Somerville Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide
The impact of an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle striking a passenger car on a highway like Highway 36 is a life-altering event. In an instant, the quiet of a drive through Somerville or Burleson County is replaced by the sound of crushing steel. If you are reading this, your life has likely been turned upside down. We understand the physical pain, the mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming fear of what comes next.
At Attorney911, we don’t treat you like a case number on a billboard. We treat you like family. Led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, our firm brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case we handle. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the Texas City refinery litigation, and we’ve litigated against massive trucking fleets like Walmart and Amazon. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to represent the very companies we now fight. He knows their playbook, and we use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.
Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, a dump truck, or a specialized oilfield vehicle, you need a fighter in your corner. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been holding negligent companies accountable, recovering over $50 million for families across Texas. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
The clock is already ticking. In Somerville, evidence can disappear in as little as 30 days. Don’t let the trucking company build their defense while you suffer. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
The Unique Dangers of Trucking in Somerville and Burleson County
Somerville sits at a critical junction in Burleson County. Highway 36 serves as a major north-south artery for freight moving between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the Gulf Coast ports. This means our local roads are shared with a constant stream of 18-wheelers, fuel tankers, and flatbeds.
Beyond the major highways, Somerville-area drivers often encounter heavy industrial and agricultural traffic on FM 60, FM 1361, and the narrow county roads surrounding Lake Somerville. Because Burleson County is active in the Eagle Ford Shale and Giddings Field oil and gas plays, our community sees a high volume of specialized oilfield vehicles. These include frac sand haulers, produced water trucks, and heavy equipment movers that weight up to 80,000 pounds.
These trucks aren’t just big cars. They are massive machines that require significant stopping distance and professional skill to operate. When a driver is fatigued from a long shift in the oilfield or a trucking company cuts corners on maintenance to save money, the families of Somerville pay the price. We’ve seen firsthand the results of these crashes, and we are dedicated to helping Burleson County residents recover every dime they deserve.
The Insurance Defense Advantage for Somerville Victims
When you file a claim against a major trucking company, you aren’t just dealing with an insurance company. You’re dealing with a multi-billion dollar risk management system designed to pay you as little as possible. That’s why having Lupe Peña on your side is a game-changer for your Somerville truck accident case.
Before joining Attorney911, Lupe spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He understands exactly how adjusters value claims, how they train their staff to manipulate victims, and which tactics they use to deny legitimate cases. He has seen the software they use to undervalue pain and suffering, and he knows how to break through their defenses. Our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, has litigated in federal courts including the Southern District of Texas, giving us the reach to handle even the most complex corporate litigation.
We’ve litigated against the largest fleets on the road—Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS. We aren’t intimidated by their teams of corporate lawyers. We know what to look for, from falsified logs to hidden insurance layers. If you’ve been hurt in Somerville, put our insider knowledge to work for you.
Understanding FMCSA Regulations: How We Prove Negligence in Somerville
Most car accidents are determined by simple traffic laws. Truck accidents in Somerville are different. Every commercial vehicle crossing our county lines is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These laws establish the safety standards that trucking companies must follow. When they break these rules, it’s powerful evidence of negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The War Against Fatigue)
Fatigue is the leading cause of trucking accidents. Federal law is very specific about how long a driver can be behind the wheel:
- 11-Hour Rule: A driver cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Rule: A driver cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty.
- 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
- 60/70-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot drive after 60/70 hours of on-duty time in 7/8 consecutive days.
In Somerville, where long-haul drivers often pass through on long routes, we frequently find HOS violations. Since the 2017 ELD mandate, many of these violations are recorded on Electronic Logging Devices. We move quickly to secure this data before it is deleted.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
A trucking company has a duty to ensure they aren’t putting dangerous drivers on Somerville roads. Under Part 391, companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This includes checking their driving record annually, verifying their CDL, conducting a background check, and ensuring they have a valid medical examiner’s certificate. If a company hired a driver with a history of DWI or safety violations, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Maintenance
Trucking companies must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” their vehicles under Part 396. This includes brakes, tires, lights, and steering. In many Somerville crashes, we discover that a trucking company deferred maintenance on brakes or used cheap retread tires that blew out at high speeds. Each of these is a violation of federal safety law.
49 CFR Part 392: Safe Operation
This covers everything from speeding for conditions to the prohibition of texting while driving (Section 392.80) and using handheld mobile phones (Section 392.82). If a truck driver was distracted while moving through a construction zone on Highway 36, they have violated federal law.
If you suspect a driver violated these rules, call (888) 288-9911 immediately. We know how to request the specific logs and records that prove these violations occurred.
Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Somerville
Every commercial vehicle has different physics and creates different risks for Somerville drivers. Our firm handles every type of commercial wreck, from standard semis to specialized industrial equipment.
18-Wheeler & Semi-Truck Wrecks
These are the most common and often the most devastating.
- Jackknife Accidents: When a trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, it can sweep across multiple lanes of Highway 36. This is often caused by improper braking or bald tires.
- Underride Collisions: These are among the most lethal. A passenger car slides under the rear or side of a trailer. While 49 CFR 393.86 requires rear impact guards, many are poorly maintained. Side underride guards are not yet a federal requirement, making these particularly hazardous in Somerville intersections.
- Rollovers: High centers of gravity make trucks prone to tipping, especially when navigating curves around Lake Somerville or during high winds in Burleson County.
Oilfield & Energy Sector Vehicle Accidents
Somerville is located near active drilling sites. We handle specialized oilfield accidents involving:
- Frac Sand Haulers: These trucks often exceed 80,000 pounds and are prone to rollovers on narrow FM roads.
- Produced Water Tankers: Sloshing liquid inside a tank creates unpredictable weight shifts that can cause a driver to lose control.
- Hot Shot Trucks: These drivers are often paid per load, creating a dangerous incentive to speed through Somerville to reach the next wellsite.
- Crew transport vans: 15-passenger vans are notorious for rollover risks when fully loaded with oilfield personnel.
Corporate Fleet & Delivery Van Crashes
With the rise of e-commerce, Somerville’s residential streets now see hundreds of delivery vehicles daily.
- Amazon Delivery Vans: Amazon uses a complex Delivery Service Partner (DSP) structure to try and shield itself from liability. We know how to pierce that shield by proving the level of control Amazon exercises over these drivers.
- Walmart Trucks: As one of the largest private fleets, Walmart’s trucks are everywhere in Texas. We’ve dealt with their aggressive claims adjusters and know how to win.
- Sysco & Food Distribution: These trucks make frequent stops and often double-park or make wide turns in downtown Somerville, creating blind spot hazards for other drivers.
Specialized Commercial Vehicles
- Dump Trucks & Gravel Haulers: Often overloaded beyond legal limits, these trucks can drop debris on Somerville roads or fail to stop in time due to excessive weight.
- Garbage Trucks: Large blind spots and frequent backing make these extremely dangerous in Somerville’s residential neighborhoods.
- Rental Trucks (U-Haul/Penske): These vehicles are often driven by people with no commercial training. If a rental company provided an unsafe truck or rented to an obviously unqualified driver, they may be liable.
If you were hit by any commercial vehicle, no matter the size, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation.
Vulnerable Road Users: When Trucks Hit Pedestrians and Cyclists
Not every Somerville truck accident victim is in another car. Many are individuals walking or riding near our local roads. Because commercial vehicles have massive blind spots (the “No-Zone”), they frequently strike pedestrians and cyclists who are completely invisible to the driver.
- Somerville Pedestrians: A truck hitting a pedestrian is almost always catastrophic. There is zero protection. Truck bumpers often hit at head or chest height, leading to immediate trauma.
- Somerville Cyclists: The “right hook” is a common killer. A truck turns right at an intersection and sweeps a cyclist under the rear wheels. Modern blind-spot technology can prevent this—if the trucking company doesn’t have it, they are putting you at risk.
- Somerville Motorcyclists: With the extreme weight disparity, a simple lane change by a distracted trucker can be fatal for a rider. We fight against the bias insurance companies have toward motorcyclists.
Identifying All Liable Parties: Why Our Investigation Goes Deeper
Most Somerville lawyers only look at the truck driver. At Attorney911, we cast a much wider net. Why? Because the more parties we hold accountable, the more insurance coverage is available to pay for your lifetime of care.
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring or training.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they pressured the driver to speed or provided hazardous materials without proper notice.
- The Loading Company: For improperly securing a load that shifted and caused a rollover near Somerville.
- Truck and Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or steering systems.
- Maintenance Companies: If a third party failed to repair a known mechanical defect.
- Freight Brokers: For brokering a load to an unsafe carrier with a history of violations.
- The Oilfield Operator: If the accident occurred due to unsafe conditions on a private lease road near Somerville.
- Corporate Parent Companies: Holding giants like Amazon or Walmart responsible when their systems cause crashes.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or improper signage in Burleson County contributed to the wreck.
We leave no stone unturned. Our managing partner Ralph Manginello is admitted to the Southern District of Texas, allowing us to bring these cases in the courts where we can achieve the best results.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
The moment an accident happens in Somerville, the trucking company’s legal team is already moving. They have investigators at the scene taking photos and interviewing witnesses while you are still in the emergency room.
You must act quickly. Evidence like ECM (Black Box) data and ELD logs are subject to overwriting. An Engine Control Module records your speed, RPMs, and brake application in the seconds before impact. However, most systems overwrite this data within 30 days unless a legal hold is placed.
When you hire Attorney911, we send a formal spoliation letter within 24-48 hours. This legal demand forces the trucking company to preserve:
- Black box/ECM data.
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records.
- Dashcam footage (front and interior).
- Driver qualification files and drug test results.
- Maintenance and repair logs for the last year.
- The physical vehicle and damaged components.
By moving fast, we ensure the truth isn’t “accidentally” deleted. If you’ve been hurt in Somerville, don’t wait another hour. Call (888) 288-9911 now.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Recovery
18-wheeler crashes don’t cause minor scratches. They cause life-altering trauma. We have helped victims suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can range from a “mild” concussion to severe cognitive impairment. Symptoms like memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating can prevent you from ever working again. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements—ranging from $1.5M to $9.8M—for TBI victims. We understand that a TBI affects the entire family, as client Chad Harris noted, we treat our clients like family through these long recoveries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spine can lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost of care for these injuries can exceed $5 million. We work with life care planners and vocational experts to calculate exactly what you will need for the next 40 years, not just the next 40 days.
Amputations
Crush injuries from a heavy truck often result in the loss of a limb. We’ve secured settlements in the $1.9M to $8.6M range for amputation victims, ensuring they have access to the latest prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Severe Burns and Internal Damage
Fuel tank ruptures or chemical spills in oilfield crashes lead to agonizing burn injuries that require years of surgery. Our BP refinery litigation experience gives us unique insight into these types of catastrophic industrial injuries.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a Somerville crash, we offer our deepest condolences. We represent families in wrongful death claims to recover lost income, funeral expenses, and compensation for the loss of companionship and guidance. Settlement ranges for these cases often fall between $1.9M and $9.5M.
Understanding Texas Law: Your Rights in Somerville
Success in your Somerville case depends on a deep understanding of Texas state law.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, this is even shorter for claims involving government vehicles (like transit buses or USPS trucks). If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your right to compensation forever.
Modified Comparative Negligence (The 51% Bar)
Texas follows a 51% bar rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a jury finds you 20% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 20%. The trucking company will try to blame you for everything. We fight back to ensure your fault is minimized.
No Caps on Damages
Unlike some states, Texas does not cap economic or non-economic (pain and suffering) damages in motor vehicle accident cases. This means you are entitled to the full value of your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions for Somerville Truck Accident Victims
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Nothing upfront. We operate on a contingency fee. You pay zero out-of-pocket costs. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. We advance all costs for expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and court filings.
The insurance company offered a quick check. Should I take it?
NO. Most early offers are “lowball” settlements designed to make you go away before you realize you need surgery or can’t go back to work. Never sign a release without a free consultation from Attorney911.
What if the truck was from Amazon or Walmart?
These cases are more complex but offer more recovery potential. These companies are often self-insured for millions. You need a lawyer who has litigated against them specifically, like our team.
What if I’m undocumented?
Your immigration status does not matter. You have a right to safety on Somerville roads. We represent all victims of negligence. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases can settle in months, but catastrophic cases involving multiple defendants can take 12 to 24 months. We move as fast as possible without sacrificing the value of your claim. As Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
What is my case worth?
No attorney can give you an exact number until they’ve reviewed the medical records and insurance policies. However, trucking minimums are $750,000 for standard freight and $5,000,000 for HAZMAT. Our goal is always maximum recovery.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Somerville Case?
When disaster strikes in Burleson County, you need powerful and proven representation. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for Texans for over 25 years. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the biggest corporations on the planet—Walmart, Amazon, BP—and we’ve made them pay. Their fleet of lawyers doesn’t intimidate us.
We are “Legal Emergency Lawyers™.” We understand that you are in crisis, and we respond accordingly. Our 4.9-star rating and 251+ Google reviews prove our commitment to our clients. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Don’t wait. The trucking company is working on their case right now. Put 25 years of experience in your corner today.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Available 24/7 for Somerville Residents.
Free Consultation. No Fee Unless We Win.
