Smithville Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Lawyers
The impact was catastrophic. On a stretch of Highway 71 near the intersection of Loop 230 in Smithville, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into a family’s SUV. In an instant, a normal afternoon in Bastrop County turned into a life-altering emergency. This isn’t just a car wreck; it’s a high-stakes legal battle against a billion-dollar trucking corporation. If you’ve been hurt, you don’t need a general practitioner—you need a fighter who knows the specific terrain of Smithville and the complex laws governing the trucking industry.
For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has stood as a shield for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. Since 1998, we’ve made it our mission at Attorney911 to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, isn’t just an experienced attorney; he is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has gone head-to-head with some of the largest corporations in the world, including BP. Whether you were hit by a long-haul semi, an Amazon delivery van, or a dump truck from a nearby construction site, we have the resources to win.
Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations 24/7. Your fight for justice in Smithville starts with one call.
Why Trucking Accidents in Smithville Require an Elite Legal Team
Smithville is at the heart of one of the busiest freight corridors in Central Texas. Between the heavy cargo traffic moving on Highway 71 and the agricultural trucks navigating Highway 95, our local roads are shared with massive vehicles that don’t always respect the speed limit or federal safety laws. When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life forever, the trucking company already has a rapid-response team on the way to the scene. Their goal is simple: minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible.
We offer a unique advantage to our Smithville clients. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer. Lupe spent years working inside the systems that these trucking companies use to deny claims. He knows their playbook, he knows how they value injuries, and he knows exactly where they hide evidence. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. We don’t just guess what the insurance company is thinking—we already know.
As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” At Attorney911, we treat every Smithville case with the personal attention of a boutique firm and the aggressive power of a national powerhouse. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of traumatic brain injuries and amputations, totaling over $50 million for our clients across the state.
The Smithville Trucking Landscape: Why Our Roads are High-Risk zones
Truck accidents in Smithville aren’t random; they are often the result of specific geographic hazards and high-pressure delivery schedules. Highway 71 serves as a primary artery for freight moving between Austin and Houston. This creates a dangerous mix of local Smithville commuters and fatigued long-haul truckers pushing through the 14-hour on-duty window.
Dangerous Corridors in Bastrop County
- Highway 71 & Loop 230: The transition from highway speeds to local Smithville traffic often leads to devastating rear-end collisions when truckers fail to account for their 500-foot stopping distance.
- Highway 95: Narrow shoulders and agricultural traffic create a high risk for sideswipe and wide-turn accidents.
- Rural Farm-to-Market Roads: Heavily loaded gravel trucks from local quarries often exceed weight limits on these two-lane roads, leading to tire blowouts and rollovers.
In a town like Smithville, where we take pride in our local history and quiet neighborhoods, a corporate truck accident feels like an invasion. Whether it’s an H-E-B tractor-trailer, a Walmart 18-wheeler, or a last-mile Amazon delivery van speeding through a residential street, we believe these corporations must be held to the highest safety standards.
The trucking company has lawyers working right now. You deserve the same. Call 888-ATTY-911.
Federal Regulations: Proving Negligence through FMCSA Violations
Proving that a truck driver was “careless” isn’t enough to secure a multi-million dollar settlement. To win big in Smithville, we have to prove the driver or the company violated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These laws are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and they are the foundation of every case Ralph Manginello handles.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is a silent killer in Smithville. Federal law is strict: property-carrying drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. When a driver hauling freight through Smithville hits the “34-hour restart” incorrectly or falsifies their Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, they are a hazard to every family on the road.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies in Smithville must maintain an extensive Driver Qualification File. This includes the driver’s medical examiner’s certificate, annual driving record reviews, and road test certificates. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple safety violations, they can be held liable for negligent hiring. Ralph Manginello meticulously subpoenas these files to see what the company tried to overlook.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Brake failure accounts for nearly 30% of truck accidents. Under Part 396, every motor carrier must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. If a truck involved in a Smithville crash had worn brake pads or improperly adjusted air brakes, that is objective proof of negligence. We don’t take the company’s word for it; we look at the maintenance logs and post-trip inspection reports.
Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao
Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Smithville
Accidents involving 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles happen in many ways. Understanding the physics of the crash is the first step in identifying who is at fault.
E.1 Jackknife Accidents on Smithville Highways
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. On a wet Highway 71 morning, a jackknifed trailer can sweep across three lanes of traffic, leaving Smithville drivers with no escape route. This is often caused by improper braking or violations of 49 CFR § 393.48.
E.2 Rollover Crashes in Bastrop County
With a high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are prone to rolling over, especially on the curves of Smithville’s rural roads. Shifting cargo—a violation of 49 CFR § 393.100—is a frequent cause. When an 80,000-pound truck rolls, it often crushes any passenger vehicle in its path.
E.3 Underride Collisions
Among the most lethal accidents we see in Smithville, an underride occurs when a car slides under the rear or side of a trailer. Despite federal requirements for rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many are poorly maintained. These accidents often result in decapitation and instant fatality.
E.4 Rear-End Collisions from Fatigue and Distraction
A loaded semi-truck at highway speed needs nearly two football fields to stop. When a driver is distracted by a dispatch device or a cell phone—violating 49 CFR § 392.82—they cannot stop in time for Smithville traffic. These high-energy impacts cause catastrophic spinal and brain injuries.
E.13 Corporate Fleet and Delivery Van Accidents
Smithville residents are increasingly sharing roads with Amazon, FedEx, and UPS delivery vehicles. Amazon uses a complex “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try to shield itself from liability. They claim the driver is an “independent contractor.” We know better. If Amazon controls the route, the delivery window, and monitors the driver with Netradyne AI cameras, we work to pierce that shield and hold the corporate giant accountable.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency: why You Must Act Now
In a Smithville truck accident case, time is your greatest enemy. Trucking companies are notorious for “losing” evidence. The data on a truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM), commonly called the “black box,” can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
The Attorney911 Preservation Protocol
Within 24 to 48 hours of being retained, we send a formal Spoliation Letter to the trucking carrier and their insurance company. This legal notice demands the preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Proves the truck’s speed, braking, and throttle position at the moment of impact.
- ELD Logs: Shows exactly how long the driver had been awake and behind the wheel.
- Driver Qualification Files: Exposes if the company hired a dangerous driver.
- Maintenance Records: Proves if they were cutting corners on safety repairs.
- Dashcam Footage: Provides an unbiased view of the final seconds before the crash.
If you wait too long to call a lawyer, that truck may already be repaired or scrapped, and the ELD data may be gone. Don’t let the trucking company bury the truth.
48 hours. That’s how long before black box data can disappear. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
Every Liable Party: Widening the Net for Maximum Recovery
Most lawyers only sue the driver. At The Manginello Law Firm, we know that to maximize your settlement in Smithville, we must identify every party in the chain of commerce.
Who is Really Responsible?
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, they are liable for their employees’ actions.
- The Cargo Owner/Loader: If improperly secured cargo caused a rollover or spill (49 CFR Part 393).
- Truck/Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes or tires that failed at a critical moment.
- The Freight Broker: If they brokered a load to a “bottom-feeder” carrier with a known bad safety record.
- Corporate Parent (Amazon/Walmart): We fight to pierces the independent contractor defense to reachcorporate insurance layers.
- Maintenance Companies: If a third-party shop failed to fix a known brake defect.
By identifying multiple defendants, we can “stack” insurance policies. While a small carrier might only have the $750,000 federal minimum, adding the freight broker and cargo owner can push the available coverage into the millions.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of a Smithville Recovery
When an 80,000-pound truck slams into a 4,000-pound car, the human body has no chance. Ralph Manginello has years of experience helping victims of the most severe injuries imaginable.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI changes who you are. It affects memory, personality, and the ability to work. Settlements for moderate to severe TBI can range from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million. We work with neuropsychologists to prove the full extent of the cognitive damage. Learn more in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
A C5-C6 fracture can result in lifelong quadriplegia. The cost for the first year of care alone often exceeds $1 million. We pursue settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million to ensure our Smithville clients have the adaptive equipment and home modifications they need for the rest of their lives.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb in a Smithville accident shouldn’t mean losing your future. We’ve secured settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims, accounting for the lifetime cost of high-tech prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one on a Bastrop County road, no amount of money can replace them. However, a wrongful death claim provides the financial security your family deserves. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar results for grieving families, ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.
Our firm recovered $3.8 million for a car accident victim with medical complications. What could your case be worth? Call 888-ATTY-911.
Understanding Texas Trucking Insurance and Damages
In Texas, and specifically in Smithville, the rules of the road are governed by a Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule). This means that as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages. However, if a jury finds you 51% responsible, you recover nothing. This is why the trucking company’s first tactic is to blame YOU. We use ELD data and accident reconstruction experts to prove the trucker was the one at fault.
Recoverable Damages in Your Smithville Case:
- Economic Damages: Every medical bill (past and future), lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
- Punitive Damages: If we can prove the trucking company acted with gross negligence—like allowing a driver to stay on the road for 20 hours straight—we ask the jury to punish them with additional damages to send a message.
Specific Commercial Vehicles Common in Smithville
Not every truck is an 18-wheeler. We handle all commercial vehicle accidents in Bastrop County.
E.14.1 Dump Truck Accidents
Loaded dump trucks from Smithville area quarries weigh 65,000 pounds. They are often operated by local contractors with minimal insurance and poor maintenance habits. If a dump truck’s raised bed hit an overpass or their unsecured gravel shattered your windshield, we can help.
E.14.2 Garbage and Waste Trucks
Garbage trucks are notorious for blind-spot accidents in residential Smithville neighborhoods. Because they are top-heavy and make frequent stops, they pose a major risk to pedestrians and children. We hold companies like Waste Management and Republic Services accountable for their drivers’ negligence.
E.14.4 Rental and Moving Truck Accidents (U-Haul)
Anyone with a driver’s license can rent a 26-foot U-Haul and drive it through Smithville. These drivers have zero commercial training and often don’t understand the stopping distance required for a heavy truck. If an untrained driver in a rented truck hit you, both the driver and the rental company may share liability for negligent entrustment.
E.15 Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians and Cyclists
Smithville’s historic downtown is a hub for foot traffic and cycling. When a truck makes a wide turn—the “squeeze play”—at a local intersection and strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the results are almost always fatal. We believe truckers have a heightened duty of care when operating in urban environments.
Trucking companies think they can push Texans around. We push back harder. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Frequently Asked Questions for Smithville Accident Victims
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Smithville?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, for a wrongful death case, the clock starts on the date of death. Waiting is a mistake. Evidence in Smithville cases disappears long before the two-year deadline.
What if I was hit by a government-owned truck in Bastrop County?
If you were hit by a municipal vehicle or a public transit bus, the Texas Tort Claims Act applies. You must file a formal “Notice of Claim” much sooner—often within six months. These cases also have strict damage caps. Do not wait to consult with Ralph Manginello about these specialized claims.
Who pays my medical bills after a truck wreck?
The trucking company’s insurance is ultimately responsible. However, they won’t pay until the end of the case. In the meantime, we can help you coordinate with Smithville-area medical providers who work on a “Letter of Protection.” This allows you to get the surgeries and therapy you need now and pay after we win your settlement.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
This is the “shell game” trucking companies play. Even if the driver is a contractor, the company may still be liable if they exercised “substantial control” over the driver. Through Lupe Peña’s former defense experience, we know how to audit the company’s dispatch and monitoring records to prove an employer-employee relationship exists.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney in Smithville?
At Attorney911, we work on a Contingency Fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we advance all the costs of the investigation. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us an attorney fee. Our interest is perfectly aligned with yours: we want the maximum recovery possible.
Can I sue for PTSD after a Smithville truck crash?
Yes. Mental anguish and post-traumatic stress are legitimate, compensable injuries. If you are afraid to drive on Highway 71 or suffer from nightmares after the accident, those are non-economic damages. We use psychological experts to document the impact the crash had on your mental health. Learn more: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A
The Insurance Defense Advantage: A Strategic Edge in your Smithville Case
Why does it matter that Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies? It means he knows where they cut corners. When an insurance adjuster calls a Smithville victim and says, “We’re doing an internal investigation,” Lupe knows that means they are looking for ways to blame you. When they offer a “quick settlement” of $50,000 for a broken leg, Lupe knows their internal software likely valued it at $250,000.
We use this insider intelligence to force these companies into fair settlements. They know they can’t use their usual tricks on us. For 25+ years, Ralph Manginello has cultivated this aggressive, no-nonsense approach. 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.”
Historical Verdicts: Why Smithville Juries Matter
Juries across Texas are sending a message that safety cannot be sacrificed for profit. While these are not our cases, they show the “nuclear verdict” trend in the industry:
- $730 Million (TX, 2021): A jury held a company accountable for a Navy propeller oversize load that killed a 73-year-old woman.
- $150 Million (TX, 2022): A record-setting settlement in a case where two children were killed on a Texas highway.
- $35 Million (Fort Worth, 2025): Demonstrates the ongoing trend of juries awarding substantial damages for trucking negligence in our region.
These numbers reflect the reality that when a trucking company treats the safety of Smithville families as a negotiable expense, they should pay a high price.
Our Offices are Ready to Serve Smithville
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the geographic reach to handle any case in Bastrop County and beyond. We are familiar with the judges and the central Texas court system, ensuring your case is filed in the most favorable venue.
Whether you are in the initial hours after a crash or have been struggling with a denied insurance claim for months, we are ready to step in. As Ernest Cano put it, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Contact Attorney911 Today
Your family’s future shouldn’t be determined by an insurance company’s bottom line. You deserve justice, you deserve compensation, and you deserve an attorney who treats you like family.
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless We Win | 24/7 Response
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911.
Smithville Truck Accident Law Firm
Managing Partner: Ralph Manginello
Hablamos Español. Llame ahora.
The road to recovery starts here. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone or the statute of limitations expires. Take the first step toward getting your life back. Call us today and let us handle the fight while you focus on healing.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and results depend on specific facts and applicable law. The Manginello Law Firm represents clients throughout Texas and the United States in complex trucking litigation on a contingency fee basis.
Learn more by visiting our YouTube channel: Attorney911 on YouTube
ATTORNEY911: LEGAL EMERGENCY LAWYERS™
POWERFUL & PROVEN. WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, WE HIT BACK.
Summary of Smithville Resources:
- Major Highways: TX-71, SH-95, Loop 230, FM 535, FM 2104.
- Area Hospitals: Bastrop County trauma victims often transported to Ascension Seton Bastrop or St. David’s South Austin Medical Center (Level II Trauma).
- Local Courts: Bastrop County District Courts, 21st and 335th Judicial Districts.
Call 888-ATTY-911 now.
