DeWitt County Truck Accident and Commercial Vehicle Attorneys

The roar of a diesel engine on Highway 181 or US 87 is the sound of industry in DeWitt County, but for too many families in Cuero, Yorktown, and Nordheim, it has become the sound of a life-changing tragedy. When 80,000 pounds of steel collides with a passenger vehicle, the physics are never in your favor. In an instant, you are forced into a battle against multi-billion dollar oil companies, national trucking fleets, and aggressive insurance teams.

At Attorney911, we believe you shouldn’t have to fight that battle alone. Ralph Manginello has spent more than 25 years in the trenches of personal injury litigation, holding negligent corporations accountable for the devastation they cause on our roads. Since 1998, our firm has stood as a shield for the injured, providing the aggressive, specialized representation required to win against the giants of the trucking industry. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, a frac sand hauler, or an Amazon delivery van, we bring the federal court experience and insider knowledge needed to maximize your recovery.

Why DeWitt County Truck Accidents Require Specialized Litigation

Trucking accidents in DeWitt County are fundamentally different from standard car wrecks. Our position in the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale means our local roads—often two-lane highways never designed for industrial loads—are constantly populated by heavy tankers, equipment haulers, and crew transport vans. When an accident occurs here, it isn’t just about traffic laws; it’s about a complex web of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and corporate responsibility.

Our founder, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, a critical credential because many commercial vehicle cases are moved to federal court. We don’t just understand the law; we understand the industry. From the BP Texas City refinery litigation to cases against Fortune 500 fleets like Walmart and Coca-Cola, our team has a documented history of going toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations and winning multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.

If you’ve been hurt, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Evidence in DeWitt County truck accidents can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, and the trucking company’s defense team is likely already at the scene.

The Eagle Ford Shale Factor: Oilfield Trucking Dangers in DeWitt County

The economic engine of DeWitt County is fueled by oil and gas, but the literal engines of those operations create a constant hazard on roads like State Highway 72 and SH 119. Oilfield trucking involves unique risks that general practice lawyers often miss.

Produced Water and Saltwater Tanker Rollovers

Water trucks are among the most common commercial vehicles in DeWitt County. These tankers are often overloaded, and the “slosh effect” of liquid cargo makes them incredibly prone to rollovers, especially on the narrow curves of our county roads. A partially full tanker is actually more dangerous than a full one, as the shifting weight can overwhelm even an experienced driver.

Frac Sand Hauler Collisions

During active completions, hundreds of sand trucks descend on DeWitt County wellsites every day. These drivers often work grueling 12-to-14-hour shifts. Fatigue is endemic in the oilfield. When a fatigued driver operating a pneumatic sand trailer fails to stop at an intersection on a caliche lease road, the results are almost always fatal. We hold companies like Halliburton, Schlumberger, and local sand haulers accountable when they prioritize production speed over DeWitt County road safety.

Crude Oil Tanker Accidents

Hauling flammable crude oil requires specialized HAZMAT endorsements and strict adherence to 49 CFR Part 397. A collision involving a crude tanker near Cuero doesn’t just cause impact injuries; it creates a risk of explosions, thermal burns, and toxic vapor exposure. These cases involve a $5 million federal insurance minimum, and we know how to secure every dollar of that coverage for our clients.

Crew Transport and Hot Shot Wrecks

Often, it isn’t the 18-wheeler that causes the most damage, but the crew transport van or the “hot shot” pickup hauling urgent parts. 15-passenger vans have a documented history of rollover instability when fully loaded with a crew. If your family member was injured in a crew van on the way to a lease site in DeWitt County, we investigate the driver, the staffing company, and the oil operator who set the schedule.

Corporate Fleet Accidents: Amazon, Walmart, and Delivery Vans

While the oilfield dominates much of our traffic, DeWitt County residents also share the road with massive corporate delivery fleets. These companies use complex legal structures to try and shield themselves from liability.

Amazon Delivery Van Accidents in DeWitt County

Amazon delivers billions of packages, but they don’t want to take responsibility when their blue vans cause a wreck in your neighborhood. They use “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs) to claim the driver isn’t technically an Amazon employee. We know how to pierce this shield. By proving that Amazon controls the routes, the timing, and even monitors the driver with Netradyne AI cameras, we can hold the parent company accountable for the pressure they put on their drivers.

Walmart Trucking Negligence

Walmart operates one of the largest private 18-wheeler fleets in the United States. In DeWitt County, Walmart trucks are a constant presence on US 181. Walmart is typically self-insured, meaning they pay claims from their own multibillion-dollar balance sheet. They fight hard because every dollar comes out of their profit. Attorney Ralph Manginello has litigated against Walmart trucking operations and knows how to counter their “rapid response” defense tactics.

FedEx and UPS Wrecks

Whether it’s a FedEx Ground contractor or a UPS union driver, these heavy box trucks and tractor-trailers are under intense time pressure. We subpoena the scanners and GPS data to prove that the driver was rushing to meet a delivery quota when they caused your accident in DeWitt County.

As client Chad Harris noted after working with us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your corporate liability case with the personal attention it deserves while bringing the hammer down on negligent companies.

Our Unfair Advantage: Inside the Insurance Company Playbook

Insurance companies have a system for denying your claim. We have a system for winning it. A major advantage for Attorney911 clients is the presence of Lupe Peña on our legal team.

Before joining our firm to fight for the injured, Lupe Peña worked for a national insurance defense firm. He was the attorney the insurance companies called to help them minimize payouts. He knows the algorithms they use to undervalue your pain, he knows the “record-and-trap” tactics adjusters use during initial phone calls, and he knows exactly what evidence makes them open their checkbooks.

When you hire us for your DeWitt County truck accident, we don’t just guess what the insurer is thinking—we already know. We use that insider knowledge to stay three steps ahead of the defense. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Federal Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

In a standard car wreck, you look at who broke a traffic law. In a DeWitt County 18-wheeler accident, we look at who broke federal law. The FMCSA has established strict rules in the Code of Federal Regulations that every trucking company must follow.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the quiet killer in the trucking industry. Federal law strictly limits drivers to 11 hours of driving time and 14 hours of total duty time after 10 hours off. In the oilfield regions of DeWitt County, drivers are routinely pressured to “pencil whip” their logs or violate ELD (Electronic Logging Device) requirements to keep loads moving. We subpoena the digital data to prove when a driver was operating illegally.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. This means verifying their CDL, conducting a 3-year background check, ensuring they have a valid medical certificate, and performing regular drug and alcohol testing. If a company hired a driver with a history of DWI or reckless driving who then hit you in DeWitt County, that is negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance and Inspections

An 80,000-pound truck with bad brakes is a missile. FMCSA requires systematic inspection and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. We often find that companies working in the harsh conditions of the DeWitt County oil patch defer maintenance to save money. If a brake failure or tire blowout caused your wreck, we will find the missing inspection report that proves the company knew the truck was unsafe.

Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

16 Parties Who May Be Liable for Your DeWitt County Truck Wreck

Most law firms only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we go deeper. By identifying every liable party, we access multiple insurance pools to ensure your settlement covers the full cost of your injuries.

1. The Truck Driver: For speeding, distraction, or HOS violations on DeWitt County roads.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): For vicarious liability and negligent supervision.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If their production demands pressured the driver to speed.
4. The Loading Company: For improperly secured cargo that caused a rollover or spill.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: For defective design in brake or steering systems.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires (blowouts) or lighting components.
7. The Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs or skipped inspections.
8. The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
9. The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to a carrier.
10. Government Entities: If road design or lack of signage on SH 72 contributed to the crash.
11. Corporate Parents (Brand Owners): Holding companies like Amazon responsible for their DSPs.
12. Oilfield Operators (E&P Companies): For unsafe lease road conditions or negligent contractor selection.
13. Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified drivers to DeWitt County fleets.
14. Rental Truck Companies: U-Haul or Penske may be liable for negligent maintenance or renting to an obviously unfit driver.
15. Transit Agencies/School Districts: If a public bus or school bus was involved, specific tort claim notice rules apply.
16. The Federal Government: If hit by a USPS mail truck, the Federal Tort Claims Act governs the case.

Identifying these parties requires an attorney with 25+ years of experience who isn’t afraid of complex litigation. 1-888-ATTY-911 is the only number you need.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their True Lifetime Cost

A truck accident doesn’t just result in a few doctor appointments; it creates a medical and financial crisis. We recognize the devastating nature of the injuries DeWitt County families face after a heavy vehicle collision.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violence of an 18-wheeler impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to diffuse axonal injury or brain bleeds. Even a “mild” concussion can lead to years of cognitive fog, personality changes, and inability to work. Our firm has achieved settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When an 18-wheeler crashes into a passenger car, the roof often crushes or the seatback fails. This can lead to permanent paraplegia or quadriplegia. These cases require life care plans that account for 24/7 nursing, home modifications, and specialized equipment. Settlements in these cases often range from $4.7 million to over $25 million because the needs are lifelong.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Whether it’s a leg trapped in a car compressed by a dump truck or an arm lost in a rollover, amputations are life-altering. In one case, our firm recovered $3.8 million for a client who suffered a limb loss following medical complications from a crash. We ensure your compensation includes the best prosthetic technology available.

Internal Organ Damage and Bone Fractures

The force of a truck impact can rupture a spleen or liver, often not showing symptoms until hours after you leave the scene. We also see “polytrauma”—multiple broken bones in the legs, pelvis, and ribs—that require dozens of surgeries to repair.

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 back down from difficult injury cases.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window

In DeWitt County, the clock is your enemy. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster isn’t your friend; they are a professional evidence gatherer for the defense. While you are in the hospital, they are at the tow yard downloading the data that could prove your case.

Why We Send Spoliation Letters Immediately

We send formal “Litigation Hold” or Spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being hired. This legally forces the trucking company and the oil operator to preserve:

• ECM/Black Box Data: This records speed, braking, and steering inputs in the 5 seconds before impact.
• ELD Logs: To prove the driver wasn’t over their legal hours.
• In-Cab Video: Many Amazon and Walmart trucks have cameras that record the driver’s face. We want to see if they were on their phone or nodding off.
• Maintenance Logs: To see when the brakes were last adjusted.
• Dispatch Records: To prove the company was pressuring the driver to get to the DeWitt County job site faster.

If you don’t have an attorney, this data can be legally overwritten after 30 days. Don’t let them delete the proof of their negligence. Call (888) 288-9911 right now.

Understanding Damages: How Much Is Your Claim Worth?

Trucking companies carry between $750,000 and $5 million in insurance—far more than the $30,000 Texas minimum for cars. But getting to that money requires documenting every loss.

• Economic Damages: This includes surgery costs, ICU stays, physical therapy, and every dollar of lost income. If you can never return to your career in the oilfield or your job in Cuero, we calculate your “loss of earning capacity” for the rest of your life.
• Non-Economic Damages: This covers the “human” cost. The pain that keeps you awake at night, the PTSD that makes you afraid to drive on Highway 87, and the “loss of consortium” (the impact on your relationship with your spouse).
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence—like a company knowing a driver had a failed drug test but letting them drive anyway—we seek punitive damages to punish the company and prevent it from happening again in DeWitt County.

Learn more in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Settlements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=subYAvjsgk4.

DeWitt County Truck Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in DeWitt County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for cases involving government vehicles (like a city dump truck) or the USPS, notice requirements can be as short as six months. Waiting two years is a mistake—evidence will be long gone by then.

What if I was partially at fault for the wreck?
Texas follows a “51% Bar Rule” for modified comparative negligence. This means as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the insurance company is trying to blame you, you need an attorney to prove the truck driver’s violations were the primary cause.

Can I sue the oil company if their contractor’s truck hit me?
Yes, in many cases. If the oil company (the “operator”) failed to properly vet the trucking contractor or if they controlled the routes and schedules in a way that created the hazard, they can be held liable. This is especially important in the Eagle Ford because the operator often has much larger insurance policies than the small trucking subcontractor.

Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?
The trucking company’s insurance won’t pay your bills one by one; they only pay a lump sum at the end. We work with DeWitt County area medical providers to ensure you get treatment now under “Letters of Protection,” meaning the doctors get paid out of your final settlement. You should never skip the ER or surgery because you are worried about the cost.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all the costs for accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and investigators. You pay us a percentage of the recovery only when we win. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle in DeWitt County

We have the technical expertise to litigation every type of heavy vehicle crash:

• Jackknife Wrecks: Often caused by improper braking on wet SH 72 pavement.
• Underride Crashes: Where a car slides beneath a trailer that lacks the required ICC bumper or side guards.
• Wide Turn “Squeeze” Plays: When a truck swings wide to the left on a Cuero street and crushes a vehicle on its right.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Involving the “No-Zone” areas where truckers cannot see you.
• Cargo Spills: Including hazardous materials, frac sand, or oil leaks that cause secondary pileups.
• Tire Blowouts: Due to the heat and heavy loads common in South Texas trucking.

Contact a DeWitt County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Today

The moments after a truck accident are a blur of pain and confusion. While you are focused on survival, the trucking company is focused on protecting its profit. For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have been the equalizer. We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we aren’t intimidated by big corporations or self-insured fleets.

As Glenda Walker said, “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Don’t let a negligent trucking company dictate your future. Whether you are in Cuero, Yorktown, or anywhere in DeWitt County, our doors are open and our fighters are ready.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a 100% free, confidential case evaluation. Hablamos Español. We are available 24/7 to handle your legal emergency.

Understanding Critical DeWitt County Corridors

We handle cases on every major and minor route in the county, including:

• US Highway 181: The primary artery for oilfield and regional freight.
• US Highway 87: Connecting Cuero to Victoria and San Antonio.
• SH 72: Famous for heavy frac truck traffic through Yorktown.
• US 77 Alternate: A major north-south freight corridor.
• FM Roads: Like FM 108, FM 952, and FM 237, where 80,000-lb trucks often encounter narrow lanes and soft shoulders.

Comprehensive Injury and Loss Recovery

We fight for:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $1.5M – $9.8M+ recovery range.
• Spinal Cord Injury/Paralysis: $4.7M – $25.8M+ range.
• Amputations: $1.9M – $8.6M range.
• Wrongful Death: $1.9M – $9.5M+ range.
• Soft Tissue/Herniated Discs: Fighting the “just whiplash” insurance narrative.
• PTSD and Mental Anguish: Because the trauma of a truck wreck doesn’t end when the physical wounds heal.

Federal Regulations We Enforce

• 49 CFR 391: Driver Qualification – Missing background checks.
• 49 CFR 392: Driving Rules – Distraction and speeding.
• 49 CFR 395: Hours of Service – Fatigued and illegal driving.
• 49 CFR 396: Maintenance – Brake and tire negligence.
• 49 CFR 382: Alcohol/Drug Testing – Positive test after a wreck.

Protect your family. Protect your future. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.