18-Wheeler Accidents in Rollingwood, TX: What You Need to Know After a Truck Crash

Every year, thousands of Texans are seriously injured in collisions with 18-wheelers on our state’s highways. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Rollingwood, TX, you need to understand your rights and the unique challenges these cases present. As Rollingwood’s trucking accident attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these crashes can be—and how trucking companies often try to avoid responsibility.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different Than Car Accidents

When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics simply don’t favor smaller vehicles:

Size disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can be 20-25 times heavier than your car
Stopping distance: At 65 mph, a truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop—that’s almost two football fields
Blind spots: Trucks have massive “No-Zones” where drivers can’t see other vehicles
Federal regulations: Trucking companies must follow strict FMCSA rules that don’t apply to regular drivers

In Rollingwood, we see these accidents frequently on major corridors like Mopac Expressway (Loop 1) and along the distribution routes serving our growing community. The truck traffic serving local businesses and the greater Austin area creates unique risks for our residents.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Rollingwood

Our experience handling Rollingwood trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits

Yet in case after case, we find drivers pushing these limits—often under pressure from their employers. On I-35 and Mopac, we frequently see drivers who have been on the road for 14+ hours, violating these critical safety rules.

Distracted Driving

Despite federal bans on hand-held phone use, we regularly uncover evidence that drivers were texting, talking, or using dispatch devices when crashes occurred. The long straight stretches of highway in our area can lull drivers into dangerous complacency.

Improper Maintenance

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting malfunctions are all too common in Rollingwood trucking cases. When we investigate, we often find:

Deferred maintenance to save costs
Incomplete or falsified inspection records
Failure to replace worn components

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured loads cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, and debris spills. The FMCSA has specific requirements for cargo securement that many companies ignore, particularly on local delivery routes serving Rollingwood businesses.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The pressure to meet tight delivery schedules leads many drivers to exceed speed limits on Rollingwood’s roads. This is especially dangerous on Mopac’s curves and during peak traffic hours.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents We See in Rollingwood

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it often blocks multiple lanes. These are particularly common on Mopac’s curves and during sudden stops in heavy traffic.

Underride Collisions

These horrific crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. Despite federal requirements for rear underride guards, many trucks still lack adequate protection. Side underride guards aren’t even required, though they could prevent many fatalities.

Rollover Accidents

Top-heavy trucks can tip over when taking curves too fast or when cargo shifts. We see these frequently on Mopac’s exit ramps and at the intersections of major distribution routes.

Rear-End Collisions

With their long stopping distances, trucks often rear-end vehicles that stop suddenly in traffic. These are especially common during rush hour on Mopac and I-35.

Wide Turn Accidents

When trucks swing wide to make right turns, they create dangerous gaps that smaller vehicles try to fill. This is a particular problem at the intersections of Rollingwood’s commercial corridors.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Rollingwood Trucking Case?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier can be held liable through:

Respondeat superior: The company is responsible for its employees’ negligence
Negligent hiring: Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

Cargo Owners and Loaders

The company that loaded the cargo may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Overloading the vehicle
Failing to disclose hazardous materials
Pressuring the carrier to meet unsafe deadlines

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Design defects in braking systems
Defective tires that cause blowouts
Faulty steering components
Inadequate underride protection

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Ignoring poor safety records

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Rollingwood Trucking Cases

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers mean these accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even with airbags and seatbelts, the forces involved in truck collisions can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifetime care.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The violent forces in truck crashes often damage the spinal cord, resulting in:

Paraplegia (paralysis below the waist)
Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
Incomplete injuries with partial function

Amputations

Crushing injuries may require surgical amputation, or limbs may be severed in the crash itself. Prosthetics and rehabilitation can cost millions over a lifetime.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires can cause third- and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and multiple surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

The blunt force trauma from a truck collision can rupture organs, cause internal bleeding, and lead to long-term health complications.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident claims a life, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses

Why You Need a Rollingwood Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence Disappears Fast

Critical evidence in trucking cases can be lost or destroyed within days:

ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
ELD Records: May be retained for only 6 months
Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
Physical Evidence: The truck may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

Trucking Companies Act Quickly to Protect Themselves

Before the ambulance arrives, trucking companies often dispatch rapid-response teams to:

Control the accident scene
Influence witnesses
Protect their interests—not yours
Begin destroying or hiding evidence

Insurance Companies Start Working Against You

Insurance adjusters are trained to:

Get you to admit fault
Downplay your injuries
Offer quick, lowball settlements
Use your words against you

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve evidence in Rollingwood trucking cases:

Send Spoliation Letters
Within 24-48 hours, we send formal legal notices demanding preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box data
- ELD records
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance records
- Dispatch logs
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Cell phone records
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam footage
- The physical truck and trailer
Secure the Scene
- Photograph all vehicle damage
- Document skid marks and debris patterns
- Preserve failed components for analysis
- Obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Interview Witnesses
- Get contact information for all witnesses
- Take statements before memories fade
- Identify independent witnesses who can corroborate your account
Engage Experts
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Trucking industry experts
- Medical professionals to document injuries
- Economic experts to calculate damages

How We Prove Liability in Rollingwood Trucking Cases

Electronic Data Analysis

Modern trucks record vast amounts of operational data that can prove negligence:

Speed before impact: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
Brake application: Shows whether the driver reacted appropriately
Throttle position: Indicates whether the driver was accelerating or coasting
Following distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
Hours of service: Proves fatigue violations
GPS location: Confirms route and timing
Fault codes: May reveal known mechanical issues

FMCSA Regulation Violations

We scrutinize every aspect of the trucking company’s operations for federal violations:

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Incomplete or missing Driver Qualification Files
Failure to verify driving record
Hiring drivers with disqualifying violations
Expired medical certifications
Missing drug test results

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driving beyond 11-hour limit
Exceeding 14-hour on-duty window
Missing required 30-minute breaks
Violating 60/70-hour weekly limits
False log entries
Improper use of split sleeper berth provisions

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Deferred maintenance
Incomplete or falsified inspection reports
Failure to repair known defects
Improper brake adjustments
Worn or defective tires
Malfunctioning lighting

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Inadequate number of tiedowns
Tiedowns with insufficient working load limit
Improper cargo distribution
Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
Not re-inspecting cargo during trip

Negligent Hiring, Training, and Supervision

We investigate whether the trucking company:

Failed to conduct proper background checks
Hired drivers with poor safety records
Provided inadequate safety training
Failed to monitor driver performance
Ignored previous violations or accidents

Pattern of Safety Violations

We obtain the trucking company’s complete safety record to identify patterns of negligence:

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Inspection history and out-of-service rates
Crash history
Previous violations
Safety rating

The Damages You Can Recover in a Rollingwood Trucking Case

Economic Damages

Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost earning capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
Life care costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Mental anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
Physical impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, Texas law allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. This might apply when:

The trucking company systematically violated safety regulations
Drivers were pressured to falsify logs or drive while fatigued
Evidence was intentionally destroyed
The company had a pattern of similar violations

The Trucking Insurance Advantage You Need

Most personal injury attorneys don’t understand how trucking insurance companies operate. At Attorney911, we have a unique advantage:

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

Evaluate claims
Train their adjusters
Use software to minimize payouts
Pressure victims to accept lowball settlements

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you—not against you.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Rollingwood Trucking Case?

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been representing injury victims in Rollingwood and across Texas since 1998. He has:

Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Experience litigating against major corporations in the BP Texas City explosion case
A track record of holding trucking companies accountable for negligence

Proven Results in Trucking Cases

While every case is unique, our firm has achieved significant results for trucking accident victims:

$5+ million settlement for a catastrophic brain injury case
$3.8+ million settlement for an amputation case
$2.5+ million recovery in a truck crash case
Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of Rollingwood’s Trucking Corridors

We know Rollingwood’s roads and the unique challenges they present:

Mopac Expressway (Loop 1): High-speed truck traffic with frequent lane changes
I-35: Major NAFTA corridor with heavy truck volume
Distribution routes: Local delivery trucks serving Rollingwood businesses
Construction zones: Ongoing development projects creating hazards
Weigh stations: Locations where trucks may be cited for violations

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed:

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
Secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Photograph the accident scene before evidence is cleared
Preserve failed components for expert analysis

Comprehensive Legal Strategy

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

Identify all potentially liable parties
Subpoena all relevant records
Retain top expert witnesses
Prepare every case as if going to trial
Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation

Personal Attention from Start to Finish

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we treat every client like family. You’ll have:

Direct access to your attorney
Regular case updates
Compassionate support throughout the process
A team that fights for every dollar you deserve

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Rollingwood

At the Scene

If you’re able, take these steps immediately:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
Document the scene – Take photos and video of:
- All vehicle damage (inside and out)
- The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
- Your injuries
- Street signs and traffic signals
- The truck’s license plate and DOT number
Get information – Collect:
- Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Trucking company name and contact info
- Insurance information for all parties
- Witness names and contact information
Don’t admit fault – Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt
Don’t give statements – Politely decline to give recorded statements to any insurance company

After Leaving the Scene

Follow up with medical care – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s orders
Document everything – Keep records of:
- Medical visits and treatments
- Medications prescribed
- Time missed from work
- How your injuries affect daily activities
Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
Don’t accept settlement offers – Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney
Contact a Rollingwood trucking accident attorney – Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Frequently Asked Questions About Rollingwood Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than regular drivers—typically $750,000 to $5 million—allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

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.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

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

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

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

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may still be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

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

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

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We identify all available insurance coverage, including:

The motor carrier’s liability policy
Trailer interchange coverage
Cargo insurance
Owner-operator’s policy
Excess/umbrella coverage

Even if the company goes bankrupt, insurance coverage may still be available.

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We gather multiple types of evidence to prove fatigue:

ELD records showing hours of service violations
Dispatch logs showing unrealistic schedules
GPS data showing erratic driving patterns
Witness testimony about driver behavior
Video evidence from dashcams or surveillance

The Rollingwood Trucking Corridors We Know All Too Well

Rollingwood sits at the crossroads of several major trucking routes that serve the greater Austin area. We’ve handled cases on all of these corridors and understand their unique risks:

Mopac Expressway (Loop 1)

High-speed truck traffic mixing with local commuters
Frequent lane changes as trucks navigate between local and express lanes
Dangerous curves that require reduced speeds
Heavy truck volume serving local businesses and distribution centers

I-35

Major NAFTA corridor carrying international freight
Heavy truck volume at all hours
Frequent construction zones creating hazards
High-speed traffic with sudden stops

Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360)

Trucks serving local businesses and construction projects
Challenging curves and elevation changes
Mix of local and through traffic

Distribution Routes Serving Rollingwood Businesses

Local delivery trucks making frequent stops
Loading docks creating visibility issues
Backing maneuvers in parking lots and loading areas

Construction Zones

Ongoing development projects creating temporary hazards
Lane shifts and reduced speed zones
Workers and equipment in the roadway

Real Rollingwood Trucking Accident Cases We’ve Handled

While every case is unique and we can’t guarantee specific results, we’ve helped Rollingwood families recover compensation for:

The Mopac Expressway Jackknife Case

A local family was traveling north on Mopac when a truck driver lost control in heavy rain, causing a jackknife that blocked all lanes. Multiple vehicles were involved in the resulting pileup. Our investigation revealed:

The driver had been on duty for 14 hours
The truck’s brakes were out of adjustment
The company had a history of maintenance violations

We recovered a multi-million dollar settlement that covered the family’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The I-35 Underride Collision

A Rollingwood resident was rear-ended by a truck that failed to stop in time. The car slid underneath the trailer, shearing off the roof. Our client suffered catastrophic injuries. We proved:

The truck’s underride guard was inadequate
The driver was speeding and following too closely
The company had failed to properly train the driver

The case settled for a confidential seven-figure amount.

The Rollingwood Distribution Center Accident

A local worker was struck by a delivery truck while unloading at a Rollingwood distribution center. We demonstrated:

The company failed to implement proper safety protocols
The driver had a history of backing accidents
The truck lacked proper backup alarms

Our client received compensation for his injuries and lost wages.

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your Rollingwood trucking accident case, you’re getting:

✅ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Insider knowledge from a former insurance defense attorney
✅ Immediate evidence preservation to protect your case
✅ Local knowledge of Rollingwood’s roads and courts
✅ Aggressive litigation when necessary to maximize your recovery
✅ Personal attention from start to finish
✅ No upfront costs – you pay nothing unless we win

Don’t Wait – Call Rollingwood’s Trucking Accident Attorneys Now

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Rollingwood trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests.

You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Rollingwood, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“We’ve seen what trucking companies do after an accident. And we know how to stop them. Call us before the evidence disappears.” – Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for your free case evaluation. Hablamos Español.