Expert Legal Help for Your Nederland Truck Accident Case

If you have been seriously hurt in a truck accident in Nederland, Texas, your life has likely been turned upside down in an instant. The physical pain, the constant worry about how you will pay your medical bills, and the overwhelming strength of the insurance companies you are now facing can make you feel completely alone. We want you to know that you are not alone. At Attorney911, we have spent more than 25 years fighting for the rights of families in Southeast Texas who have been devastated by 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle crashes.

Nederland sits at a critical junction of global trade and industrial production. With our proximity to the Port of Beaumont and the Port of Port Arthur, as well as the massive petrochemical complexes that define the Golden Triangle, the roads in and around Nederland are some of the most dangerous in the state. Whether you were hit on the Eastex Freeway (US-69), Twin City Highway, or while navigating the heavy traffic near the massive refineries of Jefferson County, we understand the unique challenges your case presents.

Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has been representing injury victims since 1998. He brings federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is critical because many interstate trucking companies will try to move your case to federal court to gain a defensive advantage. Furthermore, our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, provides an insider advantage most other firms cannot match. Lupe spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, where he learned exactly how insurance companies value, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Today, he uses those same tactics against them to ensure our clients in Nederland receive every dime they deserve.

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 treat every Nederland truck accident case with that same level of commitment and personal attention.

If you or a loved one has been injured, do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly in these cases, and the trucking company has already started building its defense. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

The Dangerous Reality of Trucking in Nederland

Nederland is a hardworking city, but that productivity comes with a significant risk on our roadways. Every day, thousands of commercial vehicles pass through Nederland. From 18-wheelers hauling consumer goods to Walmart and H-E-B, to specialized tankers carrying crude oil and hazardous chemicals from the nearby refineries, the mix of heavy industrial traffic and local commuters is a recipe for disaster.

The geography of Southeast Texas makes Nederland particularly hazardous for truck accidents. We deal with heavy Gulf Coast fog that can reduce visibility to near zero on the Eastex Freeway and I-10. We have narrow, aging roads that were never designed to handle the 80,000-pound loads carried by the modern petrochemical industry. When an 80,000-pound truck slams into a 4,000-pound passenger car at highway speeds, the impact is catastrophic.

At Attorney911, we have a proven track record against the world’s largest corporations. Our experience includes litigation involving the BP Texas City Refinery disaster, and we have gone head-to-head with companies like Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS. We know that these companies have rapid-response teams on the ground in Nederland before the ambulance even leaves the scene. You need a team that moves just as fast.

Learn more about the physics of these crashes in our video: “Catastrophic Collisions & 18-Wheelers” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l8eiKguc9I.

Understanding the Role of FMCSA Regulations in Nederland Accidents

Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in America. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) to keep our roads in Nederland safe. When a driver or a trucking company violates these rules, it is often a direct cause of a serious crash.

We meticulously investigate every Nederland truck accident for violations of these critical regulations:

• Part 391: Driver Qualification: Every driver in Nederland must be properly trained, licensed, and medically fit. If a company hired a driver with a history of dangerous violations or failed to check their background, they are liable for negligent hiring.
• Part 392: Driving Rules: This governs safe operation, including the prohibition of drug and alcohol use (Part 382) and the strict ban on handheld mobile phone use (Part 392.82). If a driver was texting while navigating Twin City Highway, they violated federal law.
• Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Maintenance: These rules require that every truck in Nederland has properly functioning brakes, tires, and lights. Because Jefferson County is home to so much heavy industrial hauling, we often see maintenance failures caused by the extreme wear and tear of refinery traffic.
• Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS): This is perhaps the most frequently violated regulation. Truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off. When drivers are pushed by corporate quotas to deliver goods to Nederland ahead of schedule, they become fatigued, leading to reaction times similar to that of an intoxicated driver.

Attorney Ralph Manginello and our team use the data from Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), often called the “black box,” to prove exactly where these violations occurred.

Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Nederland

Every truck accident in Nederland is different, but they all share one thing: they are preventable. Because we have handled these cases for over two decades, we understand the specific mechanics of different crash types and the injuries they leave behind.

Tanker Rollovers and HAZMAT Spills

Given Nederland’s proximity to “Refinery Row,” tanker trucks are a constant presence. Whether they are hauling gasoline, crude oil, or volatile chemicals, tankers are inherently unstable due to their high center of gravity and the “liquid slosh” effect that occurs when a driver turns or brakes suddenly.

If a tanker rolls over on an on-ramp to US-69 or near the Mid-County expansion, the results are often lethal. Beyond the initial impact, Nederland residents face the risk of explosions, fires, and toxic chemical exposure. In these cases, we look at 49 CFR Part 397, which governs the transportation of hazardous materials. The insurance requirements for HAZMAT trucks are a minimum of $5 million, and we fight to ensure you have access to every dollar of that coverage.

18-Wheeler Jackknife and Underride Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the drive wheels of a tractor lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle. In Nederland’s congested traffic, a jackknifing trailer can sweep across three lanes of traffic, leaving motorists with absolutely nowhere to go.

Underride accidents are even more terrifying. These happen when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a trailer. Because the trailer sits at windshield height for most cars and SUVs, these crashes often result in decapitation or severe traumatic brain injuries. We hold companies accountable for failing to install or maintain the rear and side underride guards required by law.

Corporate Fleet and Last-Mile Delivery Van Crashes

With the rise of e-commerce, Nederland’s residential streets are now flooded with delivery vans from Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. While these vehicles are smaller than 18-wheelers, they are often driven by operators under extreme time pressure.

Amazon, in particular, uses a “Delivery Service Partner” model to try and shield themselves from liability, claiming the drivers are “independent contractors.” We know how to pierce that shield. We prove that Amazon controls the routes, the timing, and even monitors the drivers with in-cab Netradyne cameras, making them the effectively responsible party. Whether it was a Walmart truck or a local Sysco delivery vehicle, we find all liable parties to maximize your recovery.

Additional Commercial Vehicles in Nederland

While big rigs get the headlines, other commercial vehicles are just as dangerous in Nederland:

• Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: With the constant construction and expansion in Jefferson County, these vehicles (which can weigh 60,000+ lbs) are everywhere. Their raised beds and unstable loads cause frequent rollovers.
• Garbage Trucks: These operate in our neighborhoods in the early morning darkness. We have handled cases where backing garbage trucks strike pedestrians or children due to massive blind spots and a lack of proper spotters.
• Rental/U-Haul Trucks: These are bus-sized vehicles driven by people with zero commercial training. If an untrained driver in a rented truck hit you in Nederland, we investigate the rental company for negligent entrustment.

For more information on why commercial truck cases are different, watch: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Vulnerable Road Users Strike by Trucks in Nederland

We are particularly dedicated to representing pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists hit by trucks in Nederland. These victims have zero protection against 80,000 pounds of steel.

• Pedestrians: We often see pedestrian strikes in shopping areas near Highway 365. These result in catastrophic crush injuries and traumatic amputations.
• Cyclists: The “right hook” is the most common danger—a truck turns right at an intersection and sweeps a cyclist under its rear wheels.
• Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists are often blamed by insurance adjusters, who claim they “didn’t see” the bike. Our former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, knows this playbook well and counters it by proving the truck driver failed in their duty to check their No-Zone blind spots.

No matter how you were hurt, if a truck was involved, you have rights. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for the help you need today.

Holding All Liable Parties Accountable

One of the biggest mistakes a general practice lawyer can make is only suing the truck driver. At Attorney911, we cast a wide net because we know that more defendants mean more insurance coverage for your catastrophic injuries.

In a Nederland truck accident, we investigate:

1. The Truck Driver: For fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent training, supervision, and HOS pressure.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For improperly secured or overweight loads.
4. The Loading Company: If the cargo shifted and caused a rollover.
5. The Truck/Parts Manufacturer: For defective brakes or tire blowouts.
6. The Maintenance Company: For failing to repair known mechanical defects.
7. The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
8. The Corporate Parent (Amazon/Walmart/Valero): To hold the entity at the top of the chain responsible.
9. Oilfield Operators: If the accident involved hauling for a specific producer in the region.
10. Government Entities: If poor road design or unmaintained work zones on Nederland highways contributed to the crash.

By identifying every liable party, we have secured multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, including a $5+ million recovery for a traumatic brain injury and $3.8+ million for an amputation case. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for your family.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

The most critical thing you need to know is that evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies are legally allowed to destroy some records after six months, and the data in the truck’s internal computer (the ECM) can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or even sooner if the truck is put back into service.

When you hire Attorney911, we immediately deploy our 48-hour Evidence Preservation Protocol. We send a formal spoliation letter to every involved party. This legal notice demands they freeze all data, including:

• ELD logs and paper backups
• Black box (ECM) speed and braking data
• In-cab and road-facing dashcam footage
• Maintenance logs and inspection reports
• Driver Qualification (DQ) Files including drug test results
• Emails and dispatch communications that show pressure to meet deadlines

As client Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Our speed and technical expertise often allow us to secure the evidence needed to win your case before the insurance company can hide it.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Path to Recovery

We understand that a truck accident doesn’t just result in a “broken bone.” It results in a complete change in how you live your life. Our settlement ranges reflect the severity of what our clients in Nederland have suffered:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From $1.5M to $9.8M+. Even a “mild” concussion can lead to lifelong cognitive problems. We look for axonal shearing and neuro-inflammation that general doctors often miss.
• Spinal Cord Injury: From $4.7M to $25.8M+. Paralysis requires a lifetime of care, home modifications, and specialized equipment.
• Amputations: From $1.9M to $8.6M+. We fight to cover the cost of the best available prosthetic technology for your entire life.
• Wrongful Death: From $1.9M to $9.5M+. While no amount of money replaces a loved one, we fight to ensure your family’s financial future is secure.

We also represent those with serious but “non-catastrophic” injuries like herniated discs, multiple fractures, and severe internal organ damage. We know that these injuries are just as real, and we fight the insurance companies that try to dismiss your pain as “pre-existing” or “soft tissue.”

We also specialize in documenting the “invisible” injuries like PTSD and anxiety. If you are now afraid to drive on the highways of Nederland, that is a legitimate, compensable injury. Learn more in our video: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.

Insurance, Damages, and the “Nuclear Verdict” Trend

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry certain amounts of insurance, but many carry much more.

• General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
• HAZMAT/Petrochemical: $5,000,000 minimum.

However, many of the companies we litigate against in the Nederland area, like ExxonMobil or Walmart, are self-insured. This means they pay claims out of their own corporate treasury. They fight aggressively because every dollar comes off their bottom line. But because they have deep pockets, they also have the ability to pay fair compensation when forced.

There is a growing trend of “nuclear verdicts”—verdicts exceeding $10 million—because juries are tired of trucking companies cutting corners on safety to increase profits. We prepare every Nederland case as if it is going to trial, which gives us the leverage to negotiate for the maximum settlement amount.

As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We pursue all categories of damages, including economic (medical bills, lost wages), non-economic (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life), and punitive damages when the company was grossly negligent.

For an expert guide on insurance endorsements, watch: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.

Frequently Asked Questions for Nederland Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a claim in Nederland?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the truck was owned by a government entity, you may have only six months to file a formal notice. Don’t wait—evidence in Nederland cases disappears much faster than the legal deadlines expire.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a “51% bar rule.” This means you can still recover damages as long as you are not 51% or more responsible. If you were 20% at fault, your recovery is simply reduced by 20%. We fight to ensure the jury sees the truck driver’s violations were the primary cause of the crash.

Can I sue the company whose name was on the truck?
In almost every case, YES. If it was an Amazon van, a Walmart semi, or a Halliburton pump truck, the company likely has liability for the driver’s actions. We use doctrines like respondeat superior and agency to hold corporate parents accountable in Nederland.

How do I pay for a truck accident lawyer?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are zero upfront costs to you. We advance all investigation and court costs. You only pay us if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
NEVER. The first offer is always a “lowball” attempt to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign, you can never ask for more. Let us evaluate the offer—we often find cases are worth 10-20 times more than the initial offer.

Will I have to go to court?
Most cases in Nederland settle before trial, but our success in settlements is rooted in our willingness to litigate. When the insurance company knows we are ready for a jury in Jefferson County, they are much more likely to offer a fair settlement.

Why Nederland Families Choose Attorney911

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who is part of your community.

• 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello is a veteran of the Texas legal system who understands the local courts and juries.
• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña knows the defense playbook because he used to help them write it. This insider knowledge helps us beat them at their own game.
• Multi-Million Dollar Results: We consistently recover high-value settlements for the most serious injuries.
• No Risk, No Fee: You can afford a high-powered legal team because we only get paid when we win for you.
• Personal Attention: You are not a case number. We treat you like family. As Donald Wilcox put it, “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.”

From the Eastex Freeway to the residential streets of Nederland, we are here to protect you. We offer remote consultations and are available to meet at your home or hospital if you cannot come to us.

Nederland, your fight is our fight. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit us at https://attorney911.com to start your journey toward justice. Hablamos Español. Llame al (888) 288-9911 para una consulta gratis.

Right now, while you are reading this, the trucking company is working on their defense in Nederland. It is time for you to build your offense. Let us be your first responder in this legal emergency.

Professional Profiles of Your Nederland Legal Team

Ralph P. Manginello
Managing Partner since 1998, Ralph has committed his career to helping injury victims. Admitted to the State Bar of Texas and the U.S. District Court (Southern District), he specializes in complex trucking and industrial disaster cases. His membership in the Million Dollar Member circle of the Trial Lawyers Achievement Association is a testament to the results he brings to families in Nederland.

Lupe Peña
Our lead associate, Lupe Peña, is a third-generation Texan who is fluent in Spanish. His background in national insurance defense provides an invaluable strategic advantage for our Nederland clients, particularly when facing deep-pocketed corporate defendants.

One Call. One Number. One Purpose. 1-888-ATTY-911.