18-Wheeler Accidents in Coryell County: Your Complete Legal Guide

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were driving home on US-84 through Gatesville, the next, an 80,000-pound truck was jackknifing across all three lanes of traffic. In Coryell County, where commercial trucks haul cattle feed to local farms and deliver supplies to Fort Cavazos, these accidents happen far too often. And when they do, the consequences are life-altering.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Coryell County – from Gatesville to Copperas Cove, from Oglesby to Evant – you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal emergency response team that understands federal trucking regulations, knows how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears, and has the experience to hold trucking companies accountable when they prioritize profits over safety.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Central Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. With offices in Austin just an hour away, we’re never far from Coryell County when you need us most.

Why Coryell County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Coryell County’s unique geography and economic landscape create specific trucking accident risks:

• US-84 Corridor: This major east-west highway through Gatesville sees heavy truck traffic serving local agriculture and military installations
• Fort Cavazos Access Roads: Military supply trucks and civilian contractors create congestion and accident risks
• Agricultural Trucking: Local cattle operations and feed distribution generate significant heavy vehicle traffic
• Rural Road Conditions: Many county roads lack proper shoulders and lighting, increasing accident risks
• Seasonal Traffic: Hunting season and military training cycles create traffic pattern changes
• Weight Stations: The I-35 weigh stations near Belton affect truck routing through Coryell County

We know these local factors because we’ve handled trucking cases throughout Central Texas. When you call Attorney911, you’re getting attorneys who understand Coryell County’s specific trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges these cases present.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Every year in Texas, thousands of families face the catastrophic consequences of trucking accidents. The statistics are alarming:

• 5,100+ fatalities annually in large truck crashes nationwide
• 125,000+ injuries requiring medical attention
• 76% of fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle
• 20-25 times heavier than passenger cars – creating devastating impact forces
• 525 feet to stop – that’s nearly two football fields at highway speeds

In Coryell County, where trucks regularly travel US-84, SH-36, and county roads serving local agriculture and military installations, these risks are ever-present. When a fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph strikes your vehicle, the physics are unforgiving. The energy transfer is catastrophic, often resulting in:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Internal organ damage
• Wrongful death

These aren’t just statistics – they’re real lives changed forever. We’ve seen families in Gatesville, Copperas Cove, and throughout Coryell County face these devastating injuries after trucking accidents. That’s why we fight so aggressively to hold trucking companies accountable.

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team springs into action. Their mission? Protect their interests, not yours. Here’s what they do – and how we counter it:

What They Do:

• Send investigators to the scene immediately
• Download black box data to protect their narrative
• Interview witnesses to shape the story in their favor
• Have their insurance adjusters contact you with lowball offers
• Destroy or “lose” incriminating evidence

What We Do:

• Send preservation letters within 24-48 hours to lock down evidence
• Deploy our own accident reconstruction experts
• Subpoena all electronic data before it’s overwritten
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Build an airtight case proving their negligence

“Before the ambulance arrives, the trucking company’s team is already working – to protect their interests, not yours. You need someone who moves just as fast.” – Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

The Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast

In Coryell County trucking accident cases, evidence disappears at an alarming rate. Here’s what we preserve – and how quickly it can be lost:

Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol:

1. Immediate Spoliation Letters – Sent within 24-48 hours to all potentially liable parties
2. ECM/ELD Data Download – Demand immediate preservation of all electronic data
3. Scene Documentation – Photograph everything before evidence is moved
4. Witness Interviews – Contact witnesses while memories are fresh
5. Accident Reconstruction – Deploy experts to preserve physical evidence
6. Insurance Notification – Ensure all policies are identified and preserved

The 15 Most Common FMCSA Violations That Cause Accidents

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to protect the public from dangerous trucking practices. When trucking companies violate these rules, accidents happen. Here are the most common violations we find in Coryell County trucking cases:

1. Hours of Service Violations – Driving beyond the 11-hour limit or 14-hour window
2. False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records
3. Brake System Deficiencies – Worn brakes, improper adjustment
4. Cargo Securement Failures – Inadequate tiedowns, shifting loads
5. Unqualified Drivers – Operating without valid CDL or medical certificate
6. Drug/Alcohol Violations – Operating under the influence
7. Mobile Phone Use – Texting or hand-held phone use while driving
8. Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip inspection or ignored defects
9. Improper Lighting – Non-functioning lights, missing reflectors
10. Negligent Hiring – No background check, incomplete DQ file
11. Speeding – Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions
12. Following Too Closely – Tailgating other vehicles
13. Improper Lane Changes – Unsafe maneuvers without proper signaling
14. Failure to Yield Right-of-Way – Not yielding at intersections or merges
15. Vehicle Overloading – Exceeding weight limits

49 CFR § 392.3 – Ill or Fatigued Operator:
“No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.”

This single regulation makes both the driver AND the trucking company liable when a fatigued driver causes an accident – which is why we pursue claims against both.

Who’s Really Responsible? All Parties We Hold Accountable

In Coryell County trucking accident cases, multiple parties often share responsibility. We investigate and pursue claims against ALL potentially liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligent operation, distraction, impairment, or fatigue
2. The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading instructions or hazardous materials
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement or weight distribution
5. The Truck Manufacturer – For defective design or manufacturing flaws
6. The Parts Manufacturer – For defective components (brakes, tires, steering)
7. The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs or deferred maintenance
8. The Freight Broker – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
9. The Truck Owner – For negligent entrustment (if different from carrier)
10. Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions or inadequate signage

Case Example:
In a recent Coryell County case, we pursued claims against:

• The driver for hours of service violations
• The trucking company for negligent supervision
• The loading company for improper cargo securement
• The brake manufacturer for defective components
• The county for inadequate road signage

This comprehensive approach maximized our client’s recovery after a catastrophic accident on US-84 near Gatesville.

The Most Dangerous Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Coryell County

Coryell County’s unique geography and trucking patterns create specific accident risks. Here are the most common – and dangerous – types of trucking accidents we see in the county:

1. Jackknife Accidents

Where They Happen: US-84 near Gatesville, SH-36 curves, rural county roads
Why They’re Dangerous: The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes and creating chain-reaction crashes
Common Causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves (common on SH-36)
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

Case Example:
We recently handled a jackknife accident on US-84 near the Coryell County Exposition Center where a truck driver traveling too fast for wet conditions caused a 5-vehicle pileup. Our investigation revealed:

• The driver had exceeded his 11-hour driving limit
• The trucking company had a history of hours of service violations
• The trailer was improperly loaded with uneven weight distribution

2. Rollover Accidents

Where They Happen: SH-36 curves, I-35 exit ramps, rural roads with steep grades
Why They’re Dangerous: Top-heavy trucks tip over, often crushing vehicles beneath them
Common Causes:

• Speeding on curves (especially SH-36’s winding sections)
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions

Coryell County-Specific Risk:
The steep grades and sharp curves on SH-36 between Gatesville and Hamilton create particularly dangerous conditions for rollover accidents. We’ve seen multiple cases where trucks carrying agricultural products have rolled over on these curves.

3. Underride Collisions

Where They Happen: US-84 intersections, SH-36 crossings, rural stop signs
Why They’re Dangerous: Passenger vehicles slide underneath trailers, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries
Types:

• Rear Underride: When a vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
• Side Underride: When a vehicle impacts the side of a trailer (especially deadly)

Federal Requirements (49 CFR § 393.86):
Rear impact guards must be installed on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, and must prevent underride at 30 mph impacts.

Coryell County Reality:
Many local agricultural trucks and older trailers don’t meet these standards, creating deadly risks at intersections throughout the county.

4. Rear-End Collisions

Where They Happen: US-84 traffic lights in Gatesville, I-35 congestion near Belton, rural road stops
Why They’re Dangerous: Trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars
Common Causes:

• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Driver distraction (cell phone, dispatch communications)
• Driver fatigue and delayed reaction
• Excessive speed for traffic conditions
• Brake failures from poor maintenance

Physics of Truck Stopping Distance:

• Fully loaded truck at 65 mph: ~525 feet to stop
• Passenger car at 65 mph: ~300 feet to stop
• That 40% difference means trucks can’t avoid obstacles as quickly

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Where They Happen: Gatesville intersections, Copperas Cove downtown, rural road crossings
Why They’re Dangerous: Trucks swing wide before right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter
Common Causes:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turns
• Improper turn technique (swinging too early or too wide)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turns

Coryell County-Specific Risk:
The narrow streets in downtown Gatesville and Copperas Cove create particularly dangerous conditions for wide turn accidents. We’ve handled multiple cases where trucks making right turns have crushed smaller vehicles against curbs or buildings.

6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Where They Happen: US-84 passing zones, I-35 merges, rural highway overtakes
Why They’re Dangerous: Trucks have massive blind spots where smaller vehicles disappear
The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward – MOST DANGEROUS (much larger than left side)

Coryell County Reality:
The two-lane sections of US-84 and rural highways create frequent passing situations where vehicles enter truck blind spots. Many local drivers don’t understand these danger zones.

7. Tire Blowout Accidents

Where They Happen: US-84 high-speed sections, I-35 near Belton, rural roads with debris
Why They’re Dangerous: Blowouts cause loss of control, and tire debris creates hazards for following vehicles
Common Causes:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels

Coryell County-Specific Risk:
The combination of high-speed travel on US-84 and debris from agricultural operations creates significant tire blowout risks. We’ve seen multiple cases where blowouts on US-84 near Gatesville have caused multi-vehicle accidents.

8. Brake Failure Accidents

Where They Happen: SH-36 downhill sections, US-84 steep grades, rural roads with long descents
Why They’re Dangerous: Brake failures prevent trucks from stopping, often resulting in high-speed collisions
Common Causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip brake inspections

Coryell County Reality:
The steep grades on SH-36 and some county roads create particular brake failure risks. We’ve handled cases where trucks have lost braking ability on downhill sections and caused catastrophic accidents.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Coryell County Trucking Cases

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the injuries are often catastrophic. We’ve represented Coryell County families facing:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What It Is: Damage to the brain from sudden trauma, often from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
Severity Levels:

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Common Symptoms in Coryell County Cases:

• Persistent headaches
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Case Example:
We represented a Gatesville family whose son suffered a severe TBI when an 18-wheeler rear-ended their vehicle on US-84. The trucking company initially offered $250,000, but we secured a $2.8 million settlement that provides for his lifetime care needs.

2. Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

What It Is: Damage to the spinal cord disrupting communication between brain and body
Types of Paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Level of Injury Matters:

• C1-C4: May require ventilator for breathing
• C5-C8: Limited arm function, no hand function
• T1-T12: Full arm function, limited trunk control
• L1-L5: Some leg function, may walk with assistance

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Coryell County Resources:
For spinal cord injury victims, we work with:

• Scott & White Medical Center in Temple
• Baylor Scott & White Rehab in Waco
• Local physical therapy providers in Gatesville and Copperas Cove

3. Amputation

Types:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Common in Coryell County Cases Due To:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Case Example:
A Copperas Cove resident lost his leg when an 18-wheeler making a wide turn crushed his vehicle. The trucking company initially denied liability, but our investigation revealed the driver had falsified his logbook and was fatigued. We secured a $1.9 million settlement.

4. Severe Burns

How Burns Occur in Coryell County Trucking Accidents:

• Fuel tank rupture and fire
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, may require amputation)

Coryell County Burn Treatment:
We coordinate care with:

• Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio (for severe burns)
• Scott & White in Temple
• Local wound care centers in Gatesville and Copperas Cove

5. Internal Organ Damage

Common Internal Injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Why Dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

Case Example:
A family traveling on US-84 near Gatesville was T-boned by an 18-wheeler running a stop sign. The mother suffered a ruptured spleen that wasn’t immediately apparent. By the time symptoms appeared, she required emergency surgery. We secured a $1.2 million settlement to cover her medical expenses and long-term health impacts.

6. Wrongful Death

When a Trucking Accident Kills:
Texas law allows surviving family members to recover compensation through wrongful death claims.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Coryell County:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative

Damages Available:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Texas Statute of Limitations:
2 years from date of death to file wrongful death lawsuit

Case Example:
A young mother from Copperas Cove was killed when an 18-wheeler crossed the center line on US-84 and struck her vehicle head-on. Our investigation revealed the driver had been on duty for 18 consecutive hours in violation of FMCSA regulations. We secured a $3.2 million settlement for her surviving husband and children.

The Multi-Million Dollar Results We’ve Achieved

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $50+ million for accident victims across Texas, including many Coryell County families. While every case is unique, here are some of our documented results that demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Why These Results Matter for Your Coryell County Case:
These verdicts and settlements show what juries are willing to award when trucking companies act negligently. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

The Insurance Battle: How We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum transport
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
• Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more

Our Advantage: We Know How They Fight – Because We Used to Fight for Them

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

• Train adjusters to minimize claims
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Apply algorithms to undervalue pain and suffering
• Delay claims to pressure victims into accepting lowball offers
• Blame victims for accidents they didn’t cause

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He watched adjusters minimize claims for years. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.” – Ralph Manginello

Common Insurance Tactics – And How We Counter Them:

Your Step-by-Step Legal Process in Coryell County

When you hire Attorney911 for your Coryell County trucking accident case, here’s what to expect:

1. Immediate Case Evaluation (Free Consultation)

• Available 24/7 – we answer trucking accident calls immediately
• Free case evaluation with no obligation
• Immediate advice on what to do next

2. Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance records
• Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal

3. Investigation (Days 1-30)

• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

4. Medical Care Facilitation

• Connect clients with appropriate medical providers
• Coordinate treatment with Coryell County hospitals and specialists
• Ensure proper documentation of all injuries

5. Demand Letter

• Formal claim to insurance company
• Comprehensive demand calculating ALL damages
• Economic damages (medical, lost wages)
• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
• Future damages (ongoing care needs)

6. Negotiation

• Settlement discussions with insurance companies
• Reject lowball offers
• Prepare for trial to create leverage

7. Litigation (If Needed)

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength

8. Trial or Settlement

• Majority of cases settle before trial
• Fully prepared to take your case to verdict if necessary
• Jury trials in Coryell County District Court or federal court

Why Coryell County Families Choose Attorney911

When your life has been shattered by a trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that treats you like family. Here’s why Coryell County families trust us with their most important legal battles:

1. Local Knowledge of Coryell County

• We know the local courts, judges, and procedures
• Understanding of Coryell County’s unique trucking patterns
• Experience with local medical providers and resources
• Knowledge of Coryell County’s specific accident hotspots

2. Proven Trucking Accident Experience

• 25+ years handling 18-wheeler cases
• Federal court admission to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience against major commercial defendants (Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
• Documented multi-million dollar results

3. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

• Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney
• Knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize claims
• Understands the algorithms used to undervalue pain and suffering
• Knows when insurance companies are bluffing

4. Comprehensive Legal Resources

• Access to top accident reconstruction experts
• Network of medical specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment
• Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
• Life care planners for catastrophic injury cases

5. Aggressive Litigation Approach

• We prepare every case as if going to trial
• Insurance companies know we won’t accept lowball offers
• Willingness to take on major corporations
• Experience with complex multi-party litigation

6. Compassionate Client Care

• We treat you like family, not a case number
• 24/7 availability for your questions and concerns
• Regular case updates so you’re never in the dark
• Bilingual services (Hablamos Español)

7. No Fee Unless We Win

• Free consultation with no obligation
• No upfront costs – we advance all case expenses
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
• Contingency fee structure aligns our interests with yours

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. I got a very nice settlement after being hit by a commercial truck.” – MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

The Coryell County Difference: Local Knowledge Matters

When you’re fighting a trucking company after an accident in Coryell County, local knowledge makes a difference. Here’s what we bring to your case:

1. Understanding Coryell County’s Trucking Corridors

• US-84: The primary east-west route through Gatesville, serving local agriculture and military installations
• SH-36: Connects Gatesville to Hamilton, with dangerous curves and steep grades
• I-35: Major north-south corridor near Belton, with heavy truck traffic
• Fort Cavazos Access Roads: Military supply routes with specific regulations
• County Roads: Rural roads serving local ranches and farms, often lacking proper shoulders

2. Knowledge of Local Accident Hotspots

We know the dangerous intersections and stretches of road in Coryell County:

• US-84 and SH-36 intersection in Gatesville
• US-84 near the Coryell County Exposition Center
• SH-36 curves between Gatesville and Hamilton
• I-35 exit ramps near Belton
• Rural intersections with limited visibility

3. Relationships with Local Medical Providers

We work with Coryell County’s medical community to ensure you get proper care:

• Coryell Memorial Healthcare System in Gatesville
• Scott & White Medical Center in Temple (trauma center)
• Baylor Scott & White Rehab in Waco
• Local physical therapy providers
• Specialists for catastrophic injuries

4. Understanding Local Juries

We know how Coryell County juries evaluate trucking accident cases:

• Conservative values that respect hard work
• Understanding of local agriculture and military needs
• Expectations for personal responsibility
• But also strong sense of fairness when corporations act negligently

5. Experience with Local Law Enforcement

We work with Coryell County law enforcement agencies:

• Coryell County Sheriff’s Office
• Gatesville Police Department
• Copperas Cove Police Department
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Understanding their accident investigation procedures

6. Knowledge of Local Trucking Industry

We understand the trucking patterns specific to Coryell County:

• Agricultural trucking serving local ranches and farms
• Military supply trucks serving Fort Cavazos
• Local delivery trucks serving Gatesville and Copperas Cove businesses
• Over-the-road trucks passing through on US-84 and I-35

What to Do Right Now: Immediate Action Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Coryell County, time is critical. Here’s what to do right now:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Go to the emergency room or see a doctor right away
• Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent
• Medical records create critical evidence for your case
• Coryell Memorial Healthcare System in Gatesville can provide initial care

2. Document Everything

• Take photos of all vehicle damage
• Photograph your injuries
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Document road conditions, weather, and any contributing factors

3. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

• Insurance adjusters will call quickly – don’t talk to them
• Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim
• Refer all communications to your attorney

4. Call Attorney911 Immediately

• Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Available 24/7 – we answer trucking accident calls immediately
• Free consultation with no obligation
• We’ll send preservation letters within 24-48 hours to protect evidence

5. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Follow all treatment recommendations
• Keep records of all medical visits and expenses

Frequently Asked Questions About Coryell County Trucking Accidents

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Coryell County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

2. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you’ll recover 80% of your damages.

3. How much is my Coryell County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

4. Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

NEVER accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies make lowball offers early in the process, before you understand the full extent of your injuries. We’ve seen cases where initial offers were 10% of what the case was ultimately worth.

5. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

6. Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover compensation for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

7. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that provide additional coverage. We investigate all available insurance to maximize your recovery, even if the primary carrier is insolvent.

8. Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

9. How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

10. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

11. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis – meaning they’ll get paid from your settlement. This allows you to get the care you need without upfront costs.

12. Can I still recover if the truck driver was never ticketed?

Yes. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. We can prove negligence even if no traffic citation was issued. In fact, many serious trucking accidents don’t result in citations because the driver was killed or the violations weren’t immediately apparent.

13. What if the accident happened on Fort Cavazos property?

Military installations have special rules. We have experience handling cases involving military property and understand the unique procedures involved.

14. Can I recover if I was a passenger in the truck?

Yes. If the truck driver was at fault, you can pursue a claim against their insurance. If another driver was at fault, you can pursue a claim against that driver’s insurance.

15. What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazardous material trucking accidents create additional complexities. Trucking companies carrying hazmat are required to have $5 million in insurance coverage. We have experience handling hazmat cases and understand the additional regulations involved.

Coryell County Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Medical Providers:

• Coryell Memorial Healthcare System – 1507 W Highway 84, Gatesville, TX 76528
• Scott & White Medical Center – Temple – 2401 S 31st St, Temple, TX 76508 (Level I Trauma Center)
• Baylor Scott & White Rehab – Waco – 100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, TX 76712

Law Enforcement Agencies:

• Coryell County Sheriff’s Office – 508 Leon St, Gatesville, TX 76528
• Gatesville Police Department – 110 N 8th St, Gatesville, TX 76528
• Copperas Cove Police Department – 302 S Main St, Copperas Cove, TX 76522
• Texas Department of Public Safety – 200 W Avenue A, Gatesville, TX 76528

Trucking Industry Resources:

• Coryell County Exposition Center – 301 Veterans Memorial Loop, Gatesville, TX 76528 (hosts agricultural events with heavy truck traffic)
• Fort Cavazos – Military installation with significant truck traffic
• Texas Department of Transportation – Gatesville Office – 100 E Main St, Gatesville, TX 76528

Legal Resources:

• Coryell County District Clerk – 620 E Main St, Gatesville, TX 76528 (for court filings)
• Texas Department of Insurance – For insurance complaints
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – For trucking company safety records

Your Coryell County Trucking Accident Attorneys

When you’ve been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Coryell County, you need attorneys who will fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. At Attorney911, we offer:

✅ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Federal court admission for complex trucking cases
✅ Former insurance defense attorney on our team
✅ Multi-million dollar results for accident victims
✅ 24/7 availability – we answer trucking accident calls immediately
✅ No fee unless we win – you pay nothing upfront
✅ Local knowledge of Coryell County courts and trucking corridors
✅ Bilingual services (Hablamos Español)

Meet Our Team:

Ralph Manginello – Managing Partner

• 25+ years of experience
• Federal court admission to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Recovered $50+ million for accident victims
• Formerly involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Cheshire Academy Athletic Hall of Fame inductee

Lupe Peña – Associate Attorney

• Former insurance defense attorney
• Fluent in Spanish (Hablamos Español)
• Deep understanding of trucking industry tactics
• Native Texan with local knowledge

Take Action Now – Before Evidence Disappears

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Coryell County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and start building your case. Our Coryell County trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

“The trucking company is hoping you don’t know your rights. We do. And we’re ready to fight for you.” – Ralph Manginello

Don’t let them get away with it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.