Erath County Truck Accident Attorneys: Powerful Representation for 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Victims
The impact of an 80,000-pound semi-truck slamming into a passenger vehicle on US-377 or US-281 is an event that changes lives in a fraction of a second. When you or a family member are involved in a wreck with a commercial vehicle in Erath County, you aren’t just dealing with a standard car insurance claim. You are facing off against multi-billion-dollar trucking corporations, sophisticated legal teams, and insurance adjusters whose entire job is to ensure you receive as little as possible for your suffering.
At Attorney911, we understand the stakes because we’ve spent over 25 years in the trenches of trucking litigation. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for the rights of injury victims since 1998. Since founding the Manginello Law Firm, he has built a reputation for aggressive, federal-court-tested representation that makes corporate giants pay attention. We don’t just “handle” cases; we prepare every single Erath County truck accident claim as if it is heading directly to a jury trial. This commitment to readiness is why we’ve recovered over $50 million for families across Texas.
When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, you gain an unfair advantage. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who brings insider knowledge from his years working for national insurance defense firms. He used to defend the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook, their valuation software, and the tactics they use to delay and deny legitimate claims. Together, we provide Erath County families with the legal muscle needed to go toe-to-toe with defendants like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, or major oilfield operators and win.
The Reality of Trucking Accidents in Erath County
Erath County sits at a unique crossroads of Texas commerce. As the “Cowboy Capital of the World” and a historic leader in the dairy industry, our roads are filled with a specific mix of commercial traffic. From milk tankers leaving local dairies to heavy agricultural feed trucks and the constant flow of through-traffic on the SH-108 and US-67 corridors, the risk for a catastrophic collision is ever-present.
The physics of these accidents are brutal. A fully loaded 18-wheeler is 20 to 25 times heavier than the average car you drive through Stephenville or Dublin. At highway speeds, the kinetic energy of a commercial rig is overwhelming. While the national average sees a truck-related injury every 16 minutes, the rural nature of many Erath County roads increases the severity. High-speed collisions on two-lane highways often leave no room for error and results in the type of catastrophic injuries—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death—that require multi-million dollar recoveries to manage.
We know these roads. We know the danger zones where US-377 narrows and the heavy traffic flow increases towards the Fort Worth side of the county. We understand the specific hazards presented by milk tankers traveling through Lingleville or the oilfield service trucks moving equipment through the western edges of the county. If you’ve been hurt, you need an attorney who knows your territory as well as they know the law.
Why Experience Matters: The Attorney911 Difference
When you are looking for a truck accident lawyer in Erath County, experience isn’t just a number—it’s the difference between a lowball settlement and a check that truly covers your lifetime of needs. 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 take the difficult cases that other firms might drop because we have the resources to investigate deeper.
Our firm’s history includes litigating against some of the world’s largest entities, including the landmark BP Texas City Refinery disaster. We bring that same “Fortune 100” litigation mentality to every Erath County case. Whether your accident involved an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or a specialized oilfield vehicle, we apply the same relentless pressure.
Our Insider Advantage:
Because Lupe Peña spent years on the other side of the aisle, we don’t fall for the standard insurance company games. We know how adjusters are trained to manipulate victims into giving recorded statements that hurt their cases. We know which “independent” medical examiners they hire to downplay your injuries. Most importantly, we know when their “final” offer is really just a starting point. We use this insider knowledge to maximize every settlement for our Erath County clients.
Hablamos Español.
At Attorney911, we believe every victim deserves a voice. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, offering direct representation to the Hispanic community in Erath County without the need for an interpreter. If you prefer to speak in your native language about your accident and your recovery, llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Proving Negligence
The key to winning an Erath County truck accident case is proving the trucking company broke the law. Unlike car accidents, commercial trucking is governed by a strict set of federal laws known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). Any violation of these rules is powerful evidence of negligence.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is the single most common cause of 18-wheeler wrecks we see in Erath County. Federal law is clear: property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. When a driver is pressured by a carrier to meet a deadline in Fort Worth or Abilene, they often “cook the books” or ignore these limits. A tired driver has the same reaction time as a drunk driver. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data immediately to prove these violations.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. Under Part 391, carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This includes a valid CDL, a current medical examiner’s certificate, an annual driving record review, and a thorough background check of their previous employment and safety history. If an Erath County trucking company put a driver behind the wheel who had a history of reckless driving or failed a drug test, they are liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
A truck with worn brakes or bald tires is a landmine on the highway. FMCSA requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. Drivers must conduct a pre-trip inspection every single day. If a rig suffered a brake failure on a steep grade or a tire blowout on US-281 because the company deferred maintenance to save money, Ralph Manginello and our team will find the paper trail that proves it.
49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories
This part covers everything from lighting and reflectors to cargo securement. In Erath County, we often see accidents caused by shifting cargo—particularly milk or agricultural goods. If the cargo isn’t secured per Part 393, the truck becomes unstable, leading to jackknife and rollover incidents.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation of the federal violations involved in your crash.
Types of Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Erath County
Commercial vehicle wrecks happen in many ways, each with its own set of physics and legal complexities. We handle the full spectrum of these cases:
18-Wheeler Jackknife and Rollover
A jackknife occurs when the trailer outpaces the cab during sudden braking, folding at a 90-degree angle and sweeping across multiple lanes of an Erath County highway. These often lead to multi-vehicle pileups. Rollovers are equally devastating, often caused by speeding on curves or improperly balanced liquid loads in tankers.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most lethal type of truck crash, an underride happens when a passenger car slides underneath the trailer. These often result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. We look for whether the truck was missing required reflectors or if the rear impact guard (Mansfield bar) was defective.
Milk Tanker and Agricultural Vehicle Wrecks
Erath County’s dairy heritage means tankers are a constant presence. These vehicles are unique because of the “slosh effect.” If a milk tanker is partially full, the liquid shifts during turns or braking, creating unpredictable momentum that can cause the driver to lose control. We investigate whether the driver was properly trained to handle the specific dynamics of liquid loads.
Delivery Van and Box Truck Accidents
With the growth of e-commerce, Amazon, FedEx, and Walmart trucks are everywhere in Stephenville. These drivers are often under extreme time pressure to meet “delivery windows.” If you were hit by an Amazon van, they may try to tell you they aren’t responsible because the driver was an “independent contractor.” We know how to pierce that shield by showing the level of control the corporate parent exercises over the driver.
Dump Truck and Construction Vehicle Wrecks
Dump trucks hauling gravel or dirt for Erath County road projects are among the heaviest vehicles on the road. They often have significant blind spots and are prone to losing their loads, creating hazards for everyone behind them. We hold the construction companies and the material haulers accountable for these preventable wrecks.
Oilfield Truck Accidents
If you were injured by a frac sand hauler, water truck, or crew transport vehicle near the edge of the Barnett Shale, you need an attorney who understands the intersection of FMCSA and OSHA regulations. Oilfield drivers work brutal hours, and the pressure from oil companies to keep the “rig turning” leads to catastrophic fatigue-related crashes.
Who Is Liable for Your Erath County Truck Accident?
Most general practice lawyers will only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must cast the widest possible net of liability. Under Texas law, we can often hold multiple parties accountable:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence in hiring, training, or maintenance.
- The Corporate Parent (Amazon/Walmart/Sysco): We pursue the deep pockets of the brand owners when they dictate the unsafe schedules the drivers must follow.
- The Cargo Shippers and Loaders: If improperly loaded cargo caused the wreck.
- Maintenance Companies: If a third party performed negligent repairs on brakes or steering.
- Manufacturers: If a defective part—like a tire or a safety system—failed.
- Freight Brokers: For negligently hiring a carrier with a “conditional” or “unsatisfactory” safety rating.
By identifying every liable party, we gain access to multiple insurance policies, which is essential when your injuries require millions in lifetime care. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your family’s financial future with the same urgency we would our own.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule
In Erath County truck accident cases, the first 48 hours are the most critical. While you are in the hospital, the trucking company is already at work. Their insurance team and rapid-response lawyers are often at the scene before the highway patrol is done with their report. Their goal is to control the narrative and, in some cases, ensure unfavorable evidence disappears.
Critical Evidence We Preserve:
- ECM/Black Box Data: This records speed, braking, and engine data. It can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or the next time the truck is driven.
- ELD Logs: Federal mandates require electronic logs, which prove hours-of-service violations.
- Driver Qualification Files: The carrier’s internal records about the driver’s history.
- Dashcam and In-Cab Video: Many corporate fleets like Amazon use AI cameras (Netradyne) that record driver behavior. This footage is often deleted within days if not formally requested.
- Maintenance Records: Proof of whether the company ignored safety defects.
The moment you hire us, we send a formal spoliation letter to every potentially liable party. This is a legal demand that they freeze all evidence. If they destroy data after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for a “spoliation instruction,” which tells the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have proven the company’s guilt.
Don’t wait. Call (888) 288-9911 now to lock down the evidence before it’s gone.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Path to Maximum Recovery
A collision with an 18-wheeler doesn’t result in a “fender bender.” These are high-energy events that break bodies. We specialize in representing victims with the most severe injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The violent jolt of a truck impact can cause the brain to slam against the skull, leading to axonal shearing or hemorrhaging. TBIs change who you are—impacting memory, personality, and your ability to work. Settlements for TBI victims typically range from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million because of the lifelong care required.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
When the vertebrae are crushed in a rollover or underride, the results are often permanent. Whether it’s paraplegia or quadriplegia, the cost of home modifications, specialized vehicles, and 24/7 nursing care is enormous. We’ve seen these cases reach settlements of $4.7 million to $25.8 million+.
Traumatic Amputation
The crushing weight of a truck cabin or cargo can sever limbs instantly. Survival is a miracle, but the road back requires ongoing prosthetic needs and physical therapy. Settlements for these life-altering losses often range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death
If you have lost a parent, child, or spouse in an Erath County truck wreck, no amount of money can replace them. However, a wrongful death claim provides the financial security your family needs to survive without their income and provides a measure of justice. These cases often range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million or higher.
We work with a network of elite medical experts, life care planners, and economists to ensure your settlement doesn’t just cover your current bills, but every expense you will face for the next 40 years. As Glenda Walker noted, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Understanding Insurance and Damages in Texas Trucking Cases
One of the biggest differences between a car wreck and a truck wreck is the amount of insurance available. Federal law requires most 18-wheelers to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance. If they are hauling hazardous materials or oilfield cargo, that minimum jumps to $5 million.
However, corporate giants like Amazon and Walmart often carry much more. They utilize “self-insured retentions” and layers of “umbrella” or “excess” coverage that can total hundreds of millions of dollars. The challenge is that these companies are “solvent defendants”—they have the money to pay, but they also have the money to fight.
Damages we help you recover in Erath County include:
- Economic Damages: Every past and future medical bill, lost wages, and your total loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for your physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of your life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence—like a company knowingly putting a driver on the road who was high on meth or had been awake for 30 hours—we seek punitive damages to punish the company and prevent it from ever happening again.
Erath County Truck Accident FAQ
1. How long do I have to file a claim in Erath County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for claims against government entities (like a city-owned garbage truck or transit bus), you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice. You should never wait—evidence in trucking cases is too fragile.
2. What if the accident was partially my fault?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1 million but found 20% at fault, you receive $800,000.
3. Do I have to pay anything to start my case?
No. Attorney911 works on a strict contingency fee basis. You pay us zero upfront. We advance all the costs of hiring experts, investigators, and filing fees. We only get paid if and when we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
4. The insurance company offered a settlement today. Should I take it?
Almost certainly NO. Insurance companies make quick “lowball” offers before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you sign their release, you can never ask for more, even if you need surgery a year from now. Let Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña review the offer first.
5. Which court will hear my case?
Depending on the size of the claim and the parties involved, your case would likely be filed in the Erath County District Court in Stephenville. If the trucking company is based in another state, the case may be moved to Federal Court in the Northern District of Texas, where our firm is admitted to practice.
6. Can I sue Walmart or Amazon directly?
Yes. If their driver was an employee or if we can prove they exercised “right of control” over an independent contractor, they are liable. Because we have experience taking on these exact defendants, we know what evidence to demand to pierce their corporate defenses.
7. How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear insurance coverage may settle in 6 to 12 months. Complex cases involving multi-vehicle pileups or corporate defendants often take 18 to 24 months. If we have to go to trial, it can take longer. Our priority is getting you the maximum amount, not the fastest amount.
8. What if the truck driver was an owner-operator?
We investigate both the driver’s personal commercial policy and the “trailer interchange” or “contingent liability” policies of the company whose logo was on the trailer. There is often more insurance available than you think.
9. Can I sue for a truck accident caused by a tire blowout?
Yes. Tires on 18-wheelers don’t just “blow out” without reason. It is often the result of using cheap retreads, overloading the vehicle, or failing to maintain proper tire pressure. We hold the trucking company and the tire manufacturer accountable.
10. I was hit by a U-Haul/rental truck. Is that a trucking case?
Yes. These are dangerous because the drivers often have ZERO experience operating vehicles that large. If the rental company rented to an unqualified driver or didn’t maintain the truck, they share responsibility.
11. What is an MCS-90 endorsement?
This is a federal requirement that ensures victims are compensated even if the trucking company’s insurance policy has technical exclusions. It’s part of the complex insurance world we navigate for you.
12. Can I get a settlement for PTSD or driving anxiety?
Yes. Psychological injuries are real and compensable in Texas. If you are having nightmares or are terrified to drive on the highway, that is part of your “mental anguish” damages.
13. What happens if the driver was on drugs?
This often opens the door for punitive damages. We subpoena the results of the federally mandated post-accident drug and alcohol tests.
14. What if the truck was a “delivery van” and not a semi?
It doesn’t matter. Any vehicle used for commercial purposes is a “heavy vehicle” in the eyes of the law. The delivery company still has a duty to operate safely.
15. Why Should I Hire Attorney911?
Because we provide the power of a large firm with the personal attention of a boutique office. As client Mongo Slade said, “The team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.” We don’t just take your case; we fight for your future.
Ready to Fight Back? Call Attorney911 Today.
The trucking company has already made its first move. Their lawyers are already working. Their insurance adjusters are already looking for ways to blame you. It is time to level the playing field.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to provide the aggressive, compassionate representation you deserve. Whether you are in Stephenville, Dublin, Lingleville, or anywhere in the Erath County area, we are just a phone call away. We will come to you—in the hospital, at your home, or via Zoom—to begin building your case.
Remember: you pay absolutely nothing unless we win. There is no risk to you and everything to gain. Don’t let a negligent trucking company dictate your family’s future.
Your fight starts here. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or contact us online at Attorney911.com for your free, no-obligation consultation.
Hablamos Español. Consulta Gratis.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Powerful. Proven. Professional.
Serving Erath County and all of Texas.
