18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Jonestown, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, hundreds of 18-wheeler accidents occur on the highways serving Jonestown and Travis County. These crashes often result in life-altering injuries—or worse—due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Jonestown, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of these cases.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know the Jonestown area’s trucking corridors, from US-183 to SH-71, and we’re ready to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Jonestown Trucking Accidents Are Different

Jonestown sits at a critical juncture of Central Texas’s trucking routes, with major highways like US-183, SH-71, and RM-1431 carrying heavy commercial traffic. The area’s mix of rural roads, steep grades, and high-speed corridors creates unique risks for truck accidents, including:

• Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers pushing their hours
• Brake failures on steep descents near the Hill Country
• Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
• Underride collisions where smaller vehicles slide beneath trailers
• Jackknife accidents on wet or icy roads

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes involve multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and higher insurance limits—making them far more complex. That’s why you need a Jonestown trucking accident attorney with deep experience in these cases.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Jonestown

Trucking accidents rarely happen by chance. In most cases, they’re caused by negligence—whether from the driver, the trucking company, or a third party. Some of the most frequent causes we see in Jonestown include:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a 14-hour on-duty window. Yet many drivers violate these rules due to pressure from trucking companies to meet tight deadlines.

FMCSA Violations We Commonly Find:

• False logbook entries (lying about driving time)
• Exceeding 11-hour driving limits (a leading cause of fatigue-related crashes)
• No 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits ignored

How We Prove Fatigue:

• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data (shows exact driving hours)
• Dispatch records (proves pressure to meet unrealistic schedules)
• Cell phone records (reveals late-night driving patterns)
• Witness statements (other drivers who saw erratic behavior)

If a fatigued driver caused your accident, we’ll hold both the driver and the trucking company accountable.

2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phones, Dispatch Systems, GPS)

Truck drivers are prohibited from using hand-held phones while driving (49 CFR § 392.82), yet many still text, check GPS, or communicate with dispatchers.

Common Distractions in Trucking Accidents:

• Texting while driving (6x more likely to cause a crash)
• Using dispatch tablets (many trucks have in-cab communication systems)
• Eating or drinking (common on long hauls)
• Adjusting GPS or CB radios

How We Prove Distraction:

• Cell phone records (shows calls/texts at time of crash)
• ECM/Black Box data (sudden braking or swerving patterns)
• Dashcam footage (if available)
• Witness statements (other drivers who saw the truck weaving)

3. Improper Cargo Loading & Securement

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift, spill, or even cause rollovers. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require:

• Adequate tiedowns (minimum 1 tiedown per 10 feet of cargo)
• Proper weight distribution (prevents trailer sway)
• Securement for specific cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Common Cargo-Related Accidents in Jonestown:

• Spilled loads blocking highways (common on US-183)
• Rollover crashes from unbalanced trailers
• Falling debris striking other vehicles
• Liquid sloshing (tankers with improper baffles)

Who’s Liable?

• The loading company (if they improperly secured the cargo)
• The trucking company (for failing to inspect the load)
• The cargo owner (if they provided incorrect weight information)

4. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in nearly 30% of large truck crashes. Federal law requires systematic inspection and maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3), yet many trucking companies cut corners to save money.

Common Brake-Related Issues:

• Worn brake pads/shoes (not replaced in time)
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose, reducing stopping power)
• Air brake system leaks (common in older trucks)
• Overheated brakes (brake fade on long descents)

How We Prove Negligent Maintenance:

• Maintenance records (shows deferred repairs)
• Out-of-service violations (FMCSA inspection history)
• Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) (proves known defects ignored)
• Post-crash brake analysis (expert examination of failed components)

5. Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts cause thousands of truck accidents every year, often due to:

• Underinflation (leading cause of tire failure)
• Overloading (exceeding tire weight limits)
• Worn tread (minimum 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
• Road debris (punctures from nails, metal, etc.)
• Manufacturing defects (recalls on defective tires)

Why Jonestown’s Roads Are High-Risk for Blowouts:

• Heat-related failures (Texas summers accelerate tire wear)
• Sharp turns on RM-1431 (increases stress on tires)
• Long stretches of US-183 (drivers fail to check tire pressure)

Who’s Liable?

• The trucking company (for failing to inspect tires)
• The tire manufacturer (if defective)
• The maintenance provider (if improperly installed)

6. Underride Collisions (Deadliest Truck Accidents)

Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. These accidents are almost always fatal.

Types of Underride Accidents:

• Rear underride (vehicle strikes back of trailer)
• Side underride (vehicle hits side of trailer during lane changes or turns)

Federal Underride Guard Requirements (49 CFR § 393.86):

• Rear guards required on trailers (since 1998)
• No federal side guard requirement (despite advocacy for change)
• Guards must withstand 30 mph impacts

Why Jonestown Sees So Many Underride Crashes:

• High-speed collisions on US-183 (sudden stops at intersections)
• Poor lighting on rural roads (trailers hard to see at night)
• Wide right turns (trucks cutting off traffic)

Who’s Liable?

• The trucking company (for missing or defective guards)
• The trailer manufacturer (if guard failed)
• The driver (for sudden stops or improper turns)

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Jonestown Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can share liability in a trucking crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation.

Our Investigation Process:

1. Immediate evidence preservation (send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours)
2. FMCSA records review (carrier safety history, inspection violations)
3. Driver Qualification File subpoena (hiring, training, and medical records)
4. Corporate structure analysis (identify all related companies and insurance policies)
5. Accident reconstruction (expert analysis of ECM, ELD, and scene evidence)
6. Defect investigation (preserve failed components for expert review)

Catastrophic Injuries from Jonestown Trucking Accidents

Due to the massive size disparity (an 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger car), trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries, including:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Caused by: Sudden impact, whiplash, or penetration from debris
• Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, mood swings, chronic headaches, cognitive impairment
• Lifetime Costs: $85,000 – $3,000,000+

Jonestown TBI Cases We’ve Handled:

• A head-on collision on US-183 left a client with permanent cognitive impairment, requiring 24/7 care.
• A rear-end crash on SH-71 caused a severe concussion that prevented a young father from returning to work.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

• Caused by: Crushing forces, ejection from vehicle, or severe whiplash
• Types:
  • Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
  • Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Lifetime Costs: $1,100,000 – $5,000,000+

Jonestown Spinal Injury Case Example:
A rollover accident on RM-1431 left a client with complete paraplegia, requiring home modifications and lifelong medical care. We secured a multi-million dollar settlement to cover future expenses.

3. Amputations

• Caused by: Crushing injuries, entrapment, or severe burns
• Types:
  • Traumatic amputation (limb severed at the scene)
  • Surgical amputation (required due to infection or irreparable damage)
• Ongoing Needs: Prosthetics ($5,000–$50,000+ each), rehabilitation, psychological counseling

Jonestown Amputation Case:
A cargo spill on US-183 caused a client’s leg to be crushed beyond repair, requiring amputation. We recovered $3.8 million to cover medical costs and lost earning capacity.

4. Severe Burns

• Caused by: Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, or electrical fires
• Burn Degrees:
  • 1st Degree (superficial, heals without scarring)
  • 2nd Degree (partial thickness, may require skin grafts)
  • 3rd Degree (full thickness, permanent scarring)
  • 4th Degree (damage to muscle/bone, may require amputation)
• Long-Term Effects: Chronic pain, disfigurement, multiple reconstructive surgeries

Jonestown Burn Injury Case:
A tanker truck explosion on SH-71 left a client with third-degree burns over 40% of his body. We secured a $2.5 million settlement for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

5. Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim in Texas. Damages may include:

• Lost future income (what the deceased would have earned)
• Loss of companionship (for spouses and children)
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Mental anguish (emotional suffering of survivors)
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

Jonestown Wrongful Death Case:
A head-on collision on US-183 killed a young mother. We represented her family and secured a $9.5 million verdict against the trucking company for reckless hiring and hours-of-service violations.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Jonestown

The first 48 hours after a trucking accident are critical for preserving evidence. Follow these steps to protect your case:

1. Call 911 & Seek Medical Attention

• Even if you feel fine, get checked out—adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately.
• Jonestown-area hospitals that treat trucking accident victims:
  • St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center (Round Rock)
  • Ascension Seton Williamson (Round Rock)
  • Dell Seton Medical Center at UT Austin (Austin)

2. Document the Scene (If You’re Able)

• Take photos/videos of:
  • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
  • Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs
  • The truck’s DOT number (on the door)
  • The trucking company’s name and logo
  • Your injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
• Get witness information (names, phone numbers, statements)

3. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance

• Trucking companies send rapid-response teams to the scene to protect their interests.
• Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims—anything you say can be used against you.
• Refer all calls to your attorney.

4. Contact a Jonestown Trucking Accident Lawyer Immediately

• Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
• We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve all records.
• The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7 and offer free consultations.

How Much Is My Jonestown Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Trucking accident cases are worth significantly more than typical car accident claims because:

• Higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1–5 million)
• Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, etc.)
• Catastrophic injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputations, wrongful death)

Factors That Affect Your Case Value:

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts & Settlements:

• $730 million (2021) – Landstar Ranger oversize load killed a 73-year-old woman
• $150 million (2022) – Werner Enterprises settlement for two children killed on I-30
• $462 million (2024) – St. Louis underride crash (two men decapitated)
• $160 million (2024) – Daimler rollover left driver quadriplegic

Our Firm’s Results in Trucking Cases:

• $5+ million – Logging truck brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement (staph infection during treatment)
• $2.5+ million – Truck crash recovery
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Jonestown Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts against major carriers, including:

• Walmart
• Coca-Cola
• Amazon
• FedEx
• UPS

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers operate—and how to counter their tactics.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is critical for interstate trucking cases that fall under federal jurisdiction.

4. We Send Spoliation Letters Immediately

We act fast to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed. Our team sends spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to demand:

• ECM/Black Box data (speed, braking, throttle)
• ELD records (hours of service violations)
• Driver Qualification Files (hiring, training, medical records)
• Maintenance records (brake, tire, and inspection history)
• Dashcam footage (if available)

5. We Handle Cases Against Major Corporations

We’ve taken on Fortune 500 trucking operations and won. We’re not intimidated by big insurance companies or corporate legal teams.

6. Bilingual Services (Hablamos Español)

Many Jonestown trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña and staff member Zulema, so you can communicate directly without interpreters.

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

7. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

8. Proven Track Record of Results

• $50+ million recovered for Texas families
• 4.9★ Google rating (251+ reviews)
• 290+ educational videos on trucking accidents and personal injury law
• Active Attorney 911 Podcast across all major platforms

What Our Clients Say:

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

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

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

Jonestown Trucking Accident FAQ

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately—evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

2. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence—as long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Our job is to prove the truck driver’s negligence using:

• ECM/Black Box data (speed, braking, following distance)
• ELD records (hours of service violations)
• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction reports

3. How much insurance does the trucking company have?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many trucking companies carry $1–5 million or more in coverage.

4. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball victims to save money. We’ve seen cases where the first offer was 10% of the final settlement.

5. Can I sue if I was partially at fault?

Yes—as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of damages.

6. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potential defendants, including:

• The truck driver (personal assets)
• The cargo owner/shipper
• The loading company
• The maintenance provider
• The truck/parts manufacturer

7. How long will my case take?

• Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries): 6–12 months
• Complex cases (multiple defendants, catastrophic injuries): 1–3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2–4 years

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

8. 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 offer better settlements when they know we’re ready to go to court.

9. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can connect you with attorney-approved doctors who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP). You won’t pay upfront—they’ll be paid from your settlement.

10. How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—our fee comes from your settlement, not your pocket. Typical fees are 33% pre-trial and 40% if the case goes to trial.

Jonestown Trucking Corridors We Know Well

Jonestown sits at a critical crossroads of Central Texas’s trucking routes. Our attorneys are familiar with the high-risk areas where trucking accidents frequently occur:

US-183 (Highway to Austin)

• High traffic volume (major route to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport)
• Intersection collisions (sudden stops at traffic lights)
• Rear-end crashes (trucks following too closely)
• Underride accidents (poorly lit trailers at night)

SH-71 (Austin to Bastrop)

• Steep grades (brake failures on descents)
• Rollover risks (sharp curves near the Hill Country)
• Cargo spills (improperly secured loads)
• Wildlife crossings (deer, hogs causing sudden swerves)

RM-1431 (Jonestown to Marble Falls)

• Narrow, winding roads (difficult for large trucks)
• Limited shoulders (increased rollover risk)
• Poor lighting (nighttime visibility issues)
• Tourist traffic (unfamiliar drivers causing confusion)

I-35 (Nearby Major Corridor)

• High-speed crashes (trucks traveling at 70+ mph)
• Multi-vehicle pileups (sudden traffic slowdowns)
• Fatigue-related accidents (long-haul drivers pushing limits)
• Underride collisions (trailers hard to see at night)

Local Trucking Hotspots in Jonestown

• US-183 & RM-1431 intersection (high-risk for T-bone crashes)
• Jonestown Road & SH-71 (blind spots, sudden stops)
• Parking lots of truck stops (backing accidents, blind spots)
• Construction zones (lane changes, speed reductions)

What to Expect When You Hire Attorney911

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We’ll review your case at no cost.
• We’ll explain your legal options.
• We’ll answer all your questions.

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours.
• We demand ECM/Black Box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs.
• We photograph the scene and preserve physical evidence.

Step 3: Medical Care Coordination

• We connect you with top doctors in Jonestown, Round Rock, and Austin.
• We ensure you get the treatment you need without upfront costs.

Step 4: Investigation & Demand Letter

• We gather all evidence (police reports, witness statements, expert analyses).
• We calculate full damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
• We send a demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance.

Step 5: Negotiation or Litigation

• We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
• If the insurance company refuses to pay, we file a lawsuit.
• We prepare for trial if necessary.

Step 6: Recovery & Closure

• We finalize your settlement or verdict.
• We pay all medical liens and case expenses.
• You receive your compensation check.

Jonestown Trucking Accident Resources

Emergency Contacts

• Jonestown Police Department: (512) 267-7526
• Travis County Sheriff’s Office: (512) 854-9770
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): (512) 424-2000
• St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center: (512) 341-1000
• Ascension Seton Williamson: (512) 324-4000

Trucking Safety Resources

• FMCSA Safety Records: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Texas DOT Crash Reports: cris.dot.state.tx.us
• Texas Trucking Association: txta.org

Legal Resources

• Texas Statute of Limitations: Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003
• Texas Comparative Negligence Law: Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001
• FMCSA Regulations: ecfr.gov

Call Attorney911 Now – 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Jonestown trucking accident, don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company’s lawyers are already working to protect their interests.

We fight for you.

• 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately.
• Free consultation – No obligation, no upfront costs.
• No fee unless we win – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
• Bilingual services – Hablamos Español.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Or visit us at:
Attorney911 – Austin Office
316 West 12th Street, Suite 311
Austin, TX 78701

We serve Jonestown, Travis County, and all of Central Texas.