Menard Truck Accident and Commercial Vehicle Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured on US Highway 83, US Highway 190, or any road in Menard, the aftermath is often a blur of medical emergencies, mounting bills, and absolute uncertainty. In an instant, an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle can turn a routine drive into a life-altering tragedy. At Attorney911, we know that when an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or an oilfield truck crashes into your world, you aren’t just looking for a lawyer—you’re looking for a fighter who treats you like family.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches of personal injury law, making sure trucking companies and corporate giants pay for the damage they cause. Since 1998, our team has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP during the historic Texas City refinery litigation, and we bring that same level of federal court experience to every client in Menard. We understand the specific dangers of our local highways—the long stretches where fatigue sets in, the narrow two-lane roads shared with heavy ranch and oilfield equipment, and the high-speed corridors that connect Central Texas to the Permian Basin.
When you call us, you’re getting an elite legal team that includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to defend insurance companies. He knows their playbook, he knows how they try to minimize your suffering, and he knows how to break through their defenses. We don’t just take cases; we secure futures. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for families across Texas, with multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. In Menard, where a single accident can devastate a household’s financial stability, we provide the aggressive representation you need to get every dime you deserve.
The trucking company likely has a rapid-response team at the scene before you’ve even been admitted to the hospital. You need a team that moves just as fast. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.
Why Experience Matters in a Menard Truck Accident Case
Menard sits at a critical junction in the Texas heartland. Whether it’s freight heading north on US 83 toward San Angelo or oilfield equipment moving west toward Midland via US 190, the heavy traffic volume is constant. These aren’t just big cars; they are massive industrial machines that require elite skill and strict regulatory compliance to operate. When a company cuts corners on maintenance, hires an unqualified driver, or pushes a crew past their legal driving limits, the results are catastrophic.
Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of litigation experience to the table, including admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is vital because trucking is regulated by federal law, and many corporations will try to move your case to federal court to gain a tactical advantage. We are already there, ready to fight on level ground. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take that responsibility seriously, treating every Menard case with the personal attention of a boutique firm while deploying the resources of a powerhouse.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered $5+ million for workplace brain injuries and $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries. We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and national fraternity, proving that no defendant is too large for us to tackle. If a Walmart fleet truck, an Amazon delivery van, or a Halliburton water hauler has caused you harm in Menard, you need an attorney who has already seen their defense tactics and won.
The Insurance Defense Advantage
One of the greatest assets we provide for Menard accident victims is the insider perspective of Lupe Peña. Before he joined Attorney911 to fight for the people, he worked for the insurance companies. He sat in the meetings where they discussed how to pay victims the absolute minimum. He saw how they use “independent” medical examiners to downplay permanent disabilities and how they analyze black box data to shift blame onto the victim.
Today, he uses that knowledge to anticipate their every move. We know when a settlement offer is a “lowball” designed to make you go away and when it’s time to push forward to trial. We don’t settle for “fair”—we fight for maximum compensation. As client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” In a town like Menard, where hard work is a way of life, we believe you shouldn’t be penalized because someone else was reckless.
No Fee Unless We Win
Recovering from a truck accident shouldn’t be a financial gamble. We operate on a pure contingency fee basis, which means there are zero upfront costs for you. We advance all the expenses for accident reconstruction, expert medical testimony, and thorough investigations. You only pay us if we win your case. This allows you to focus on your medical recovery at local facilities like Menard Medical Center while we handle the corporate legal teams.
Understanding the Laws That Protect Menard Families
Texas law and federal regulations create a strict framework designed to keep our roads safe. Unfortunately, these rules are only effective if they are enforced through the legal system. In a Menard truck wreck, we look deep into the four “pillars” of trucking safety: the driver, the vehicle, the company, and the cargo.
Texas Statute of Limitations and Negligence Rules
The clock starts ticking the moment the collision occurs. In Texas, you generally have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Two years might sound like a long time, but evidence in trucking cases is incredibly fragile. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Logbooks can be “lost.” Witnesses move away. In Menard, we encourage you to act within the first 48 hours to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Texas also follows a “Modified Comparative Negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your responsibility is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Trucking companies in Menard County will fight tooth and nail to push you over that 50% threshold to pay nothing. Our job is to use the actual data—not their stories—to prove the truck driver’s negligence.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations
Every 18-wheeler crossing the San Saba River bridge or traveling through Menard must follow Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. We cite these regulations specifically in our lawsuits to prove the trucking company was negligent per se.
- 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): This regulates how long a driver can be behind the wheel. Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour of being on duty. Fatigue is the silent killer on rural Texas highways. If a driver heading through Menard was on hour 15 of a shift, they were an illegal hazard on our roads.
- 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): Companies must maintain a “Driver Qualification File” for every operator. This must include road tests, medical certificates, and an annual review of their driving record. In Menard truck accident cases, we often find that companies hired drivers with a history of DUIs or reckless driving just to keep their trucks moving.
- 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection and Maintenance): Trucks must be “systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained.” We subpoena the maintenance logs for any truck involved in a Menard crash. If the brakes failed while descending a grade or a tire blew out because it was worn past legal limits, the company is liable.
- 49 CFR Part 382 (Drug and Alcohol Testing): Commercial drivers are subject to pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing. If a company failed to drug test a driver after a serious accident in Menard, they are in direct violation of federal law.
Types of Truck Accidents on Menard Roads
The physics of a heavy vehicle collision define the severity of the case. Because Menard is surrounded by miles of open highway and winding ranch-to-market roads, we see specific accident patterns that require expert reconstruction.
Jackknife and Rollover Accidents
When a truck’s cab and trailer go in different directions, the “jackknife” can sweep across every lane of US 190. This is often caused by improper braking on wet roads or unbalanced cargo. Similarly, “rollovers” are common on the curves nearing the San Saba River if a driver is speeding or the cargo shifts. These accidents frequently involve multi-million dollar damages because they often lead to multi-vehicle pileups where no one has a chance to escape.
Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Danger
One of the most horrifying events involves a passenger vehicle sliding underneath the side or rear of a truck trailer. These “underride” collisions often result in decapitation or catastrophic traumatic brain injuries. We look closely at whether the truck was equipped with properly maintained Mansfield bars (rear impact guards) and whether side underride guards—though not yet federally mandated—should have been present as a standard of reasonable care.
Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents
Trucks have massive “No-Zones” where a driver is effectively blind. This is particularly dangerous as trucks navigate the smaller streets within the City of Menard or pull into local gas stations like the Wagder’s or Lowe’s Market area. If a driver fails to check their mirrors or swings wide without signaling, they can crush a smaller vehicle or strike a pedestrian.
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
An 80,000-pound truck descending hacia Menard needs its braking systems fully functional. Drum brakes can reach 500 degrees and fail (brake fade) if not properly adjusted. Likewise, using “retreads” on steer tires is a recipe for a blowout that causes immediate loss of control. Learn more in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.
Specialized Commercial Vehicle Wrecks in Menard
Not every truck accident involves a semi. Commercial vehicles of all sizes operate in Menard, and each comes with its own set of risks and insurance complexities.
Oilfield Vehicle Accidents: Permian Basin Pressure
Menard serves as a gateway to the Permian Basin energy sector. Our roads are filled with specialized oilfield trucks that create unique hazards:
- Frac Sand Haulers: These trucks are often overloaded, putting extreme stress on tires and brakes.
- Produced Water Tankers: Rolling tanks of saltwater that have a high center of gravity and are prone to rollovers on rural FM roads.
- Crude Oil Tankers: These carry hazardous materials and require a $5 million insurance minimum under 49 CFR § 387.7.
- Crew Vans: 15-passenger vans carrying oilfield workers are notoriously prone to rollovers and often lack necessary safety features.
In these cases, we don’t just sue the trucking company. We look at the oil company—the ExxonMobils, the ConocoPhillips, the Pioneers—that hired the contractor. If they hired a company with a known bad safety record, we hold them accountable for negligent hiring.
Corporate Fleet and Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, and UPS are on our streets every day. When an Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner) van or a Walmart 18-wheeler causes an accident in Menard, you’re fighting a multi-billion dollar entity. These companies often use independent contractor models to try to shield themselves from liability. We know how to pierce that corporate shield. As Ralph Manginello often tells clients, we’ve gone head-to-head with some of the biggest corporations on the planet and made them pay. Their fleet of lawyers does not intimidate us.
Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers
Construction projects in Menard County involve heavy-duty dump trucks and concrete mixers. A loaded concrete mixer can weigh 70,000 pounds and has a rotating drum that makes it mechanically unstable during turns. These trucks are often operated by local companies with minimal oversight, leading to deferred maintenance and improper driver training.
Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)
A terrifying reality is that anyone with a driver’s license can rent a 26-foot moving truck and drive it through Menard without a CDL or any special training. These untrained drivers often don’t understand the necessary braking distances or clearance heights required for such large vehicles. If a rental company provided a truck to an obviously inexperienced or dangerous driver, they can be held liable for negligent entrustment.
Who is Responsible for Your Injuries?
Most law firms stop at the driver. At Attorney911, we cast a wide net because more liable parties mean more insurance pools to cover your life-long medical needs.
- The Driver: For speeding, distraction, or fatigue.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or pressure to violate HOS rules.
- The Cargo Loaders: If improperly secured cargo caused a shift or spill.
- The Maintenance Company: If brakes or tires weren’t properly serviced.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a component defect (like a steering failure) caused the crash.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a “bottom-tier” carrier to save a few dollars.
- The Government: If a road design defect or unmaintained highway surface contributed to the accident.
- The Corporate Parent: Proving that companies like Amazon or Walmart exercise enough control over their contractors to be held responsible for their actions.
48-Hour Urgency: Why You Must Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now
The most critical evidence in your case is currently in the hands of the very people you are suing. This is a massive conflict of interest, and the law allows them to dispose of certain records after a short period—unless a lawyer intervenes.
The Black Box (ECM) Data
Nearly every commercial truck manufactured in the last 20 years has an Engine Control Module. This records speed, hard or sudden braking, and even whether the driver was using cruise control. This data “loops,” meaning it can be overwritten as the truck continues to be driven. We send an immediate Spoliation Letter to the trucking company, legally requiring them to take the truck out of service and preserve the data. If they destroy it after receiving our notice, we can ask the judge for a “spoliation instruction,” which tells the jury to assume the missing evidence was bad for the trucking company.
ELD Logs and Driver Files
Electronic Logging Devices track every second of a driver’s day. However, some companies still use software that allows “editing” or “ghosting” of logs. We dig into the raw data to see if a driver was actually awake and behind the wheel for 18 hours despite what the “official” log says. We also demand the Driver Qualification File to see if the company ignored previous safety citations or a failed drug test.
Every hour you wait, the trucking company is strengthening its defense. They are interviewing witnesses and taking photos that support their side. Don’t let them have a head start. Learn more in our video: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Financial Cost of Recovery
We understand that a truck accident in Menard doesn’t just hurt; it creates a mountain of financial pressure. When you suffer a life-changing injury, your settlement needs to cover not just today’s bills, but the next 40 years of care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even a “minor” concussion from a high-speed impact can lead to permanent cognitive changes, personality shifts, and memory loss. Our firm has achieved settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for TBI victims. We work with neurologists and life care planners to ensure the jury understands the invisible damage to your brain. See our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of an 18-wheeler collision frequently shears vertebrae or causes compression fractures. A C-level spinal injury can lead to quadriplegia, requiring 24/7 nursing care and home modifications. We’ve seen these cases reach $25 million or more because the cost of living with paralysis is staggering.
Amputations and Severe Burns
Crush injuries from a wide-turn accident or fires from a ruptured fuel tank lead to permanent disfigurement. Modern prosthetics and skin grafting allow for some recovery, but the psychological toll and phantom limb pain are constant. Our amputation settlements often range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Emotional Damage: The Hidden Cost
Do not let anyone tell you that “feelings” don’t count. PTSD, anxiety about driving, and clinical depression are real medical conditions caused by trauma. We ensure these non-economic damages are quantified. As Ralph Manginello explains in his podcast, the loss of your “freedom to live a pain-free life” has a significant dollar value. Watch: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.
Insurance Policies: Why $750,000 is Rarely Enough
Under federal law (49 CFR § 387.9), a truck carrying general freight must have at least $750,000 in liability insurance. If they are carrying oil or hazardous materials, that jumps to $1 million or $5 million. While this is significantly higher than a standard car policy, $750,000 is often exhausted within the first month of ICU care for a brain injury.
This is why we look for “Umbrella” or “Excess” policies. Many large carriers in Menard operate with $10 million or $50 million in total coverage. We also utilize the MCS-90 Endorsement, a unique federal requirement that ensures victims are paid even if the insurance policy has technical exclusions or the trucking company failed to follow policy rules. For a deep dive into this technical but vital protection, watch: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.
The “Deep Pockets” of Corporate Defendants
Large companies like Walmart and Amazon are often “self-insured” for the first several million dollars. This means when they pay you, the money comes directly off their bottom line. They fight harder because of this, but it also means they have the liquid assets to pay massive verdicts. When you’re hit by a company truck, the recovery potential is fundamentally higher because the defendant is “solvent”—they can’t just declare bankruptcy to avoid paying a judgment.
FAQ: Truck Accident Justice in Menard
How long do I have to file a claim in Menard?
In Menard and throughout Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the wreck. However, for a wrongful death claim, the surviving family has two years from the date of the death. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue forever.
Can I sue if the truck driver was from out of state?
Yes. Because the accident happened in Menard, Texas courts have jurisdiction. Furthermore, because trucking involves interstate commerce, we can often file these cases in federal court, where Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice. The driver’s home state doesn’t protect them from Texas laws.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement right away?
This is a standard “lowball” tactic. They want to pay you $50,000 now so you’ll sign away your right to sue for the $2 million you’ll actually need for future surgeries. Never sign anything without a lawyer. As Donald Wilcox put it after we took his case: “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.”
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
With Attorney911, it costs nothing out of pocket. We work on a contingency fee (typically 33.3% pre-trial). If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us a dime. We take all the risk so you can take all the time you need to heal.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Texas’s 51% bar rule, you can still recover if you were 10%, 30%, or even 50% responsible. Your final award is just reduced by that percentage. The trucking company will try to exaggerate your fault—we use accident reconstruction to prove the truth.
What happens to the black box data?
Unless we send a preservation letter immediately, the trucking company can legally destroy or overwrite that data. Every day they drive that truck after the accident, the data of your crash is at risk of being deleted. This is why you must call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Are oilfield trucks different from regular trucks?
Legally, they must follow the same FMCSA rules on public roads. However, they also fall under OSHA 29 CFR 1910 standards when on a wellsite. This “dual-jurisdiction” means we have two sets of safety rules to use against them. If you were hit by a water truck on a lease road near Menard, the oil company may have additional liability for unsafe site conditions.
Can I sue Amazon for their delivery drivers?
Amazon often claims their drivers are “independent contractors.” However, we look at the “Right to Control” test. If Amazon set the route, dictated the delivery window, and monitored the driver via their app, the law may treat them as an employer. Piercing this contractor shield is one of our specialties.
Taking Action for Your Future in Menard
When you’re recovering at a facility like Menard Medical Center, or perhaps you’ve been airlifted to a trauma center in San Angelo or Austin, the trucking company’s insurance adjusters are already calculating how to pay you the least. They have a system designed to protect their profit. You need a system designed to protect your life.
For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have stood as a shield for Menard families. We’ve gone up against Walmart, Amazon, BP, and the largest oilfield operators in the world. We don’t just know the law; we know the people and the roads of Menard County. We treat our clients like family because we know that behind every case file is a person whose life has been turned upside down.
As client Kiimarii Yup said: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We are incredibly proud to help our neighbors rebuild their lives. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler on US 83, crushed by a wide-turning dump truck, or lost a family member to a fatigued delivery driver, we are here to fight for you.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Don’t let the insurance company dictate your future. The consultation is free, and the advice is proven. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) today and speak directly with a team that has recovered multi-million dollar results for people just like you. 24/7. We answer when you call.
Attorney911: Powerful. Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Serving Menard and all of Texas.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. Nuestro abogado Lupe Peña tiene experiencia previa defendiendo a las compañías de seguros, y ahora usa ese conocimiento para luchar por usted. La consulta es totalmente gratuita.
