovers. High centers of gravity and shifting cargo mean a truck taking a turn too fast will tip. Similarly, a jackknife occurs when the trailer outruns the cab’s braking force, swinging perpendicular across multiple lanes. In a Hillsboro pileup, your car can be trapped between the trailer and the median with zero chance of escape.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrifying accident type, an underride happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a truck trailer. The trailer height is often aligned perfectly with a car’s windshield, shearing off the passenger compartment. These are almost always fatal. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with proper, well-maintained underride guards as required by federal safety standards.
Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents
Trucks frequently need to swing wide to navigate our local Hillsboro streets. If a driver fails to use a turn signal or check their mirrors, they can “squeeze” a car between the truck’s trailer and the curb. This crushing force causes traumatic amputations and severe orthopedic trauma.
If you were hit by an 18-wheeler you couldn’t see—and that couldn’t see YOU—you need an attorney who moves just as fast as the insurance company’s rapid-response team. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Specialized Commercial Vehicle Wrecks in Hillsboro
While 18-wheelers get the headlines, our community is home to many other types of heavy commercial traffic. We handle all of them.
Dump Truck and Construction Wrecks
With the constant roadwork on I-35 and new residential construction in Hill County, dump trucks are everywhere. These vehicles often weigh 60,000 pounds when loaded with gravel or soil. Because they are often operated by small subcontractors, maintenance is frequently ignored. If a dump truck hit you because of a brake failure or an unsecured load, the construction company that hired them may be just as liable as the driver.
Amazon and Corporate Delivery Vans
Amazon delivers billions of packages, which means thousands of opportunities for their drivers to cause accidents in our residential areas. Amazon uses a “contractor model” to distance themselves from liability, but we know how to pierce that shield. Amazon monitors these drivers through four cameras and scores their performance via apps. If they control the driver’s every move, they are the employer. We hold them responsible.
Agricultural and Farm Equipment Accidents
Hillsboro is a hub for the local farming community. During harvest season, grain hoppers and oversized equipment are common on 2-lane roads. If a tractor or agricultural truck failed to use proper lighting or flagging, or if a driver was fatigued from 18-hour harvest shifts, they are responsible for the injuries they cause to other motorists.
Whether it’s a U-Haul moving truck, a garbage truck in your neighborhood, or a concrete mixer, we have the experience to litigate against the specific carrier. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.
Holding All 16 Liable Parties Accountable
Most lawyers file a claim against the driver and stop there. We dig deeper. To get the maximum settlement for your injuries, we cast the widest possible net of liability.
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Carrier: For negligent hiring, training, and supervision.
- The Cargo Owner: If the load was hazardous or improperly disclosed.
- The Loading Company: For overloading the truck or failing to secure cargo.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect (like a weak cabin) contributed.
- The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or brake systems.
- The Maintenance Company: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a “conditional” safety rating.
- The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to the carrier.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or debris on I-35 caused the crash.
- Corporate Parent (Walmart/Amazon/Sysco): For setting quotas that force unsafe driving.
- Oilfield Operator: If the truck was hauling equipment for a wellsite.
- Staffing Company: For providing an unqualified or unvetted driver.
- Rental Truck Company: (U-Haul/Penske) for negligent maintenance.
- Public Transit/School Districts: For bus driver negligence.
- Federal Government: (USPS/Military) through the Federal Tort Claims Act.
By identifying every insurance policy available—”stacking” coverage—we ensure you aren’t left with medical bills that exceed the driver’s personal policy. More defendants means more sources of recovery for you.
48-Hour Evidence Preservation: Why Speed Is Mandatory
In Hillsboro, evidence from a truck crash is at risk from the moment the police clear the scene.
- ECM/Black Box Data: This records the truck’s speed and braking in the seconds before impact. If the truck isn’t grounded, this data is overwritten in 30 days.
- Tire and Skid Marks: Our Texas heat can fade skid marks on I-35 within days. A heavy rainstorm can wash away critical physical clues.
- Surveillance Footage: Many of the businesses near the I-35 split and the outlet malls use recording systems that cycle every 7 to 14 days.
We send “Spoliation Letters” within 24–48 hours of being hired. This is a formal legal notice that requires the carrier to preserve all evidence. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, we can ask the judge for sanctions that effectively win your case before it even goes to trial.
The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing? Call 888-ATTY-911 right now.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery
A car crash with an 18-wheeler is never minor. Hillsboro trauma victims often face life-altering diagnoses.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI changes how you think, how you walk, and how you feel. We have recovered millions for TBI victims because we understand the cognitive toll these injuries take. Whether it’s a “mild” concussion or a severe brain bleed, the impact on your career and family is total. Our TBI settlements range from $1.5M to nearly $10M.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a truck impact often snaps the spinal column. Paralysis cases require lifetime care, home modifications, and 24/7 assistance. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement covers every medical bill you will ever receive. For quadriplegia or paraplegia, we pursue recoveries in the $4.7M to $25.8M range.
Amputation and Crush Injuries
Being trapped in a car in Hillsboro while waiting for first responders can lead to loss of limbs or “crush syndrome,” which triggers kidney failure. We ensure your compensation includes the cost of top-tier prosthetics and the psychological trauma of losing a limb.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one on I-35, we are deeply sorry. We cannot bring them back, but we can secure your family’s financial future. Texas law allows for the recovery of lost wages, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our wrongful death recoveries for families have reached as high as $9.5M.
Pain. Bills. Uncertainty. We can help with all of it. Call your Hillsboro fighter at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Commercial Truck Insurance: What You Need to Know
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry significant insurance, but getting them to pay is the challenge.
- $750,000 Minimum: For basic non-hazardous freight.
- $1 Million: For oil, equipment, and large vehicles.
- $5 Million: For hazardous materials and large passenger buses.
Large corporations like Walmart and Amazon are often “self-insured,” meaning they pay the first several million dollars of a claim out of their own bank accounts. Because the money is coming directly from their bottom line, they fight even harder. You need a lawyer who isn’t intimidated by their fleet of lawyers. Ralph Manginello has litigated against Fortune 500 giants including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, Coca-Cola, and BP. We know their tactics, and we know how to beat them.
Frequently Asked Questions for Hillsboro Truck Accident Victims
How long do I have to file a claim in Hillsboro?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting that long is a mistake. Evidence in Hill County trucking cases can disappear in weeks. If you’re hit by a government-owned truck (like a municipal garbage truck), you might have as little as six months to file a formal notice.
What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows the 51% Bar Rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your total payout will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If a trucker was speeding on I-35 but you didn’t have your turn signal on, the jury might find you 10% responsible. You would still collect 90% of the damages.
The insurance company offered a settlement—should I take it?
Almost certainly NOT. Quick offers are “lowball” offers designed to get you to sign your rights away before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign, you can never go back for more—even if you later need spinal surgery or can never work again. Call us for a free case evaluation before you talk to any adjuster.
Can I sue Amazon if their delivery van hit me in Hillsboro?
Yes. Amazon will claim the driver was an independent contractor, but we use the “Control Test” to prove otherwise. If Amazon chose the route, set the timing, and monitored the driver through AI cameras, they are legally responsible. We know how to pierce their contractor defense.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay us nothing upfront, and you never receive an hourly bill. We only get paid if we win a settlement or verdict for you. As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
What if my accident involved a construction truck on I-35?
Construction truck accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance. The driver, the subcontractor, and the general contractor (the company overseeing the I-35 project) may all be liable. These cases involve complex contracts and safety requirements that only an experienced trucking attorney can navigate.
What should I do if the truck driver was from out of state?
This actually helps your case in some ways. Many of these cases are moved to federal court (U.S. District Court). Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and handles interstate trucking cases across the United States. Whether the carrier is from Hillsboro, California, or Maine, we can hold them accountable here in Texas.
Can I get a payout for PTSD after a truck wreck?
Yes. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a real injury. If you have nightmares, anxiety driving on I-35, or flashbacks, you are entitled to “mental anguish” and “pain and suffering” damages. We work with psychologists and experts to document these non-economic losses.
The Fight for Your Future Starts Now
When an 80,000-pound truck slams into your life, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a fighter. You need a team that treats you like family while treating the insurance company like the adversary they are.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have spent over two decades winning multi-million dollar battles for victims of negligence. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners to save time on I-35, and we’ve made them pay for it. From securing medical care for your TBI to calculating the decades of income lost from a spinal injury, we handle every detail so you can focus on one thing: healing.
Hillsboro families deserve an attorney who understands our roads, our courts, and our local trucking risks. Don’t let the carrier’s insurance team decide what your life is worth. Let a proven advocate fight for every dime you deserve.
Your fight starts with one call to 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. We fight with everything we have. We win for the people of Hillsboro.
Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
Call (888) 288-9911 for your free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
