24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | City of Sinton

City of Sinton’s Premier 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello – Federal Court Admitted Trial Lawyer with $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposing Trucking Company Tactics, FMCSA Regulation Masters (49 CFR Parts 390-399), Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure & All Crash Types, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation & Wrongful Death Advocates – Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, 1-888-ATTY-911 – Trusted Since 1998 with 4.9★ Google Rating, Featured on ABC13 & Houston Chronicle, The Firm Insurers Fear in City of Sinton and Beyond

February 14, 2026 31 min read
city-of-sinton-featured-image.png

18-Wheeler Accidents in Sinton, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on Sinton’s highways, your life changes forever. One second, you’re driving to work on US-77 or heading to Corpus Christi on I-37. The next, you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that’s already building its defense. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a commercial truck accident in Sinton, Texas, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal emergency response team.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. We know Sinton’s trucking corridors, from the oil field traffic on FM 892 to the agricultural transports on FM 1069. When disaster strikes on Sinton’s highways, you need attorneys who understand both the federal trucking regulations and the local realities of San Patricio County courts.

Why Sinton’s Trucking Accidents Are Different

Sinton sits at the crossroads of major Texas freight routes, creating unique dangers for local drivers:

  • US-77 Corridor: The primary north-south route through Sinton carries heavy truck traffic between Corpus Christi and Victoria, including oil field equipment and agricultural products
  • I-37 Connection: Just east of Sinton, I-37 connects to Corpus Christi’s port facilities, creating a steady stream of container trucks
  • FM 892 & FM 1069: Rural farm-to-market roads where agricultural trucks mix with local traffic, often creating dangerous speed differentials
  • Oil Field Traffic: With the Eagle Ford Shale nearby, Sinton sees heavy truck traffic carrying drilling equipment, fracking materials, and petroleum products
  • Port of Corpus Christi: One of the nation’s busiest ports generates significant truck traffic through Sinton, including oversize and overweight loads

The Sinton Police Department and San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office respond to dozens of commercial vehicle accidents each year, many resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. The unique mix of local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and interstate freight creates accident patterns that require specialized legal knowledge.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Sinton

Jackknife Accidents on US-77 and I-37 Ramps

When an 18-wheeler’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. These accidents are particularly common on Sinton’s highway ramps and during sudden braking on US-77. The trailer can sweep across several lanes, crushing vehicles in its path.

Common Causes in Sinton:

  • Sudden braking on wet roads (common during Gulf Coast rainstorms)
  • Speeding on I-37’s tight curves near Sinton
  • Improperly loaded trailers (especially agricultural products from local farms)
  • Brake failures on long downgrades
  • Driver inexperience with Sinton’s road conditions

Evidence We Preserve:

  • Skid mark analysis showing trailer angle
  • Brake inspection records
  • ECM data showing speed before braking
  • Cargo manifest and loading records
  • Weather conditions at time of accident

Underride Collisions – The Deadliest Sinton Truck Accidents

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. These are among the most horrific accidents we see in Sinton.

Sinton-Specific Risks:

  • Poorly lit rural intersections where trucks make wide turns
  • Sudden stops on US-77 during rush hour
  • Inadequate underride guards on older trailers
  • Agricultural trucks with non-standard trailer heights
  • Nighttime driving on unlit farm-to-market roads

Federal Requirements vs. Reality:
While federal law requires rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards. Many trucks operating in Sinton lack adequate protection, putting local drivers at risk.

Tire Blowouts on Sinton’s Hot Asphalt

Texas heat causes tire failures that lead to loss-of-control accidents. Sinton’s location in South Texas, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, makes tire blowouts a significant hazard.

Common Scenarios:

  • Overloaded agricultural trucks on FM 1069
  • Underinflated tires on oil field service trucks
  • Worn tires on long-haul trucks traveling US-77
  • Retread failures on budget-conscious carriers
  • Road debris punctures from construction zones

FMCSA Requirements:

  • Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions
  • Pre-trip inspection must include tire check
  • Tire age and condition must be monitored

Brake Failures on Sinton’s Highways

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Sinton, we frequently see:

  • Worn brake pads on oil field service trucks
  • Improper brake adjustments on agricultural vehicles
  • Air brake system failures on long-haul trucks
  • Overheated brakes on long downgrades
  • Deferred maintenance to save costs

Critical Evidence:

  • Brake inspection and maintenance records
  • Out-of-service inspection history
  • ECM data showing brake application
  • Post-crash brake system analysis
  • Driver vehicle inspection reports

Cargo Spills and Shifts on Sinton’s Roads

Improperly secured cargo creates multiple hazards:

  • Cargo Shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing truck (common with agricultural products)
  • Cargo Spill: Load falls from truck onto roadway (especially on FM 892’s rural stretches)
  • Hazmat Spills: Hazardous materials leak or spill (oil field chemicals, agricultural pesticides)

Local Examples:

  • Agricultural products (cotton, grain, produce) spilling on FM 1069
  • Oil field equipment coming loose on US-77
  • Livestock trailers overturning on rural roads
  • Construction materials falling from flatbeds

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Sinton Trucking Accident?

In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility—and multiple insurance policies may be available to compensate you.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for:

  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Distracted driving (cell phone, dispatch communications)
  • Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
  • Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
  • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
  • Violation of traffic laws

Sinton-Specific Issues:

  • Drivers unfamiliar with local road conditions
  • Agricultural truck drivers with limited CDL training
  • Oil field service drivers working excessive hours
  • Drivers distracted by GPS navigation in rural areas

The Trucking Company

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits.

Vicarious Liability:
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

  • Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance
  • Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
  • Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS

Sinton Case Example:
We recently handled a case where a trucking company hired a driver with multiple DUI convictions. The driver caused a catastrophic accident on US-77. The company’s negligent hiring practices made them directly liable for our client’s injuries.

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for:

  • Providing improper loading instructions
  • Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
  • Requiring overweight loading
  • Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

Local Examples:

  • Grain elevators in Sinton overloading trucks
  • Oil field service companies improperly securing equipment
  • Agricultural co-ops failing to disclose hazardous materials

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
  • Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Sinton-Specific Risks:

  • Agricultural loading facilities with inadequate equipment
  • Oil field service yards with untrained loaders
  • Small truck stops offering loading services

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defects in:

  • Brake systems
  • Tires
  • Steering mechanisms
  • Lighting components
  • Coupling devices
  • Underride guards

Recent Cases:
We’ve seen multiple cases in Texas where defective brake components led to catastrophic accidents. Manufacturers can be held strictly liable for defective products.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

  • Negligent repairs
  • Failure to identify critical safety issues
  • Improper brake adjustments
  • Using substandard or wrong parts

Local Issues:

  • Small maintenance shops in Sinton with limited expertise
  • Deferred maintenance to save costs
  • Improperly trained mechanics

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

  • Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
  • Failure to verify carrier insurance
  • Failure to check carrier safety records

Sinton Example:
A freight broker hired a carrier with a poor safety record to transport oil field equipment through Sinton. The carrier’s driver caused a catastrophic accident. The broker’s negligence made them partially liable.

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design
  • Failure to maintain roads
  • Inadequate signage
  • Improper work zone setup

Sinton-Specific Issues:

  • Poorly maintained farm-to-market roads
  • Inadequate signage at rural intersections
  • Delayed response to known hazards

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Why 48 Hours Matters

Evidence Type Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
ELD Data May be retained only 6 months
Dashcam Footage Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
Witness Memory Fades significantly within weeks
Physical Evidence Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
Drug/Alcohol Tests Must be conducted within specific windows

The Spoliation Letter

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence. We send these within 24-48 hours of being retained.

What We Demand:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Dispatch logs
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Cell phone records
  • GPS/telematics data
  • Dashcam footage
  • The physical truck and trailer

ECM/Black Box Data – The Truth Machine

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that record operational data:

System What It Records
ECM Engine performance, speed, throttle, RPM, cruise control
EDR Pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration
ELD Driver hours, duty status, GPS location
Telematics Real-time GPS tracking, speed, route
Dashcam Video of road ahead and cab interior

Critical Data Points:

  • Speed before crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Throttle position
  • Following distance
  • Hours of service violations
  • GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. In one Sinton case, ECM data showed the driver was speeding at 75 mph in a 65 mph zone, directly contradicting his statement that he was driving safely.

Catastrophic Injuries from Sinton Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. In Sinton trucking accidents:

  • Mild TBI (concussion): Confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
  • Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems
  • Severe TBI: Permanent cognitive impairment

Long-Term Consequences:

  • Permanent disability
  • Inability to work
  • Need for lifelong care
  • Increased dementia risk

Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts brain-body communication:

Type Impact
Paraplegia Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete Some nerve function remains
Complete No nerve function below injury

Lifetime Costs:

  • Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million
  • Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million

Amputations

Common in Sinton trucking accidents due to:

  • Crushing forces from truck impact
  • Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
  • Severe burns requiring surgical removal
  • Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Needs:

  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Common causes in Sinton accidents:

  • Fuel tank ruptures and fires
  • Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
  • Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
  • Friction burns from road contact

Burn Classification:

  • First degree: Epidermis only
  • Second degree: Epidermis and dermis
  • Third degree: Full thickness
  • Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries:

  • Liver laceration or rupture
  • Spleen damage requiring removal
  • Kidney damage
  • Lung contusion or collapse
  • Internal bleeding

Why Dangerous:

  • May not show immediate symptoms
  • Can be life-threatening
  • Requires emergency surgery

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can recover:

  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages if gross negligence

Texas Trucking Accident Laws You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Comparative Negligence

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system:

  • If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Example:
If you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $1,000,000, you recover $800,000.

Damage Caps

Texas has complex damage caps:

  • Economic Damages: No cap (medical expenses, lost wages)
  • Non-Economic Damages: No cap for most personal injury cases
  • Punitive Damages: Greater of (2x economic + non-economic capped at $750,000) OR $200,000

Exception: Medical malpractice cases have a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, but this does NOT apply to trucking accidents.

What Your Sinton Trucking Accident Case is Worth

Case values depend on many factors:

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
  • 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

Available when the trucking company acted with:

  • Gross negligence
  • Willful misconduct
  • Conscious indifference to safety
  • Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

While every case is unique, recent verdicts demonstrate what juries award in serious trucking cases:

  • $730 Million (2021): Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
  • $462 Million (2024): St. Louis underride case – Two men decapitated
  • $160 Million (2024): Alabama rollover case – Driver left quadriplegic
  • $150 Million (2022): Werner settlement – Two children killed on I-30
  • $141.5 Million (2023): Florida case against defunct carrier
  • $90 Million (2023): Houston truck driver burned in explosion
  • $37.5 Million (2024): Texas trucking verdict
  • $35.5 Million (2023): Texas family injured in truck accident
  • $35 Million (2025): Fort Worth trucking verdict

These verdicts show that when trucking companies are held fully accountable, juries are willing to award massive damages.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Sinton Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which is critical for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. 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

Proven Track Record

  • $50+ million recovered for Texas families
  • Multiple multi-million dollar settlements
  • 4.9-star Google rating (251+ reviews)
  • 290+ educational YouTube videos
  • Active Attorney 911 Podcast

Local Knowledge

We know Sinton’s trucking corridors, from US-77 to FM 1069. We understand:

  • The unique traffic patterns at the US-77/I-37 interchange
  • The dangers of oil field traffic on FM 892
  • The agricultural truck patterns on FM 1069
  • The local courts and judges in San Patricio County
  • The specific challenges of rural road accidents

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Maintenance logs
  • Driver qualification files
  • Dashcam footage

Willingness to Go to Trial

While most cases settle, 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.

Spanish Language Services

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

“At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Sinton speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.”

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Sinton

Immediate Steps

  1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor
  3. Document the Scene – Take photos and video if possible
  4. Get Trucking Company Information – Name, DOT number, driver info
  5. Collect Witness Information – Names and contact info
  6. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements – To any insurance company
  7. Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney – Immediately

Within 24-48 Hours

  • Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
  • We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence
  • We’ll begin investigating the accident
  • We’ll help you get appropriate medical care

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster – They work for the trucking company, not you
  • Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
  • Don’t accept a quick settlement – First offers are always lowball offers
  • Don’t delay medical treatment – Gaps in treatment hurt your case
  • Don’t try to handle the case yourself – Trucking cases are complex

Sinton Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Sinton?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Sinton, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

  • Call 911 and report the accident
  • Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
  • Document the scene with photos and video if possible
  • Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
  • Collect witness contact information
  • Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
  • Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Sinton Medical Center and Christus Spohn Hospital Kleberg can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Sinton?

Document everything possible:

  • Truck and trailer license plates
  • DOT number (on truck door)
  • Trucking company name and logo
  • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
  • Photos of all vehicle damage
  • Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Witness names and phone numbers
  • Responding officer’s name and badge number
  • Weather and road conditions

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

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Sinton?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Sinton?

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company/motor carrier
  • The cargo owner or shipper
  • The company that loaded the cargo
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

  • Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
  • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

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

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data—similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Engine RPM and throttle position
  • Whether cruise control was engaged
  • GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately—once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Dispatch logs
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records
  • Cell phone records
  • Insurance policies
  • The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can:

  • Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
  • Impose monetary sanctions
  • Enter default judgment in extreme cases
  • Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

  • Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
  • Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
  • 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

  • Hours of service violations (driving too long)
  • False log entries (lying about driving time)
  • Brake system deficiencies
  • Cargo securement failures
  • Drug and alcohol violations
  • Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
  • Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

  • Employment application
  • Driving record check
  • Previous employer verification
  • Medical certification
  • Drug test results
  • Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Sinton?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Amputations
  • Severe burns
  • Internal organ damage
  • Multiple fractures
  • Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Sinton?

Case values depend on many factors:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Degree of defendant’s negligence
  • Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Sinton?

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

  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply—contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Sinton?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases 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.

Will my trucking accident 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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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

NO. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

  • $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. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

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

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes—and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Sinton Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, here are some of our documented results:

  • $5+ Million: Logging brain injury settlement
  • $3.8+ Million: Car accident amputation settlement
  • $2.5+ Million: Truck crash recovery
  • $2+ Million: Maritime back injury settlement
  • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
  • $10M Lawsuit Filed: University of Houston hazing litigation (active)
  • $50+ Million recovered for Texas families

“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

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Sinton, Texas, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our Sinton trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Remember:

  • Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
  • Trucking companies have lawyers working right now to protect them
  • First settlement offers are always lowball offers
  • You need an attorney who knows Sinton’s roads and courts

Don’t wait. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation.

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Sinton trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”

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

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911