City of Van Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Every Dime You Deserve
The impact of an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is rarely a “fender bender.” When a fully loaded semi-truck traveling at highway speeds on I-20 slams into a passenger car in the City of Van, the results are almost always catastrophic. In an instant, your car—weighing maybe 4,000 pounds—is crushed by a force twenty times its mass. This isn’t a fair fight on the road, and the legal battle that follows isn’t fair either.
The trucking company that hit you in the City of Van already has a team of corporate lawyers and rapid-response investigators working to protect their profits. Before you’ve even left the hospital or began grieving a lost loved one, they are already looking for ways to pay you less. You need a fighter on your side who knows their playbook because he used to help write it. Our firm’s associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings an invaluable insider advantage to every City of Van case; he spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how they evaluate, minimize, and attempt to deny claims. Today, he uses that internal knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been the advocate families in the City of Van turn to when disaster strikes. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph has seen firsthand the devastation caused by corporate negligence. We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful deaths. We understand that after a truck accident in the City of Van, you aren’t just a client—you are family. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait for evidence to disappear. The “black box” data in that truck can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we win your case.
Why Trucking Accidents in the City of Van are Different
Driving through the City of Van involves sharing the road with massive 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and hazardous tanker trucks daily. Because the City of Van sits along the I-20 corridor—one of the most heavily trafficked freight routes in the United States connecting Dallas to Shreveport and beyond—the risk of a commercial vehicle collision is a constant reality.
A trucking accident in the City of Van is not a “glorified car wreck.” The legal, regulatory, and mechanical complexities of these cases require a specialized level of expertise. When we take on a case, we aren’t just looking at the driver’s actions. We are investigating whether the trucking company violated federal safety standards, whether a freight broker was negligent in hiring an unsafe carrier, or whether a corporate giant like Walmart or Amazon created a culture of speed over safety that led to your crash.
The Physics of Devastation
To understand why injuries in the City of Van are so severe, you have to look at the physics. A standard passenger vehicle in the City of Van weighs roughly 2 tons. A commercial truck can weigh up to 40 tons (80,000 pounds). When these vehicles collide at 70 mph on a highway like I-20, the energy released is equivalent to a small explosion.
Stopping distances are another critical factor. While your car might stop in 300 feet, a semi-truck in the City of Van needs approximately 525 feet—nearly two football fields—to reach a full stop. If a driver is fatigued, distracted by a dispatch device, or operating with worn-out brakes, they have zero chance of avoiding a car that slows down in front of them. We hold these companies accountable for the kinetic weapons they put on City of Van roads.
Learn more about the gravity of these collisions in our guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency in the City of Van
The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you in the City of Van. Trucking companies are notorious for “losing” evidence or allowing data to be overwritten when it proves their driver was at fault. This is why we emphasize a 48-hour response protocol.
When you hire Attorney911, we send formal “spoliation letters” to all liable parties in the City of Van immediately. This legal notice demands the preservation of:
- ECM (Black Box) Data: This records the truck’s speed, braking, and throttle position in the seconds before impact near the City of Van.
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Logs: This proves if the driver violated federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules and was driving while fatigued.
- In-Cab Video: Systems like Netradyne or DriveCam can show if a driver was looking at a phone or nodding off.
- Maintenance Records: These reveal if the company skipped brake inspections or ignored tire wear to save a few dollars.
If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” instructions, telling a jury to assume that the destroyed evidence proved the company was guilty. In the City of Van, we move fast because we know the trucking company moves even faster to hide the truth. Call us today at (888) 288-9911 so we can secure the evidence you need.
Specialized Knowledge of FMCSA Regulations
Every commercial truck operating in the City of Van must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are not just “suggestions”—they are federal laws designed to keep our families safe. When we litigate cases in the City of Van, we use 49 CFR Parts 390-399 as the roadmap to prove negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is a silent killer on the roads surrounding the City of Van. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on-duty. If a driver hauling for a company like Amazon or FedEx was pushed to meet a City of Van delivery window and stayed behind the wheel for 16 hours, they were essentially driving impaired. We subpoena the ELD records to prove these violations.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. This means regular medical exams, drug testing, and background checks. If a company hired a driver with a history of accidents or drug use and put them on City of Van streets, they are liable for negligent hiring. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience allows us to dig into these “Driver Qualification Files” to find the red flags the company ignored.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Brake failure is a factor in nearly 30% of truck crashes. Part 396 requires systematic inspection and repair. If an 18-wheeler couldn’t stop at a red light in the City of Van because its brakes were out of adjustment, the company is directly responsible. We work with mechanical experts to inspect the wreckage before it is repaired or scrapped.
Understand the regulations better by watching “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Common Truck Accident Types in the City of Van
We have handled every type of commercial vehicle crash imaginable in the City of Van and Van Zandt County. Each type of accident involves different physics and different violations of the law.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife happens when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, creating a 90-degree angle with the cab. In the City of Van, this often occurs on wet roads or during sudden braking maneuvers on I-20. Because the swinging trailer blocks multiple lanes, these accidents often cause multi-vehicle pileups. We investigate whether the driver was speeding for the weather conditions (violating 49 CFR § 392.6) or if the brakes were improperly balanced.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most terrifying crash in the City of Van is the underride. This occurs when a car slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. Because trailers sit at head height, these crashes often result in decapitation or catastrophic TBI. We look at whether the truck was missing mandated reflective tape or if the rear “Mansfield Bar” was structurally deficient.
Rollover Accidents
Commercial trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a curve too fast near the City of Van or if the cargo shifts (violating 49 CFR § 393.100), the truck will flip. Rollovers often involve cargo spills, which can include hazardous materials if the truck is a tanker. Ralph Manginello’s experience in the BP Texas City Refinery disaster litigation gives our firm a deep understanding of hazardous material handling and the devastation these spills cause.
Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Crashes
Trucks have massive blind spots. In the tighter urban areas of the City of Van, a driver changing lanes without checking their mirrors can crush a smaller vehicle. If the truck isn’t equipped with modern blind-spot sensors, we argue the company was negligent for failing to use available safety technology to protect the public.
If you were hit by a semi-truck, watch our video: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4.
Beyond the 18-Wheeler: Other Commercial Vehicles in the City of Van
While many people think of “truck accidents” only as big rigs, our firm handles cases involving any vehicle being used for business purposes in the City of Van.
Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
The rise of “last-mile” delivery has filled City of Van neighborhoods with blue Amazon vans and white FedEx trucks. These drivers are often under extreme pressure to meet quotas, leading to distracted driving and speeding. Amazon frequently tries to shield itself from liability by claiming their drivers are “independent contractors.” We know how to pierce that corporate shield and hold the parent company accountable for the system they created.
Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers
Construction activity around the City of Van means heavy dump trucks and mixers are everywhere. These vehicles are often poorly maintained and operated by drivers without adequate training. A loaded concrete mixer in the City of Van can weigh 70,000 pounds; when it hits a car, the damage is absolute.
Rental Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)
Rental trucks are uniquely dangerous because they allow untrained civilians to drive 26-foot vehicles through the City of Van with zero commercial experience. If U-Haul or Penske rented a truck to a driver with a poor record or failed to maintain the vehicle’s tires, they share in the blame.
Garbage Trucks and School Buses
These vehicles operate in purely residential areas of the City of Van. Because of their erratic stop-and-go patterns, they are prone to backing-up accidents and striking pedestrians or cyclists. Cases involving school buses or City of Van municipal vehicles often have shorter deadlines and damage caps due to sovereign immunity, making it critical to call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Who is Really Liable for Your Crash in the City of Van?
One reason victims in the City of Van receive low settlements is that their lawyers don’t look far enough up the chain of command. To get “every dime you deserve,” as our client Glenda Walker put it, we investigate every possible defendant:
- The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or texting.
- The Trucking Carrier: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring.
- The Cargo Loader: If improperly balanced cargo caused a rollover in the City of Van.
- The Maintenance Provider: If a third-party mechanic failed to fix the truck’s brakes.
- The Trailer Owner: Many trailers are owned by different companies than the cab.
- The Corporate Parent: Brand owners like Walmart or Coca-Cola exercise immense control over their fleets.
- The Freight Broker: If a broker hired a “chameleon carrier” with a history of safety violations to save on shipping costs.
By identifying multiple liable parties, we can “stack” insurance policies. We look for the $750,000 primary policy, the $5,000,000 HAZMAT policy, and the multi-million dollar corporate umbrella policies. This is how we secure multi-million dollar settlements for our clients in the City of Van.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Survival
A truck accident doesn’t just break bones; it breaks lives. We have secured multi-million dollar recoveries for victims in the City of Van suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can change your personality, destroy your memory, and leave you unable to care for yourself. We have recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for brain injury victims. We work with top neurologists and life-care planners to ensure your settlement covers 24/7 care if you need it. Learn more: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis is the most expensive injury a human can survive. If you’ve suffered from quadriplegia or paraplegia after a crash in the City of Van, you face millions of dollars in future medical costs. Our firm has achieved recoveries as high as $25 million for spinal cord trauma.
Traumatic Amputations
Losing a limb isn’t just a physical loss; it’s a psychological one. Our amputation settlements often range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million, covering the cost of high-tech prosthetics and the “phantom limb” pain that insurance adjusters like to ignore.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a spouse, parent, or child in the City of Van, no check can replace them. However, a wrongful death claim (recoveries ranging from $1.9M to $9.5M) provides the financial security your family needs to survive the loss of an income and find some sense of justice. Under Texas law, we can pursue funeral costs, lost companionship, and mental anguish for the survivors.
If you are suffering, our team is here for you. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 to speak with Lupe Peña or Ralph Manginello about your path forward.
How the Insurance Defense Advantage Benefits You
Let’s talk about why insurance companies fear us. Many firms treat City of Van truck accidents like standard car wrecks. They take the first settlement offer and move on. Not us.
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, worked for the other side. He knows that insurance companies use proprietary software like “Colossus” to put a dollar value on your pain. He knows that they look for any “gap in treatment” to claim you aren’t really hurt. Because he has seen their internal memos and attended their training, he can predict their next move.
When they say your injury was “pre-existing,” we have the medical experts ready to prove how the truck accident in the City of Van aggravated your condition. When they say the driver was “independent,” we have the contracts ready to prove their employer exercised total control. We don’t just negotiate; we outmaneuver.
City of Van Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a claim in the City of Van?
Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, certain claims against City of Van government entities have much shorter “notice” periods—sometimes as little as 90 days. Never wait until the deadline is close. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident in the City of Van?
Texas follows the “51% Bar Rule.” This means as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your final settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1,000,000 but are found 20% at fault, you still receive $800,000. Trucking companies in the City of Van will always try to pin 51% on you to pay nothing—we fight to prove the driver was the primary cause.
What is my City of Van truck accident case worth?
There is no “average” settlement because every life is different. A case’s value is determined by medical bills, lost lifetime earnings, and non-economic damages like “loss of consortium” or “disfigurement.” During your free consultation, Ralph Manginello will look at the specific facts of your crash in the City of Van to give you an honest assessment.
Can I sue the trucking company if I was a passenger in the truck?
Yes. Whether you were a co-driver, a trainee, or a family member riding along, you have rights. If the driver’s negligence caused your injuries in the City of Van, you could potentially have a claim against the driver and the carrier.
How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
Many victims in the City of Van worry about collections and mounting bills. We can often help arrange for medical treatment on a “Letter of Protection” (LOP). This means the doctors agree to treat you now and wait for payment until your case settles. You should never skip the ER or physical therapy because you’re worried about money.
Proven Results Against Corporate Giants
We don’t blink when a company like Walmart, Amazon, or a major oil and gas operator shows up with a fleet of lawyers in the City of Van. We have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and won. Whether your crash involved a food distribution truck from Sysco, a delivery vehicle from FedEx, or an oilfield water hauler near the City of Van, we apply a consistent, aggressive litigation strategy.
We have handled cases against:
- Walmart Transportation: Direct employees, high self-insured retention.
- Amazon DSPs: Challenging the independent contractor shield.
- Major Oilfield Operators: Proving negligent oversight of unsafe lease road contractors.
- Consumer Brands: Coca-Cola and Pepsi distribution networks.
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.” We don’t take the easy cases; we take the cases that matter.
Justice for the City of Van: Call Attorney911 Today
Your life changed in a heartbeat on a City of Van road. You are dealing with physical agony, financial terror, and an insurance company that views you as a number on a spreadsheet. We view you as family.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have the resources to hire the best crash reconstructionists, medical experts, and vocational specialists in the country to build your case. We advance all costs, so you never pay a dime out of pocket to pursue justice. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Trucking companies in the City of Van have a plan to beat you. You need a plan to beat them. Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7 to hear your story and start protecting your future.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
1-888-ATTY-911 | 888-288-9911
ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
Hablamos Español. Consulta Gratis.
“Solving in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” — Angel Walle, Client.
Don’t wait for your rights to be signed away. Call the City of Van truck accident experts today. One call, one goal: justice for you.
