18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Menard, Texas | Attorney911
When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant
The moment you see that massive truck barreling toward you on US Highway 83 or hear the screech of brakes too late on FM 2092, your life changes forever. One second you’re driving through the heart of Menard County, maybe heading to the courthouse or stopping by the historic Fort McKavett State Historic Site, and the next—you’re fighting for your life.
That’s the reality for too many Menard families. The 80,000-pound trucks that rumble through our county don’t just share the road with us—they dominate it. When they crash, the results are catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord damage. Amputations. Wrongful death. Lives shattered in an instant.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Menard, Texas, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows how to go up against the trucking companies that think they can get away with putting profits over people.
At Attorney911, we’re those fighters.
Why Menard Trucking Accidents Are Different
Menard County’s trucking corridors tell a story. US Highway 83 cuts through the heart of our community, connecting San Angelo to Brady and beyond. FM 2092 and FM 1674 see heavy truck traffic serving our ranches, farms, and local businesses. The trucks hauling cattle, agricultural products, and supplies to our rural communities are essential—but they’re also dangerous when companies cut corners.
Our local roads weren’t designed for the massive freight traffic they now carry. The two-lane highways with their rolling hills and limited shoulders create unique hazards. When a truck driver is fatigued, distracted, or pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines, the results can be deadly for Menard families.
We know these roads. We know the trucking patterns. We know the challenges of rural accident investigation. And we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when they put our community at risk.
The Hard Truth About Trucking Companies
Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know:
They have teams of lawyers working right now to protect their interests—not yours.
They know that black box data can be overwritten in 30 days—but they’re hoping you don’t.
They know that dashcam footage gets deleted—but they’re counting on you not acting fast enough.
They know that maintenance records disappear—but they’re betting you won’t demand them.
They know that driver qualification files get “lost”—but they’re relying on you not knowing what to ask for.
At Attorney911, we know all their tricks because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. We’ve seen how these companies operate from the inside. Now we use that knowledge to fight for you.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Menard
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Menard County—whether on US 83 near the county courthouse, FM 2092 near the historic fort, or any of our rural roads—take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 – Get medical help and law enforcement to the scene
- Document everything – Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
- Get the truck’s information – Company name, DOT number, driver’s license, insurance
- Collect witness information – Names and contact details
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out
- Don’t give statements – Never talk to insurance adjusters without your attorney
- Call Attorney911 – We’ll send a preservation letter immediately to protect your evidence
Why Evidence Disappears Fast in Trucking Cases
Trucking companies move quickly to protect themselves. Here’s what they’re doing right now while you’re dealing with injuries:
- Black box data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
- ELD records – Electronic logs may be retained for only 6 months
- Dashcam footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance video – Nearby businesses overwrite footage quickly
- Physical evidence – Trucks get repaired, sold, or scrapped
- Witness memories – Details fade with time
That’s why we send spoliation letters within hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence—or face serious consequences.
The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Menard Trucking Accidents
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries inevitable. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph carries 20-25 times the energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle, the results are devastating:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
From mild concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can change your personality, impair your cognitive function, and require lifelong care. Many victims don’t realize they’ve suffered a brain injury until days or weeks after the accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a truck collision can sever or damage the spinal cord, resulting in:
- Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
- Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
- Incomplete injuries with partial paralysis
- Permanent disability requiring 24/7 care
Amputations
Crushing injuries from truck impacts often require surgical amputation. The loss of a limb affects every aspect of life—work, recreation, self-image, and independence.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures, cargo spills, and electrical fires cause horrific burns. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and leave permanent scarring.
Internal Organ Damage
The blunt force trauma from truck collisions can rupture organs, cause internal bleeding, and lead to life-threatening complications that may not be immediately apparent.
Wrongful Death
When the worst happens, families are left to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one. Wrongful death claims seek compensation for lost income, companionship, and the emotional devastation caused by the trucking company’s negligence.
Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?
In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:
- The Truck Driver – For speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
- The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The Cargo Owner – For improper loading or hazardous materials
- The Loading Company – For unbalanced or improperly secured loads
- The Truck Manufacturer – For defective components or design flaws
- The Parts Manufacturer – For faulty brakes, tires, or other components
- The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs or inspections
- The Freight Broker – For hiring unsafe carriers
- The Truck Owner – If different from the trucking company
- Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions
We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial trucks. When companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. Here are the most commonly violated rules in Menard County trucking accidents:
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
- 11-Hour Driving Limit – Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour Duty Window – Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-Minute Break – Must take break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit – Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate these rules, they’re too tired to react safely.
Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver containing:
- Employment application and background check
- Driving record from state licensing authority
- Medical certification and exam records
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training records
Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.
Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)
- Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance required
- Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Annual comprehensive inspections required
- Records must be retained for at least 1 year
Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Poor maintenance leads to preventable accidents.
Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)
Cargo must be secured to withstand:
- 0.8 g deceleration (sudden stop)
- 0.5 g acceleration (starting from stop)
- 0.5 g lateral forces (turning)
- 20% of cargo weight downward force
Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills that create hazards for other drivers.
The Menard County Trucking Corridors We Know Too Well
Menard County’s trucking routes present unique challenges:
US Highway 83
This north-south corridor sees heavy truck traffic connecting San Angelo to Brady and beyond. The highway’s two-lane sections, rolling hills, and limited shoulders create hazards when trucks share the road with local traffic.
FM 2092
Running east-west through Menard, this farm-to-market road serves our agricultural community. Trucks hauling cattle, crops, and equipment share the road with school buses, farm vehicles, and local traffic.
FM 1674
This rural route sees truck traffic serving ranches and farms throughout the county. The narrow roads and limited visibility create challenges for large trucks.
Local Roads to Fort McKavett
The historic state historic site attracts visitors, and the access roads see increased truck traffic for maintenance and supply deliveries.
The trucking companies know these roads. They know the challenges. And they know that when their drivers cut corners—speeding, driving fatigued, or failing to secure loads—they’re putting Menard families at risk.
What Your Menard Trucking Accident Case Is Worth
Case values depend on many factors, but trucking accidents typically result in higher settlements than car accidents because:
- Higher Insurance Limits – Federal law requires trucking companies to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance (often $1-5 million)
- Multiple Liable Parties – More defendants mean more insurance coverage
- Catastrophic Injuries – Truck accidents cause more severe injuries with higher medical costs
- Punitive Damages – When companies act with gross negligence, juries can award punitive damages
Recent trucking verdicts show what’s possible when companies are held accountable:
- $462 million – St. Louis underride accident (2024)
- $160 million – Alabama quadriplegic injury (2024)
- $141.5 million – Florida trucking accident (2023)
- $730 million – Texas oversize load fatality (2021)
- $150 million – Texas Werner settlement (2022)
While every case is different, these verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable when they prioritize profits over safety.
The Attorney911 Advantage for Menard Families
When you’re fighting a trucking company, you need every advantage. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
1. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
2. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations.
3. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Since 1998, we’ve been fighting for injury victims across Texas. We’ve taken on the biggest trucking companies—Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS—and won.
4. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence—or face serious consequences in court.
5. Spanish-Language Services
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff ready to serve Menard’s Hispanic community.
6. Contingency Fee Representation
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery.
What Happens When You Call Attorney911
When you call our Menard trucking accident attorneys, here’s what happens:
- Immediate Case Evaluation – We’ll listen to your story and explain your rights
- Evidence Preservation – We’ll send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Medical Care Coordination – We’ll help you get the treatment you need
- Thorough Investigation – We’ll gather all available evidence
- Demand Letter – We’ll calculate your full damages and demand fair compensation
- Aggressive Negotiation – We’ll fight for maximum settlement
- Litigation if Necessary – We’re prepared to take your case to trial
The Clock Is Ticking on Your Case
Menard County has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. But you shouldn’t wait that long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
Menard Families Trust Attorney911
We’re proud to serve the families of Menard County. Our clients have said:
“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“We solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
Your Fight Starts with One Call
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Menard County—whether on US 83, FM 2092, FM 1674, or any of our rural roads—call Attorney911 now.
1-888-ATTY-911
Our Menard trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we answer calls 24/7.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Call now and let’s start building your case.
