Fatal 18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in West Lake Hills, Texas

You’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home from a road that every West Lake Hills family drives without thinking about it. Interstate 35, the Mopac Expressway, Loop 360, US-290, and the rural FM roads that connect our Hill Country communities carry more freight than most Texans realize. When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer loses control on one of these corridors, the physics leave no time for the driver of a passenger vehicle to react. A crash at those weights isn’t a fender-bender—it’s a closing-speed event that frequently produces fatalities and life-changing injuries.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 has already started a clock that doesn’t stop while you grieve. You have exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death action under § 71.001. That clock runs whether or not the carrier’s insurer is returning your calls. Under § 71.004, you—your surviving spouse, your children, your parents—each hold an independent statutory claim. So does your loved one’s estate, under § 71.021, for the conscious pain and mental anguish they endured between injury and death. Three statutory tracks, one two-year clock.

The carrier whose driver killed your family member has lawyers who’ve been working since the night of the crash. The longer you wait, the more evidence the carrier controls—the electronic logging device (ELD) under 49 C.F.R. Part 395, the dashcam footage, the maintenance records under Part 396, the driver qualification file under § 391.51—and the more of it disappears. We send the preservation letter that locks it down. We pull the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safety Measurement System profile on the carrier and the Pre-Employment Screening Program record on the driver before discovery formally opens. We know what the Texas Pattern Jury Charge will ask in Travis County District Court, and we build the case for those questions from the first investigator we send to the scene.

The Reality of an 18-Wheeler Crash on West Lake Hills’ Freight Corridors

West Lake Hills sits at the edge of Austin’s urban core, where the Hill Country’s winding roads meet the freight arteries that feed the Texas economy. Interstate 35 runs through the heart of Travis County, carrying long-haul trucks between Laredo and the Midwest. Mopac Expressway (Loop 1) and US-290 serve as critical last-mile connectors for Amazon, FedEx, and UPS delivery networks. Loop 360 and the rural FM roads—FM 2222, FM 2244, FM 620—carry construction materials, oilfield equipment, and agricultural products through our community. These aren’t just roads; they’re the lifelines of Central Texas commerce, and they’re shared by families in minivans, cyclists on weekend rides, and truckers running routes under relentless delivery pressure.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) recorded 15,872 crashes in Travis County in 2024—85 of them fatal. On I-35 through Austin, commercial vehicles were involved in 12% of all crashes but 22% of fatal crashes. The stretch between downtown Austin and the northern Travis County line carries some of the highest commercial-vehicle fatality rates in Central Texas. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at highway speed loses control on this corridor, the outcome is almost always catastrophic.

We’ve seen it too many times in West Lake Hills and the surrounding Hill Country: a semi-truck rear-ends a stopped vehicle at a construction zone on Mopac, a tanker overturns on Loop 360 during a sudden rainstorm, a fatigued driver drifts across the center line on FM 620 and causes a head-on collision. These aren’t hypothetical scenarios—they’re the documented patterns of commercial-vehicle crashes in our community, and they’re why we treat every case as if it could be the next one.

What Texas Wrongful-Death and Survival Statutes Give Your Family

Texas law provides two distinct legal pathways for families after a fatal commercial-vehicle crash: wrongful death and survival actions. Both are governed by Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, but they serve different purposes and are filed by different parties.

Wrongful Death (§ 71.001–71.004)
Only the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased can file a wrongful-death claim. Each of you holds an independent claim for your own losses—loss of companionship, loss of support, mental anguish, and pecuniary losses. If your loved one was the primary breadwinner, the economic impact on your family’s future is part of this claim. If they were a parent, the loss of guidance and nurturing for your children is included. Wrongful-death claims are about what you’ve lost because of their absence.

Survival Action (§ 71.021)
The estate of the deceased holds a separate claim for the pain and suffering your loved one endured between the moment of injury and their death. This includes conscious pain, medical expenses incurred before death, and funeral expenses. If your loved one was conscious for even a few minutes after the crash, the survival action captures that suffering. If they were hospitalized for days before passing, the medical bills and the anguish of those final moments are part of this claim.

The Two-Year Clock (§ 16.003)
Both claims must be filed within two years of the date of the fatal injury—not the date of death, not the date of the funeral, not the date the police report is finalized. If the crash happened on January 15, 2025, the clock runs out on January 15, 2027. Miss this deadline, and the case dies procedurally. The carrier’s insurer knows this, and their strategy is built on counting on grief to run the clock.

Damages Categories Under Texas Pattern Jury Charges
A Travis County jury will decide your case by answering the questions submitted under the Texas Pattern Jury Charges (PJC). The damages categories they’ll consider include:

• Past and future medical expenses (for the survival action)
• Past and future lost earning capacity (if your loved one was employed)
• Loss of inheritance (what your loved one would have saved and left to you)
• Loss of companionship and society (the emotional bond you shared)
• Mental anguish (the emotional pain of losing your loved one)
• Exemplary damages (if gross negligence is proven, under Chapter 41)

We document each of these categories with precision—medical records, employment history, financial projections, and expert testimony—so the jury has the full picture of what your family has lost.

The Federal Regulations the Carrier Is Supposed to Operate Under

Commercial trucking in the United States is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). These regulations establish the minimum safety standards for carriers, drivers, and vehicles. When a carrier violates these rules, it’s not just negligence—it’s negligence per se under Texas law, meaning the violation itself is evidence of fault.

Driver Qualification (49 C.F.R. Part 391)
Before a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, the carrier must verify their qualifications. This includes:

• A valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements
• A medical examiner’s certificate showing the driver is physically qualified
• A review of the driver’s employment history and safety record
• A road test or equivalent certification

If the driver who caused your loved one’s crash was unqualified—expired CDL, falsified medical certificate, history of violations—the carrier is directly liable for negligent hiring.

Hours of Service (49 C.F.R. Part 395)
Fatigue is a leading cause of commercial-vehicle crashes. The FMCSRs limit how long a driver can be on duty:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty limit (including non-driving tasks like loading and unloading)
• 60-hour limit in 7 days, or 70-hour limit in 8 days
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving

The electronic logging device (ELD) mandated since December 2017 records every minute the truck is in motion. If the ELD shows the driver exceeded these limits, the violation is documented. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms, where he calculated claim valuations and reviewed ELD data. He knows how carriers manipulate logs—and how to prove it.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 C.F.R. Part 396)
Carriers must inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles to ensure they’re safe to operate. This includes:

• Pre-trip inspections before every shift
• Regular brake-system checks
• Tire tread-depth minimums (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others)
• Functional lights, reflectors, and warning devices

If the truck that crashed into your family had bald tires, faulty brakes, or inoperable lights, the carrier is liable for negligent maintenance.

Cargo Securement (49 C.F.R. Part 393, Subpart I)
Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills. The FMCSRs require:

• Cargo to be secured to withstand acceleration, braking, and turning forces
• Specific tie-down requirements based on cargo type
• Regular checks during transit

If a load shift caused the crash, the carrier—and potentially the shipper—are liable for negligent loading.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 C.F.R. Part 382)
Commercial drivers are subject to strict drug and alcohol testing:

• Pre-employment screening
• Random testing (50% of drivers tested annually for drugs, 10% for alcohol)
• Post-accident testing (required after fatal crashes or if the driver receives a citation)
• Reasonable suspicion testing

If the driver who caused the crash tested positive for alcohol or drugs, the carrier is liable for negligent retention. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003, this conduct can also support a claim for exemplary (punitive) damages.

The Investigation We Begin Within 48 Hours

Within hours of taking your case, we take these steps to preserve evidence and build your claim:

1. Send a Preservation Letter
   We notify the carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any third-party telematics providers that they must preserve:

   • The truck’s electronic control module (ECM) and event data recorder (EDR)
   • The ELD data (including raw electronic logs)
   • Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
   • Dispatch records and routing instructions
   • Maintenance and inspection records
   • The driver’s qualification file
   • Post-accident drug and alcohol test results
   • Any Form MCS-90 endorsement on the policy

   We put the carrier on notice that spoliation—destruction or alteration of evidence—will be argued, and an adverse inference charge will be sought if any of this evidence disappears.

2. Pull the FMCSA Records

   • Safety Measurement System (SMS) Profile: The carrier’s safety record, broken down into seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs): Unsafe Driving, Hours-of-Service Compliance, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances, Vehicle Maintenance, Hazardous Materials, and Crash Indicator.
   • Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Record: The driver’s crash and inspection history for the past five years.
   • MCS-150 Form: The carrier’s registration and insurance information.

   These records tell us whether the carrier has a pattern of violations—and whether they ignored it.

3. Deploy an Accident Reconstruction Expert
   We send an expert to the scene to document:

   • Skid marks and debris patterns
   • Roadway conditions (weather, visibility, signage)
   • Vehicle damage and rest positions
   • Event data recorder (EDR) downloads (speed, braking, steering inputs)

   This evidence is critical for proving how the crash happened and who is at fault.

4. Identify All Potentially Liable Parties
   In a fatal 18-wheeler crash, the driver is rarely the only defendant. We pursue:

   • The motor carrier (for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or dispatch)
   • The freight broker (for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier, under Miller v. C.H. Robinson)
   • The shipper (if they directed unsafe loading or scheduling)
   • The maintenance contractor (for negligent repairs)
   • The parts manufacturer (for defective components)
   • The road designer or TxDOT (if roadway design contributed, under the Texas Tort Claims Act)
   • The municipality (if municipal infrastructure contributed)
   • The parent corporation (under alter-ego or single-business-enterprise theory)

   We don’t stop at the driver. We sue the trucking companies behind them.

The Defendants Beyond the Driver

The carrier’s defense lawyer will try to limit your case to the driver. We won’t let that happen. Here’s who else we hold accountable:

The Motor Carrier
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer is liable for an employee’s negligence committed within the course and scope of employment. But we don’t stop there. We also pursue the carrier for direct negligence—negligent hiring, training, supervision, and retention. If the carrier hired a driver with a history of violations, ignored a pattern of preventable crashes, or failed to train the driver on blind-spot awareness, they’re directly liable.

The Freight Broker
Brokers like C.H. Robinson, Total Quality Logistics, and Uber Freight arrange loads between shippers and carriers. Under Miller v. C.H. Robinson (9th Cir. 2020) and its Texas progeny, brokers can be liable for negligent selection if they dispatch a load to a carrier with a documented safety record. We subpoena the broker’s vetting records to prove they knew—or should have known—the carrier was unsafe.

The Shipper
If the shipper directed unsafe loading (e.g., overloading, improper securement) or imposed unrealistic delivery schedules that forced the driver to violate hours-of-service rules, they share liability. We review the bill of lading, the loading instructions, and the dispatch records to build this claim.

The Maintenance Contractor
Many carriers outsource maintenance to third-party contractors. If the contractor failed to inspect the brakes, tires, or other critical systems, they’re liable for negligent maintenance. We subpoena their inspection records and work orders.

The Parts Manufacturer
If a defective part—brakes, tires, steering components, airbags—contributed to the crash, the manufacturer is strictly liable under Texas product liability law. We work with experts to determine whether a design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn caused the crash.

The Road Designer or TxDOT
If a dangerous roadway condition—missing guardrails, inadequate signage, poor lighting, or a shoulder drop-off—contributed to the crash, TxDOT or the county may be liable under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Chapter 101). We investigate whether the road was designed or maintained negligently.

The Parent Corporation
Under the alter-ego doctrine, a parent corporation can be held liable for the actions of its subsidiary if the subsidiary is merely an instrumentality of the parent. We investigate whether the carrier is part of a larger corporate structure that should share liability.

How Texas Pattern Jury Charges Submit Damages to a Jury

A Travis County jury will decide your case by answering the questions submitted under the Texas Pattern Jury Charges. Here’s how the damages categories break down:

Past Medical Expenses (Survival Action)
This covers all medical bills incurred between the crash and your loved one’s death—ambulance transport, emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatment.

Future Medical Expenses (Survival Action)
If your loved one survived for a period before passing, we project the cost of future medical care they would have needed. This is calculated by a life-care planner and a medical economist.

Past Lost Earnings (Survival Action)
If your loved one was employed, this covers the income they lost between the crash and their death.

Future Lost Earning Capacity (Wrongful Death)
This projects the income your loved one would have earned over their remaining working years. It’s calculated based on their age, occupation, education, and career trajectory.

Loss of Inheritance (Wrongful Death)
This compensates you for the financial support your loved one would have provided to your family over their lifetime. It’s based on their earning capacity, savings, and life expectancy.

Loss of Companionship and Society (Wrongful Death)
This compensates you for the emotional bond you shared with your loved one—their love, guidance, and support. It’s not about money; it’s about the irreplaceable loss of their presence in your life.

Mental Anguish (Wrongful Death and Survival Action)
This compensates you for the emotional pain of losing your loved one. For the survival action, it also covers the mental anguish your loved one endured before their death.

Exemplary Damages (If Gross Negligence Is Proven)
If the carrier’s conduct was grossly negligent—reckless disregard for safety, willful misconduct, or conscious indifference to the rights of others—we can pursue exemplary (punitive) damages. These are not capped if the underlying act was a felony (e.g., intoxication manslaughter). A Travis County jury has the power to send a message to the trucking industry that this conduct won’t be tolerated.

The Defense Playbook in West Lake Hills Trucking Cases—and Our Answer

The carrier’s defense lawyer has a script. We know it because Lupe Peña ran it for years when he worked for insurance companies. Here’s what they’ll say—and how we counter it:

Defense Tactic 1: “The Driver Did Nothing Wrong”
They’ll argue the driver was professional, the crash was unavoidable, and the weather or road conditions were to blame.

Our Counter:
We pull the ELD data, dashcam footage, and dispatch records. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or fatigued, the data will show it. If the carrier ignored prior preventability determinations, we’ll prove it. We don’t accept the driver’s version of events—we investigate it.

Defense Tactic 2: “You Were Partially at Fault”
They’ll argue you were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or changed lanes unsafely.

Our Counter:
Texas follows modified comparative negligence under § 33.001. Even if you were 50% at fault, you can still recover. We anticipate this argument and develop evidence that pushes fault back where it belongs—on the carrier.

Defense Tactic 3: “Your Injuries Aren’t Serious Enough”
They’ll argue your loved one’s injuries weren’t life-threatening or that they had pre-existing conditions.

Our Counter:
The eggshell skull doctrine applies: the defendant takes the plaintiff as they find them. If a pre-existing condition was worsened by the crash, the carrier is liable for the aggravation. We work with medical experts to document the full extent of the harm.

Defense Tactic 4: “You Waited Too Long to See a Doctor”
They’ll argue that if you didn’t seek immediate medical attention, your injuries must not be serious.

Our Counter:
Adrenaline masks pain. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms can take days or weeks to appear. Delayed treatment doesn’t mean no injury—it means the full extent of the harm wasn’t immediately visible. We have the medical evidence to prove it.

Defense Tactic 5: “The Evidence Was Destroyed”
They’ll claim the ELD data, dashcam footage, or maintenance records were lost or overwritten.

Our Counter:
We send the preservation letter within 24 hours of taking your case. If evidence disappears after that, we argue spoliation and seek an adverse inference charge—asking the jury to assume the missing evidence would have hurt the carrier’s case.

Defense Tactic 6: “The Settlement Offer Is Fair”
They’ll make an early lowball offer, hoping you’ll accept before you know the full value of your case.

Our Counter:
First offers are always a fraction of case value. We calculate the full damages—medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more—before we respond. We don’t negotiate against the carrier’s first number; we negotiate against the full value of your claim.

The Two-Year Clock Under § 16.003

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful-death and personal-injury claims. The clock starts running on the date of the fatal injury—not the date of the funeral, not the date of the autopsy report, not the date you feel ready to talk to a lawyer. Once it runs out, your case is barred forever.

What This Means for Your Family:

• If the crash happened on January 15, 2025, the clock runs out on January 15, 2027.
• The carrier’s insurer knows this and will use delay tactics to run the clock.
• Evidence is disappearing every day—the ELD data, dashcam footage, maintenance records.
• The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case.

What We Do in the First 48 Hours:

1. Send a preservation letter to the carrier, broker, and shipper, demanding they preserve all evidence.
2. Pull the FMCSA records on the driver and carrier.
3. Deploy an accident reconstruction expert to the scene.
4. Obtain the police crash report.
5. Identify all potentially liable parties.

We don’t wait for the carrier to call us. We act immediately to protect your rights.

How Attorney 911 Approaches Your West Lake Hills Case

We’ve been representing families in Travis County and across Texas since 1998. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has 27 years of experience fighting for injury victims in federal and state courts. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms, where he learned how carriers value claims—and how to beat them. We know the playbook because we’ve run it on both sides.

Here’s how we handle your case:

1. We Investigate Immediately
   We don’t wait for the carrier to hand over evidence. We send preservation letters, pull FMCSA records, and deploy experts to the scene within 48 hours.

2. We Build the Case for Trial
   Most trucking cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That gives us leverage in negotiations. We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and life-care planners to document the full extent of your damages.

3. We Pursue Every Liable Party
   We don’t stop at the driver. We sue the carrier, the broker, the shipper, the maintenance contractor, and any other party whose negligence contributed to the crash.

4. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
   We calculate the full value of your claim—medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. We don’t accept lowball offers. We fight for the compensation your family deserves.

5. We Keep You Informed
   We don’t disappear after we take your case. We update you regularly, answer your questions, and make sure you understand every step of the process.

What This Means for You

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer crash in West Lake Hills, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The legal process is complex, the insurance companies are adversarial, and the clock is ticking. But you have rights, and we can help you enforce them.

Here’s what you can do right now:

1. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
   We’re available 24/7. In 15 minutes, we can tell you what your case may be worth and what your next steps should be.

2. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
   The carrier’s adjuster will call and ask for a “quick statement.” Don’t give one without your attorney present. That statement will be used against you later.

3. Don’t Sign Anything
   The carrier may offer a quick settlement. Don’t sign anything without talking to us first. First offers are always too low.

4. Preserve Evidence
   If you have photos, videos, or witness contact information, save them. We’ll use them to build your case.

5. Focus on Your Family
   We’ll handle the legal work. You focus on healing and remembering your loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will my case take?
A: Most trucking cases settle within 6 to 12 months, but complex cases can take longer. We push for resolution as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.

Q: How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis—33.33% if the case settles before trial, 40% if it goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win for you. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.

Q: What if I can’t afford medical bills?
A: We can help you navigate medical liens and negotiate with healthcare providers to reduce your bills. We also work with medical funding companies to cover your expenses while your case is pending.

Q: Can I switch lawyers if I’m not happy with my current attorney?
A: Yes. If your current lawyer isn’t returning your calls, updating you on your case, or fighting for the compensation you deserve, you have the right to switch. We’ve taken over cases from other lawyers and gotten better results for our clients.

Q: What if the truck driver was arrested?
A: Criminal charges (e.g., intoxication manslaughter, vehicular homicide) are separate from your civil case. A conviction can help your civil claim, but you don’t have to wait for the criminal case to resolve to pursue your civil lawsuit.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That gives us leverage in negotiations. If the carrier refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your case to a Travis County jury.

Q: What if I’m undocumented?
A: Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation in Texas. We represent clients regardless of immigration status, and your information is confidential.

Q: Can I sue the trucking company?
A: Yes. We sue trucking companies, not just drivers. The carrier is often the deeper pocket and the party with the real control over safety.

Q: What if the trucking company is based out of state?
A: It doesn’t matter. If the crash happened in Texas, we can sue the carrier in Texas court.

Q: What if my loved one was partially at fault?
A: Texas follows modified comparative negligence. Even if your loved one was 50% at fault, you can still recover. We’ll fight to minimize any fault attributed to them.

West Lake Hills and the Surrounding Hill Country: A Freight Reality

West Lake Hills is part of the Austin metropolitan area, but our community retains the character of the Texas Hill Country. Our roads—FM 2222, Loop 360, FM 620—carry a mix of local traffic, commuters, and commercial freight. The trucks you see every day aren’t just passing through; they’re delivering the goods that keep our economy running.

The Corridors That Define Our Risk:

• Interstate 35: The backbone of Central Texas freight, running from Laredo to the Midwest. This corridor carries long-haul trucks, regional less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, and last-mile delivery vehicles.
• Mopac Expressway (Loop 1): A critical last-mile connector for Amazon, FedEx, and UPS delivery networks. The construction zones and sudden stops create high-risk areas for rear-end collisions.
• US-290 (William Cannon Drive): A major east-west route carrying freight between Austin and Houston. The interchange with I-35 is one of the most dangerous in Travis County.
• Loop 360: A scenic but high-risk corridor for commercial vehicles, especially tankers and oversize loads. The sharp curves and elevation changes increase the risk of rollovers.
• FM 2222 and FM 620: Rural roads that carry construction materials, oilfield equipment, and agricultural products. These roads lack the safety infrastructure of interstates and are prone to head-on collisions.

The Carriers Operating in Our Community:

• Long-haul interstate carriers: Werner Enterprises, J.B. Hunt, Schneider National, Knight-Swift, and others running freight between Laredo and the Midwest.
• Last-mile delivery: Amazon Logistics and its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) contractors, FedEx Ground, UPS, and regional courier services.
• Oilfield service: Halliburton, Schlumberger, and subcontractors hauling water, sand, and equipment to and from the Eagle Ford Shale.
• Refrigerated freight: Carriers hauling perishable goods to and from Austin’s food distribution hubs.
• Construction and aggregates: Vulcan Materials, Martin Marietta, and regional haulers transporting gravel, sand, and concrete.

The Trauma Network Serving West Lake Hills:

• Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas: The Level I trauma center serving Austin and the Hill Country. This is where critically injured victims are taken after a crash.
• Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin: A Level II trauma center providing emergency and surgical care.
• St. David’s South Austin Medical Center: A Level III trauma center offering comprehensive care for serious injuries.

The County of Venue: Travis County
Travis County District Court is where your case will likely be filed. This is one of the most plaintiff-friendly venues in Texas for commercial-vehicle litigation. The jury pool is diverse, educated, and experienced with complex cases. The judges are familiar with trucking regulations and the tactics carriers use to delay or deny claims.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your West Lake Hills Case?

We’re not like other personal injury firms. We don’t just settle cases—we build them. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. We Know the Trucking Industry
   Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims since 1998. Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance defense firms, where he learned how carriers value claims and deploy their playbook. We know the regulations, the tactics, and the loopholes—and how to beat them.

2. We Sue Trucking Companies, Not Just Drivers
   Most firms stop at the driver. We sue the carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any other party whose negligence contributed to the crash. We don’t let corporate defendants off the hook.

3. We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears
   Within 48 hours of taking your case, we send preservation letters, pull FMCSA records, and deploy experts to the scene. We don’t wait for the carrier to “do the right thing”—we lock down the evidence before it’s gone.

4. We Build the Case for Trial
   Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That gives us leverage in negotiations. We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and life-care planners to document the full extent of your damages.

5. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
   We don’t accept lowball offers. We calculate the full value of your claim—medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more—and we fight for every dollar you deserve.

6. We Keep You Informed
   We don’t disappear after we take your case. We update you regularly, answer your questions, and make sure you understand every step of the process.

7. We’re Local
   We live in Texas. We drive these roads. When an unsafe truck threatens our community, it’s personal. We’re not a national firm with a local office—we’re your neighbors, and we’re here to fight for you.

What to Do Next

The clock is ticking. Evidence is disappearing. The carrier’s lawyers are already working against you. Here’s what you need to do right now:

1. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
   We’re available 24/7. In 15 minutes, we can tell you what your case may be worth and what your next steps should be.

2. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
   The carrier’s adjuster will call and ask for a “quick statement.” Don’t give one without your attorney present.

3. Don’t Sign Anything
   The carrier may offer a quick settlement. Don’t sign anything without talking to us first.

4. Preserve Evidence
   If you have photos, videos, or witness contact information, save them. We’ll use them to build your case.

5. Focus on Your Family
   We’ll handle the legal work. You focus on healing and remembering your loved one.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer crash in West Lake Hills, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free consultation. We’ll fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Contact us for a free consultation about your specific situation.