City of Leakey Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Attorneys
The impact was catastrophic. You were driving along US Highway 83 in the City of Leakey, perhaps enjoying a quiet afternoon near the Frio River, when 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your life. In an instant, your car was unrecognizable, and your future was thrown into uncertainty. When you are hit by an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or a heavy dump truck on the winding roads of the Texas Hill Country, it is not a fair fight. You are up against a massive vehicle and an even more massive corporation that has already started building its defense against you.
At Attorney911, we know that a trucking accident in the City of Leakey is a legal emergency. While you are being transported to the nearest trauma center, the trucking company is already deploying a rapid-response team to the scene to protect their profits. We believe you deserve that same level of aggressive representation. Led by our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, who brings over 25 years of courtroom experience and federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas, we fight to level the playing field. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause families in Real County and across the state.
Our team offers a unique advantage that other firms cannot match. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years inside the system, learning exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. Now, he uses that “insider” knowledge to fight for you. We don’t just guess what the insurance company is thinking; we already know. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van, or an oilfield tanker serving the Eagle Ford corridor, we have the experience to hold them accountable.
Ready to fight back? We are available 24/7. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing—zero upfront costs—unless we win your case. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Let our family fight for yours in the City of Leakey.
Why Experience Matters After a City of Leakey Truck Accident
When a commercial vehicle causes an accident in the City of Leakey, the stakes are exponentially higher than a typical car crash. The weight of a fully loaded semi-truck—up to 80,000 pounds—creates forces that the human body was never meant to withstand. Beyond the physics, the legal landscape is a maze of federal regulations, corporate shields, and high-limit insurance policies. This is why you need more than a general practice lawyer; you need a specialist.
Ralph Manginello has spent more than two decades litigating against some of the largest corporations on the planet. From our firm’s involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation, which involved billions in settlements, to our active litigation of a $10 million lawsuit against a major university in 2025, we have proven that we are not intimidated by “deep pockets” or “army-of-lawyer” defense teams. We have successfully taken on giants like Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS.
In the City of Leakey, accidents often happen on roads that were never designed for constant heavy truck traffic. Highway 336, 337, and 335—known as the “Twisted Sisters”—are notorious for their sharp curves and steep grades. When a trucking company sends a fatigued or untrained driver onto these roads, tragedies are predictable. Under the leadership of Ralph Manginello, our firm investigates not just the driver’s actions, but the company’s history of safety violations. We dig into the Driver Qualification Files required by 49 CFR Part 391 and the carrier’s CSA scores to find the pattern of negligence that led to your injuries.
Our success is documented in the multi-million dollar results we have secured for our clients. We have recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims and up to $9.5 million in wrongful death cases. As Glenda Walker testified, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We bring that same tenacity to every City of Leakey case. If you have been injured, don’t wait for the insurance company to do the right thing—they won’t. Call 888-ATTY-911 and put a proven fighter in your corner.
Texas Trucking Laws and Your Rights in City of Leakey
Navigating a truck accident claim in the City of Leakey requires a deep understanding of Texas civil law. The clock is already ticking on your ability to recover compensation. In Texas, the statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. While two years may sound like a long time, waiting even a few weeks can be a fatal mistake for your case. Evidence in the City of Leakey—such as tire marks on Highway 83 or dashcam footage from nearby businesses—can disappear within days.
Texas also follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, often referred to as the 51% bar rule. This means that if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a jury determines your damages are $1 million but finds you 20% responsible because you were slightly over the speed limit, you would receive $800,000. Trucking company lawyers specialize in shifting blame to the victim to trigger this rule. Because Lupe Peña spent years in insurance defense, he knows exactly how they will try to twist the facts of your City of Leakey accident to blame you. We move quickly to gather the evidence that proves their driver was the one at fault.
Under Texas law, you may also be entitled to punitive damages if we can prove the trucking company acted with gross negligence or malice. This often occurs when a company knowingly allows a driver to violate 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service) or ignores failing brakes to keep a truck on the road. Texas does cap punitive damages in many scenarios, but we know how to navigate the complex formulas to maximize your total recovery.
Whether your accident happened near the Leakey school district, along the Frio River crossings, or on the high-speed stretches of US-83, we are prepared to handle the unique jurisdictional challenges of Real County. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Federal FMCSA Regulations: Proving Negligence in City of Leakey
Commercial trucks are not just large vehicles; they are highly regulated machines. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the standards for every 18-wheeler and commercial van on the road. When these regulations are violated, it is often prima facie evidence of negligence. At Attorney911, we use these federal laws as a hammer against negligent trucking companies.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service and Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of accidents on the long stretches leading into the City of Leakey. Federal law is clear: property-carrying drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Despite these rules, companies often pressure drivers to “push through” to meet delivery deadlines in distribution hubs near San Antonio or West Texas. When a driver has been awake for 20 hours and falls asleep at the wheel on US-83, that’s not an accident—it’s a crime of corporate greed.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, every carrier must maintain a Driver Qualification File that includes a valid CDL, a current medical examiner’s certificate, and a background check. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple reckless driving citations and that driver hits you in the City of Leakey, we can pursue a claim for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
Trucks weighing 80,000 pounds must have perfectly functioning brakes and tires. Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. If a truck’s brakes fail while descending the steep hills of Highway 337 into Leakey, we look for the maintenance logs. If the company skipped inspections or deferred repairs to save money, they are responsible for the resulting devastation.
49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation
This part governs everything from lighting to cargo securement. Overloaded trailers or improperly secured loads are a major hazard in the City of Leakey, especially with the ranching and livestock trucks frequenting the area. If cargo shifts and causes a rollover crash, the carrier has violated Part 393.
Every 18-wheeler is now required by 48 CFR § 395.8 to have an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). This device tells us the truth about how long the driver was really working. We send immediate spoliation letters to City of Leakey trucking companies to ensure this ELD data is not “accidentally” deleted. If you’ve been hurt, call 888-ATTY-911 before the evidence disappears.
Common Truck Accident Types in the City of Leakey
The unique geography of the Texas Hill Country and the City of Leakey creates specific risks for commercial vehicle accidents. We have seen firsthand how different types of truck crashes affect our clients’ lives.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to a 90-degree angle with the cab, often during sudden braking on the slick, river-adjacent roads of Leakey. An empty trailer is actually more prone to jackknifing than a full one. These accidents frequently block both lanes of Highway 83, leading to multi-vehicle pileups. We investigate whether the driver violated 49 CFR § 392.14 by failing to reduce speed for hazardous conditions.
Rollover Accidents
The “Twisted Sisters” routes around Leakey are a hotspot for rollover accidents. When a large truck takes one of these curves too fast, its high center of gravity makes a rollover inevitable. These crashes are often fatal, as the weight of the truck can crush the cab or any passenger vehicles caught beside it. As client Kiimarii Yup shared, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.” We fight to make sure you can say the same after a devastating rollover.
Brake Failure and Steep Grades
Leakey’s topography is unforgiving. If an 18-wheeler is traveling southbound on 336 or 83 with improperly maintained brakes, the resulting high-speed impact is life-changing. Brake problems contribute to nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. We hold companies accountable for violations of 49 CFR § 396.3 when they fail to systematically maintain their braking systems.
Blind Spot (No-Zone) Collisions
Large trucks have four major blind spots: directly in front, directly behind, and along both sides. Drivers in the City of Leakey often find themselves in a “squeeze play” when a truck turns or changes lanes without checking these “No-Zones.” If a truck driver merged into you because they didn’t check their mirrors, they have committed a direct act of negligence.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most terrifying accident type, an underride occurs when a smaller car slides under the rear or side of a trailer. These are almost always catastrophic or fatal, often involving decapitation or severe TBI. We look for violations of 49 CFR § 393.86 regarding rear impact guards and investigate whether side-guards should have been installed to prevent such a tragedy.
Whether you were involved in a t-bone, a head-on collision, or a sideswipe, the time to act is now. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us start the investigation.
Beyond the Big Rig: Commercial Vehicles in City of Leakey
While 18-wheelers get the most attention, the City of Leakey’s roads are shared by a variety of commercial vehicles, each bringing its own set of dangers and liability rules.
Dump Truck and Construction Wrecks
With ongoing development in the Hill Country, dump trucks are a constant presence. These vehicles can weigh 65,000 pounds when loaded with gravel or dirt. Because they are often top-heavy and operate on uneven ground, they are highly prone to rollovers. Many dump truck companies are small, local operations with poor maintenance records and minimal insurance. We look beyond the driver to the construction company that hired them to find the necessary coverage for your injuries.
Garbage and Waste Truck Accidents
Residential streets in Leakey are visited weekly by massive waste management trucks. These vehicles have massive blind spots and are constantly backing up and making frequent stops. Accidents involving pedestrians or children are tragically common in residential zones. If a garbage truck hit you, we investigate whether the company failed to use spotters or follow basic safety protocols.
Concrete Mixer (Cement Truck) Crashes
Concrete mixers are uniquely dangerous due to the “slosh effect” of liquid cement shifting in the rotating drum during turns. If a cement truck rolls over onto a car in the City of Leakey, there is virtually zero survivable space. These specialized vehicles require expert training—if the company put an unqualified driver behind the wheel, they are liable for your losses.
Rental Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Penske)
During the busy summer months on the Frio, the City of Leakey sees an influx of rental trucks driven by people with zero commercial driving experience. Companies like U-Haul rent these 26,000-pound vehicles to anyone with a credit card. If you were hit by an untrained driver in a rental truck, we investigate the rental company for negligent maintenance or negligent entrustment.
Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
The rise of e-commerce has flooded Leakey with delivery vans. Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and distance itself from liability, claiming their drivers are independent contractors. We know how to pierce that corporate shield. By showing the level of control Amazon exercises over their routes and schedules, we hold the corporate giant accountable.
If any business vehicle caused you harm, from a tow truck to a utility bucket truck, don’t let them hide behind their commercial status. Call (888) 288-9911 for an immediate case evaluation.
Vulnerable Road Users and Truck Accidents in Leakey
The City of Leakey is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, which means our roads are filled with thousands of motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians every year. When these vulnerable road users encounter a commercial truck, the results are almost always devastating.
Motorcyclists vs. Trucks
Highway 83 and the Sisters are world-famous for motorcycle touring. Unfortunately, some truck drivers fail to respect the rights of motorcyclists or simply fail to look for them. At 80,000 pounds, a truck doesn’t have to hit a motorcycle at high speed to cause a fatality. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for motorcyclists suffering from amputations and complex orthopedic injuries after these collisions.
Pedestrians and Frio River Traffic
Near the river crossings and downtown Leakey, pedestrian traffic is high. Delivery trucks and garbage trucks backing up in tight parking lots are a leading cause of pedestrian strikes. Because pedestrians have zero protection, these impacts often result in traumatic brain injuries or death. We believe every pedestrian deserves a safe path, and we hold drivers to the highest standard of care.
Cyclists and the “Right Hook”
If a truck driver turns right across a bike lane or onto a side road without checking their blind spot, they can catch a cyclist in what is known as a “right hook.” These accidents often pull the cyclist under the truck’s rear wheels. We use expert engineers to recreate the crash and prove the truck driver’s visibility failure.
At Attorney911, we fight for all victims. No matter how you were travelling, if a commercial truck changed your life, we are here to help you get it back. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Liable Parties: Who Pays for Your Injuries?
One of the reasons people choose Attorney911 is that we don’t settle for the easy answer. Most lawyers only sue the truck driver. We conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify every single party that contributed to your accident. In a complex City of Leakey trucking case, we may pursue claims against:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: Under vicarious liability and for negligent hiring and training.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If the weight or nature of the cargo contributed to the crash.
- The Loading Company: If improperly secured cargo shifted or fell from the truck.
- Truck/Trailer Manufacturers: If a design or manufacturing defect, such as faulty brakes or a weak underride guard, caused the injury.
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires (re-treads) or mechanical components.
- Maintenance Companies: If a third-party mechanic failed to properly repair the vehicle.
- Freight Brokers: For negligently hiring a carrier with a known history of safety violations.
- The Truck Owner: If they knowingly entrusted their vehicle to an unfit driver.
- Government Entities: If a road design defect or failure to maintain highway safety contributed to the crash in Real County.
- Corporate Parents (Brand Owners): We hold companies like Walmart and Amazon accountable when their corporate policies prioritize delivery speed over public safety.
- Oilfield Operators: In cases involving sand or water haulers, the oil company may be liable for unsafe wellsite conditions or negligent contractor selection.
- Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified laborers to operate heavy machinery.
- Rental Companies: For negligent maintenance of U-Hauls or Penske trucks.
- Public Transit Agencies: For bus accidents, following strict government tort claim procedures.
- Federal Government (FTCA): If your accident involved a USPS mail truck or other federal vehicle.
The more liable parties we identify, the more insurance coverage we can access. This is the key to securing the multi-million dollar results our clients need for their lifetime care. “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years,” according to client Angel Walle. Don’t leave money on the table—hire a team that knows where to find it.
The Eagle Ford Influence: Oilfield Trucking Accidents
The City of Leakey sits north of the Eagle Ford Shale, but the ripple effects of oilfield traffic are felt throughout Real County. Water trucks, frac sand haulers, crude tankers, and crew transport vans are a daily presence. These vehicles present unique hazards that require a specialized approach.
Oilfield truck drivers often work 14-hour days in brutal heat, then drive through the night. Many of these trucks are operated by small contractors who cut corners on maintenance to maximize their margins. Furthermore, many oilfield accidents happen on private lease roads or unpaved county roads that lack signage. In these cases, we look at both FMCSA regulations and OSHA workplace safety rules.
An oilfield trucking accident is often a “dual-jurisdiction” case. While the truck is a commercial vehicle under federal law, the wellsite it serves is an industrial workplace. If the oil company failed to provide a safe entrance/exit or pressured the driver to violate safety protocols, they share the blame. We have a history of taking on the world’s largest energy companies and winning. If an oilfield truck hit you, call (888) ATTY-911 immediately.
48 Hours: The Window to Save Your Case
If you take only one thing away from this page, let it be this: you must act within 48 hours of your City of Leakey truck accident. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster isn’t your friend. They are high-level negotiators trained to get you to say things that will destroy your case. They might even offer you a check for $10,000 or $20,000 while you are still in the hospital. Never accept it. That check comes with a release that bars you from ever asking for more—even if you later find out you need a $100,000 spinal surgery.
Evidence disappears at an alarming rate. The “black box” (ECM) data in an 18-wheeler is typically overwritten every 30 days or whenever the truck is put back into service. Dashcam footage is often deleted in a week. The skid marks on the asphalt of US-83 will fade with the first Hill Country rainstorm.
When you hire Attorney911, we send a formal spoliation letter within hours. This letter puts the trucking company on legal notice: do not repair the truck, do not erase the logs, and do not overwrite the data. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” instructions, telling the jury to assume the evidence they destroyed was unfavorable to the company. This can be the difference between a denied claim and a million-dollar result. As Ernest Cano put it, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” Let us start fighting today: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Lifetime Costs
A trucking accident doesn’t just “hurt.” It causes life-altering damage. We represent City of Leakey victims who have suffered the most serious injuries possible.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBIs range from “mild” concussions that cause chronic headaches and memory loss to severe injuries resulting in coma or permanent cognitive disability. The forces of an 80,000-pound impact cause the brain to bounce against the skull, shearing delicate nerve fibers. Our firm has recovered settlements up to $9.8 million for TBI victims. We understand that a TBI doesn’t just affect the patient—it affects the whole family.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
A severed or crushed spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These victims face millions of dollars in lifetime medical costs, from 24/7 nursing care to home modifications and ongoing physical therapy. We work with life care planners to ensure every future cent you will need is included in your demand.
Amputation and Crush Injuries
The crushing weight of a commercial vehicle often leaves limbs unsalvageable. We have secured multi-million dollar amputee settlements, including a $3.8 million result for a client whose car accident led to severe complications. We fight for compensation that covers high-end prosthetics and the emotional toll of losing a limb.
Severe Burns and Hazmat Exposure
When a crude tanker or chemical truck rolls over in the City of Leakey, fires and toxic spills are common. Victims can suffer fourth-degree burns and permanent respiratory damage. These injuries require years of reconstructive surgeries and psychological support.
Psychological Trauma (PTSD)
Not all scars are visible. If you are now afraid to drive, suffering from flashbacks, or unable to sleep after your wreck, you have a psychological injury. We treat mental anguish and PTSD with the same seriousness as a broken bone. As client Chad Harris noted, they treat you like family, and they understand your trauma.
Commercial Truck Insurance: Why Payouts are Higher
Many people are surprised to learn how much insurance is available in trucking cases. While a standard Texas driver might only carry $30,000 in liability, federal law (49 CFR § 387.9) requires trucking companies to carry much more:
- Non-Hazardous Freight: $750,000 minimum.
- Oil and Equipment: $1,000,000 minimum.
- Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 minimum.
Large corporations like Walmart and Amazon often have “layered” coverage—they may self-insure for the first few million dollars and then have “umbrella” or “excess” policies reaching $50 million or more.
Accessing these deep pockets is the goal. However, these insurance companies are professional litigators. They use Lupe Peña’s former colleagues to try and minimize your recovery. Their job is to keep that $50 million in their own accounts. Our job is to move it into yours. We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we know how to navigate these complex insurance webs. Call 888-ATTY-911 and let us find every available dollar for your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions for City of Leakey Truck Accident Victims
How long do I have to file a claim in Leakey?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash. However, for cases involving government vehicles or city buses, you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice of claim. Don’t wait—protect your rights by calling us today.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Companies like FedEx Ground and Amazon use this as a shield. They will say, “He’s not our employee, so we aren’t responsible.” This is often a lie. If the big company controls the driver’s schedule, route, and uniform, they may be legally considered the employer. We know how to beat the “independent contractor” defense.
How do I pay my medical bills while I’m waiting for a settlement?
We help our clients coordinate medical care. In many cases, we can set up “Letters of Protection” (LOPs) where doctors agree to treat you now and get paid once your case settles. You should never skip a doctor’s visit because you are worried about money. Your health is the priority.
Can I still recover if I was speeding at the time of the crash?
Yes. Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. As long as you are not 51% (more than half) at fault, you can recover. If you were slightly speeding but the truck driver was fatigued and ran a red light, the truck driver will likely still bear the vast majority of the fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle out of court, but only if the insurance company knows your lawyer is willing to go to trial. We prepare every single case as if it is going to a jury. This aggressive posture often forces the insurance company to offer a fair settlement because they are afraid of a “nuclear verdict.”
What is my truck accident case worth?
No legitimate lawyer can give you an exact number until they have investigated the case fully. However, trucking cases with serious injuries frequently result in six and seven-figure settlements because the insurance limits and the degree of negligence are so high.
Do I need a lawyer for a U-Haul or rental truck accident?
YES. Rental truck accidents are notoriously difficult because personal insurance policies often exclude them and the rental companies have strong legal protections. You need an attorney who can navigate the Graves Amendment and find the path to recovery.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. El abogado Lupe Peña habla español fluido y puede representarlo directamente sin necesidad de intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why City of Leakey Families Choose Attorney911
In a small community like the City of Leakey, trust is everything. You aren’t just looking for a lawyer; you’re looking for an advocate. Someone who will take your calls, remember your name, and fight for your children’s future.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have built a reputation over 25 years for being “Powerful & Proven.” We have a 4.9-star rating on Google with over 250 reviews because we prioritize results and personal attention. Donald Wilcox shared his experience: “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.” We take the difficult cases that others reject because we have the resources to win them.
We aren’t a “settlement mill” that tries to close cases fast to pay for more billboards. We are trial lawyers. We have federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas, which is critical since many interstate trucking companies will try to move your case to federal court to gain a defensive advantage. We are already there, ready to meet them.
If you are looking for a firm that insurance giants fear, look no further. We have gone toe-to-toe with the biggest names in the energy and retail sectors—and we have come out on top.
Contact a City of Leakey Truck Accident Attorney Today
Your life changed the second that truck hit you. The physical pain is overwhelming, the bills are piling up, and the insurance adjuster is calling your phone, trying to get you to settle for pennies. Don’t let them win. You have one chance to get the compensation you need to secure your family’s future after a catastrophic 18-wheeler crash.
The trucking company has lawyers working right now. You deserve the same. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or email ralph@atty911.com for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and you pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
Across the City of Leakey, Real County, and all of Texas, we are the first responders to your legal emergency. We are ready to listen, ready to investigate, and ready to fight. As Ernest Cano said, we are “first class” and will “fight tooth and nail for you.”
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7. Your fight for justice starts now.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Main Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin Office: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Beaumont Office available for client meetings.
Serving the City of Leakey and all of Real County.
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