Trusted City of Temple Truck Accident Lawyers
One moment, you’re driving home on I-35 through the center of the City of Temple, perhaps passing the Baylor Scott & White medical complex or headed toward the shopping centers on Loop 363. The next, your rearview mirror is swallowed by the grill of an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler. The sound of screeching air brakes and crumpling metal is the last thing you remember. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger car, it isn’t a fair fight. It’s a legal and medical emergency.
At Attorney911, we know that your life changed in as little as 4.7 seconds—the time it takes a fatigued driver to realize they’ve drifted into your lane. If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in the City of Temple, the clock is already ticking. While you’re in a hospital bed, the trucking company has already deployed an accident reconstruction team and a battery of corporate lawyers to the scene on I-35. Their job is to protect their profits. Our job is to protect you.
Managing partner Ralph Manginello has spent more than 25 years in the courtroom, holding massive corporations and negligent trucking companies accountable. With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph Manginello brings federal-level experience to every City of Temple case. We don’t just “handle” accidents; we win the battles that insurance companies hope you aren’t prepared to fight. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler coming from the Temple distribution center or an Amazon van weaving through a neighborhood near the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, we have a plan to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Find out why families in the City of Temple trust us when disaster strikes.
Why Experience Matters After a City of Temple Truck Wreck
Trucking accidents aren’t just “big car accidents.” They’re highly regulated, multi-party legal battles involving complex federal laws. Most general practitioners in the City of Temple don’t have the resources to go head-to-head with Fortune 500 fleets. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has refined a specialized approach to trucking litigation that levels the playing field.
Our firm offers an advantage that few others can claim: insider knowledge. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm. Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies; today, he uses their own playbook against them. He knows how adjusters value City of Temple claims, he knows which algorithms they use to lowball your pain and suffering, and he knows exactly what makes them settle for the full value of a case.
When you hire Ralph Manginello and his team, you’re getting more than 25 years of courtroom grit. You’re getting a firm that has litigated against the world’s largest corporations, including BP during the landmark 2005 refinery explosion litigation. We have gone toe-to-toe with Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. Their fleet of corporate lawyers doesn’t intimidate us—it motivates us.
We serve the City of Temple and Bell County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, providing the technological and financial resources of a powerhouse firm with the personalized communication of a boutique practice. If you speak Spanish, we are ready to help you immediately—Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The I-35 Corridor: Why Truck Accidents Happen in the City of Temple
The City of Temple sits at a critical junction of the I-35 corridor, arguably the busiest and most dangerous trucking route in the United States. Thousands of commercial vehicles pass through Bell County daily, moving freight from the border to the Midwest. This high volume, combined with the major Walmart Distribution Center located right here in the City of Temple, means our local roads have a disproportionate share of heavy vehicle traffic.
A fully loaded semi-truck at 65 mph requires 525 feet—nearly two football fields—to come to a complete stop. When traffic slows down near the I-35 and Northwest Loop 363 interchange, a distracted or fatigued driver simply cannot stop in time. In the City of Temple, we see a recurring pattern of these devastating collisions:
- Schedule Pressure: Drivers coming out of the Temple Walmart Distribution Center or passing through from DFW are often on “just-in-time” delivery schedules that reward speed over safety.
- Driver Fatigue: Under 49 CFR Part 395, drivers are strictly limited in their hours of service, yet many “cook the books” to stay on the road longer than is legally safe.
- Maintenance Neglect: With the constant wear and tear of I-35, many carriers skip required inspections to keep trucks moving, leading to brake failures and tire blowouts right here in the City of Temple.
If you’ve been hit on I-35, Highway 190, or any arterial road in the City of Temple, call us today at (888) 288-9911. We move fast because we know the evidence won’t wait.
FMCSA Violations: Proving Negligence in Your City of Temple Case
To win a trucking case in the City of Temple, you must prove that the driver or the company violated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). These aren’t just suggestions; they are the law. Ralph Manginello and his team investigate every case to identify violations of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is the leading cause of preventable truck wrecks. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window, followed by 10 consecutive hours off-duty. If a driver spent 16 hours behind the wheel to reach a City of Temple delivery station, the trucking company has committed a major safety violation. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove these violations.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, they must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. We often find that carriers in City of Temple accidents hired drivers with histories of DUI, reckless driving, or failed medical certificates. Hiring an unqualified driver for a heavy commercial vehicle is the definition of negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
Trucks must be “systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained.” This includes daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections. When a truck’s brakes fail on a City of Temple highway, we look for “deferred maintenance”—a cost-cutting measure that puts every driver in Bell County at risk.
49 CFR Part 382: Drug and Alcohol Testing
Commercial drivers are held to a zero-tolerance standard. Any driver involved in a City of Temple accident that results in a fatality or a citation for a disabling injury must undergo post-accident drug and alcohol testing. We fight to ensure these tests are performed and the results are preserved for your case.
Proving these violations is how we secure multi-million dollar results. Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.
The 48-Hour Urgency: Protecting Evidence in the City of Temple
The most critical window in your City of Temple truck accident case is the first 48 hours. Trucking companies are permitted by law to destroy certain records after six months, but “black box” data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
When you hire Ralph Manginello, we immediately send a formal “Spoliation Letter” to the trucking carrier. This legal notice demands the preservation of:
- ECM (Engine Control Module) Data: This is the truck’s “black box.” It records speed, throttle position, and exactly when the brakes were applied before the City of Temple impact.
- Dashcam Footage: Many modern fleets like Amazon and Walmart use Netradyne or Lytx cameras that record both the road and the driver’s face. This can prove distraction or fatigue.
- ELD Logs: Electronic hours-of-service records that show if the driver was operating illegally.
- Maintenance Records: The last 14 months of repairs and inspections.
- Dispatch Communications: Text and satellite messages between the office and the driver that might show unfair pressure to speed or skip sleep.
If you wait two weeks to call a lawyer, that data might be gone. If you wait six months, the truck itself might be sold or scrapped. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 within hours of your City of Temple accident so we can lock down the truth.
Who is Liable? Casting the Wide Net for Recovery
Unlike a car crash where you only sue the other driver, City of Temple truck accidents often involve as many as 16 different liable parties. Because trucking cases often involve catastrophic injuries, identifying every available insurance policy is the only way to ensure you get full compensation.
- The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, the carrier is responsible for its driver.
- The Corporate Parent (Walmart/Amazon/FedEx): If a branded delivery truck hit you, we look to the parent company. We have litigated against corporate giants and won.
- Cargo Owners/Shippers: If the load was too heavy or unbalanced, causing a rollover in the City of Temple, the shipper may be liable.
- Maintenance Contractors: If a third-party mechanic in Bell County failed to fix a known brake issue, they share responsibility.
- Freight Brokers: Companies like XPO or C.H. Robinson that hire unsafe carriers can be held liable for negligent selection.
- Truck/Parts Manufacturers: If a steering component or tire was defective, we pursue a product liability claim.
By identifying every responsible party, we maximize the insurance pools available. 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.” Don’t let a “small” policy limit your recovery. Let us find the money.
Common Accident Types we Handle in the City of Temple
No matter how your accident happened, Ralph Manginello has likely litigated a similar scenario. We specialize in the physics and mechanics of commercial vehicle crashes:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. On City of Temple’s rainy days or near construction zones, a jackknifed 18-wheeler can sweep across four lanes of I-35, crushing multiple vehicles in its path.
Underride Collisions
These are the deadliest truck wrecks. When a smaller car slides under the rear or side of a trailer, the results are almost always fatal. We investigate whether the truck was missing required “Mansfield bars” or rear impact guards that could have saved your life.
Blind Spot Accidents (“The No-Zone”)
Commercial trucks have four massive blind spots. Drivers are trained to check these continuously, but many get complacent. When a truck changes lanes into your vehicle on Loop 363, the trucking company is liable for their driver’s failure to maintain a proper lookout.
Delivery Van Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
The City of Temple is seeing an explosion of delivery van traffic. Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and avoid liability for their drivers. We know how to pierce that shield. We argue that because Amazon controls the route, the scanner, and the surveillance inside the van, they are the functional employer.
Special Commercial Vehicles in the City of Temple
We also handle cases involving:
- Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: Heavy loads and high centers of gravity lead to devastating rollovers.
- Garbage Trucks: Frequent backing and residential operation putting pedestrians at risk.
- Buses (Transit/Charter/School): High-casualty events requiring specialized litigation.
- Rental Trucks (U-Haul/Penske): Inexperienced drivers operating 26-foot trucks without CDL training.
Learn more about the legalities of these specific crashes in our video: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao).
Catastrophic Injuries and Multi-Million Dollar Settlements
An 18-wheeler accident in the City of Temple doesn’t result in “just a sore neck.” It results in life-altering trauma. Our firm has a proven track record of recovering millions for victims of:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $1.5M – $9.8M settlements are common for victims facing lifelong cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Para- and quadriplegia cases require settlements of $4.7M – $25.8M to cover lifetime nursing care and accessibility needs.
- Amputation: We’ve recovered between $1.9M and $8.6M for clients who lost limbs in high-impact City of Temple crashes.
- Wrongful Death: When a family loses a breadwinner or a child, we fight for $1.9M – $9.5M+ to provide financial security for those left behind.
As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We treat your family’s future with the gravity it deserves. To understand how we calculate these numbers, watch: “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU.
City of Temple Legal and Procedural FAQ
How long do I have to file a case in the City of Temple?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involved a City of Temple government vehicle or a Bell County transit bus, you may have as little as six months to file a formal “Notice of Claim.” Deadlines are strict—never wait.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a “51% Bar Rule.” This means as long as you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages in the City of Temple. Your total settlement will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the truck driver was 80% at fault and you were 20%, you still receive 80% of your total damages.
How much does it cost to hire Ralph Manginello?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge $0 upfront. We pay for all the experts, the accident reconstructionists, and the court filings. You only pay us if we win your case. Our fee is typically 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we have to go to court. As we say at Attorney911: “No Fee Unless We Win.”
Can I sue the company if the driver was an “Independent Contractor”?
YES. Companies like Amazon and FedEx Ground will tell you the driver wasn’t their employee. We know how to beat this defense. We look at the “right of control”—if the company dictated the route and speed, the law treats them as the employer regardless of what the contract says.
Is a headache normal after a truck accident?
It can be, but it’s often a sign of a concussion or TBI. Watch our guide for more: “Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo.
Why Lupe Peña’s Defense Background is Your Unfair Advantage
When you sue a trucking company in the City of Temple, their insurance company will use every trick in the book to pay you less. They might claim your herniated disc was “pre-existing” or “age-related.” They might pull social media photos of you at a family BBQ to claim you aren’t really in pain.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years on the other side of these cases. He knows how adjusters think. He knows which settlement offers are real and which ones are just “testing the waters.” At Attorney911, we use this insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses before they even present them. We don’t just hope for a fair offer; we force one.
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you aren’t just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a team that knows the insurance company’s playbook.
High-Stake Litigation: From BP to the University of Houston
We are not a “settlement mill” that handles thousands of small cases. We are heavy-duty litigators. Ralph Manginello lead the fight against multinational giants like BP following the Texas City refinery disaster. Currently, our firm is litigating a headline-making $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and 13 defendants involving life-altering medical injuries.
Experience with $10 million and $20 million cases means we have the financial power to fund your City of Temple trucking case correctly. We don’t settle for less just because the costs of a trial are high. We have the resources to see your fight through to the end. As client Ernest Cano put it, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Serving City of Temple and All of Bell County
From the I-35 corridor through the industrial parks of West Temple to the neighborhoods near Lake Belton, Attorney911 is City of Temple’s dedicated trucking accident firm. We understand that your family is going through the hardest moment of your lives. We take that burden off your shoulders by handling the insurers, the doctors, and the courts so you can focus on healing.
With offices in Houston and Austin, and client meetings available throughout the region, we are your local-access powerhouse.
Don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. Don’t let the insurance company write the story of your accident.
Call Attorney911 and Ralph Manginello today.
1-888-ATTY-911
1-888-288-9911
https://attorney911.com
Your fight for justice in the City of Temple starts with one phone call. We’re ready when you are.
Understanding the Physics: Why Semi-Truck Stopping Distance Kills
| Velocity (MPH) | Distance Traveled During Reaction Time | Braking Distance (Avg Car) | Braking Distance (80k lb Semi) | Total Required Stop Space (Semi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 MPH | 50 Feet | 140 Feet | 260 Feet | 310 Feet |
| 55 MPH | 60 Feet | 190 Feet | 390 Feet | 450 Feet |
| 65 MPH | 72 Feet | 250 Feet | 525 Feet | 597 Feet |
In the City of Temple, where I-35 speed limits are 65-70 MPH, a truck driver has almost zero margin for error. If they are checking a text (49 CFR § 392.80 violation) for just 5 seconds, they have traveled the length of a football field without seeing the road. That is gross negligence, and we have 25+ years of experience proving it.
The Road to Recovery: How We Handle Your City of Temple Claim
- Immediate Intake: Call 888-ATTY-911 anytime. You’ll speak with our team, not an answering service.
- Evidence Lockdown: Within 24 hours, we send spoliation letters to preserve City of Temple crash data.
- Medical Coordination: We help you find the best specialists in Bell County so your injuries are documented correctly.
- Accident Reconstruction: We hire experts to download the truck’s ECM and prove the driver’s speed and braking.
- Maximum Demand: We calculate your total lifetime losses—not just your current bills.
- Fierce Negotiation: Lupe Peña uses his defense background to tear down insurance company lowball offers.
- Trial Readiness: If they won’t pay, we go to court. Our federal court experience and history against Fortune 500 defendants give us the edge in City of Temple courtrooms.
You’ve been through a nightmare. Let us be your first responders in the legal world. As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
Let’s get your life back on track. Call Attorney911 now.
1-888-ATTY-911
Hablamos Español.
