18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Martindale, Texas | Attorney911

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Martindale’s highways and rural roads. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Martindale, Texas, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, local Martindale trucking corridors, and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

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 verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Martindale’s trucking routes, from US-183 to the distribution centers serving Austin and San Antonio, and we understand the unique challenges of trucking cases in Caldwell County.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence before it disappears.

Why Martindale Trucking Accidents Are Different

Martindale sits at the crossroads of major Texas freight corridors, including:

• US-183 – A critical route connecting Austin to San Antonio, carrying heavy truck traffic from distribution centers and manufacturing facilities
• SH-80 – Serving local agricultural and industrial freight
• Nearby I-35 – One of the busiest trucking corridors in America, just a short drive from Martindale
• FM 966 and FM 1322 – Rural roads where truck drivers may push speed limits or violate hours-of-service rules

Martindale’s trucking environment creates unique risks:

✅ Long-haul fatigue – Drivers on US-183 often travel between Austin and San Antonio, increasing fatigue risk
✅ Agricultural freight – Local farms and ranches generate livestock, grain, and equipment transport
✅ Distribution center traffic – Warehouses serving Austin and San Antonio create concentrated truck activity
✅ Rural road hazards – Narrow roads, limited lighting, and sudden stops at farm crossings increase accident risks
✅ Texas heat and tire blowouts – Martindale’s summer temperatures can cause tire failures, leading to catastrophic crashes

If you’ve been hurt in a Martindale trucking accident, you need a lawyer who knows these roads and these risks.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Martindale

When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic:

🔴 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
🔴 Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Quadriplegia or paraplegia that changes lives forever
🔴 Amputations – Limbs severed at the scene or surgically removed later
🔴 Severe Burns – From fuel fires or hazardous cargo spills
🔴 Internal Organ Damage – Ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, internal bleeding
🔴 Wrongful Death – Leaving families shattered and financially devastated

These aren’t just injuries—they’re life-altering tragedies.

And yet, trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to minimize your claim, deny responsibility, or offer a quick lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your damages.

That’s why you need Attorney911 on your side.

How We Hold Trucking Companies Accountable in Martindale

1. We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

Trucking companies move fast to protect their interests. Critical evidence can be destroyed in days:

• Black box (ECM) data – Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records – May be retained only 6 months
• Dashcam footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Physical evidence – The truck may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to demand preservation of all evidence. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment.

2. We Uncover All FMCSA Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents.

Common FMCSA violations we find in Martindale trucking cases:

When we find these violations, we use them to prove negligence and maximize your compensation.

3. We Identify ALL Liable Parties – Not Just the Driver

In most car accidents, only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, multiple parties can share liability:

🔹 The Truck Driver – For speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment
🔹 The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
🔹 The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For overloading, improper loading instructions, or hazmat violations
🔹 The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
🔹 Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For defective brakes, tires, or safety systems
🔹 Parts Manufacturer – For defective components that failed
🔹 Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs
🔹 Freight Broker – For hiring unsafe carriers
🔹 Government Entity – For dangerous road design or maintenance

We investigate every possible defendant to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

4. We Use Our Insider Knowledge Against Insurance Companies

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims.

Here’s what he knows—and how we use it against them:

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in negotiations and litigation.

5. We Have the Resources to Fight Big Trucking Companies

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers, rapid-response investigators, and millions in insurance coverage. To beat them, you need a law firm with:

✅ 25+ years of trucking litigation experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998
✅ Federal court admission – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (critical for interstate trucking cases)
✅ Multi-million dollar results – We’ve recovered $50+ million for Texas families
✅ Former insurance defense attorney on staff – Lupe Peña knows their tactics from the inside
✅ Accident reconstruction experts – To prove exactly what happened
✅ Medical and vocational experts – To document your injuries and future needs
✅ Spanish-language services – Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña and our staff serve Martindale’s Hispanic community directly

We don’t back down from big trucking companies—and we don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Martindale’s Most Dangerous Trucking Accident Scenarios

1. Jackknife Accidents on US-183

What happens: The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes.

Why they occur in Martindale:

• Sudden braking on US-183’s straight stretches
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly maintained brakes
• Speeding on curves near Lockhart or Luling

Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileups, crushing injuries, wrongful death.

How we prove liability:

• ECM data showing brake application timing
• Maintenance records for brake system
• Cargo load documentation

2. Underride Collisions at Martindale Intersections

What happens: A passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer, shearing off the top of the car.

Why they occur in Martindale:

• Inadequate or missing rear underride guards
• Low visibility at night on rural roads
• Trucks making wide turns at intersections
• Sudden stops by trucks on US-183

Injuries: Decapitation, catastrophic head and neck trauma, death.

How we prove liability:

• Underride guard inspection records
• Post-crash guard deformation analysis
• Visibility conditions at accident scene

3. Rollover Accidents on SH-80 and FM Roads

What happens: The truck tips onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo.

Why they occur in Martindale:

• Speeding on rural curves
• Improperly secured agricultural loads
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts

Injuries: Crushing injuries, cargo spills causing secondary accidents, wrongful death.

How we prove liability:

• ECM data showing speed through curve
• Cargo securement documentation
• Load distribution records

4. Rear-End Collisions on US-183

What happens: A truck fails to stop in time and crashes into the back of a passenger vehicle.

Why they occur in Martindale:

• Following too closely on US-183
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Fatigued driving from long hauls

Injuries: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, TBI, wrongful death.

How we prove liability:

• ECM data showing following distance and speed
• Brake inspection and maintenance records
• Cell phone records for distraction

5. Wide Turn Accidents in Martindale’s Business Districts

What happens: A truck swings wide before turning right, creating a gap that cars enter—then the truck completes the turn, crushing the smaller vehicle.

Why they occur in Martindale:

• Trucks making deliveries to local businesses
• Inadequate mirror checks
• Failure to signal turning intention
• Poor intersection design

Injuries: Crushing injuries, pedestrian fatalities, cyclist deaths.

How we prove liability:

• Turn signal activation data from ECM
• Mirror condition and adjustment records
• Surveillance camera footage

6. Tire Blowouts on Texas Highways

What happens: A tire suddenly fails, causing the driver to lose control.

Why they occur in Martindale:

• Underinflated tires from long drives in Texas heat
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Overloaded trucks exceeding tire capacity
• Road debris punctures

Injuries: Resulting jackknife or rollover accidents cause catastrophic injuries.

How we prove liability:

• Tire maintenance and replacement records
• Vehicle weight records from weigh stations
• Failed tire for defect analysis

7. Brake Failures on Martindale’s Hills

What happens: The truck’s braking system fails, preventing the driver from stopping.

Why they occur in Martindale:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes on long descents

Injuries: Severe rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle pileups.

How we prove liability:

• Brake inspection and maintenance records
• Out-of-service inspection history
• Post-crash brake system analysis

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Martindale

At the Scene:

✔ Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and EMS
✔ Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
✔ Document everything – Take photos of:

• All vehicle damage (inside and out)
• The accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Your injuries
• The truck’s DOT number, license plates, company name
• Witness contact information
  ✔ Get the truck driver’s information – Name, CDL number, insurance details
  ✔ Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will use your words against you

In the Days After:

✔ Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – We’ll send a spoliation letter immediately
✔ Follow your doctor’s orders – Gaps in treatment hurt your case
✔ Keep all medical records and bills – Documentation is critical
✔ Avoid social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
✔ Do NOT sign anything – Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that don’t cover your full damages

What NOT to Do:

❌ Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster – They work for them, not you
❌ Don’t post about the accident on social media – Even innocent posts can be twisted
❌ Don’t accept a quick settlement – First offers are always lowball
❌ Don’t delay medical treatment – Insurance companies will claim your injuries weren’t serious
❌ Don’t try to handle the case yourself – Trucking cases are complex and high-stakes

How Much Is Your Martindale Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

• Minimum federal requirement: $750,000
• Typical coverage: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000
• Hazardous materials: $5,000,000

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Factors that affect your case value:

Recent trucking verdicts in Texas show what’s possible when companies are held accountable:

• $730 million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 million – Family injured in truck accident

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families—and we’ll fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Martindale Trucking Accident Case?

1. We’re Martindale Trucking Accident Specialists

We know Martindale’s roads, trucking patterns, and local courts. We’ve handled cases on US-183, SH-80, FM 966, and FM 1322, and we understand the unique challenges of trucking accidents in Caldwell County.

2. We Have 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

3. We Include a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

“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.” — Ralph Manginello

4. We Handle the Most Complex Trucking Cases

We’ve litigated against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Major oil field trucking companies

5. We Offer Spanish-Language Services

Martindale has a significant Hispanic community, and we’re proud to serve Spanish-speaking clients directly. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña and our staff provide fluent Spanish-language representation without interpreters.

“At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Martindale speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.”

6. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You pay nothing upfront, and nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

7. We Have Offices Across Texas

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Martindale. We can meet you at our Austin office or come to you in Martindale.

8. We’re Available 24/7 for Legal Emergencies

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak to a real person who can help immediately.

9. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

• $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 trucking-related wrongful death cases
• $10M lawsuit filed – University of Houston hazing litigation (2025)
• $50+ million recovered for Texas families

10. Our Clients Say We Treat Them Like Family

“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

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

Martindale Trucking Accident Case Timeline

Martindale Trucking Accident FAQ

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Martindale?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the truck driver’s information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed.

2. Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Martindale?

Multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner/shipper
• The loading company
• Truck/trailer manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• Government entities (for road defects)

3. Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Yes. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

4. What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data, including:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Following distance
• GPS location
• Hours of service

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

5. How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

• ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD data must be retained for 6 months under FMCSA rules

This is why we send spoliation letters immediately—to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

6. What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• The physical truck and trailer

7. What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

8. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

9. How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Martindale?

Case values depend on:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

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

10. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Martindale?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

11. How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

• 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.

12. Will my trucking accident 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.

13. Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

14. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

15. How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

16. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance company is still responsible for paying valid claims. We identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

17. Can I get the truck’s GPS data?

Yes. GPS and telematics data can show:

• The truck’s route and speed
• Where the driver stopped and for how long
• Whether the driver violated hours of service
• The exact location of the accident

We demand this data immediately to preserve it.

18. What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be critical evidence. However, trucking companies often delete footage within days. We send spoliation letters to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.

19. What if I was hit by a Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, or UPS truck?

We’ve litigated against all of these companies and more. Large corporations have deep pockets and aggressive legal teams—but we know how to fight them.

20. What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Martindale?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply—contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After an 18-wheeler accident in Martindale, the trucking company has:
✅ Teams of lawyers
✅ Rapid-response investigators
✅ Millions in insurance coverage
✅ A system for minimizing claims

You deserve the same level of protection.

At Attorney911, we have:
✅ 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
✅ A former insurance defense attorney on our team
✅ Federal court admission for complex cases
✅ Multi-million dollar results
✅ Spanish-language services
✅ 24/7 availability

We don’t back down from big trucking companies—and we don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Free consultation. No fee unless we win. 24/7 availability.

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

We answer. We fight. We win.