New Chapel Hill Truck Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Commercial Vehicle Victims in Smith County

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving on Highway 31 or heading toward FM 848 near New Chapel Hill when 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In a split second, your car was transformed into a cage of twisted metal, and your life was divided into “before” and “after.” If you are reading this while sitting in a hospital room at a Tyler-area trauma center or while caring for a loved one whose life was changed on a New Chapel Hill road, we want you to know one thing: you are not alone in this fight.

At Attorney911, led by Managing Partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. We are not just another law firm; we are legal emergency responders. Ralph Manginello has been litigating complex injury cases since 1998 and brings federal court experience to every case we handle. When a corporate fleet vehicle or an oilfield truck causes an accident in New Chapel Hill, the company doesn’t send a “nice” adjuster—they send a rapid-response team of lawyers and investigators to protect their profits. You deserve a team that moves even faster to protect your rights.

Our firm offers a unique advantage that most Smith County personal injury firms cannot match. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the insurance companies. He spent years inside a national defense firm, learning exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny legitimate claims. Today, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their playbook and maximize compensation for our clients in New Chapel Hill. We know their tactics because we’ve seen them from the other side, and we refuse to let them lowball our neighbors.

If an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or an oilfield service truck hit you, the clock is already ticking. Evidence in New Chapel Hill truck accidents disappears with every passing hour. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, and corporate giants like Amazon or Walmart may delete dashcam footage in less than a week. We are ready to act now. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing—zero upfront costs—unless we win your case.

Why Trucking Accidents in New Chapel Hill are Different

When a truck accident happens in New Chapel Hill, it isn’t a “he-said, she-said” car wreck. These are massive industrial events governed by a complex web of federal regulations and corporate structures. New Chapel Hill sits in a unique position within Smith County, flanked by major freight corridors and the growing industrial activity of East Texas.

Every day, thousands of commercial vehicles pass through New Chapel Hill on Highway 31, carrying everything from timber and oilfield equipment to retail goods destined for Tyler or Longview. This mix of heavy interstate freight, local logging operations, and oilfield service traffic creates a high-risk environment. An 80,000-pound semi-truck traveling at highway speeds through New Chapel Hill needs about 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. When a driver is fatigued, a truck is poorly maintained, or a load is over the legal weight limit, the result is a catastrophic collision that New Chapel Hill families shouldn’t have to face.

Federal law, specifically 49 CFR Part 390-399, dictates nearly every aspect of how these trucks must operate. Proving a violation of these regulations is the key to holding a trucking company accountable. Whether the crash was caused by an 18-wheeler jackknifing near the intersection of Highway 110 or a delivery truck failing to check a blind spot in a residential New Chapel Hill neighborhood, we investigate the deeper causes that general practice lawyers often miss.

Learn more about your rights in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window in New Chapel Hill

The most common mistake victims make after a New Chapel Hill truck accident is waiting too long to hire an attorney. While you are focused on medical treatment and recovery, the trucking company is already building its defense. They are already downloading digital data and interviewing witnesses to find ways to shift the blame onto you.

We follow a strict 48-hour evidence preservation protocol for every New Chapel Hill case. The moment you retain us, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking carrier, the driver, their insurance company, and any involved corporate parents. This legal notice mandates that they preserve every piece of evidence, including:

• ECM/Black Box Data: The Engine Control Module records the truck’s speed, RPM, and brake application in the seconds before impact.
• ELD Driving Logs: Electronic Logging Devices prove whether the driver violated 49 CFR Part 395 by driving beyond the 11-hour limit.
• Driver Qualification Files: As required by 49 CFR Part 391, we look for red flags in background checks and medical certifications.
• Maintenance Records: We demand proof of brake inspections and tire logs mandated by 49 CFR Part 396.

If the accident happened on a rainy East Texas afternoon or during an ice storm in New Chapel Hill, physical evidence like skid marks and road debris can be washed away or buried within hours. Our team moves immediately to document the scene before the evidence is gone. Don’t let the trucking company delete the proof of their negligence. Call (888) 288-9911 right now.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Types in New Chapel Hill

Our firm handles every type of commercial truck and fleet vehicle accident that occurs on New Chapel Hill’s roads. Each vehicle type carries unique risks and legal challenges.

18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accidents

The sheer volume of 18-wheeler traffic near New Chapel Hill makes jackknife and underride collisions a constant threat. A jackknife often happens on Highway 31 when a driver brakes suddenly on a wet surface, causing the trailer to swing perpendicular to the cab. If you were caught in the wake of a swinging trailer, the injuries are often life-altering. We also specialize in underride accidents, which occur when a car slides under the rear or side of a trailer because the carrier failed to maintain proper guards. These are among the most lethal accidents we see in Smith County.

East Texas Logging Truck Accidents

New Chapel Hill is surrounded by the piney woods of East Texas, meaning logging trucks are a common sight. These vehicles carry thousands of pounds of uncontained timber. When logs are improperly secured in violation of 49 CFR Part 393, they can become unguided missiles at highway speed. If a log fell or shifted and caused your accident in New Chapel Hill, you need an attorney who understands the specific physics and loading requirements of the timber industry.

Oilfield Vehicle Wrecks (Water, Sand, and Crude)

With the Haynesville Shale activity nearby, New Chapel Hill roads are frequently shared with oilfield water trucks and frac sand haulers. These drivers often work brutal 12-to-14-hour shifts, leading to extreme fatigue. We frequently see rollovers involving produced water tankers on narrow FM roads near New Chapel Hill where the shoulders are soft and the weight is over the limit. These cases often involve dual jurisdiction: FMCSA on the road and OSHA on the worksite. Ralph Manginello and our team understand how to navigate both.

Corporate Delivery Fleet Accidents (Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, UPS)

If you were hit by an Amazon van or a Walmart truck in New Chapel Hill, you are fighting a corporate giant. Amazon often tries to use the “independent contractor” defense, claiming they aren’t responsible for the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) that employed the driver. We know how to pierce that shield. We investigate the Netradyne cameras, the Mentor app scores, and the delivery quotas that force these drivers to speed through New Chapel Hill neighborhoods. Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense is a massive asset here—he knows how these companies structure their $5 million+ policies.

Learn more in our video: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4.

All 16 Liable Parties: We Find the Deep Pockets

Most law firms only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that the driver is rarely the only one at fault. To maximize your recovery for a New Chapel Hill accident, we investigate every party in the chain of command. More defendants mean more insurance pools, which is essential when your medical bills are in the hundreds of thousands or millions.

We investigate potential liability for:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like distraction or fatigue.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or violating 49 CFR Part 392 driving rules.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For hazardous materials and shipping pressure.
4. The Loading Company: For improperly secured or overweight loads (49 CFR Part 393).
5. Truck Manufacturers: For design defects in brakes or steering.
6. Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires or components.
7. Maintenance Companies: For failing to inspect or repair the vehicle.
8. Freight Brokers: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
9. Truck Owners: For negligent entrustment of the vehicle.
10. Government Entities: For dangerous road design or maintenance failure in Smith County.
11. Corporate Parents (Amazon/Walmart): For setting unsafe delivery quotas.
12. Oilfield Operators: For lack of traffic management on lease roads near New Chapel Hill.
13. Staffing Companies: For providing unqualified or dangerous drivers.
14. Rental Truck Companies (U-Haul/Penske): For negligent maintenance or entrustment to untrained drivers.
15. Transit Agencies/School Districts: For bus driver negligence.
16. Federal Government: For USPS accidents under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

When we litigate against big companies, we don’t back down. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That is the same tenacity we bring to every New Chapel Hill family.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future in New Chapel Hill

New Chapel Hill trucking accidents don’t just cause “bumps and bruises.” Because a truck is 20 times heavier than a car, the kinetic energy transferred during a collision is overwhelming. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): We have secured settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range for brain injuries. We understand that a “mild” concussion can lead to lifelong cognitive struggles.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: For paralysis cases, the lifetime cost of care is staggering. We fight for the $4.7M to $25.8M+ settlements needed to provide a lifetime of dignity.
• Amputations: Our amputation recoveries range from $1.9M to $8.6M, covering everything from prosthetics to home modifications.
• Orthopedic Fractures: When a truck breaks the strongest bones in the body, like the femur or pelvis, the surgeries and physical therapy can last years.

If your life has been turned upside down, watch our video: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

We also have a deep understanding of the invisible wounds. PTSD, driving anxiety, and depression are legally compensable injuries in Texas. If you are afraid to drive on the New Chapel Hill highways where your life was forever changed, we will fight for the “pain and suffering” damages you are owed.

Texas Trucking Laws and Your Rights in New Chapel Hill

In Texas, the law is clear but strict. You have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of your accident to file a claim in New Chapel Hill. If you miss this deadline, your right to recovery is gone forever. Furthermore, Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (51% bar). This means that as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Trucking companies in Smith County rely on Lupe Peña’s former colleagues in the defense world to trick you into admitting fault early. They might call you while you are still medicated in a Tyler hospital to get a recorded statement. They are looking for one phrase to use against you in a New Chapel Hill courtroom. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows these tricks because he watched them work for years. We stop them in their tracks.

Learn about valuing your case in our video: “What Is Your Car Wreck Worth?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=napfCFm5uoQ.

FAQ: New Chapel Hill Truck Accident Questions

How much insurance do trucking companies in New Chapel Hill carry?
Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) requires minimum coverage. Non-hazardous freight trucks must carry at least $750,000. Oilfield trucks and those hauling hazardous materials must carry at least $5 million. We identify every layer of coverage, including umbrella policies that can reach $50 million or more.

What if an Amazon van hit me in a New Chapel Hill neighborhood?
Amazon deliver millions of packages, and their vans are on every street in New Chapel Hill. Amazon will try to blame the driver, but we look at Amazon’s control over the driver through their Mentor app and AI cameras. They are a “solvent defendant,” and we know how to hold them accountable.

Can I recover lost wages if I can’t work in my New Chapel Hill job?
Absolutely. We recover not just your past lost paychecks, but your “loss of earning capacity”—what you would have earned over your entire lifetime if you hadn’t been injured. This is especially critical for skilled tradespeople and professionals in New Chapel Hill.

How much does an 18-wheeler accident lawyer cost?
You pay us nothing until we recover money for you. We advance all costs for accident reconstruction, expert witnesses, and court filings. As client Donald Wilcox said, “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.”

Hablamos Español. ¿Qué pasa si hablo español?
En Attorney911, entendemos que muchos conductores y víctimas en New Chapel Hill hablan español. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español fluido y puede representarlo directamente sin necesidad de intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Contact Attorney911 for Your New Chapel Hill Accident

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you don’t need a lawyer who handles “general” cases—you need a fighter with a documented track record against corporate giants. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered over $50 million for Texas families. We aren’t afraid of Walmart’s lawyers, Amazon’s adjusters, or the oil company’s insurance teams.

As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat New Chapel Hill families with that same level of care and ferocity. We are ready to start investigating your case today.

Don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. The trucking company is already working. Level the playing field and get the fighter you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) anytime.
Available 24/7 for New Chapel Hill trucking emergencies.
No fee unless we win.

Attorney911.com
Powerful. Proven. We fight for New Chapel Hill.