18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Shiner, Texas

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Texas highways near Shiner, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks create devastating consequences when crashes occur. At Attorney911, we understand the unique challenges of trucking accident cases in Lavaca County and throughout the Shiner area.

Why Shiner Trucking Accidents Are Different

Shiner sits at the intersection of several major trucking corridors serving Central Texas. The highways around our community see heavy commercial traffic from:

US-90A – Connecting Houston to San Antonio, passing just north of Shiner
US-77 – Running north-south through nearby Yoakum and Hallettsville
State Highway 95 – The main route through Shiner itself
Farm-to-Market roads – Used by agricultural and oilfield trucking

These roads carry everything from beer shipments (Shiner is home to the famous Spoetzl Brewery) to agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and general freight. The mix of local and through traffic creates unique hazards for passenger vehicles sharing the road with large trucks.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Shiner

Our firm has handled numerous trucking accident cases in the Shiner area, and we’ve identified several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue on Long Hauls

Many truckers passing through Shiner are on long hauls between major Texas cities. Despite federal Hours of Service regulations limiting driving time to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, we frequently find violations in our cases. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make critical errors.

Improper Cargo Loading

Shiner’s agricultural and industrial base means many local trucks carry specialized cargo. Improperly secured loads can shift during transport, causing rollovers or cargo spills. We’ve seen cases where:

Agricultural equipment wasn’t properly secured
Beer kegs shifted in transit
Oilfield equipment came loose on FM roads
Livestock trailers weren’t properly balanced

Brake Failures on Rural Roads

The hilly terrain around Shiner puts extra stress on truck braking systems. We’ve investigated multiple cases where:

Worn brake pads weren’t replaced
Brake systems weren’t properly maintained
Drivers failed to use engine braking on descents
Air brake systems leaked or failed

Distracted Driving

With long stretches of open highway, many truckers become complacent. We’ve seen cases involving:

Cell phone use while driving
Dispatch communications distracting drivers
GPS devices causing visual distractions
In-cab entertainment systems

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Truckers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines often speed through our area. The combination of heavy trucks and higher speeds creates particularly dangerous situations on our rural highways.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Shiner

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in or around Shiner, follow these critical steps:

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Document the scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries
Get trucking company information – Record the company name, DOT number, and driver details
Collect witness information – Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out at Lavaca Medical Center or another local facility
Contact Attorney911 – Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Shiner Trucking Accident Case

Local Knowledge of Shiner Area Highways

We know the trucking corridors serving Shiner, from US-90A to FM roads. We understand:

The most dangerous intersections
Areas prone to truck rollovers
Common accident locations
Local law enforcement procedures
Court systems serving Lavaca County

Proven Track Record in Trucking Cases

Our firm has recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. We’ve handled cases involving:

Jackknife accidents on US-90A
Underride collisions at rural intersections
Rollover accidents on FM roads
Brake failure cases on hilly terrain
Cargo spill accidents

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers:

Evaluate claims
Minimize payouts
Train adjusters to lowball victims
Use recorded statements against claimants

This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage in settlement negotiations.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence that trucking companies might destroy:

ECM/black box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
ELD logs (may be retained only 6 months)
Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
Maintenance records
Driver qualification files
Cargo loading documentation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to prevent evidence destruction.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our firm has achieved substantial results for trucking accident victims, including:

$5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Shiner

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a V-shape with the cab. These are particularly common on US-90A when:

Drivers brake suddenly on wet roads
Empty trailers swing more easily
Improperly loaded cargo shifts
Brakes fail or are improperly adjusted

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer. These are often fatal because the trailer shears off the top of the passenger vehicle. We’ve seen these occur:

At intersections when trucks make wide turns
When trucks stop suddenly on highways
In low-light conditions when trailers aren’t properly marked

Rollover Accidents

The hilly terrain around Shiner makes rollovers more likely when:

Drivers take curves too fast
Top-heavy loads shift
Liquid cargo sloshes
Drivers overcorrect after tire blowouts

Rear-End Collisions

With trucks requiring 525 feet to stop at highway speeds, rear-end collisions are common when:

Drivers follow too closely
Distracted drivers don’t notice traffic slowing
Brake systems fail
Drivers are fatigued

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need extra space to make turns, especially at rural intersections. Wide turn accidents occur when:

Trucks swing left before making right turns
Passenger vehicles enter the gap
Drivers don’t properly check mirrors

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) where they can’t see other vehicles. These accidents happen when:

Trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in blind spots
Passenger vehicles linger in No-Zones
Drivers don’t properly adjust mirrors

Tire Blowout Accidents

With extreme Texas heat and long highway stretches, tire blowouts are common. These can cause:

Loss of control
Debris striking other vehicles
Sudden lane changes into traffic

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures are particularly dangerous on the hilly roads around Shiner. We’ve seen cases where:

Worn brake pads weren’t replaced
Air brake systems leaked
Drivers failed to use engine braking
Maintenance was deferred

Who Can Be Held Liable in Shiner Trucking Accidents

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share liability:

The Truck Driver

Drivers can be liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Impaired driving
Failure to inspect vehicle
Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be liable for:

Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor drivers)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
Pressuring drivers to violate Hours of Service regulations

Cargo Owners and Loaders

Companies that own or load cargo can be liable for:

Improper loading
Overloading
Failure to secure cargo
Misrepresenting cargo characteristics

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

Negligent repairs
Failure to identify safety issues
Using substandard parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers can be liable for:

Defective brake systems
Defective tires
Defective steering components
Defective safety systems

Government Entities

In some cases, government agencies can be liable for:

Dangerous road design
Poor maintenance
Inadequate signage
Failure to install safety barriers

Shiner-Specific Trucking Industry Factors

Agricultural Trucking

Shiner is surrounded by farmland, and agricultural trucking presents unique challenges:

Seasonal harvest traffic increases truck volume
Specialized equipment requires proper securement
Livestock transport creates unique hazards
Slow-moving farm vehicles share roads with high-speed trucks

Oilfield Trucking

While not as prominent as in other Texas regions, oilfield trucking still affects our area:

Heavy equipment transport
Hazardous materials hauling
Increased truck traffic during oil price spikes

Beer Distribution

Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner is a major economic driver and creates significant truck traffic:

Beer keg and case shipments
Specialized refrigerated transport
Distribution to regional markets

General Freight

As a crossroads between Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Shiner sees substantial through traffic:

Long-haul truckers passing through
Regional distribution hubs
Local delivery operations

Common Injuries in Shiner Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers create catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is jolted or penetrated. Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory problems
Cognitive deficits
Mood changes
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in:

Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Incomplete injuries with partial function
Complete injuries with total loss of function

Amputations

Crush injuries often require surgical amputation of:

Arms
Legs
Hands
Feet

Severe Burns

Burns occur from:

Fuel tank ruptures
Electrical fires
Chemical spills
Friction burns

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries may include:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents are fatal, surviving family members may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship
Funeral expenses
Pain and suffering before death
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

How We Build Your Shiner Trucking Accident Case

Immediate Response

We act within hours to:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Deploy accident reconstruction experts
Obtain police reports
Photograph injuries and vehicle damage

Evidence Gathering

We pursue all available evidence:

ECM/black box data
ELD records
Driver qualification files
Maintenance records
Cargo loading documentation
Cell phone records
GPS data
Dashcam footage
Witness statements

Expert Analysis

We work with top experts including:

Accident reconstruction specialists
Medical experts
Vocational experts
Economic experts
Life care planners
FMCSA regulation experts

Litigation Strategy

We prepare every case as if going to trial:

File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
Conduct aggressive discovery
Depose truck drivers, dispatchers, safety managers
Build case for maximum recovery

Shiner Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific Shiner statistics aren’t available, statewide Texas data provides context:

Texas has the highest number of trucking accidents in the U.S.
Over 5,000 trucking accidents occur in Texas annually
Approximately 600 people are killed in Texas truck crashes each year
The average 18-wheeler accident settlement in Texas exceeds $500,000
Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5,000,000 in insurance coverage

What to Expect in Your Shiner Trucking Accident Case

Initial Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations. During this meeting, we’ll:

Review the facts of your accident
Explain your legal rights
Discuss potential case value
Answer your questions
Explain our contingency fee arrangement

Investigation Phase

We’ll conduct a thorough investigation including:

Accident scene analysis
Evidence preservation
Witness interviews
Expert consultations
Medical record review

Medical Treatment

We’ll help you get the medical care you need, including:

Connecting you with local medical providers
Arranging transportation to appointments
Documenting your injuries and treatment

Demand and Negotiation

We’ll prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate with:

Trucking company insurance
Cargo insurance
Other liable parties’ insurance

Litigation

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll:

File a lawsuit
Conduct discovery
Take depositions
Prepare for trial

Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re prepared to go to court if necessary. We’ll:

Present your case to a jury
Fight for maximum compensation
Handle all appeals if needed

Frequently Asked Questions About Shiner Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because critical evidence can disappear quickly.

How much is my Shiner trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on many factors including:

Injury severity
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Refer all communications to your attorney.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Simple cases may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex cases with severe injuries can take 2-3 years or longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

Shiner Area Resources for Trucking Accident Victims

Medical Facilities

Lavaca Medical Center – 1400 N Texana St, Hallettsville, TX 77964
Yoakum Community Hospital – 1200 Carl Ramert Dr, Yoakum, TX 77995
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital – 23900 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77494 (for more serious injuries)
St. David’s South Austin Medical Center – 901 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Rehabilitation Services

Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital of Luling – 1201 Pierce St, Luling, TX 78648
TIRR Memorial Hermann – 1333 Moursund St, Houston, TX 77030 (for catastrophic injuries)
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation – Multiple locations

Legal Resources

Lavaca County Courthouse – 419 N Texana St, Hallettsville, TX 77964
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – For road condition reports
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – For trucking company safety records

Support Groups

Brain Injury Association of Texas – For TBI survivors
Spinal Cord Injury Association of Texas – For paralysis survivors
Texas Amputee Support Group – For amputation survivors
GriefShare – For families of wrongful death victims

Contact Attorney911 for Your Shiner Trucking Accident Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Shiner or anywhere in Lavaca County, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Our Shiner trucking accident attorneys offer:

Free case evaluations
No upfront costs
24/7 availability
Local knowledge of Shiner highways and courts
Former insurance defense attorney on staff
Multi-million dollar track record

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.