18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Nordheim, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and the roads around Nordheim are no exception. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Nordheim, you need an attorney who understands the unique dangers of our local trucking corridors, federal trucking regulations, 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 the Nordheim area’s trucking routes, from the busy US-77 corridor to the distribution centers and truck stops where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in Nordheim

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and catastrophic injuries. The physics of these accidents are devastating:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds—20-25 times heavier than a passenger car.
• At highway speeds, an 80,000-pound truck requires 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
• The force of impact in a truck collision is often fatal or life-altering.

In Nordheim, we see trucking accidents caused by:

✔ Fatigued drivers violating federal hours-of-service rules
✔ Poorly maintained trucks with faulty brakes or worn tires
✔ Improperly loaded cargo that shifts or spills
✔ Distracted or impaired drivers using cell phones or under the influence
✔ Aggressive driving on US-77 and other high-traffic routes

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Nordheim

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at a sharp angle, often blocking multiple lanes. These accidents are common on wet or icy roads and when drivers brake suddenly. In Nordheim, we’ve seen jackknife crashes on US-77 and near the I-10 interchange where sudden traffic slowdowns catch truckers off guard.

2. Underride Collisions

One of the most deadly trucking accidents, underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. These crashes often result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Despite federal requirements for rear underride guards, many trucks still lack proper protection—especially older trailers.

3. Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes occur when a truck tips onto its side, often due to speeding on curves, top-heavy loads, or sudden lane changes. In Nordheim, we’ve handled rollover cases on highway ramps and at intersections where trucks take turns too sharply.

4. Rear-End Collisions

Because of their massive weight, 18-wheelers require much longer stopping distances than cars. When truck drivers tailgate, speed, or fail to react to traffic slowdowns, rear-end collisions can crush smaller vehicles, causing severe spinal injuries, TBI, and wrongful death.

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide before completing a right turn. This creates a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles may try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents are common at Nordheim intersections where trucks make tight turns.

6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have four massive blind spots where drivers cannot see other vehicles. The right-side blind spot is the largest and most dangerous. When truck drivers change lanes without checking their mirrors, they can sideswipe or crush vehicles in these blind spots.

7. Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause 11,000+ crashes per year nationwide. In Texas, where temperatures can soar, underinflated or worn tires are a major hazard. When a truck tire blows out, the driver may lose control, causing a rollover, jackknife, or multi-vehicle pileup.

8. Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Poor maintenance, worn brake pads, or air brake system failures can prevent a truck from stopping in time. In Nordheim, we’ve seen brake failure accidents on steep highway grades and in stop-and-go traffic.

9. Cargo Spills & Shifts

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck and causing rollovers. Hazardous materials spills create additional dangers, including fires, explosions, and chemical exposure.

10. Head-On Collisions

When a truck crosses into oncoming traffic, the results are often fatal. These accidents happen due to driver fatigue, distraction, impairment, or medical emergencies. In Nordheim, we’ve seen head-on crashes on two-lane highways where trucks attempt unsafe passes.

Who Is Liable in a Nordheim 18-Wheeler Accident?

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, GPS)
• Fatigued driving (violating hours-of-service rules)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medication)
• Failure to inspect the truck (pre-trip/post-trip checks)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the deepest pockets in these cases. They can be held liable for:

• Vicarious liability (responsibility for their driver’s actions)
• Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
• Pressure to violate HOS rules (dispatch pushing drivers to meet deadlines)

3. Cargo Owner / Shipper

If the cargo was improperly loaded, mislabeled, or hazardous, the company that arranged the shipment may share liability.

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR 393)
• Unbalanced loads (causing instability)
• Overweight loads (exceeding legal limits)

5. Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defective part (brakes, tires, steering, safety systems) caused the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that make brakes, tires, couplings, or other components can be sued if their products fail.

7. Maintenance Company

If a third-party mechanic failed to repair the truck properly, they may share liability.

8. Freight Broker

Brokers who hire unsafe carriers without proper vetting can be held accountable.

9. Government Entity

If poor road design, lack of signage, or maintenance issues contributed to the crash, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or local government may be liable.

How We Prove Negligence in Your Nordheim Trucking Case

To win your case, we must prove that the trucking company or driver violated federal or state safety regulations. Here’s how we do it:

1. Preserving Critical Evidence (48-Hour Protocol)

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Within 24-48 hours, we send spoliation letters to demand preservation of:
✅ ECM/Black Box Data (speed, braking, throttle position)
✅ ELD Records (hours of service, fatigue violations)
✅ Dashcam Footage (driver behavior before crash)
✅ Driver Qualification File (hiring records, training)
✅ Maintenance Records (brake, tire, inspection history)
✅ Cell Phone Records (distracted driving evidence)
✅ Cargo Manifests (load securement, weight)
✅ Drug & Alcohol Test Results (impairment evidence)

Why this matters: If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, courts can sanction them, instruct juries to assume the evidence was bad for them, or even enter default judgment.

2. Analyzing FMCSA Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates trucking safety. Common violations we find in Nordheim cases include:

3. Accident Reconstruction

We work with engineering experts to reconstruct the crash using:

• Skid mark analysis
• Vehicle damage patterns
• ECM/Black Box data
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage

This helps prove who was at fault and how the accident happened.

4. Medical & Financial Documentation

We gather:

• Medical records (ER visits, surgeries, rehab)
• Expert testimony (doctors, life care planners)
• Vocational experts (lost earning capacity)
• Economic experts (future medical costs)

This ensures we calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Catastrophic Injuries from Nordheim Trucking Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, 18-wheeler accidents often cause life-altering injuries:

🔴 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
🔴 Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Quadriplegia or paraplegia requiring lifelong care
🔴 Amputations – Limbs crushed or severed in the crash
🔴 Severe Burns – From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
🔴 Internal Organ Damage – Liver, spleen, or kidney ruptures
🔴 Multiple Fractures – Broken bones requiring surgery and rehab
🔴 Wrongful Death – When a loved one is killed in a trucking crash

Lifetime care costs for catastrophic injuries can exceed $5 million. That’s why we fight for maximum compensation—not just for your current medical bills, but for your future needs.

What Is Your Nordheim Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

✔ Severity of injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputation = higher value)
✔ Medical expenses (past and future)
✔ Lost wages & earning capacity
✔ Pain and suffering (mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life)
✔ Degree of negligence (gross negligence = punitive damages)
✔ Insurance coverage (trucking companies carry $750K-$5M+)

Recent Texas trucking verdicts show what’s possible:

• $730 Million (2021) – Landstar Ranger case (oversize load fatality)
• $150 Million (2022) – Werner settlement (two children killed)
• $462 Million (2024) – Underride decapitation case
• $160 Million (2024) – Daimler rollover case (quadriplegia)

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered:
💰 $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
💰 $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
💰 $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
💰 Millions for families in wrongful death cases

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Nordheim Trucking Case?

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He has:
✅ Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
✅ Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
✅ Experience against major carriers (Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola)
✅ BP Texas City explosion litigation (one of few Texas firms involved)

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

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—because he used to do it. Now, he uses that insider 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

3. We Know Nordheim’s Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique risks of trucking in our area:

• US-77 – Heavy truck traffic from Victoria to San Antonio
• I-10 interchange – High-speed merges and sudden stops
• Local distribution centers – Frequent loading/unloading accidents
• Rural highways – Fatigued drivers, limited enforcement
• Truck stops & weigh stations – Where HOS violations often occur

4. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We move fast to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed:
✅ Spoliation letters sent within 24-48 hours
✅ ECM/Black Box data secured immediately
✅ Dashcam footage preserved
✅ Driver logs and maintenance records subpoenaed

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from your settlement, so you never receive a bill from us.

“You’re not just another case number—you’re family. We treat every client with the care and respect they deserve.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

6. Bilingual Services (Hablamos Español)

Many truck drivers in Texas are Spanish-speaking. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including Lupe Peña, so you can communicate directly with your attorney.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”
— Attorney911

7. Client Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what our clients say:

“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

“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.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Nordheim

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal damage may not show symptoms for hours or days. Get checked at DeWitt County EMS or Cuero Regional Hospital.

2. Document the Scene (If Safe to Do So)

• Take photos/videos of:
  • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
  • Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs
  • Injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
  • The truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
• Get witness names and contact info
• Note the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance info

3. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. They will use your words against you to minimize your claim. Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present.

4. Call Attorney911 Immediately

Evidence disappears fast. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical data. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Nordheim Trucking Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, do not wait—evidence disappears quickly. The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve critical evidence.

2. What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. We gather evidence (ECM data, witness statements, accident reconstruction) to prove the truck driver’s negligence.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• GPS location
• Hours of service compliance

This data is objective and tamper-resistant, often contradicting the driver’s version of events.

4. How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more, allowing for larger settlements than typical car accidents.

5. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the company goes out of business, their insurance policy remains in effect. We also pursue other liable parties (manufacturers, brokers, maintenance companies) to ensure you recover compensation.

6. Can I sue if a loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

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

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

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

Even if the driver owns their truck, the trucking company may still be liable under vicarious liability or negligent hiring/supervision. We investigate all relationships to maximize your recovery.

8. How long does a trucking accident case take?

• Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries): 6-12 months
• Complex cases (multiple defendants, severe injuries): 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

9. Will my 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.

10. Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Nordheim Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• DeWitt County EMS – 201 E Main St, Cuero, TX 77954
• Cuero Regional Hospital – 2550 N Esplanade St, Cuero, TX 77954
• Victoria Regional Medical Center – 101 Medical Dr, Victoria, TX 77901

Nordheim Area Trucking Corridors

• US-77 – Major north-south route (Victoria to San Antonio)
• I-10 – East-west corridor (Houston to San Antonio)
• FM 237 & FM 119 – Local routes with truck traffic
• Nordheim Weigh Station – US-77, where HOS violations are often detected

Texas Trucking Regulations

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – www.txdot.gov
• FMCSA Safety Records – safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Texas Crash Records – cris.dot.state.tx.us

Nordheim 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers – Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Nordheim, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim.

Call Attorney911 now for a free, no-obligation consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 www.attorney911.com

“The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before the evidence disappears.”

Hablamos Español. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including Lupe Peña, so you can communicate directly with your attorney.

We answer 24/7. Don’t wait—call now to protect your rights.