Selma Truck Accident Attorney: Your Guide to 18-Wheeler & Commercial Vehicle Wrecks
The High Stakes of Trucking Accidents on the I-35 Corridor in Selma
The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were navigating the usual congestion near The Forum at Olympia Parkway or heading toward San Antonio on I-35; the next, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your sedan. In an instant, your life changed forever. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Selma, you aren’t just dealing with a “big car wreck.” You’re facing a legal emergency involving massive corporations, teams of aggressive defense lawyers, and federal regulations that most general practice attorneys don’t fully understand.
At Attorney911, we know that Selma sits at one of the most critical crossroads in Texas. I-35 through Bexar County is a high-volume NAFTA corridor, serving as a primary route for long-haul semi-trucks, agricultural haulers, and a constant stream of delivery vehicles serving the massive retail hubs along the Selma-Schertz border. Our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. We understand the physics of these crashes, the tactics of the insurance adjusters, and the urgency required to win.
If you’ve been injured, the clock is already ticking. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to start fighting for your family.
Why Experience Matters: The Attorney911 Advantage in Selma
When an 18-wheeler changes your life, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been at the forefront of personal injury litigation in Texas. Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph brings federal court experience to every Selma truck accident case. Our firm has a documented history of going toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including litigation involving the BP refinery explosion.
We offer our Selma clients a unique insider advantage. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who previously worked for a national insurance defense firm. Lupe spent years inside the system, watching how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny legitimate claims. He knows their playbook, and now he uses that knowledge to expose their tactics. 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.”
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up-front, and we advance all investigation and litigation expenses. We only get paid if we win your case. Whether we’re litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major institution or fighting a local delivery company, our commitment remains the same: treating you like family. As Chad Harris put it, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
The Dangerous Roads of Selma: Why Truck Wrecks Happen Here
Selma is a uniquely dangerous environment for commercial vehicle traffic. The convergence of I-35, Loop 1604, and heavy retail traffic creates constant opportunities for disaster. Every day, thousands of 18-wheelers pass through Selma on their way to Austin, Dallas, or Laredo. These long-haul drivers are often fatigued, under pressure to meet tight deadlines, and forced to navigate the stop-and-go traffic that defines the Selma stretch of I-35.
Major intersections like FM 3009 and the access roads surrounding the Olympia Parkway shopping hubs are prime locations for wide-turn accidents and blind-spot collisions. Additionally, the rapid suburban growth in Selma and Schertz has led to an explosion of construction vehicle traffic. We represent victims of:
- 18-Wheeler & Semi-Truck Wrecks: Catastrophic highway collisions on I-35.
- Dump Truck & Concrete Mixer Accidents: Common near ongoing residential developments.
- Amazon & Retail Delivery Van Crashes: High-frequency accidents in residential Selma neighborhoods.
- Moving Truck & Rental Wrecks: Inexperienced drivers in U-Haul or Penske trucks near local apartments.
- Garbage & Utility Truck Collisions: Accidents on narrow residential streets.
In Selma, a truck accident isn’t just a statistic; it’s a life-altering event. The weight differential alone—where a loaded semi weighs 20-25 times more than your car—results in forces that the human body was never designed to withstand.
Don’t let the trucking company control the narrative. We hit back harder. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.
Proving Negligence: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA)
Commercial trucking is one of the most highly regulated industries in America. Every 18-wheeler traveling through Selma must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), codified in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When these rules are broken, people in Selma get hurt. At Attorney911, we use these federal laws as a blueprint to prove negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is the leading cause of truck wrecks on the I-35 corridor. Drivers are strictly limited in how many hours they can spend behind the wheel:
- 11-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- 30-Minute Break: A mandatory break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Drivers must take a 34-hour restart once they hit their weekly caps.
When we investigate a Selma truck wreck, we subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to see if the driver falsified logs or if the motor carrier pressured them to “push through” illegally.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
It is a violation of federal law for a company to put an unqualified driver on the roads of Selma. Motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator, including their medical certificate, driving record (MVR), and drug/alcohol testing history. If a company hired a driver with a history of safety violations or failed to verify their CDL, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Brake failures and tire blowouts are rarely “accidents.” They are almost always the result of deferred maintenance. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, every motor carrier must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. We look for gaps in maintenance logs and pre-trip inspection reports (DVIRs) to prove the truck was a “rolling time bomb” before the collision.
16 Liable Parties: Who is Responsible for Your Selma Truck Wreck?
Most general practice lawyers only think to sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we go much deeper. Navigating the “layered liability” of a trucking case is the only way to maximize your recovery. We identify and pursue every potentially liable party:
- The Truck Driver: For speeding, distraction, intoxication, or fatigue.
- The Trucking Company (Carrier): Liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior (vicarious liability) and for their own negligent hiring and training.
- The Cargo Owner / Shipper: For requiring unsafe delivery windows.
- The Loading Company: For improperly secured loads (49 CFR Part 393) that cause rollovers or cargo spills.
- Truck & Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or steering systems.
- Maintenance Companies: For negligent repairs that led to mechanical failure.
- Freight Brokers: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
- The Truck Owner: If the tractor was leased to an unfit operator.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or unmaintained Selma streets contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent / Brand Owner: We hold giants like Walmart and Amazon accountable, piercing the shields they use to hide behind subcontractors.
- Oilfield Operators: If the accident involved a water hauler or equipment truck serving the nearby Eagle Ford Shale sectors.
- Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified drivers to Selma logistics hubs.
- Rental Truck Companies: Like U-Haul or Penske for negligent entrustment to untrained drivers.
- Public Transit Agencies: For city bus or charter bus accidents involving sovereign immunity.
- The Federal Government: If a USPS mail carrier or military vehicle near Randolph AFB caused the wreck.
- Intermodal Equipment Providers: For defective chassis or container securement failures.
In Selma, where corporations like Amazon and FedEx dominate the last-mile delivery landscape, we are particularly adept at cutting through the “independent contractor” defense. We argue that because these companies control the routes, schedules, and monitor drivers via Netradyne cameras, they are essentially the employer and must be held liable.
We’ve gone head-to-head with some of the biggest corporations on the planet—Walmart, Amazon, BP—and we’ve made them pay. Call (888) 288-9911 for a fearless advocate in Selma.
Anatomy of a Selma Truck Accident: Common Crash Types
Every truck accident has a unique scientific fingerprint. Understanding the physics of how a crash occurs allows us to prove exactly who was at fault.
Jackknife Accidents
When a driver on I-35 slams on their brakes too hard, the trailer’s momentum can cause it to swing out perpendicular to the cab. In Selma’s heavy traffic, a jackknifed trailer can sweep across three lanes, trapping dozens of cars in a multi-vehicle pileup. These often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 regarding brake system integrity.
Underride Collisions
Among the most horrific accidents we handle, underride occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. These collisions are frequently fatal, leading to decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. We investigate whether the truck was missing required rear impact guards (Mansfield bars) or if the trucking company failed to install side underride guards that could have saved lives.
Blind-Spot (No-Zone) Crashes
Large trucks have four massive “No-Zones”: directly in front, directly behind, and along the sides. When a trucker in Selma changes lanes without checking their mirrors, they can crush a sedan against the concrete median on Loop 1604. We demand training records to see if the driver was properly instructed on blind-spot management and check if the truck was equipped with necessary proximity sensors.
Wide-Turn “Squeeze Play”
Trucks in Selma must often swing wide to make right-hand turns into distribution centers or retail parks. If a driver fails to signal or check their mirrors, they can “squeeze” a vehicle on their right side against a curb. These crashes lead to severe crush injuries and traumatic amputations.
Heavy Equipment & Construction Truck Rollovers
Selma’s ongoing infrastructure projects mean dump trucks and concrete mixers are constant fixtures on our roads. These top-heavy vehicles are prone to rolling over when overloaded or when drivers take turns too fast. A concrete mixer weighs up to 70,000 pounds; when it rolls onto a passenger car, there is zero survivable space.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why You Must Act Now
In a Selma truck accident case, evidence is “perishable.” Within 30 days, most truck black boxes (Engine Control Modules) overwrite their data. Within months, ELD logs disappear. Trucking companies often send experts to the scene within hours to “clean up” evidence.
We send formal Spoliation Letters within 24–48 hours. Our letters put the trucking company on legal notice that they must preserve:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Proving the truck’s speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before impact.
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Showing exactly how many hours the driver had been awake.
- Dashcam & Driver Monitoring Data: Netradyne, DriveCam, or Lytx footage that may show the driver was distracted by their phone.
- The Physical Vehicle: We prevent the trucking company from repairing or “scrapping” the truck until our independent investigators can inspect the brakes and tires.
- Driver Qualification Files: Background checks that reveal if the driver was a known danger.
The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
Catastrophic Injuries: The True Cost of a Selma Truck Accident
We understand the heavy toll these crashes take on Selma families. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
From “mild” concussions to permanent cognitive impairment, TBI changes everything about who you are. We’ve recovered TBI settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million. Learn more in our guide: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis
A C4 spinal injury or high tetraplegia can result in lifetime care costs exceeding $5 million. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement covers 24/7 nursing, home modifications, and specialized medical equipment for the rest of your life.
Amputation & Crush Injuries
The crushing force of an 18-wheeler impact often results in traumatic amputation or injuries so severe that surgical removal is the only option. We have secured settlements from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for clients facing these life-altering losses.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one on a Selma road, no amount of money replaces them. But a wrongful death claim ensures your family’s financial security and holds the negligent company accountable. Typical recoveries range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.
Navigating Insurance and Damages in Texas
In Selma, your case is governed by Texas’s 51% Modified Comparative Negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is 50% or less. However, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. This is why insurance companies in Selma work so hard to blame the victim; if they can push your fault to 51%, they pay zero.
Insurance Minimums for Commercial Trucks
Unlike regular car accidents with $30,000 limits, commercial trucks in Selma must carry significant insurance:
- $750,000: Minimum for general freight.
- $1,000,000: Minimum for oilfield or heavy equipment haulers.
- $5,000,000: Minimum for hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
Our team, including former defense attorney Lupe Peña, knows how to find these policies and tap into excess/umbrella coverage that common lawyers miss.
Frequently Asked Questions for Selma Truck Accident Victims
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Selma?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for cases involving government entities (like a city bus), you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice of claim. Never wait—evidence disappears long before the legal deadline.
Q: Can I sue Amazon if their delivery van hit me in Selma?
A: Yes. Amazon will claim the driver was an “independent contractor.” We use current Texas case law to show that because Amazon controls the delivery technology and quotas, they are legally the employer. We know how to pierce that corporate shield.
Q: What if the truck driver was from another state?
A: Because I-35 serves interstate commerce, many drivers are not from Texas. Our federal court experience allows us to litigate in the Western District of Texas and the Southern District of Texas, ensuring we can handle your case regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.
Q: Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident?
A: The insurance company for the at-fault party is responsible for your bills, but they won’t pay them one by one. We help you arrange medical care under a Letter of Protection (LOP), which allows you to see the best trauma surgeons and therapists in the San Antonio area without paying a dime out of pocket until your case settles.
Q: Is a headache normal after a car accident?
A: It can be a sign of a serious injury. Watch our video: “Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo.
Hablamos Español: Representación Para Nuestra Comunidad en Selma
En Attorney911, entendemos que muchas familias en Selma prefieren comunicarse en español. Nuestro abogado asociado, Lupe Peña, es completamente bilingüe y brinda representación directa sin necesidad de intérpretes. Si usted o un ser querido ha sido herido por un camión de 18 ruedas, merece un abogado que entienda su idioma y su cultura. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win. Call Attorney911 Today.
You are currently in a David versus Goliath battle. You’re hurt, your car is totaled, and your bills are mounting. Meanwhile, a multi-billion dollar corporation has already deployed a team of lawyers to protect their profits. You need a fighter with the experience, the resources, and the track record to even the odds.
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for Texans for 25+ years. He has recovered over $50 million. He has litigated against the largest corporations on earth. And most importantly, he treats every Selma client like family.
As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Let us do the same for you.
Your fight starts with one call. Let’s get to work.
Contact Attorney911 in Selma
Phone: (888) 288-9911
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
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Deep Dive: Hours of Service Violations on the I-35 Corridor
The Selma stretch of I-35 is a notorious bottleneck. For a long-haul trucker coming from the Laredo border, Selma is often the point where fatigue sets in. Under 49 CFR Part 395.3, a driver is prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle if they have not had a full 10-hour rest period. However, the economics of trucking drive many operators to “falsify the logs.”
Before the ELD mandate in 2017, drivers used paper logs—informally known as “comic books”—to hide their true driving hours. Today, while digital logging is harder to fake, companies still use “personal conveyance” loopholes or pressure drivers to continue moving while legally “off duty.” When a 40-ton truck drifts into your lane at 70 mph near Loop 1604, it’s often because the driver’s reaction time has been decimated by sleep deprivation. At Attorney911, we don’t just ask for the logs; we subpoena the truck’s engine data and GPS records to prove where that truck actually was. If the truck moved 300 miles during a period the driver was supposed to be sleeping in their berth, we have a case for gross negligence.
Construction Truck Hazards: Dump Trucks and Mixers in Selma
The rapid expansion of the San Antonio-New Braunfels corridor means Selma is constantly under construction. Whether it’s road work on I-35 or new residential developments near Selma Stagecoach Park, dump trucks and concrete mixers are everywhere. Unlike long-haul 18-wheelers, these vehicles are often operated by local contractors with much lower safety standards.
Dump Truck Liability: These vehicles are often overloaded to increase profit per load. An overloaded dump truck is harder to stop and more likely to experience a tire blowout. We also handle cases involving “falling debris.” If a dump truck failed to use a proper tarp or secure its tailgate, and a rock shattered your windshield causing you to lose control, that is a FMCSA violation under 49 CFR § 393.100.
Concrete Mixer Physics: Concrete mixers are some of the most dangerous vehicles in Bexar County. The rotating drum prevents the driver from seeing behind them, leading to catastrophic backing accidents. Furthermore, liquid concrete has a 90-minute delivery window. Drivers frequently speed and take aggressive maneuvers to deliver the load before it hardens. Our firm investigates the “batch plant” records to see exactly when the concrete was loaded—proving the driver was under extreme time pressure at the time of your accident.
Holding Amazon and Delivery Fleets Accountable in Selma
Selma is a hub for e-commerce delivery. With the Amazon SAT1 and SAT4 facilities in our immediate area, blue Amazon vans are a constant presence. Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to distance itself from liability. They will tell a Selma judge that they are not responsible for the wreck because the driver worked for a small local LLC.
We pierce the DSP shield. We show the court that Amazon is the “statutory employer.” Amazon sets the GPS routes, monitors the driver’s speed, requires Amazon uniforms, and uses Netradyne cameras to score the driver’s performance. If Amazon has the power to fire a driver for being too slow, they have the power to protect Selma families by requiring safe driving. Attorney911 has the resources to fight these corporate shell games and find the money to cover your medical bills.
Vulnerable Road Users: Motorcyclists and Pedestrians in Selma
Not every truck accident involves two cars. In the urbanized areas of Selma, pedestrians near retail centers and motorcyclists on the highway are at extreme risk.
Motorcycle vs. Truck: An 80,000-pound truck creates massive air turbulence. At high speeds on I-35, a semi-truck passing a motorcycle too closely can literally “blow” the bike off the road. Motorcyclists often suffer traumatic amputations or severe road rash in these crashes. Don’t let the insurance company blame you for “being on a bike.” Watch our guide: “The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47ITjLF4pSM.
Pedestrians in Selma: Backing accidents involving delivery trucks and garbage trucks in Selma neighborhoods are often fatal for children or the elderly. Because of their height, truck drivers have a massive blind spot directly behind the vehicle. If the truck wasn’t equipped with a functional backup alarm or camera, the company is liable.
The Financial Reality: Why You Can’t Afford a General Practice Lawyer
If you were hit by a car, a neighborhood lawyer might be fine. But a Selma truck wreck requires a firm with capital. We hire accident reconstruction engineers, metallurgical experts for failed parts, and vocational experts to prove your lost income. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on YOUR case before it ever sees a courtroom.
Most lawyers don’t have the “war chest” to take on Walmart or FedEx. They will settle your case for $50,000 because they can’t afford to litigate it. At Attorney911, we prepare every case for trial. When the insurance company sees Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña on the other side, they know we won’t settle for a lowball offer. As Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Final Thoughts: Your Recovery Starts in Selma Today
The days following a truck accident are a blur of pain, phone calls from adjusters, and financial fear. You are not alone. Selma deserves a law firm that treats its residents like family. We are not a billboard firm with 5,000 cases; we are a boutique litigation firm that provides personal attention and multi-million dollar results.
Do not sign anything from the trucking company. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not wait for the evidence to disappear. Call the firm that insurers fear. Call Attorney911.
Free Consultation. Available 24/7. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
1-888-ATTY-911 (888-288-9911)
ralph@atty911.com
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